Schools take steps against brawls

BOGOR: Principals and teachers of secondary schools in Bogor have formed a task force to head off student brawls, which often take place prior to final exams, held from May 30 to June 1 this year.

"Students usually let off steam due to the exams by fighting with students from other schools," the task force head, Tubagus Mohamad Ruchjani Atmakusuma, said after a briefing with teachers on Friday.

Five students died in brawls during the 2000-2001 academic year, three others in 2001-2002, and one student in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 respectively.

Brawls between students often break out around Bogor market, Ekalokasari Plaza and Jambu Dua Plaza, Mal Jembatan Merah, the bus terminal and the railway station, according to Ruchjani.

"Of all the places, the most difficult to monitor is aboard trains. Therefore, we want the public and railway staff to cooperate," he said. -- JP