TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has revealed several notes from the observation of the implementation of West Java's special pancawaluya character education program, initiated by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi. The program educates children by sending them to military barracks.
One important finding from the assessment is that there are children participants who feel uncomfortable and choose to leave the education location for various reasons.
"Some of them joined this training because of the recommendation of the guidance counselor. Some said they didn't feel at home, wanted to continue studying at school, and some even tried to leave the education facility with the reason of wanting to buy snacks," said KPAI Commissioner Aris Adi Leksono to Tempo, on Monday, May 12, 2025.
Although no physical violence was found, Aris noted signs of exhaustion felt by the participants. This was evident when they were participating in the material. "The children looked tired, so when there was material, some were sleepy, unfocused, and talking to each other," Aris said.
The findings are in line with the official observation by KPAI at two program implementation locations, namely Rindam III Siliwangi in West Bandung and Military Barracks of Resimen 1 Sthira Yudha in Purwakarta. In this observation, KPAI had a direct dialogue with the students, conducted closed interviews, and distributed questionnaires.
KPAI emphasizes the importance of the implementation of character education that is truly child-friendly, free from violence and discrimination, and ensuring optimal child development. "We appreciate the spirit of the West Java Provincial Government in developing character education. But the approach must be based on the principle of child protection. This program must be a space for recovery and empowerment, not stigmatization," said Aris.
He reminds that discipline-based education approach can shape attitudes, but without a supportive ecosystem such as family upbringing, counseling services, and a healthy social environment, changes in child behavior will be difficult to sustain.
KPAI conveys that this observation is a mandate of Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection. KPAI also recommends that this program be thoroughly evaluated, especially in terms of regulation, implementation standardization, and the involvement of professional psychologists in the selection of participants.
"The determination of children in need of special protection should not only be based on the recommendation of the guidance counselor, but through the assessment of professional psychologists to minimize the risk of misdirection," said Aris.
KPAI states that it will continue to conduct oversight and advocacy for children's education programs, to be in line with the principle of child protection and support the achievement of the golden generation by 2045.
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