Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia is urging the Governor of West Java, Dedi Mulyadi, to revoke the curfew regulations for students. The Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, stated that Dedi Mulyadi's policy is contrary to the constitution, which guarantees children's rights to be free from all forms of discrimination and practices that violate human rights.
"Restricting the mobility of children through curfews is not a form of protection, but a form of repressive control that limits the living space and social growth of children in public spaces," said Usman in a written statement, quoted on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
He explained that the constitution has guaranteed the rights of every citizen to life, personal freedom, and freedom of movement, including children. Article 28B paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution states that "every child has the right to survival, growth, and development as well as the right to protection from violence and discrimination." Usman stated that disciplining children is not a legally valid reason to enforce rules that limit their personal freedom.
Furthermore, he argued that imposing curfews only on students is a form of discrimination against children. "Applying curfews to children, but not to other age groups, indicates unequal treatment," said Usman. In addition, he continued, curfew policies also create a negative stigma for children who are outside their homes at night.
According to Usman, the West Java Provincial Government should use a different approach to discipline children, such as through dialogue and increasing awareness. "Instead of implementing curfews as a solution, an approach based on children's participation, human rights education, and strengthening local communities is far more meaningful and effective," said Usman.
Efforts to discipline and protect students, he said, should be carried out without violating their rights. Usman emphasized that the government needs to create a safe environment for children, including at night. "Not by restricting their movement with authoritarian rules that violate human rights," he said.
Therefore, Amnesty International is asking the West Java Provincial Government to revoke the curfew policy for students. Usman urged the government to replace this policy with a fair, participatory approach that respects the rights of children as equal legal subjects. "The West Java government should involve and listen to the aspirations of children in making policies related to child protection in society," said Usman.
Through Circular Number: 51/PA.03/DISDIK, signed electronically by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi on May 23, 2025, the West Java Provincial Government implemented a curfew system for students in the region. The restriction of student activities outside the home at night is set from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am WIB as the main point of this policy.
Exceptions are made for students participating in official school or educational institution activities, or religious and social activities in the residential area with the knowledge of parents or guardians. Also, students who are outside with parents or guardians, and under other circumstances with the knowledge of parents or guardians, as well as in emergency or disaster conditions.
This policy directly issued by the West Java Provincial Government requests all regents and mayors to coordinate other regional officials to enforce the rule. The implementation of the curfew is also supported by the Indonesian National Army and Police through a memorandum of understanding signed by the West Java Provincial Government with these state institutions.