KBRN, Jakarta: The Ministry of Human Rights regards the military barracks student education program as an initiative to strengthen human resources. Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, praised the program introduced by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi.

“We conclude that this education program contributes to improving the quality of human resources in support of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2055). The key aspects that must be enhanced include knowledge, skills, mental strength, and discipline,” Minister Pigai told reporters at the Human Rights Ministry Office in Jakarta on Thursday, May 8, 2025, rri.co.id reported.

He assured that the program does not contradict human rights values as long as it aligns with the principles of human rights. He also emphasized that the initiative is in line with the government's vision to develop high-quality human resources for the future.

“What was initially a concern was corporal punishment, such as ear pinching, hitting, or disciplining children during their education period. After we checked, however, we found no evidence of corporal punishment,” he said.

The Ministry of Human Rights is committed to strictly monitoring the policy of sending troubled students to military education. Pigai stated that the policy requires thorough evaluation. “We have discussed this with echelon 1 officials. Moving forward, if this becomes a nationally agreed system, we will provide further input,” he concluded.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi launched the Military Barracks Student Education Program in May 2025 as a character-building initiative aimed at disciplining troubled students.

The program, implemented in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), places selected students in military barracks for a few weeks before transitioning them to special schools designed to maintain their discipline.

Governor Dedi Mulyadi believes the program can effectively address juvenile delinquency, citing past experiences in handling students with behavioral challenges. The initiative targets students who frequently engage in brawls, alcohol consumption, excessive gaming, defiance toward parents, and school disruptions.

While the program has received praise for its focus on discipline and character development, it has also sparked human rights concerns, with critics questioning its alignment with Indonesia’s education laws. The Ministry of Human Rights, however, has defended the initiative, stating that it does not involve corporal punishment and aligns with efforts to enhance human resources. ***