September 7, 2025 | 08:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu'ti, said that his institution has issued a circular to regional governments to prevent school students from participating in street protests. He mentioned that there are more appropriate ways for students to convey their aspirations.
"There are more peaceful ways. The message can be delivered without leaving school," said Mu'ti when met in the Rawamangun area, East Jakarta, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
The circular letter was sent to all education offices in Indonesia following protests by several students at the end of August. In the letter, the Ministry asked schools to implement strategic measures to support students who wish to express their opinions. These measures include technical policies, instructions, and necessary supervision systems in each area.
"With transparent, measurable, and accountable implementation, so that all students at educational units can develop themselves in a safe and protected educational environment," reads one of the points in the Ministry of Education and Culture Circular No. 13 of 2025 concerning the Implementation of Positive Character Values of Students as Democratic and Responsible Citizens in Expressing Opinions.
In the letter, the government also asked schools and educational staff to constantly nurture, supervise, and provide guidance to students who want to express their opinions. Suharti, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, said that schools must ensure that opinions are expressed safely, politely, and responsibly.
Furthermore, the circular also encourages teachers to incorporate lessons on positive values in their teaching, such as being friendly, polite, respecting differences, and prioritizing ethics in communication. "So that a healthy culture of dialogue can develop," said Suharti in a written statement on August 29, 2025.
Lastly, the Ministry of Education requested that every school provide a space for students to voice their aspirations or criticisms. "Such as forums for deliberation, student organizations, extracurricular activities, or other school activities," said Suharti.
Protests took place in various regions of Indonesia in late August. The public demanded that the House of Representatives (DPR) cancel the increase to its members' allowances, as it was deemed inconsistent with the economic hardship faced by the people. These protests turned violent and resulted in several casualties.
Novali Panji contributed to the writing of this article
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