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| Teachers, who should be the most honored figures in schools, are now instead facing criminal treatment. (Photo: Illustration) |
Recently, the educational world has not been in a good state. Teachers, who should be highly respected figures in the school environment, are now facing criminal accusations. According to Ratri Novita Erdianti, SH., MH., a law lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), this issue stems from efforts to create child-friendly schools. In this context, schools are pressured to prioritize student comfort. Additionally, with the existence of child protection laws and numerous cases of violence against children, teachers have become vulnerable subjects who are often perceived as perpetrators.
“The concept or policy of creating child-friendly schools is a very good policy for Indonesia. However, I believe it is essential for society to maintain an open-minded and objective perspective. Not all teachers discipline or educate students with a violent approach,” she continued.
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She also highlighted cases of parents criminalizing teachers. Ratri emphasized the importance of good communication between parents and teachers. Parents should observe openly when a teacher disciplines or educates students to understand the reason and methods used. “Don’t immediately judge teachers as criminals,” she asserted.
Furthermore, Ratri emphasized that, fundamentally, teachers are allowed to discipline students as long as it does not involve physical violence, sexual misconduct, or SARA (ethnic, religious, racial, and intergroup elements). She believes that teachers must discipline students as a form of care for a disciplined learning atmosphere and school environment, which can foster discipline and responsibility in students.
Ratri also explained some principles within the current child protection laws. According to her, most principles in these laws tend to prioritize the child’s interests, making the legal protection for teachers weaker. Consequently, it is not surprising that there are frequent cases of criminalization experienced by teachers in society.
“Times change. If we observe, children today are different from those in the past, as are the regulations. Unfortunately, this has become a significant factor in the emergence of criminalization cases against educators,” she added.
She further emphasized that teachers are also protected by Law No. 14 of 2005. This law fundamentally states that the teaching profession, as educators, is guaranteed legal protection and protected by the state while performing their duties and responsibilities professionally. The law also implies that a teacher has the obligation to educate or discipline students who engage in misconduct within the school environment. Law No. 14 of 2005, specifically articles 39 and 41, states, “Teachers have the right to receive legal protection from violence, threats, discriminatory treatment, intimidation, or unfair treatment.”
“These articles serve as legal protection. Teachers should not be criminalized or treated as perpetrators of criminal acts. Therefore, communication between teachers, parents, and students must continue to be maintained,” she explained.
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She urged parents who entrust their children to teachers to build synergy with the school and adopt a wiser perspective. They should view disciplinary actions through three boundaries: actions that are not violent, not sexual, and do not contain SARA elements.(Din/Wil)
