Angela Stefani
A controversial government decree, issued on July 28, 2026, has sparked widespread protests from the majority of trade unions. This new regulation permits educational authorities to transfer a student from their school institution based on the behavior of their family members, a policy deemed to impose an unfair burden on the child.
This public-shocking regulation explicitly states that actions or attitudes of parents or guardians, considered to disrupt order or the learning environment within the school premises, can lead to an administrative decision to transfer the related student.
Trade union organizations, including teacher federations and parent-teacher associations, have united in opposition. They denounce the decree as a regressive policy that fundamentally disregards principles of justice and children's basic rights.
"We strongly oppose this decree because it overtly makes children bear the consequences of actions for which they are not responsible," stated a representative of one education trade union during a press conference held in Jakarta recently. "Education is every child's right, not a tool for punishment for adult misconduct."
Critics argue that such an approach not only harms students psychologically and academically but also has the potential to create unnecessary stigmatization. Children may feel alienated or become victims of discrimination due to negative labels attached to their families.
Furthermore, this decree is perceived to complicate the socioeconomic situation for vulnerable families. Families already facing financial or social challenges may be further burdened by the necessity to find a new school, arrange transportation, and adapt to an entirely different environment.
The government, through the Ministry of Education, has yet to provide a comprehensive response to this wave of rejection. Initial statements only mentioned that the decree is part of an effort to create a safe and conducive school environment, although implementation details remain vague.
However, trade unions assert that maintaining school order should not come at the expense of a child's future. They propose alternative solutions, such as more intensive dialogue with families, mediation, or psychosocial support programs, rather than discriminatory sanctions.
Education law experts also voiced their concerns, highlighting the potential inconsistency of this decree with child protection laws and ratified international conventions on children's rights.
"The principle of 'best interest of the child' must be the primary foundation of every educational policy," revealed an education law expert from the University of Indonesia. "Separating a child from their stable learning environment simply due to adult behavior is a serious violation of that principle."
Several online petitions have been launched, calling for the decree's revocation. Thousands of signatures have been collected, demonstrating the widespread public concern regarding a policy deemed to undermine the foundations of an inclusive education system.
Nevertheless, there are also voices supporting this policy, arguing that extreme family behavior can indeed disrupt the teaching and learning process and safety at school. They believe that firm action is necessary to protect the entire school community.
However, the prevailing sentiment emphasizes the government's need to reconsider the decree. The demand for greater stakeholder involvement in formulating education policies sensitive to children's rights is growing stronger.
The public and civil society organizations await a serious response from the government regarding this controversy. The future of thousands of students potentially hangs in the balance due to a policy perceived as blaming children for the sins of adults.
This situation sets a dangerous precedent in educational policy, where collective punishment is applied to innocent individuals. Deep and transparent public discussion is urgently needed to find the best way forward.
