Minister urges protection of students after weapons found at school

Minister Arifah Fauzi, Indonesia's Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister, has called for public restraint and emphasized the need to protect students' privacy and psychological well-being after nearly 1,000 weapons were discovered at a private school in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. The incident occurred during a routine inspection at the school complex in Pondok Pinang, where authorities found a cache of firearms and other dangerous items. Fauzi urged school management to ensure that teaching and learning activities remained undisturbed while conducting a thorough inspection of all rooms and facilities. She stressed that safeguarding the interests of children must remain the top priority, even as the police continue their investigation. According to South Jakarta police, the seizure included 996 weapons, comprising 995 air guns and one Franchi SPAS15 12-gauge combat shotgun. The shotgun was confirmed to belong to a man who died in 2020. The remaining 995 weapons included four 4.5mm air rifles, 215 air pistols of 4.5mm caliber, and 776 air revolvers of 4.5mm caliber. Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto stated that the weapons were found in a room previously occupied by the foundation’s head, identified by the initials IWD. The room also contained ammunition, weapon accessories, bullet-making equipment, pornographic VCDs, and items suspected to be methamphetamine and marijuana. The police have summoned IW, the former chair of the school’s foundation, for questioning. Lawmaker Adang Daradjatun, a member of parliament’s Commission III, which oversees law enforcement, has called for a transparent and objective investigation into the case. He emphasized that the law enforcement process must not be influenced by public opinion or conflicts between the parties involved. Daradjatun argued that all facts surrounding the case must be uncovered to provide legal certainty and prevent speculation. He urged investigators to work based on facts and evidence, ensuring that the outcome provides a sense of justice for all parties. He also called for tighter oversight of assets and items requiring special permits at educational institutions to prevent such incidents in the future. The discovery of the weapons has raised concerns about security and safety within educational institutions. While the exact circumstances leading to the storage of these items on school grounds remain unclear, the presence of illegal substances and pornography further complicates the situation. Both the ministry and lawmakers have acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and the potential impact on students. Fauzi reiterated her commitment to protecting children’s privacy and mental health, urging schools to maintain a secure environment conducive to learning. The police have confirmed that the initial discovery was made during a routine inspection, though the exact trigger for the uncovering of the cache remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet released information regarding the legal status of the weapons or the individuals responsible for storing them. The involvement of the school’s foundation and its former leadership adds another layer of complexity to the case. As the investigation continues, both the government and local officials are working to balance transparency with the need to shield students from unnecessary exposure. Public attention to the case has intensified, with calls for greater accountability and stricter regulations around the handling of potentially hazardous materials in educational settings. While the immediate focus remains on the legal proceedings and the safety of students, the broader implications of the incident highlight the need for improved oversight and community engagement. The next steps will likely involve further police inquiries, possible legal action against those implicated, and discussions on how to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For now, the emphasis remains on ensuring that students can return to a safe and stable learning environment.