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.
3 comments:
I still feel extremely horrified that such behaviour goes on in universities of all places, its not even high school any more.It seems to be a never-ending cycle as when the younger students whom are being bullied now grow to be seniors, they would exact the same violent behaviour unto the new batch of juniors coming into the schools; maybe out of revenge, resentment or for personal issues we know not of, with this carrying on the cycle will never seem to end. I definetly agree with you Fran in the saying that the government should've taken swifter action in dealing with these bullies, it's extremely sad and horrifying that deaths had to occur before the public really paid attention to this issue. I hope more action is done soon to wipe out this behaviour entirely and ensure students can study in a much safer environment without any fear.
I think the term is 'rag'(its British English old fashioned way) which is to laugh at someone or play tricks on them.
It is very disheartening to hear there are fatalities involved. The government should have taken a serious step in banning such activities in Universities. I think its okay if there is some fun element attached to ragging.I seriously condone any life threatening or pain inflicting activities. I do not see any benefits in conducting those trials as it do not serve any purpose to the freshmen besides damaging their self-esteem.
Oh my, it's terrible and i never knew about that! why would the seniors torture the juniors? it is like, revenge because they were once tortured before? but hey, they are not the one whom you were bullied by. Do not tell me that scapegoat theory comes into the picture here, it is horrifying.
the govt should do something, a change in the policy for school safety. parents put their trust and faith in school, hoping that school can provide a place where one would learn things that will benefit them and not hurt them.I totally agree with you that school is a safe learning environment.
BUt then, what does it shows when a govt school offering such brutality? well it will be a vicious cycle according to catharsis and aggression theory, that if one uses violence to vent their anger, it will be never-ending.
Just like the proverb, kindness begets kindness, this is revenge begets revenge.
Indonesia govt should implement some policy that will soothe the violent nature of indonesia instead of having a system in the school to prepare for the violence. Though it would take a very long time, it is an investment that will benefit the economy as well as politically .
economy would be, higher tourism rate if only the place is not that notorious for the high crime rate and violence.
politically, we wouldn't relate a pseudo-reoccurence of 911 event to indonesia, which is an islamic country.( is it islamic?)
yeelee
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