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Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno has introduced a seven-step strategy to curb violence in Indonesian schools, including Islamic boarding schools, or pesantrens. The plan, unveiled during a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) discussion in Yogyakarta on Friday, aims to create a secure ecosystem for students by implementing formal protection policies, establishing dedicated safety teams, and fostering community responsibility.
Seven Measures for School Safety
The strategy focuses on systemic prevention to protect students from the psychological and cognitive harm caused by violence. According to Pratikno, exposure to violence can diminish a child’s ability to focus and hinder their personal development. The seven-step framework includes:
- Evaluating existing protection mechanisms.
- Forming dedicated child protection teams.
- Formulating formal child protection policies.
- Developing child-friendly reporting systems.
- Implementing continuous training programs.
- Fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
- Strengthening the roles of parents and the broader community.
Did You Know?
The strategy is part of the Gernas Rana national movement, which specifically advocates for the creation of safe and comfortable learning environments for children across Indonesia.
Digital Transformation and Pesantren Competitiveness
Beyond safety, Pratikno emphasized the need for pesantrens to modernize their educational approach. He urged these institutions to undergo a “massive scale” transformation to ensure graduates remain competitive in an evolving labor market. This shift includes adapting to digital technologies and artificial intelligence, which the minister argued is necessary to mitigate the risks associated with the digital age while preserving the schools’ unique cultural and spiritual identities.
Future Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the seven-step strategy?
The strategy aims to foster a safe, violence-free learning environment to protect children from the psychological and cognitive impacts of violence.
How should pesantrens respond to technological advances?
Pratikno urged pesantrens to undergo a massive transformation to improve competitiveness and better prepare students for the labor market, while simultaneously maintaining their spiritual and cultural identities.
What role do communities play in this plan?
The strategy explicitly calls for strengthening the roles of parents and communities to foster a culture of collective responsibility in protecting children.
How do you believe integrating digital literacy into traditional school environments will affect student safety in the long term?
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