KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has voiced his support for West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi's policy of sending juvenile delinquents to military barracks for training.

Minister Pigai believes this policy provides valuable education for the youth's development.

The minister argues that Dedi's initiative is part of preparing the younger generation and does not violate human rights.

"It's a good form of education," Pigai said at Mahendradatta University in Denpasar, Bali, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as quoted by rri.co.id.

He believes that bringing students to military barracks is beneficial for their mental fortitude, character building, discipline, and sense of responsibility.

"Education is both a right and a responsibility. The government is responsible for educating and providing quality education to shape children's character," he emphasized.

Addressing the criticism against the policy, Pigai questioned the basis of the opposition. "The objection is unfounded," he said. "What is prohibited is education that involves physical abuse."

He challenged the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) to justify its stance. "What rules is Komnas HAM using? As long as there is no physical abuse, the education is good," the Minister asserted.

Minister Pigai clarified that the West Java model should be interpreted as a mere relocation of the learning environment, not as the military assuming the role of educators, as the Indonesian Military (TNI) is not an educational institution.

He views Mulyadi's action as an effort to prepare the younger generation for the future. "Preparing human resources with good knowledge, skills, ethics, morals, and mental strength to face 2045," he explained.

It is reported that West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi began sending 272 problematic students to semi-military training at the Military Regional Main Regiment III/Siliwangi in Lembang, West Java, on May 1, 2025. ***