Almost every university in Indonesia has a tradition of certain trials during the orientation week of the university year, which are arranged by the seniors. Freshman will be told to do certain tasks during these trials, such as dress with costume, sing a song, and give them lots of “homework”.
The purpose of this is to prepare the student’s mental when they face a tertiary institution. Depending on the institution, trials can last for a week and even to one whole semester. This tradition could bring controversy since violence such as physical and emotional force that can cause an injury or even abuse, is often involved during these trials
A concrete example is in government-run Public Administration Institute (STPDN) in Sumedang, West Java. This institution is well known for its military-style discipline. Parents have filed complaints with the police over the violence their children had experienced while studying there. The evidence shown that the senior do a lot of physical abuse to the new students. Another parent said that it was common for his son to come home over the weekend covered with bruises. One student (Wahyu) died in 2003 after he was assaulted by 20 seniors at the institute. His death caused a national uproar because he was not the first fatality of student brutality. Three years ago, Erie Rakhman had died after a beating administered by his seniors. Seven students were charged in connection with Erie’s death and were sent to prison by the Sumedang District Court. In 2001, the same court sentenced three other STPDN students to five months for assaulting a younger student, Jurinata.
I have attached the video regarding the example that clearly shown the brutality in STPDN. I do not agree with way of trials. It is unbelievable that violence happened in tertiary Institution especially it is a government institution. Government of Indonesia should have taken an action earlier to prevent this matter from happening, as well to prevent for this incident to repeat in the future..
The purpose of this trial can benefit the students, trials are allowed but there should be limitations to this, as long as it does not harm the students because an institution should be a safe learning environment. The seniors should also respect their junior rights, instead of bullying them. It should be the time for the seniors to see the junior skills and areas where they are most capable, which can benefit the institutions too such as sports team.