BNN Prepare Program to Prevent Student Brawls, Drug Use

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Narcotics Agency (BNN) is preparing a drug trafficking program that will involve the Jakarta and other district offices of BNN, following sadistic brawls between schools in Jakarta.

BNN's deputy for eradication, Arman Depari, said that the program would target students, youths, and other individuals in school, work environment, and places they hangout. The BNN program includes a urine test.

The Jakarta government also increased supervision after a high school student was killed violently during a student brawl on September 1 in Kebayoran Lama.

After a coordination meeting with relevant institutions, South Jakarta Mayor Marullah Matali said that teenagers don’t just hang out in when they get together. Sometimes, they plan-out brawls, and are introduced to drugs.

Read also: BNN Seizes Illegal Drugs Ordered by Salemba Prison Inmates

Over the last month, there has been an uptrend in student fights and brawls, known as tawuran.  The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) reported four brawls in Jakarta from August 23 to September 8 alone.

Interestingly, KPAI's data showed that cases of student brawls were declining since 2014. But this year, there is a 1.1 percent increase compared to 2017.

"As of September 2018, the rate was 14 percent," KPAI Education Commissioner Retno Listyarti said.

Retno regret how students can easily get triggered by trivial matters, such as taunting and rumors circulating on social media.

Retno urged parents and teachers to have their own social media accounts to observe their children's online activities. "Don't hesitate to borrow your child's phone. It's where you can get all information from."

REZKI ALVIONOTASARI | M. JULNIS F. | INGE KLARA