Following an intensive investigation, law enforcement officials identified several factors that may have contributed to the incident. One was prolonged and severe bullying. Police also said the suspect had been inspired by the SMAN 72 Jakarta case, viewing explosives as a way to respond to bullying and gain a sense of control through others’ fear. The suspect also reportedly said he was part of an international online group known as the True Crime Community.

The incident has raised broader concerns about what may be happening beneath the surface of educational institutions and families. Dr. Andreas Budi Widyanta, Chair of the UGM Social Research Center (SOREC) and a sociologist at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), emphasized that children are shaped by the social environments they grow up in. Emotional pain, a lack of affection, and limited attention from those closest to them can leave lasting psychological wounds. When combined with bullying, these experiences can place an even greater burden on a child’s emotional well-being.

“When children are further shaken by bullying, sometimes by their own peers, they often internalize anger that no one else may recognize,” he said on Monday (Jul. 27).

Dr. Widyanta also highlighted another factor that deserves attention: technological development. He said the three pillars of education—family, school, and society—have gradually weakened as technology has become increasingly embedded in everyday life. Easy access to social media can expose children to inappropriate content, including violence and pornography.

“Exposure to unhealthy information during a child’s developmental years turns children into passive absorbers of harmful content and may even inspire them to imitate the violent behavior they encounter on social media,” he said.

According to Dr. Widyanta, children have the capacity for mimesis, or the tendency to imitate what they observe. In this context, this influence can come from social media content that is difficult to regulate effectively, even by government authorities such as the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. The limited ability to filter harmful online content, he said, can expose children to extreme forms of violence that they may subsequently imitate.

“This misguided form of mimesis reflects the failure of educational development within the family, school, and society,” he said.

Dr. Widyanta described the two school bombing incidents as manifestations of what he sees as failed social construction. One can be understood as an inward expression of psychological distress that may result in self-harm or suicide, while the other represents outwardly directed psychological repression that can lead to violence against others.

For him, the unresolved emotional wounds carried by children should serve as a warning for the education system. Addressing school violence, therefore, requires more than strengthening physical security measures such as bomb detection. It also requires examining the underlying conditions within the education system and developing a stronger culture of dialogue with children.

“We need to examine the root of this iceberg phenomenon involving student behavior by reflecting more deeply on our education system and strengthening a culture of dialogue with our children,” Dr. Widyanta said.

Dr. Widyanta said Indonesia still lacks a strong culture of dialogue with children. Rather than encouraging children to express their emotions and perspectives, education often focuses heavily on fulfilling the state-mandated curriculum.

As a result, children may have limited opportunities to develop communication skills and moral character. While education should ideally integrate knowledge and values, he believes Indonesia’s education system still emphasizes knowledge more than character and values.

He also observed that family and school environments often operate separately rather than complementing one another. When children experience emotional difficulties and need someone to listen, teachers may regard it as a family matter. At home, however, children are not always taught to regulate emotions or encouraged to express what they feel. Instead, parents may focus more heavily on moral instruction and normative expectations.

“Since childhood, we have rarely been taught how to manage our emotions. Many parents focus only on normative values, moral lectures, and even religious arguments,” he said.

Technology, he added, presents another challenge. Some teachers still use technology primarily as a source of ready-made teaching materials, while others may delegate too much of their educational responsibility to technology.

Dr. Widyanta cautioned that when educators place greater emphasis on career advancement, income, or certification than on the broader mission of education, the consequences can extend to future generations. He also noted that some educators may lack a strong sense of vocation and therefore have limited understanding of cura personalis, an educational approach centered on holistic care and individual attention.

Applying such an approach can be particularly challenging in Indonesia, where classrooms may accommodate around 40 students.

Dr. Widyanta argued that bullying is influenced not only by school environments but also by parenting practices and family values. The family is the first social environment in which children learn to understand and respond to differences.

When families fail to foster respect for diversity, discriminatory attitudes can develop early and later manifest themselves in school environments.

He believes Indonesian society still faces challenges in fully embracing diversity, despite the country’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). From this perspective, bullying should not be viewed simply as an individual behavioral problem but also as a reflection of broader social attitudes toward difference.

