Lupa Kata Sandi? Klik di Sini

atau Masuk melalui

Belum Memiliki Akun Daftar di Sini


atau Daftar melalui

Sudah Memiliki Akun Masuk di Sini

Konfirmasi Email

Kami telah mengirimkan link aktivasi melalui email ke rudihamdani@gmail.com.

Klik link aktivasi dan dapatkan akses membaca 2 artikel gratis non Laput di koran dan Majalah Tempo

Jika Anda tidak menerima email,
Kirimkan Lagi Sekarang

A Heinous Crime

Translator

Editor

23 April 2014 15:10 WIB

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - No matter what the excuse, crime against children is unacceptable, let alone be ignored. And if that crime is sexual abuse, the degree of depravity has gone beyond limits. Moreover, that it happened inside a school, an institution entrusted with teaching and nurturing children, the case must be considered to be vital, demanding immediate action. 

This is about the shameful incident at the Jakarta International School (JIS), which up till now was regarded as the best among 111 international schools operating in Indonesia. But for the past three weeks, the school has been abuzz with shocking news, particularly among parents of young children who attend classes there.

Inside the school that operates the tightest security system in the city, a 5-year-old boy was abused by a man who turned out to be one of the school's janitors. Reportedly, the incident happened more than once, taking place at the school's washroom facilities, during school hours. In other words, the school-more specifically the Jakarta International School-should have no excuse or be released from the responsibility over this most heinous crime.

Two things relating to the incident are a positive development. One is the ability of the child to recall his traumatic experience, and to be able to point out his abuser. Secondly, is the courage of the victim's parents to take the crime out to the public domain. According to surveys, similar cases get brushed away by the victim's own parents because of their sense of shame, rendering the crime unresolved. And the perpetrator is free to repeat his actions.

So far, data on violence against children in Indonesia tend to focus on the upper levels of society. Since the start of this year, for example, the Commission for the Protection of Children has received 239 reports of violence against children, 52 percent of them being sexual abuse cases. Throughout April, the police have recorded such reports from seven sets of parents on similar sexual abuse cases besetting their children in school. The real numbers are estimated to be far bigger, because many of the parents are reluctant to report similar incidents.

The JIS scandal must be seriously and responsibly managed. The perpetrators must be punished according to the maximum law allowed because their crime may impact on the future of the victim. It is not enough for the Jakarta International School to express regret and remorse, and apologize to the victim's family.

Tim Carr, the JIS principal has vowed to work with the Education and Culture Ministry and the police to 'find a solution'. The best solution would be to bring the case inside a court of law. The school is, after all, liable according to criminal as well as civil laws and the law on the protection of children. Based on the law on the protection of children alone, the punishment involves 15 years in jail and a maximum fine of Rp300 million. 

The Education Ministry should not remain silent over this dastardly deed, because it was this institution that issued the school's license to operate. Minister Mohammad Nuh should not be reluctant to impose the maximum penalty, including the annulment of the school's operating license, if JIS is proven to have been negligent in protecting the students under its care. (*)

Read the full story in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine



Election Fraud in a Neighboring Country

2 jam lalu

Election Fraud in a Neighboring Country

Seven members of the Kuala Lumpur PPLN are proven to have inflated the number of voters for the 2024 elections.


Because the State Is Not an Entrepreneur

1 hari lalu

Because the State Is Not an Entrepreneur

The government plans to accelerate the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Stop paying out budget funds for state companies.


Ignoring the Rights of Indigenous People

2 hari lalu

Ignoring the Rights of Indigenous People

Indigenous people are taking legal action against the President and the DPR for delaying deliberations of a bill. It has taken second place to the int


BTN Syariah's Acquisition of Bank Muamalat

6 hari lalu

BTN Syariah's Acquisition of Bank Muamalat

The government is to combine BTN's Sharia business unit with Bank Muamalat. This could lead to problems.


Lackadaisical Disaster Mitigation

7 hari lalu

Lackadaisical Disaster Mitigation

Hydrometeorological disasters hit a number of areas in Indonesia. Ironically, mitigation efforts are not yet a priority.


Child Pornography Syndicate in Indonesia

8 hari lalu

Child Pornography Syndicate in Indonesia

The crime of child pornography is continuing to spread. Perpetrators can operate from inside the jail.


Jokowi's Hand in the Golkar Party

9 hari lalu

Jokowi's Hand in the Golkar Party

Jokowi has ambitions to take control of the Golkar Party. It is his new way to stay relevant to those in power.


The Backers of Illegal Tin Mining

12 hari lalu

The Backers of Illegal Tin Mining

The Attorney General's Office is investigating alleged corruption over tin mining permits in Bangka Belitung.


The Importance of the Right of Inquiry

13 hari lalu

The Importance of the Right of Inquiry

Jokowi is taking Indonesia right back to the start of the Reformasi era. The right of inquiry could be a way to save democracy.


Funding for the Hasty Free Lunch Program

13 hari lalu

Funding for the Hasty Free Lunch Program

Jokowi and his ministers begin tinkering with the budget for the free lunch program. It is not appropriate and highly risky.