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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Conflict & Security

19 High School Students Allegedly Abuse Juniors

From Tempo · (10m ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • 19 students from SMA Taruna Kasuari Nusantara in Manokwari, Papua Barat, are suspected of assaulting their juniors.
  • The Manokwari City Police are investigating the case, with the number of perpetrators potentially increasing as the investigation deepens.
  • The alleged assault occurred on April 24, 2026, after the lights were turned off during a night study session, and police are exploring restorative justice options for the underage perpetrators.

A disturbing incident has emerged from Manokwari, Papua Barat, where 19 senior students from SMA Taruna Kasuari Nusantara are reportedly involved in the alleged assault of their junior classmates. The Manokwari City Police have launched an investigation into the matter, with the number of suspects potentially growing as the probe continues. This case highlights a serious breach of discipline and safety within the educational institution.

Jumlahnya bisa bertambah, tapi kami harus dalami dulu supaya bisa tahu peran masing-masing pelaku.

— Agung Gumara Samosir, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Manokwari PoliceRegarding the potential increase in the number of perpetrators.

According to initial reports, the alleged violence took place on the evening of April 24, 2026. Students from the 10th grade were reportedly instructed to gather in a classroom for night study. Following the instruction, the classroom lights were turned off, and the assault allegedly commenced. Police have indicated that the act appears to have been premeditated, suggesting a planned act of violence rather than a spontaneous event.

Authorities are working closely with the Regional Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) and the Manokwari Correctional Center (Bapas) to ensure the rights of the student victims are protected throughout the legal process. Recognizing that the perpetrators are minors, the police are also considering the possibility of resolving the case through restorative justice, provided that the conditions are met and the parents of both victims and perpetrators agree. This approach aligns with Indonesian regulations concerning juvenile justice, emphasizing protection and rehabilitation.

Ada unsur sengaja dan rencana untuk melakukan kekerasan.

— Agung Gumara Samosir, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Manokwari PoliceDescribing the nature of the alleged assault.

However, the police have also stated that if restorative justice is not agreed upon, the legal proceedings will continue, always prioritizing the principle of child protection. The investigation is ongoing, with further victim statements to be taken. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about student safety and disciplinary measures in boarding schools.

Kalau korban tidak mau, kasusnya tetap lanjut. Tetapi, tetap mengedepankan prinsip perlindungan anak.

— Agung Gumara Samosir, Head of Criminal Investigation Unit of Manokwari PoliceExplaining the police's approach to the case, emphasizing child protection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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