“I believe many of our families are still unprepared to embrace diversity. Bullying is not a simple issue; it is a reflection of a society that has not fully accepted diversity,” he said.

According to Dr. Widyanta, individuals naturally differ in their backgrounds, personalities, experiences, and perspectives. Yet these differences can become grounds for comparison, judgment, and humiliation. He said the tendency to view oneself as superior to others can reflect attitudes learned within the family.

Parents may also unintentionally pass discriminatory attitudes on to their children through stereotypes, rejection of differences, or labeling people based on their identities. Such attitudes can later become part of the social environment in which bullying occurs.

Dr. Widyanta also criticized using religious identity as a basis for judging or discriminating against others. He emphasized that religion is a personal relationship between individuals and God and should not be used to justify discrimination.

“Religion is a private matter between human beings and God. It should never be used as a tool to interfere with or discriminate against those who are different,” he said.

For this reason, he stressed that families and schools should cultivate respect for diversity from an early age and help children understand that differences are not threats but a natural part of social life.

The Cura Personalis Approach

In closing, Dr. Widyanta emphasized that education reform cannot be left to schools alone. It requires the involvement of the three pillars of education—families, schools, and communities—supported by government policies that enable a more personalized approach.

Every child has different characteristics, experiences, and needs. A standardized approach that treats every child in the same way, he argued, risks overlooking those differences.

“Restoring our education system will be extremely difficult without comprehensive solutions from all directions. The challenge is how the three pillars of education and the government can build a more cura personalis system. Education is not one-size-fits-all. Standardizing every child is a form of violence,” Dr. Widyanta concluded.

His perspective points to a broader challenge for Indonesia’s education system: preventing school violence requires not only stronger security measures but also greater attention to children’s emotional well-being, family relationships, social environments, diversity, and opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

Author: Zabrina Kumara

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

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Artikel UGM Sociologist Calls for Education Reform After School Bombing pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Rather than simply responding to today’s educational challenges, national education legislation should provide a long-term policy framework for developing Indonesia’s human capital. It should establish a clear vision for the future while providing a strong foundation for education governance at all levels.

Dr. Subarsono, a lecturer in the Department of Public Policy and Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), said the draft bill needs to be significantly strengthened, particularly in defining the future goals of national education.

“The primary issue that needs to be examined in RUU Sisdiknas is how it defines the future goals of national education in the digital and AI era, so that the subsequent articles clearly elaborate on the objectives and methods for achieving those goals,” he said in an interview on Monday (Jul. 27).

According to Dr. Subarsono, the educational objectives outlined in Article 4 still reflect a relatively traditional paradigm, focusing primarily on educating the nation and fostering a religious society. He believes future challenges require a broader vision of the competencies students will need in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

The education system, he said, should prepare graduates to adapt to technological advances, develop strong digital literacy, work effectively alongside AI, think across disciplines, and compete and collaborate globally.

“In my opinion, education should produce graduates with digital skills, the ability to collaborate with AI to create innovative work, interdisciplinary competencies, global communication and collaboration skills, and the capacity to build an ethical and responsible digital society,” he said.

For Dr. Subarsono, these competencies should not be treated as supplementary skills but should become part of the fundamental direction of Indonesia’s education system. The national education framework must anticipate how technology will transform learning, work, and society rather than simply responding to changes after they occur.

The proposed bill could also have significant implications for education financing. Dr. Subarsono pointed to provisions requiring the government to guarantee access to, affordability of, and funding for quality education.

Such provisions could potentially expand the scope of free education policies to higher education. However, he stressed that policymakers must consider any such policy alongside Indonesia’s fiscal capacity.

“If DPR RI passes RUU Sisdiknas, it will have broad implications for the education sector. The debate could focus on whether university tuition should be fully waived or only partially subsidized. If tuition is made entirely free, the question is whether the state budget can support such a policy under the current fiscal conditions,” he said.

He emphasized that ensuring equitable access to education is an important policy objective, but a realistic and sustainable financing framework must support its implementation.

Another issue raised by Dr. Subarsono concerns higher education governance, particularly the proposed mechanism for selecting university rectors.

Under the provision discussed in the bill, the minister would have the authority to appoint one of three candidates shortlisted through an internal university selection process. Dr. Subarsono warned that such a mechanism could weaken the role of the academic community and create greater room for government intervention in university governance.

