Legal Practitioner JJ Amstrong Sembiring Speaks Out About the Viral Bullying Case: Perpetrators Should Not Be Let Off, They Must Be Punished!

Kapanlagi.com - Bullying cases in Indonesia are still rampant, especially in educational institutions. The latest case that is currently in the spotlight occurred at Binus School, Serpong, South Tangerang. It is known that several students assaulted a victim, causing severe injuries and requiring hospitalization.

Legal practitioner and former KPK Campim, JJ Amstrong Sembiring, also spoke out about the case. According to him, bullying cases not only occur in homes and offices, but also often occur in educational environments such as schools and universities. This also indicates that bullying can happen to anyone, especially children and teenagers.

"Bullying behavior is a situation where someone or a group of people abuse their power or authority towards others. Bullying is done continuously by those who feel stronger with the aim of making the victim suffer and feel helpless. Usually, bullies justify their actions as mere jokes," said Amstrong to the media.

1. Types of Bullying

Amstrong said that in the literature, there are several types of bullying that often occur. First, physical actions. This is a type of bullying that involves physical contact between the perpetrator and the victim. For example, hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, forcing the victim to perform certain physical activities, damaging the victim's belongings, and other actions.

Physical bullying can be directly seen and realized by the surrounding environment. If it is an act of persecution: committing violence or threatening violence against others that causes pain or injury. Regulated in Article 351 of the Penal Code with a maximum prison sentence of 2 years and 8 months.

Second, verbal actions. This is a form of bullying that is difficult to observe because it involves verbal language that hurts someone's feelings. For example, mocking, giving inappropriate nicknames, defamation, harassment through sexual statements, terrorizing, and others.

If it is an act of humiliation: insulting someone's honor or good name through speech, writing, or actions. Regulated in Article 310 of the Penal Code with a maximum prison sentence of 9 months.

Third, relational actions. This is a form of bullying that is difficult to capture by sight and hearing. For example, looking at someone cynically/threateningly, excluding someone, silencing them, and ending relationships without reason, and so on. Usually, this happens because of the emergence of situations where certain groups are opposed to other groups or individuals.

If it is an act of defamation: accusing someone of committing reprehensible acts that can harm their honor or good name. Regulated in Article 311 of the Penal Code with a maximum prison sentence of 4 years.

Fourth, electronic/cyberbullying. This phenomenon is a form of bullying that is carried out through electronic media such as computers, mobile phones, the internet, websites (media portals), chat rooms (online communication rooms), email (electronic mail), text messages (short message service/sms), and so on. Usually, most cyberbullying perpetrators hide behind the reason of freedom of speech.

If it involves hate speech: spreading information intended to incite hatred or hostility towards individuals or groups based on ethnicity, religion, race, or social class (SARA). Regulated in Article 45A of the ITE Law with a maximum prison sentence of 4 years and/or a maximum fine of Rp 1 billion.

2. The Need to Establish a Complaint Center

JJ Amstron Sembiring (Photo Credit: Personal Documentation)

This needs attention and must be addressed together in order to protect, reduce, and stop bullying behavior that is often experienced or carried out by children who are the nation's future. Bullying must be stopped because its impact is diverse, one of which is psychological impact.

Usually, bullying victims feel confused, powerless, ashamed, desperate, and afraid to express what is happening to them. As a result, the victims choose to remain silent and keep the unpleasant experiences to themselves. The victims tend to be confused about how to express the bullying that is happening because they do not have evidence.

Furthermore, bullying victims often think that no one cares about what they are experiencing. Or they feel that no one can help stop the bullying. They are afraid that if they report the situation, the bullies will do something even more terrifying in the future.

Children who are victims of bullying tend to have difficulty interacting with others, declining academic performance, loss of self-confidence, and disrupted mental health. For example, they may have anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, emotional disturbances, trauma, a desire for revenge, and depression.

Bullying victims also often have a desire to harm themselves (self-harm) and some even contemplate ending their lives (suicidal thought/attempt), as in the cases that have occurred.

Meanwhile, children who become bullies will be trapped in a role that they "enjoy and cherish". They cannot develop healthy relationships and lack empathy. They believe that they are liked and respected. They often think that they have power over the situation.

Reflecting on the above facts, preventive measures must be taken immediately to address this bullying behavior issue. One of them is to provide a complaint center, so that victims have a place to voice their concerns and actions against bullying can be anticipated.

3. The Need for Collaboration from Various Parties

To stop bullying, collaboration, initiation, and the role of adults (parents, teachers, caregivers, and others) are needed to prevent bullying in schools and at home. Additionally, education (knowledge provision) about bullying behavior should be provided to children from an early age, tailored to their age range. This is important so that children are aware of the consequences of engaging in bullying. Children also need to be educated on what to do if they become victims of bullying.

Education can be done directly or indirectly. For example, visits to schools can be made by authorized individuals. Posters regarding the dangers of bullying behavior can be created. Furthermore, parents need to provide guidance when children witness events that display violent behaviors that they may imitate in their lives.

According to Amstrong, in the future, to conclude the discussion, the role of society from various layers is crucial, as well as the role of the government.

(kpl/gtr)