TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Commissioner Retno Listyarti lamented the sanction imposed on MS, a senior high school student in Bengkulu, who was expelled for posting insulting remarks against Palestine on her TikTok.

“The sanction must not be an expulsion, let alone that MS has conveyed apology, acknowledged her mistakes and regretted her action,” said Retno in a statement on Thursday, May 20.

Retno argued that MS should be given an opportunity to improve herself. With the expulsion, MS lost the right to education. Moreover, she is in her senior year and is waiting for graduation. Even if she is not in the final grade, it might be difficult for her to be accepted in a new school as the case has gone viral.

“This means, MS will likely drop out. As a citizen, her human rights to obtain education have been violated as mandated in Article 31 of 1945 Constitution,” Retno underlined.

KPAI also received information that MS is experiencing psychological problems following the expulsion and was even afraid to meet other people. Thus, KPAI urged the Integrated Service Center for Women and Children Protection (UPTD P2TP2A) to assist and provide psychological consultation services for MS.

This case must be a lesson for parents, Retno opined, and so KPAI encouraged them to educate and supervise their children in using social media.

Concerning MS’s rights to education as a student, Retno said KPAI would coordinate with the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) because MS is no longer considered a child. KPAI would suggest a meeting with Education and Culture Ministry and the Bengkulu Education Office regarding the issue.

Read: Education Day Offers Momentum to Find Solution to School Dropouts: Puan Maharani

FRISKI RIANA