“If the three best candidates selected through the university’s internal election are then subject to the minister’s final decision, it means the academic community’s vote is no longer the decisive factor. Such a mechanism risks weakening the principles of democracy and university autonomy,” he said.

He therefore emphasized the importance of maintaining a bottom-up and participatory approach to leadership selection, with the government playing a regulatory and facilitating role rather than determining the outcome.

Despite his concerns, Dr. Subarsono welcomed one important element of the proposed legislation: the inclusion of a National Education Master Plan.

He described the plan as a significant step forward because it could provide an integrated long-term roadmap connecting primary, secondary, and higher education.

“One of the most important and promising aspects of this bill is the preparation of a National Education Master Plan. It provides an integrated roadmap for Indonesia’s education system, connecting primary, secondary, and higher education,” he said.

In his view, the master plan could help ensure greater continuity and coherence in national education policy, rather than allowing education development to be shaped primarily by short-term priorities.

Dr. Subarsono also believes the deliberation of RUU Sisdiknas should become an opportunity to undertake broader institutional reform in Indonesia’s education sector.

One issue that policymakers should reconsider, he said, is the continued existence of government-affiliated higher education institutions. He questioned whether such institutions remain necessary given the substantial public funding they require each year and the broader development of Indonesia’s higher education system.

“The current discussion on higher education presents the right opportunity for institutional reform. As the Government and DPR RI deliberate RUU Sisdiknas, they should also reform educational institutions. The question is whether government-affiliated higher education institutions, which require hundreds of billions of rupiah in annual funding, are still necessary,” he said.

For him, education reform should therefore extend beyond curriculum and learning outcomes to include the institutional structures and governance mechanisms that underpin the system.

In closing, Dr. Subarsono outlined three priorities that he believes should be addressed as the National Education System Bill is deliberated.

First, the bill should clearly redefine the goals of national education to reflect technological advances, the emergence of AI, and the development of a digital society.

Second, it should support institutional reform across Indonesia’s education sector to ensure that educational institutions remain relevant, effective, and sustainable.

Third, the bill should strengthen democratic governance in higher education, particularly by ensuring that university leadership selection is participatory and bottom-up.

Under this approach, the minister’s role should primarily be that of a regulator, facilitator, and legitimizer of processes taking place within higher education institutions.

“The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology should serve as a facilitator and legitimizer of the bottom-up process through which university leaders are selected,” Dr. Subarsono concluded.

The proposed RUU Sisdiknas thus presents more than an opportunity to revise existing education regulations. It could become a platform for defining how Indonesia prepares its people for a future shaped by technological change, artificial intelligence, global competition, and evolving demands on higher education.

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Dr. Hempri Suyatna of UGM’s Center for People’s Economy Studies said the government’s top-down approach to developing KDMP risks weakening the fundamental principles of cooperatives, which are rooted in voluntary participation, collective action, and member empowerment.

“A top-down approach will also lead to the standardization of economic institutions at the village level, even though each village has distinct potentials and challenges,” he said on Friday (Jul. 24).

Dr. Hempri said the implementation of KDMP should take into account the lessons learned from previous village economic institutions, including Village Unit Cooperatives (KUD) and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes). Standardized institutional models have produced different outcomes across regions, with some village economic institutions eventually becoming inactive because their structures failed to match local needs and conditions.

He said KDMP managers should instead develop businesses based on the economic potential and needs of their respective communities. Creativity and innovation are essential to identifying business opportunities that can generate sustainable benefits for villagers, while the government should continue providing support for management, governance, and business development.

“Government support is needed both in terms of management and cooperative governance, as well as structural support to create a favorable environment for KDMP business development,” he said.

Dr. Hempri also highlighted the importance of strengthening KDMP’s public image and competitiveness. Digitalization, innovation, and stronger branding could help cooperatives reach broader markets and build greater public trust.

However, he emphasized that technology and business development alone would not guarantee the sustainability of cooperatives. Strong social capital is equally important.

Successful cooperatives, he explained, tend to be built on trust, solidarity, openness, transparent governance, accountable management, strong collaboration between managers and members, and partnerships with external stakeholders.

