Indonesian students stage mass protest after alleged assault by school head

More than 630 students at SMAN 1 Cimarga, a state high school in Lebak, Banten Province, staged a school strike on 13 October 2025, in protest against their headteacher, Dini Fitria, who allegedly slapped a 17-year-old student, Indra Lutfiana Putra, after catching him smoking.

The incident disrupted teaching activities as students boycotted classes and gathered on campus to demand Dini’s removal. The protest drew wide attention both locally and on social media, highlighting broader debates about discipline and violence in Indonesian schools.

According to Indra’s account, he was confronted by the headteacher during a school clean-up activity on 10 October 2025 after being seen smoking near a food stall within the school area. He said he immediately discarded the cigarette but was accused of lying when unable to find the stub. “She accused me of lying, got angry, kicked my back, slapped my right cheek, and shouted insults,” Indra told local reporters.

Headteacher Dini Fitria later admitted to slapping Indra but denied kicking him. She said her reaction was spontaneous and emotionally charged. “I was shaking with anger. I slapped him once and pinched his back. I didn’t kick him,” she said, adding that the student had tried to run away when called from a distance.

The situation escalated when Indra’s parents filed a police complaint with the Lebak District Police, alleging physical assault and verbal abuse. In response, the Banten Provincial Education and Culture Office (Dindikbud) suspended Dini pending investigation.

Adang Abdurrahman, acting head of the department’s senior high school division, confirmed the suspension. “We ask all students to return to their studies. The matter involving the headteacher is under formal review,” he stated.

Adang emphasised that restoring normal academic activity was a priority and assured that any disciplinary actions would follow civil service regulations. The school committee, led by Kosim Ansori, met with parents to encourage students to resume learning. “We’ve coordinated with parents to make sure classes return to normal,” Kosim said.

By 15 October 2025, the strike had ended, and students were back in class. Vice-Principal Emi Sumiati confirmed that lessons had continued online during the disruption. “Thankfully, students have returned to school. Learning activities are now running smoothly,” she said, adding that a temporary replacement had been appointed for the suspended headteacher.

While the school returned to routine operations, the case remains under police investigation. The incident has reignited public discussion about corporal punishment and professional conduct among educators in Indonesia, where occasional reports of physical discipline in schools continue to draw criticism from child rights advocates.