TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Education Agency asserted that the city administration would stop the student support program dubbed Jakarta Smart Card or KJP for those who are proven to commit a crime during the DPR rally.

“We will terminate the support for students committing crimes. But if they only join [the rally], they will get a warning and coaching and must promise to not repeat the action, the KJP will be resumed,” said the agency head Ratiyono at City Hall, Tuesday, October 1.

From Wednesday to Monday, September 25-30, thousands of senior high and junior high students from numerous schools in the capital staged a protest at the DPR building. The rally led to a clash when the police dispersed the mass. Hundreds of them were arrested.

Ratiyono further reiterated that students who were proven to have committed a crime would face legal proceedings. They will also be sanctioned depending on the violations.

"If they get a heavy sanction, the school will abide by the decision. But we must remember that they (students) still have a future," Ratiyono underlined.

The agency, he went on, would not expel students who were apprehended for participating in recent riots. The students could return to school as they have been released.

After the riots broke out during the students’ demonstration yesterday, Ratiyono said his side immediately deployed officials to request data on those who were nabbed. "We demanded the police to treat them as their children. Do not beat them," he said.

IMAM HAMDI