3-7-2023 (JAKARTA) Police in Temanggung, Central Java, are facing criticism after bringing firearms to a press conference featuring a 14-year-old suspect in a school arson case. Observers have accused the police of violating the Child Protection Act and the Juvenile Justice System Act by bringing weapons to the press conference. Inspector General Ahmad Dofiri, the head of the Police Inspectorate General’s office, has been urged to take action in response to the incident.
Retno Listyarti, a child rights advocate and former commissioner of the Indonesian Commission for Child Protection, called for the Police Inspectorate General and the National Commission for Child Protection to investigate the incident. She also urged the Indonesian Press Council to monitor media coverage of the case and to take action against any violations of the Juvenile Justice System Act.
The press conference featured the 14-year-old suspect, identified only as R, who allegedly set fire to his own school in Temanggung on June 27, 2023. According to Kompas.com, R claimed to have been bullied by his classmates, leading him to commit the arson.
R has been charged with intentionally setting fire to a public building, which carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison under Article 187 of the Criminal Code. However, the police’s handling of the case has drawn criticism from child rights advocates and others concerned about potential violations of the rights of minors.