“These are precisely the values that must strengthen within the Red and White Village Cooperatives,” he said.

Dr. Hempri stressed that KDMP must also be protected from political interference. When cooperatives become instruments of political interests, he warned, they risk losing their independence as economic institutions.

Political competition can also create internal conflicts among cooperative managers and disrupt the development of the organization.

“Once cooperatives become extensions of political interests, they will never become truly independent economic institutions,” he said.

He further argued that cooperative development should not focus solely on providing capital. Villages also need better access to financing through banks, adequate infrastructure, and capacity-building programs to strengthen the skills of cooperative managers.

More importantly, he said cooperatives should remain platforms for collective economic empowerment.

Such an approach, he explained, could help improve members’ welfare while addressing broader social challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“Times have changed, but the spirit of fighting injustice must remain at the heart of the cooperative movement,” he concluded.

Dr. Hempri also placed the cooperative movement in its historical context. During the colonial period, cooperatives emerged as a means of strengthening communities and challenging economic injustice. In today’s context, he argued, that spirit of collective action remains relevant as communities face new forms of economic inequality and external pressures.

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Basilica Dyah Putranti, a researcher at UGM’s Center for Population and Policy Studies (PSKK), said Indonesia must invest not only in children’s education and health but also in creating an inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to develop their talents and contribute to society.

“Children are an investment in the future. They will eventually become part of the productive population and help sustain society over the long term,” she said during the podcast Children as the Future Population: Between Vulnerability and Resilience on Friday (July 24).

Putranti, who is widely known as Lica, explained that Indonesia is entering a new demographic phase.

While the country once experienced rapid population growth, it is now seeing declining birth rates alongside a steadily growing elderly population.

“The demographic challenge has changed. We are no longer dealing with a population boom. Today, Indonesia is experiencing population aging while the number of children and birth rates continue to decline,” she said.

These demographic shifts, she added, make investments in today’s children increasingly important because they will shape Indonesia’s future workforce and social development.

Rather than viewing children simply as population statistics, policymakers should recognize each child as an individual with unique talents and enormous potential.

“We should see every child as someone whose abilities can be nurtured so they can contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

According to Lica, children’s well-being should be assessed holistically, covering physical health, psychosocial development, education, and social support.

Research conducted by PSKK UGM in Jakarta and the Special Region of Yogyakarta found stunting prevalence of 17.2 percent and 17.4 percent, respectively.

She said the similar figures reflect relatively good health-care services in both regions, supported by declining infant mortality rates.

Nevertheless, she warned that equitable access to health services remains a challenge in many parts of Indonesia.

“There are still children, particularly in underdeveloped regions, who do not yet have adequate access to health insurance and quality health services,” she said.

Education presents another major concern.

Although school participation remains relatively high in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, participation among adolescents aged 16 to 18 falls to around 88 percent.

Nationally, the situation is even more concerning, with an overall participation rate of only about 74 percent.

“Many young people lose opportunities to continue their education just as they are approaching productive age,” Lica said.

She stressed that expanding access to upper secondary education is essential for preparing Indonesia’s future workforce and improving the country’s long-term human capital.

Beyond improving education and health services, Lica emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment where children can actively participate in decisions affecting their lives.

“If we want to design child-friendly cities, children themselves should be involved in the discussion rather than simply becoming the target of policies,” she said.

She linked this approach to the principles of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), which encourage equal participation and opportunities for every member of society.

Lica emphasized that genuine inclusion begins by listening to children’s perspectives and ensuring their voices are reflected in policymaking.

“The essence of inclusion is making sure we truly listen to what children think,” she concluded.

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Artikel UGM Research Highlights Unequal Access to Education and Health Care for Indonesian Children pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The journey had already been difficult long before the examination.

As her father battled a serious illness, Rani spent much of her time at the hospital accompanying him while trying to prepare for both Indonesia’s National Test-Based Selection (SNBT) and UGM’s Computer-Based Independent Admission Test (UM UGM CBT). Balancing family responsibilities with exam preparation proved far from easy.

“My father was hospitalized, so it was difficult to concentrate on studying. After I wasn’t accepted through the SNBT, I immediately started preparing again for the UM UGM exam,” she recalled on Thursday (July 23).

