Analysis of Student Violence in Pidie Jaya, Aceh

ANALYSIS

1. Facts and Chronology of the Incident

A case of student violence occurred at a junior high school in Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh. Two students from Grade 8 and 9 (MZ and RS) physically assaulted a Grade 7 student (initials MA) by kicking him in the back. Ironically, none of the surrounding students dared to intervene, as they claimed to have been threatened by the perpetrators' group.

The incident took place during recess. As a result, teachers and the school principal were unaware of what happened, since it occurred quickly and the victim showed no visible signs of injury at the time.

A video recording of the incident later went viral on social media. Only then did the police begin investigating, conducting a medical examination and promising to handle the case professionally and humanely.

2. Problem Analysis

a. Violence as a Form of Power Hierarchy in Schools

This incident reflects a distorted culture of seniority that leads to oppression. Students from higher grades used their "senior" status to intimidate new students. This is not merely a case of physical violence, but also a form of power abuse that endangers the educational environment.

b. Fear That Undermines Solidarity

The fact that none of the victim's peers attempted to help him due to fear of threats illustrates the lack of moral courage and student solidarity. Such conditions foster a culture of silence toward violence. When violence goes unchallenged, it gradually becomes normalized.

c. Weak Surveillance and Protection Systems in Schools

Although the incident occurred on school grounds, no teacher or administrator was aware of it due to its timing and the absence of visible injuries. This highlights the lack of effective supervision and comprehensive safety systems within the school. Schools should not only serve as places of academic instruction but also as safe spaces, both physically and emotionally, for all students.

d. Dependence on "Virality" to Achieve Justice

The police only acted after the video circulated on social media and drew public attention. This reveals the inadequacy of internal reporting and protection mechanisms within schools and the local community. It suggests that justice only becomes accessible after public outrage, when in fact, every case of violence against children should be handled immediately and independently of social media exposure.

3. Opinion: A Systemic Problem, Not Just an Isolated Case

This case should be seen as a reflection of deeper systemic issues within education and child protection:

- Character education has not been effectively instilled. If a student can kick another without empathy, it signifies a failure in early moral development.

- Lack of child protection mechanisms in schools. Many schools still do not have active supervision systems or clear, rapid-response protocols for violence cases.

- Normalization of threats and power abuse. When perpetrators can threaten and instill fear without immediate consequences, it indicates the presence of informal power structures (akin to school gangs) that are allowed to grow unchecked.

DIALOGUE WITH PEERS

(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x-1lGfR-OYqja5h1mELEs0yJ-_CsyacI/view?usp=drivesdk)

---Nabila Assyakur, Syariah Economic Law, State Islamic University Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang.

Fatimah: about this case, what is ur response?

Nabila: I give my opinion based on legal perspective. In sentencing we refer to the new Criminal Code where children under 19 years old are minors according to Indonesian law, and use a restorative justice or diversion approach that aims to prevent children from the negative impacts of detention and as a learning provision. So, in this case, children aged 14 & 15 years with acts of violence according to Law no. 1 of 2023 & juvenile criminal justice Law no. 11 of 2012, are subject to special treatment criminal penalties, or half of adults, or job training.

dialogue with law students at Jember University 

---M.Syaqiq Busthomi, Department of Law, University of Jember.

Fatimah: What is your perspective as a law student regarding this issue?

Syaqiq: In that case, the police officers have shown a strong commitment to handle it intensively according to the relevant legal provisions. This is especially important because the case also has an impact on the field of education. It's a firm and commendable step. However, such actions may also have negative psychological effects on the victim, who is still a minor. It would be beneficial to provide assistance through relevant agencies, such as the DP3AKB (Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency) or the Social Service, both of which have standardized treatments for such issues. Additionally, a restorative justice approach could be considered for both parties the perpetrator and the victim by prioritizing the best possible solution and setting aside personal egos in order to reach a mutual agreement.

CONCLUSION

This incident is closely related to Topic 4:

"The rights and obligations of the state and its citizens, as well as the dynamics and challenges of achieving harmony between them."

a. Citizen's Rights (The Victim):

The victim has the right to protection, a sense of safety, and a conducive learning environment. This aligns with Article 28B(2) of the 1945 Constitution, which ensures child protection, and Article 28C(1), which guarantees every citizen the right to develop themselves through education.

b. Obligations of the State and Institutions:

The state through schools and law enforcement is obligated to protect children and prevent violence, not merely react after it goes viral. As an educational institution operating under state authority, the school has a duty to establish a robust protection system for students.

c. Obligations of Citizens (The Perpetrators):

The perpetrators are obligated to respect the rights of others and uphold the values of humanity and justice. Their actions clearly violated their responsibilities as both citizens and students.

d. Challenges to the Harmony of Rights and Obligations:

This case highlights a significant imbalance between the rights guaranteed and the obligations fulfilled by individuals (the perpetrators), institutions (the school), and the state (law enforcement). When obligations are not properly carried out, citizens' rights especially those of children remain vulnerable.

references

Kristianto, K. A. (2021, August 4). Hak-hak warga negara. Suara Mahasiswa BINUS University. https://binus.ac.id/character-building/2021/08/hak-hak-warga-negara/

Yolanda, L. (2023, July 21). Memaknai Hari Anak Nasional. Komnas HAM.

https://www.komnasham.go.id/index.php/news/2023/7/21/2391/memaknai-hari-anak-nasional.html

Diniasih, S. S., Situmorang, J., Marcelia, & Weking, V. E. (2024). Harmoni kewajiban dan hak negara dan warga negara dalam demokrasi yang bersumbu pada kedaulatan rakyat dan musyawarah. Madani: Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 2(6), 230--233.

Setyadi, A. (2025, May 4). Viral pelajar di Aceh dihajar temannya, polisi turun tangan. DetikSumut.

https://www.detik.com/sumut/hukum-dan-kriminal/d-7898818/viral-pelajar-di-aceh-dihajar-temannya-polisi-turun-tangan