Recurring Bullying Cases: Is a Special Law Needed to Prevent Childhood Bullying?

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The call for establishing a Law (UU) aimed at preventing bullying among children, known as the Anti-Bullying Law, has resurfaced following the tragic death of a disabled child in Surabaya, East Java.

The child, identified as Z (10) and suffering from Down syndrome, was allegedly bullied by two other children, U and I, on September 12.

U and I were neighbors recorded on CCTV entering the victim's home.

At that time, Z's father was resting due to illness.

Meanwhile, his mother was at work and only returned home around 10:00 AM.

At 10:00 AM, the mother found Z lying on the porch.

The victim was rushed to Eka Candrarini General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

In addition to Z's case, incidents of bullying are widespread in various regions. Abdullah, a member of the House of Representatives, suggested an Anti-Bullying Law to impose sanctions for bullying offenses.

So, is there a need for an Anti-Bullying Law?

Aris Adi Leksono, chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), said that the proposal is a positive initiative.

However, he believes that the formulation of a new law needs to be thoroughly examined.

This is considering that Indonesia already has several existing legal frameworks that address bullying.

"But it should be considered whether it needs to be a separate bill or not; that requires careful review," Aris told Kompas.com on Tuesday (10/20/2026).

Existing Child Protection Laws and Draft National Education Bill

Aris pointed out that one of these laws is the Child Protection Law.

There is also a Draft National Education Law (RUU Sisdiknas) currently being discussed by Commission X of the House of Representatives through public aspirations.

The current draft contains 16 chapters and 257 articles.

"Programs related to anti-bullying and violence can substantively be included in the RUU Sisdiknas, thereby strengthening the education system. Indeed, there are certain standards within it," explained Aris.

Jasra Putra, Vice Chairman of KPAI, stated that the Child Protection Law clearly regulates the definitions of violence and the handling of children who need special protection, including those who are perpetrators, victims, or witnesses of violence.