Only days later, her father passed away.

Still grieving, Rani decided not to let her dream end there. With only 11 days remaining before the examination, she rebuilt her study routine from scratch. Almost every evening, she went to the regional public library, where she worked through between 100 and 200 practice questions each day.

“I studied mostly at the public library. For about 11 days, I completed between 100 and 200 practice questions every day,” she said.

Her determination paid off when she received the news that she had been accepted into her dream program at UGM.

Following her father’s passing, Rani now lives with her mother, Yuani, in their modest home in Suren Wetan Hamlet, Jetis District, Bantul Regency. Her mother supports the family by working as a laborer at a local tempeh chips production house.

As an only child, Rani said she feels a deep responsibility to honor both her mother’s sacrifices and her late father’s dream of seeing her study at UGM.

“I really want to make my mother happy because she’s the only parent I have now. My father always hoped I would be accepted to UGM. He was the one who took me to school, picked up my report cards, and constantly encouraged me to study,” she said emotionally.

Yuani admitted that financial concerns had always weighed heavily on the family. Even so, she and her late husband never wanted money to stand in the way of their daughter’s education.

“I’m so happy. Her father always hoped she could study at UGM. We didn’t know how we would pay for college, but we believed we would find a way,” she said.

Their worries eased when Rani was awarded a 100 percent tuition subsidy under UGM’s Single Tuition Fee (UKT) assistance scheme, allowing her to pursue her studies without paying tuition.

For Yuani, the scholarship represents not only financial relief but also the fulfillment of a dream that she and her husband had shared for years.

“I hope everything goes smoothly with your studies and that every challenge becomes easier. Keep learning and never stop pursuing your dreams,” she told her daughter.

Rani also demonstrated her determination through active involvement outside the classroom during her years at SMAN 2 Bantul.

She joined the school’s research club, where she helped conduct a study on the lives of waste pickers at the Piyungan landfill. She also served as vice chair of the Youth Red Cross (PMR), managed the school library through the Prapanca Muda student organization, and participated in various religious activities.

Those experiences, she said, taught her that success is measured not only by achievements but also by perseverance throughout the learning process.

“My teacher once told me that in research, winning is only a bonus. The most valuable thing is being able to complete the entire process,” she said.

Looking back on everything she has experienced over the past few months, Rani believes every setback has strengthened her resolve to pursue her dreams.

With her father’s encouragement in her heart and her mother’s unwavering support beside her, she now begins a new chapter at UGM—determined to honor her family’s sacrifices and build a brighter future through education.

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Artikel Overcoming Grief and Hardship, Rani Achieves Her Dream of Studying at UGM pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event recognized employees who retired in July 2026 by presenting certificates of appreciation and retirement awards in recognition of their years of dedication and service to the university.

Korpagama Chair Professor Achmadi Priyatmojo said every Korpagama member is eligible for the recognition, regardless of employment status or length of service. Both civil servants and employees appointed under the Rector’s decree receive certificates of appreciation and retirement benefits upon retirement. When a member passes away while still in active service, the same recognition is presented to the family.

“There is no minimum length of service required. Every Korpagama member is entitled to receive a certificate of appreciation and retirement award,” he said.

Professor Priyatmojo explained that the annual gathering reflects UGM’s appreciation for employees who have devoted decades of their careers to supporting the university’s mission.

“Many of our colleagues have dedicated 30 or even 40 years of service to UGM. Their commitment deserves our deepest appreciation,” he said.

He added that the retirees had contributed not only through teaching and research but also by supporting the university’s Tri Dharma missions in education, research, and community service. The event also provides an opportunity to strengthen connections between the university and its retired faculty and staff.

Among those honored was Professor Wiendu Nuryanti of UGM’s Faculty of Engineering and former Vice Minister of Education and Culture.

Reflecting on her career, Professor Wiendu described UGM as both an intellectual home and a Kawah Candradimuka. This place shaped her professionally while providing countless opportunities for learning and personal growth.

“Beyond knowledge itself, my interactions with students, the many opportunities to learn, and the dynamic environment at UGM have all been blessings that I will always cherish,” she said.

Looking ahead, Professor Wiendu encouraged fellow retirees to embrace the next stage of life with optimism while remaining active and connected with the university community.

