Sociologist: Solution to Brawls Is Not Raids, Root of the Problem Lies in Family and Education

The rampant brawls still occurring in several areas of Jakarta cannot be resolved solely through law enforcement approaches. The issue is rooted in more fundamental problems, namely the formation of values and character within the family environment and educational institutions. Sociologist Nia Elvina stated that brawls are a reflection of social problems developing in the process of child-rearing and education. Therefore, prevention efforts must begin with strengthening the role of families and schools in instilling social values in the younger generation. “The problem of brawls is rooted in the realm of values or upbringing. Upbringing from the family and educational institutions,” Nia said on Saturday (14/6). However, according to her, strengthening the function of family and education cannot be separated from the economic conditions of the community. Nia explained that economic stability is an important foundation so that parents have sufficient space and time to carry out parenting functions. Without adequate economic conditions, the family’s attention is more consumed by survival rather than providing guidance to their children. “So that upbringing from the family and educational institutions can be optimal, the family’s economic foundation must be strong,” she said. Therefore, she assesses that handling brawls needs to be done comprehensively, not only focusing on the perpetrators or the location of the incidents, but also touching on the community welfare issues that are the root of the problem. “If the concentration of parents or the community is still on the realm of how to meet the needs for living, then I think the matter of brawls will be difficult to minimise or eliminate in society,” she stressed. Nia added that brawl prevention policies need to be accompanied by strengthening family welfare programmes, improving the quality of education, and providing spaces for positive activities for teenagers. Without improvements in these aspects, brawls have the potential to continue recurring even though the authorities carry out various enforcement measures.