Dinda Shabrina, Jakarta – The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has discovered a number of drawbacks in the discipline program initiated by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi by sending adolescents to military barracks.
KPAI found several children participating in the program experiencing fatigue and falling ill. They also reportedly were not given proper information before being taken to the barracks.
"In Lembang, we found four children in the health clinic for fatigue. When asked, they admitted to having been feeling exhausted due to the dense and structured activities," the deputy chair of the child protection commission, Jasra Putra, told Tempo on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
Jasra acknowledged that the children were not forced to participate beyond their abilities, but the physical burden still could affect their health. The commission said it had suggested for the trainers to make health aspects the main concern in the program.
KPAI also did not find the presence of the children's parents or guardians at the military barracks, which Jasra said have been asked to the trainers.
"According to them, parental visits were not restricted, but not a single parent was around at the barracks. The children were not equipped with cell phones, so communication can only be done through the trainers," said Jasra.
Based on these various findings, KPAI plans to officially submit recommendations to the Governor of West Java in the form of a written letter, which will also be submitted to the president.
"Hopefully, future implementation of this program will be respectful of the rights and voices of the children," said Jasra.
Dedi Mulyadi initiated the program to send troubled youths to military barracks for character education. The first wave of children departed on May 2.