“I hope we all enjoy good health, remain productive, continue supporting meaningful causes, and maintain the friendships we have built throughout our years at UGM,” she concluded.

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Artikel Korpagama Honors 14 Retiring UGM Employees pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Professor Nyoman Kertia, a rheumatology, internal medicine, and herbal medicine specialist at UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), said autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues instead of protecting it from harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

“If we estimate that around two percent of Indonesia’s adult population is affected, that would amount to approximately four million people living with autoimmune diseases,” Professor Nyoman said on Tuesday (July 21).

He explained that autoimmune diseases can affect virtually any organ, including the skin, kidneys, lungs, liver, and joints. While some patients experience only mild symptoms or remain symptom-free for years, others may develop severe, life-threatening complications.

Women account for approximately 80 percent of autoimmune patients, while men represent about 20 percent. According to Professor Nyoman, hormonal factors play an important role, as estrogen influences immune system activity, making women more susceptible to autoimmune disorders during their reproductive years. The condition can also pose serious risks during pregnancy, underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate medical care.

Although genetics contribute to autoimmune diseases, Professor Nyoman emphasized that hereditary factors alone do not determine whether someone will develop the condition. Environmental factors—including air pollution, unhealthy diets, and psychological stress—also play a significant role.

“Many patients search for information about their condition online. Unfortunately, misunderstandings often make them even more anxious. In fact, stress itself can worsen autoimmune diseases,” he said.

Among these risk factors, Professor Nyoman identified stress as one of the most important triggers. He noted that autoimmune diseases increasingly affect university students as well as working professionals because of prolonged psychological pressure.

“I have treated many students from UGM and other universities who were previously healthy but developed autoimmune diseases after experiencing academic pressure and various life challenges,” he said.

Professor Nyoman classified autoimmune diseases into two broad categories. Organ-specific autoimmune diseases affect a single organ, such as Hashimoto’s disease, which attacks the thyroid gland and may cause fatigue, weight gain, and reduced daily functioning. Other examples include autoimmune disorders affecting the pancreas, which can lead to type 1 diabetes, as well as diseases involving the kidneys and other individual organs.

Systemic autoimmune diseases, by contrast, affect multiple organs simultaneously. Lupus is among the most common examples, potentially involving the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and other organs. Other systemic autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and several autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

To reduce the risk of flare-ups, Professor Nyoman encouraged patients to manage three major triggers: excessive fatigue, stress, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

“In my opinion, these are the three most important things: avoid excessive fatigue, manage stress, and limit prolonged sun exposure,” he said.

He advised patients to balance daily activities with adequate rest and sleep, avoid becoming overwhelmed by their diagnosis, and use sun protection whenever prolonged outdoor activities are unavoidable.

Professor Nyoman added that no strong scientific evidence currently links specific foods to autoimmune flare-ups because triggers vary from one patient to another.

“That is why I encourage patients to understand their own bodies. In Javanese, we call it dititeni—carefully observing what you eat and whether certain foods make your symptoms worse,” he explained.

He also highlighted the importance of long-term treatment adherence. Some patients discontinue medication once they begin feeling better, mistakenly believing they have fully recovered. Others become discouraged after receiving their diagnosis and lose hope, both of which can complicate treatment.

Current therapies rely largely on immunosuppressive drugs that reduce immune activity to prevent the body from attacking itself. While these medications remain essential, Professor Nyoman said researchers continue exploring approaches that restore normal immune function rather than simply suppressing it.

“I became interested in herbal medicine research because I hope future therapies will be able to restore normal immune function instead of merely suppressing the immune system,” he said.

Professor Nyoman concluded by emphasizing that maintaining both physical and mental well-being remains one of the most effective ways to reduce autoimmune risk. He encouraged people—particularly those with a family history of autoimmune diseases—to manage stress, avoid excessive fatigue, limit prolonged sun exposure, and adopt healthy lifestyles by avoiding smoking and alcohol while maintaining a clean environment.

“The principle remains the same: avoid excessive stress, do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion, and limit excessive sun exposure,” he concluded.

