TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of the Information Center of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Major General Kristomei Sianturi, said that the program of sending children to military barracks, initiated by West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, has the potential to become a national policy. Kristomei added that this possibility could be discussed further if the program proves successful.
"Certainly, there should be communication between the regional government and the central government. This means that if a region has a good and successful program, it can be discussed with the central government," Kristomei said when interviewed by Tempo at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday, May 26, 2025.
He also mentioned that if the program is implemented on a national scale, the government will ask regions to adjust according to their individual capacities.
Kristomei said the TNI supports Dedi’s program because it provides equipment through schools that help train children’s discipline, such as the National Defense Command (Dodik) at the Regional Military Main Training Center (Rindam). According to him, discipline is the foundation for children to manage their time and lifestyle effectively.
"Don't immediately judge when there is a new innovation. We should not criticize without offering solutions. For example, after protests arise, there should not only be many protests and discussions without any real action," Kristomei added.
The education program in military barracks was launched by Dedi when he took office as governor earlier this year. The policy has faced criticism from some child and education observer groups who consider it a potential violation of children’s rights.
So far, there has been no official report from an independent team evaluating the program comprehensively, including its psychological impact on participants. Dedi assured that expert reports will serve as the main reference for determining future policies.
This program is planned to develop into the Special West Java National School, which will remain centered at the National Defense Command but will be more open to collaborations with other parties.
On May 20, 2025, coinciding with the 117th National Awakening Day, 273 students from the first batch of military barracks graduates were declared to have completed character education at the Gapura Panca Waluya in the National Defense Command of Rindam III Siliwangi. Several regions, including Purwakarta, Cianjur, and Bandung, have already adopted Dedi Mulyadi’s program, and Depok is set to follow on June 1, 2025.
Editor’s Choice: TNI Says No Militarization in Dedi Mulyadi's Military Barracks Program for Children
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