Engaging school students is illegal: Police Chief

Kapolda Kalsel Irjen Pol Nico Afinta. (ANTARA/Firman)

If there are parties who use school children to engage in rallies, take firm action according to applicable law. It is clearly unjustified,

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - South Kalimantan Provincial Police chief Insp.Gen.Police Nico Afinta stated that involving school students in demonstrations violates the rules, it will be dealt with firmly.

"If there are parties who use school children to engage in rallies, take firm action according to applicable law. It is clearly unjustified," said Nico in Banjarmasin, Thursday.

He pointed out that a number of regulations clearly prohibit students, especially minors, from participating in demonstrations. Including child protection Law No.35 of 2014 and the Minister of Education and Culture's circular No.9 of 2019 concerning the determent of school students' involvement in demonstrations with potential violence.

Nico made it clear not to tolerate anyone who tries to move school children into action against Omnibus Law (Job Creation Law).

He hopes parents and teachers to provide understanding to students that mass movement is not for them to carry out, because they still are categorized children and are prone to be used by irresponsible people.

"We TNI-Polri are ready to escort and secure the students' action to conveying aspiration as long as it does not violate the rule of law. Teachers and parents are expected to supervise their children so they do not get involved in demonstrations," said the two-star general accompanied by Commander (Danrem) of 101/Antasari Provincial Military Command Brig.Gen.Firmansyah.

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Meanwhile, Head of South Kalimantan Education and Culture Office Muhammad Yusuf Effendi has also issued a circular on the prohibition of school students' involvement in demonstrations with potential violence.

Yusuf asked school principals and teachers to take preventive measures to ensure their students are not involved in rallies which potentially lead to violence, chaos, and destruction. Students who are involved are given sanction according to school rules.
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