TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An explosion at a public high school in Jakarta, Indonesia, has not only shocked the local community but also ignited national debate on how Indonesian authorities should treat minors involved in criminal investigations.
The blast occurred at State High School (SMAN) 72 in North Jakarta, injuring nearly 100 people and prompting police to investigate a suspected student perpetrator.
Investigators said the teenager could face charges under Indonesia’s Child Protection Law, Criminal Code, and the 1951 Emergency Law on weapons and explosives.
How should the law regulate investigations and questioning of minors suspected of committing crimes?
Children Are Not Ordinary Offenders
Under Law No. 11/2012 on the Juvenile Criminal Justice System (SPPA), minors in conflict with the law, referred to as “children in conflict with the law” (CCL), must not be treated like adult offenders. They are entitled to special protection throughout the legal process, from investigation to trial.
“Since the suspected perpetrator is still a child, we urge that all legal procedures follow the Child Protection Law and the SPPA,” said Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah, Chairperson of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Margaret emphasized that while police have full authority to investigate, their approach must differ when minors are involved.
“Investigators can carry out a thorough inquiry without directly questioning the child, especially while the child is still in recovery, by collecting evidence from the home or school,” she explained.
KPAI has reviewed the child’s condition and confirmed that it is improving, though the child remains under medical care.
“Direct interrogation cannot yet be carried out,” Margaret said, adding that KPAI appreciates the police’s cautious approach but stresses the importance of maintaining protection and non-discrimination in handling the case.
Protecting a Child’s Identity
Public curiosity often drives the spread of information about suspected offenders. However, the law strictly forbids revealing any identifying details of minors involved in legal proceedings.
Recently, a photo showing the student regaining consciousness after the explosion circulated online, prompting KPAI to urge the public to stop sharing it.
“The child’s name, address, and photo must not be published,” Margaret said, citing Article 19 of the SPPA, which prohibits the media or the public from disclosing the identities of child offenders, victims, or witnesses.
The law explicitly states that a child’s identity includes names, parental information, addresses, facial images, or any details that could reveal who they are. Margaret also reminded the public not to speculate about the motive. “We do not yet know the facts. Everyone should respect the ongoing investigation,” she said.
Focus on Recovery, Not Punishment
The SPPA prioritizes recovery and rehabilitation over punishment for minors. The guiding principle is restorative justice, restoring balance between the child, the victim, and the community without endangering the child’s future.
Detention is permitted only if the alleged crime carries a sentence of more than seven years and the child poses a risk to others. Interrogations must be conducted in a child-friendly setting with the presence of a psychologist or social worker.
“All parties must ensure that the legal process reflects a child protection perspective,” Margaret said.
Jakarta Police Chief Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri confirmed that investigators are handling the SMAN 72 case with utmost care. “At this point, the child acted independently and has no link to any terrorist network,” Asep said.
Police have questioned 16 witnesses, including teachers, students, and victims, and are analyzing CCTV footage and mobile phone records to uncover the motive.
The suspect has regained consciousness after undergoing head surgery and remains under close medical supervision, said Jakarta Police spokesperson Chief Commissioner Budi Hermanto.
The SMAN 72 Explosion
The blast occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the SMAN 72 campus in the Kodamar complex, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Two explosions were reported near the school’s prayer room and canteen, injuring 96 people, including the suspected student.
Police recovered a toy gun marked with the names of foreign gunmen and materials believed to have been used to assemble homemade explosives. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the motive behind the incident.
The SMAN 72 case underscores the delicate balance between enforcing the law and protecting children’s rights.
In Indonesia’s juvenile justice system, the objective is not retribution but rehabilitation, ensuring that children who make mistakes are guided back to the right path while safeguarding their dignity, safety, and future.
Nabiila Azzahra contributed to the writing of this article.
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