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Hosea Immanuel Latumahina, a researcher at the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) UGM, said that, in practice, no country has yet effectively implemented a policy specifically restricting social media access for children under 16, apart from proposals that remain under development in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Drawing on research conducted by Latumahina and the CfDS team, he explained that these policy initiatives have emerged because digital technology and social media have become deeply embedded in children’s daily lives. Their primary motivation is to address the harmful impacts of internet use.

“The rationale for these policies stems from the harmful effects of digital technology and social media on children under the age of 16, including the commodification and monetization of data, as well as the leakage and misuse of personal data,” he said on Thursday (July 16).

Other concerns include cyberbullying, online harassment, exposure to soft pornography, digital addiction, and declining cognitive ability. Although several countries share similar concerns, their policy approaches differ. Australia, for example, focuses on minimizing the harmful effects of social media rather than imposing an outright ban. At the same time, Vietnam and China concentrate on limiting the amount of time children spend on online games.

Latumahina noted that Indonesia’s approach is distinctive because it combines several policy objectives adopted elsewhere. It seeks simultaneously to restrict access, reduce potential harms, and prevent online risks—a combination that makes the policy highly complex and potentially vulnerable to overregulation.

“Indonesia’s policy must ensure proportionality and consistency in its implementation,” he emphasized.

He also questioned whether the policy risks becoming overly reactive, noting that governments sometimes introduce measures simply because other countries have done so.

“We also question the primary rationale behind this policy. Do comparisons with other countries drive it? That is concerning if this policy is merely reactive,” he said.

According to Latumahina, Indonesia should carefully assess whether such a policy is genuinely needed within its own context. Problems associated with internet use—including data breaches, cyberbullying, and online harassment—affect not only children but also teenagers and adults.

Because implementation is still in its early stages and currently relies primarily on platform-led self-risk assessments, he said it is too early to evaluate the policy’s effectiveness. In his view, success should not be measured solely by how effectively children are prevented from creating social media accounts, but by how well the policy balances children’s right to protection with their rights to access information, participate, and express themselves online, as outlined in General Comment No. 25 of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Latumahina acknowledged that the policy could benefit both children and the digital industry. It could encourage platforms to comply with regulations while developing more child-friendly features, including privacy settings, parental controls, and reliable age-verification systems.

For children, he said, effective implementation combined with stronger digital literacy education could reduce exposure to cybercrime while improving cognitive development and social skills. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the policy could also produce unintended consequences. It may limit children’s rights to participate and access information online, push them toward alternative platforms with weaker security measures, and encourage attempts to circumvent age-verification systems.

“Such practices could reduce both the credibility and effectiveness of age verification mechanisms,” he explained.

In closing, Latumahina stressed that creating a safer digital environment requires more than restrictions alone. Governments, industry, parents, and educators all have important roles to play. He also called for stronger digital literacy and digital ethics education in schools alongside the development of child-centered digital platforms equipped with privacy protections, parental consent mechanisms, and age assurance by design.

“Without this education, restrictions will merely postpone the risks until children reach the age of 16,” he concluded.

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Dr. Zaenal Muttaqien Sofro, a physiology lecturer at UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), said declining brain function is caused not by scrolling itself but by the prolonged sitting that usually accompanies it.

“The human brain requires about 20 percent of the total oxygen used by the body. Therefore, the first key to maintaining brain health is oxygen,” he said on Thursday (July 16).

As bipedal beings, humans constantly face gravitational challenges that influence how blood is distributed throughout the body. When a person stands up suddenly after lying down, blood flow to the brain can decrease by as much as 60 percent, and the body needs time to adapt.

For that reason, Dr. Sofro advised against getting out of bed immediately after waking. Instead, he recommends lying on one side for about 30 seconds before sitting up, remaining seated for another 30 seconds—to pray or rest quietly—and then standing gradually while performing about eight heel raises to help pump blood back to the brain.

According to Dr. Sofro, prolonged sitting poses a significant risk to brain health because it allows more blood to pool in the lower body, reducing blood supply to the brain.

“The main issue is not scrolling itself but prolonged sitting, which causes more blood to collect in the lower body because of gravity,” he explained.

To reduce the risk, he recommends limiting uninterrupted sitting to no more than one hour. After that, people should stand up, walk, or do light stretching for about two minutes before returning to their activities.

