'Teachers can't stop brawls'

There have been a number of recent bloody student brawls in the streets of the city. Many observers blame the violence on teachers and the country's poor educational system, but it cannot be ignored that parents play a vital role in shaping the behavior of their children. The Jakarta Post interviewed a number of people in Greater Jakarta about student brawls and other related educational issues.

Tinah, a mother of three sons and two daughters, she runs a kiosk and lives in Serpong, Tangerang:

"Three of my children have graduated from high school. One is studying at a teacher's institute, while my youngest son is studying at a vocational high school.

I know that many students at his school are involved in brawls.

But I keep a close eye on my children, especially my sons. I tell them that I work hard to pay their school fees and to buy their school uniforms. If they don't study hard, they will disappoint me.

And I will punish them severely if they disobey me. They have never been involved in a brawl as far as I know.

Although the schools are not really conducive for students to learn, if parents watch their children this will keep them out of brawls."

Wiwit Wiji Utomo, a father of two who lives in Karet, Setiabudi, South Jakarta:

"I always tell my son, a high school student, and my daughter, who is in elementary school, that I work hard for them. I tell them they should study hard and obey their parents and teachers. Thank God that my children are good students.

I think parents play the most important role in the development of their children. We cannot entrust the education of our children solely to their teachers.

So we also cannot blame a bad environment for problematic students. A quality environment and teachers contribute to the development of students, but parents play the most significant role."

Muhayar RM., a city councillor from the Justice Party and the father of four daughters and two sons, he lives in East Jakarta:

"The educational situation here is a mess.

An educational system that does not pay proper attention to teaching morality and manners is believed to contribute to the creation of 'rude' students.

Many students turn to the streets and are involved in brawls because they don't have places such as fields or gymnasiums where they can channel their energy.

Low-paid teachers, especially at state schools, cannot give their full attention to students because they have to teach at other schools to earn additional income.

I sent my son, who is in junior high school, to boarding school because its educational system, facilities and teachers are better and can give more attention to the students.

Finally, parents play a significant role in the development of their children."