Recent data from the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) reveal a shocking fact about the increasing cases of violence in the Indonesian education system. A drastic surge in 2024 compared to the previous year is evidence that this issue is becoming more serious and widespread. Violence is not only prevalent in public schools but also in madrasahs and pesantrens, indicating that this problem extends beyond formal education institutions to religious educational institutions.
The complex causes behind the rise in violence in the education sector include high academic pressure, especially with the prevalence of national exams and prestigious schools, which often trigger unhealthy competition among students. Family issues such as domestic violence and divorce, creating unstable home environments, also contribute to the emotional instability of children. Unhealthy social environments, such as bullying, exposure to violent content on social media, and discrimination based on gender, race, or religion, further exacerbate the situation. The lack of character education that teaches empathy, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution. A rigid education system that fails to accommodate individual differences also lies at the root of the deeper problems.
The long-term impacts of school violence are extensive and complex. Victims often experience prolonged psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can result in a decline in academic performance, difficulties in forming social relationships, and even an increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors in the future. Furthermore, school violence can create a toxic learning environment, lower students’ motivation to learn, and damage the school’s reputation. In the long run, this can hinder the development of students’ potential and have a negative impact on Indonesia’s human resources quality.
To address this issue, comprehensive efforts from various parties are needed. Strengthening character education from an early age through relevant curricula and continuous teacher training is crucial. Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment by involving all members of the school community, including students, teachers, parents, and staff, is also essential. Improving the quality of teachers through ongoing professional development programs, as well as close collaboration between schools, parents, and the community, can create a strong synergy in preventing and addressing school violence. Additionally, enforcing strict laws against perpetrators of violence, both within and outside the school environment, is a crucial step to deter offenders and protect victims.