The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has formally agreed with the South Jakarta Police’s determination that mediation is the best way to resolve a bullying case that occurred in South Tangerang, Banten in which a young female student.  The KPAI, however, warned that the police must ensure that the case will not be “ignored.”

The incident reportedly occurred at school, where the girl had only just started attending.  She claims she was dragged into an empty classroom by a group of older students.  The attackers allegedly tore her uniform and wrote obscene words on it.  The girl’s mother told Jakarta police that several other students witnessed the attack but did nothing as several boys stood “guard” over the room while the bullying occurred.  The bullies themselves included two female students.

The victim’s mother said that she initially did not wish to involve police, but the school’s response was not satisfactory.  They informed the mother that the security cameras in the school were not operational, and refused to engage in any investigation or other actions over the incident.  This prompted her to seek justice through the police.

Initially, the Jakarta police announced that the perpetrators could face up to two and half years in prison for “indecent acts that violate social norms.”  However, realizing that the accused were all underage students, the police switched their approach to one recommending mediation between the parties to find an acceptable solution.

Bullying is a large and growing problem in Indonesia, and national sentiment has been demanding stricter action against bullies when they are identified.