Did you know that the latest data from the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI) has revealed some shocking facts about the increasing cases of violence in the Indonesian education system? There has been a drastic spike in incidents in 2024 compared to previous years, indicating a growing and widespread issue. This problem is not only confined to public schools but also prevalent in madrasahs and pesantrens, showing that it is not just a problem within formal education institutions but also within religious educational institutions.

The underlying causes behind the rise in violence in the education sector are complex. High academic pressure, especially with the prevalence of national exams and elite schools, often leads to unhealthy competition among students. Family issues such as domestic violence and divorce, creating unstable home environments, also contribute to the emotional distress of children. Unhealthy social environments, such as bullying, exposure to violent content on social media, and discrimination based on gender, race, or religion, further exacerbate the situation. The lack of character education teaching empathy, tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution. A rigid education system that fails to accommodate individual differences is also a root cause of the deeper issue.

The long-term impacts of school violence are extensive and intricate. Victims often experience prolonged psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can lead to a decline in academic performance, difficulties in social relationships, and even an increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors in the future. Furthermore, school violence can create a toxic learning environment, decrease students’ motivation to learn, and damage the school’s reputation. In the long run, this can hinder the development of students’ potential and have a negative impact on Indonesia’s human resource quality.

To address this issue, comprehensive efforts from various parties are needed. Strengthening character education from an early age through relevant curricula and continuous teacher training is crucial. Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, involving all members of the school community, including students, teachers, parents, and staff, is also essential. Improving the quality of teachers through continuous professional development programs, as well as close collaboration between schools, parents, and the community, can create a strong synergy in preventing and addressing school violence. Additionally, strict law enforcement against perpetrators of violence, both within and outside the school environment, is crucial to deterrence and protecting victims.