Reflecting on the Bandung Confinement Case: 5 Character Education Solutions for Children
The case of the confinement and abuse of a woman, identified by the initials YTR, in Bandung has drawn public concern and anger. Beyond the brutal actions, the perpetrator’s family revealed that he had rarely been reprimanded or given boundaries since childhood, as he was considered the most handsome son in the family. While this statement is not proof that parenting style is the sole cause of criminal behaviour, it serves as a starting point to discuss how an upbringing lacking a balance of affection and discipline can increase the risk of developing problematic character traits. The perpetrator’s former wife, Susi, also disclosed that she had experienced violence during their brief two-week marriage in 2015, suggesting a pattern of behaviour that did not emerge suddenly.
Psychological research indicates that overly permissive parenting, or over-indulgent parenting, can heighten the risk of developing a sense of entitlement, where an individual believes they are always entitled to what they want without considering the rights of others. When combined with other personality and environmental factors, this can evolve into possessive, manipulative, and aggressive behaviour when facing rejection or frustration. This phenomenon is not isolated. Data from the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (SIMFONI PPA) recorded 35,025 victims of violence against women and children throughout 2025, indicating that the Bandung case is part of a broader social issue. The 2023 case involving Mario Dandy in Indonesia similarly sparked public discussion on the importance of empathy, discipline, and responsibility within the family.
International cases also provide a stark warning. The 2013 case of Ethan Couch in the United States, where a teenager killed four people while driving under the influence, saw the defence argue a concept of ‘affluenza’—a result of overly permissive parenting that left the child unable to understand boundaries or consequences. Conversely, children who suffer from emotional neglect and lack of parental presence are equally at risk, often seeking validation through destructive behaviour in street gangs or brawls. A 2024 literature review by Wangsa and Tobing found that parenting style and lack of parental supervision are the most consistent factors linked to aggressive behaviour in Indonesian adolescents.
Developmental psychologist Diana Baumrind’s research identifies the authoritative parenting style—combining emotional warmth with firm boundaries—as the most effective in building self-regulation, empathy, and responsibility. Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory further explains that aggressive behaviour is learned through observation of violence, manipulation, or neglect in one’s surroundings. John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory also stresses that emotional neglect can lead to severe behavioural problems and antisocial actions in adulthood. These findings demonstrate that violent behaviour does not arise suddenly but develops through a complex interaction of biological, psychological, familial, and environmental factors.
To address the weakening of character education, here are five solutions that can be implemented by families, schools, and the community:
Restoring the Balance of Love and Discipline: Parents must understand that loving a child does not mean indulging all their wishes. Discipline is a form of affection that teaches children about boundaries, consequences, and respect for others. The ability to accept ‘no’ and manage frustration is a crucial life skill that must be cultivated from an early age.
Strengthening the Role of Schools in Character Education: The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education needs to ensure that the Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening Project (P5) is not merely a ceremonial activity. Schools must become safe spaces for practising empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Daily habits such as queuing, respecting differing opinions, and anti-bullying programmes must be consistently reinforced.
Parenting Literacy and Community Support: The government, through the Ministry of Population and Family Development and the Ministry of Social Affairs, needs to massively expand accessible parenting education programmes. Parenting classes at the neighbourhood level, family welfare centres, and digital platforms can help parents understand the stages of child development and the long-term impact of their parenting styles.
Early Detection and Intervention: Integrated health posts (Posyandu), early childhood education centres, and community health centres (Puskesmas) must be empowered to detect early signs of behavioural disorders in children. Cross-sectoral collaboration between health, education, and social services is needed to ensure that children exhibiting early signs of conduct disorder receive timely psychological intervention.
Strict Law Enforcement with a Rehabilitative Approach: The legal process for perpetrators of violence must be firm to provide a deterrent effect. However, for child offenders or cases strongly linked to family upbringing failures, a rehabilitative approach focusing on social skills training, emotional management, and empathy development must be prioritised to break the cycle of violence.