Ricky Juliansyah, Depok – West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi confirmed that he will continue the military-style education for troubled youths, despite the pleas by the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) to stop sending children to military barracks.
"That's up to KPAI. But what's important for me is that i'm doing this because I care about the people of West Java," said Dedi on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The former Regent of Purwakarta emphasized that he will continue the activities that are beneficial for the people of West Java. For example, in Depok, more than 270 people have already registered for the program, which he said "reflects parents' concerns that must be addressed."
As of Monday, 12:00 p.m. local time, as many as 285 parents have registered their children for the education in military barracks.
The sending of children to military barracks is part of the implementation of West Java Provincial Regulation Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Implementation of Education and is regulated through the Circular Letter of the Governor of West Java Number 43/PK.03.04/Kesra.
Under this program, children who are deemed troubled for behaviors like engaging in street brawls, smoking, or unauthorized motorcycle racing are given special education through the collaboration between the regional government, the military (TNI), and the National Police. This program was kickstarted on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
KPAI Vice Chair Jasra Putra previously stated that the demand for program termination was based on the commission's supervision results regarding the Dedi Mulyadi-backed military barracks program. "Based on our supervision, we urge that the program be suspended temporarily until an evaluation is conducted, especially related to the regulations," said Jasra at the Parliamentary Complex Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, May 26, 2025.