Secondary school student killed; KPAI urges end to inter-school gang tradition

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) has stated that the death of a 17-year-old student from SMAN 5 Bandung, identified as FA, should serve as a reflection and collective evaluation to halt the “tradition” of inter-school student gangs.

“What must be of collective concern is whether there exists an element of inter-school student gangs at these two schools that has been passed down through generations. This must be a matter for reflection and evaluation by all parties,” said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini in an interview in Jakarta on Monday.

According to her, perpetuating the tradition of inter-school student gangs is extremely dangerous because it could trigger violence at any time.

Based on KPAI’s coordination with police, there was no evidence of a direct confrontation between students from SMAN 5 Bandung and SMAN 2 Bandung in this case.

However, the victim is believed to have fallen after participating in a shared breaking of fast gathering.

“There was actually no direct gang fight. The student appeared to be avoiding students from SMA 2 and thus fell. The element of mob violence is still under investigation, but these students had passed through SMA 2,” said Diyah Puspitarini.

KPAI has also called upon law enforcement to process the case in accordance with the Child Criminal Justice System Law and the Child Protection Law.

“We urge law enforcement to quickly process the case in accordance with the Child Protection Law Article 59A,” said Diyah Puspitarini.

Previously, FA (17), a student from SMAN 5 Bandung, died on Cihampelas Road, Bandung City, West Java, on Friday evening, 13 March.

The incident, which resulted in the death of the victim, occurred after the victim attended a shared breaking of fast gathering.

Bandung Police Resort is still investigating the case, including allegations of assault against the victim.