Minister unveils seven-step strategy for violence-free schools

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno outlined seven key measures to foster a safe, violence-free learning environment in schools across Indonesia, including pesantren, or Islamic boarding schools.

He introduced the seven-step strategy while promoting Gernas Rana, a national movement advocating safe and comfortable learning spaces for children, during a discussion organized by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Yogyakarta on Friday.

In a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, Pratikno emphasized the urgency of providing children with a suitable ecosystem to grow and harness their potential, highlighting their vulnerability to violence.

“Violence has profound impacts on children. Violence can undermine concentration, making children lose focus,” he said, underscoring psychological and cognitive consequences.

Bearing that in mind, the minister highlighted seven steps to strengthen prevention, urging evaluation of protection mechanisms, the formation of child protection teams, the formulation of child protection policies, and the development of child-friendly reporting systems.

He also underscored the importance of continuous training, fostering a culture of collective responsibility, and strengthening the role of parents and communities.

Additionally, Pratikno urged pesantrens to adapt to technological advances to help their students and graduates develop skills aligned with future labor market demands.

“Pesantrens must carry out transformation on a massive scale while maintaining their cultural and spiritual identities. Transformation is a prerequisite for pesantrens to enhance competitiveness in this new age,” he said.

The minister asserted that the adaptive approach is essential for pesantrens and the wider public to mitigate potential adverse impacts of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.

During the discussion, Pratikno also lauded the NU Central Executive Board for launching initiatives aimed at preventing violence and making pesantrens safer places for children.

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Translator: Hana Dewi, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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