Education Minister Issues Circular on Student Demonstration

Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy on 27 September 2019 issued Circular Number 9 of 2019 on Prevention of Student Involvement in Demonstrations with Potential Violence. The Circular is addressed to Regional leaders, including Governors, Regents/Mayors and Heads of education offices in Provinces and Regencies/Municipalities in Indonesia.

“We must protect our students from various kinds of violence and potential of violence,” the Minister said in Jakarta, Saturday (28/9).

Muhadjir asked regional leaders and relevant authorities, especially education offices, to take several measures. The first measure is to ensure school supervisors, principals, and teachers to be able to monitor, supervise, and maintain the safety of students inside and outside school.

The next measure is to establish cooperation with parents/guardians of students to ensure their children follow learning process in accordance with the regulations.

“Teachers and parents are responsible for students, because according to law, students are protected citizen. They are not an adult and cannot make their own decisions,” the Minister explained.

He went on to say that school principals and teachers should maintain good communication with students and conduct learning activities that develop critical thinking, talent, and creativity of each student.

The next measure is to protect students, especially those who join student organizations (OSIS), from hoaxes and misleading information. The Minister also urged regional heads and all officials to provide assistance and guidance to students affected by demonstration.

The Minister also asks Governors, Regents, Mayors, and Heads of the education offices to prevent all parties from involving students in demonstration activities with the potential for acts of violence, chaos, and destruction.

Copies of the Circular are addressed to: 1. President of the Republic of Indonesia; 2. Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia; 3. Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture; 4. Minister of Home Affairs; and 5. Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Kapolri).

(PR of Ministry of Education and Culture/ES)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Mia Medyana