Program targets troubled teens with character-building training in military facilities
West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has launched a controversial initiative aimed at reforming misbehaving students through military-style training programs.
Program Overview
On May 2, 2025, coinciding with National Education Day, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi inaugurated a program designed to instill discipline and character in students exhibiting behavioral issues. The initiative, named “Pendidikan Karakter, Disiplin, dan Bela Negara Kekhususan” (Character, Discipline, and National Defense Education), is a collaboration between the West Java provincial government and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Target Participants
The program specifically targets junior and senior high school students involved in activities such as street fighting, alcohol consumption, and excessive online gaming. Parents voluntarily enroll their children, signing written agreements acknowledging the nature of the training.
Training Facilities and Curriculum
Training is conducted at two military facilities: the Dodik Bela Negara Rindam III/Siliwangi in Bandung and the Menarmed 1 Kostrad in Purwakarta. The curriculum includes classroom education, counseling, marching drills, national awareness sessions, anti-drug education, and team-building activities. Despite the military setting, officials emphasize that the program focuses on personal development rather than combat training.
Enrollment and Instruction
Approximately 80 students are enrolled at the Bandung facility, with an additional 40 in Purwakarta. Instructors comprise personnel from the TNI, police, education and health departments, child protection agencies, and other relevant organizations.
Public Response and Criticism
The program has sparked debate among educators and human rights advocates. Critics argue that exposing minors to military environments may lead to psychological trauma and question the program’s effectiveness in addressing underlying behavioral issues.
As West Java implements this military-style training program for troubled students, the initiative highlights the ongoing struggle to balance disciplinary measures with children’s rights and psychological well-being. The program’s reception may influence similar approaches in neighboring regions, including Indonesia and Singapore, prompting broader discussions on effective youth rehabilitation strategies.
Sources: Bangka Tribun News (2025) , Tempo (2025)
Keywords: Dedi Mulyadi, West Java Education, Military-Style Training, Troubled Teens Program, Student Discipline