Drawing on his research using the orthostatic test, Dr. Sofro explained that the body’s ability to adapt to changes in posture depends largely on the condition of organs below the brain, particularly the heart, lungs, and circulatory system.

“If these fundamental systems function properly, brain function will also be optimal. Conversely, if these systems are impaired, the brain will also be affected,” he said.

Exercise, he added, is now widely recognized as part of healthcare through the concept of Exercise is Medicine. Like medication, exercise requires the right type, dose, intensity, frequency, and duration to produce optimal benefits.

“In addition to improving physical fitness, exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce pain,” he said.

Not every type of exercise, however, offers the same benefits for brain health. Competitive sports such as futsal, tennis, and badminton involve rapid and constantly changing movements, making proper physical preparation essential. Cases of sudden death during exercise still occur because of imbalances in the body’s physiological systems, particularly when people exercise shortly after eating.

“If the center regulating the digestive system becomes too dominant—for example, when someone exercises after eating—the heart may not function optimally, increasing the risk of cardiac problems and even sudden death,” he explained.

He therefore advised the public to avoid strenuous exercise immediately after meals, including activities such as swimming, which may increase the risk of cramps or heart-related complications when performed at the wrong time.

To maximize the benefits of exercise for both brain function and overall health, Dr. Sofro highlighted three key principles. First, exercise should engage large muscle groups, particularly those in the legs and arms. Second, movements should be rhythmic, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling at a steady pace. Third, the activity should be sustained continuously for about 30 to 40 minutes without major interruptions or sudden changes in intensity.

“By following these principles, exercise can improve physical fitness while also helping maintain optimal brain function,” he concluded.

Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Magnific

Artikel Exercise Protects Brain Health From Excessive Scrolling and Sedentary Behavior, UGM Expert Says pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Commenting on the case, Professor Gabriel Lele of the Department of Public Policy and Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) said it reflects weaknesses in the institutional design of Indonesia’s law enforcement system. According to him, concentrating extensive authority in a single institution without adequate oversight creates opportunities for abuse of power.

“We are talking about an institution entrusted with combating corruption, yet it has itself become the center of a corruption case. When a single institution concentrates excessive authority without adequate oversight from other institutions, particularly from the public, people can abuse that authority very easily,” he said on Tuesday (July 21).

Professor Lele explained that institutions such as the Office of the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes exercise broad authority in handling major corruption cases. Such powers, he said, must be balanced by effective oversight through both interagency supervision and meaningful public participation.

“The principle of mutual oversight is essential. Oversight should not only come from other government institutions but must also ensure that the public has sufficient space to monitor the process,” he said.

Asked about the decision to leave the investigation under the Attorney General’s Office, Professor Lele said the arrangement could present both institutional and psychological challenges because the case involves a senior official from within the same institution.

“In my view, it could be described as a strategy to cool down the situation. However, it also places the Attorney General’s Office in a difficult position. How can it thoroughly resolve a case involving one of its own senior officials?” he said.

According to Professor Lele, such circumstances could undermine public confidence in the investigation. He argued that transferring the case to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) would better safeguard the independence of the legal process.

“The ideal solution would be to transfer the case to the KPK. If the Attorney General’s Office continues to handle it, there are psychological and institutional constraints, and I believe the public will have little confidence that investigators can thoroughly investigate the case,” he said.

Professor Lele also noted that major corruption cases often involve individuals with significant political and economic influence. Such practices, he said, tend to be systematic and supported by extensive networks, making them difficult to uncover if investigations focus only on individuals who become publicly visible.

“Large-scale corruption always involves elites with enormous power. One of its characteristics is that it is highly sophisticated and even institutionalized. It is difficult to trace what is actually happening unless conflicts emerge among the elites themselves,” he said.

“Who can uncover all of this? If investigators come solely from within the Attorney General’s Office, they already face difficulties in investigating their own superiors, let alone pursuing even more powerful figures behind the case,” he said.

He expressed hope that investigators would uncover the broader network behind the alleged corruption rather than focusing solely on individuals who come to public attention. In his view, anti-corruption efforts should address systemic problems rather than concentrating only on individual perpetrators.

Professor Lele added that the President, as head of state, should take steps to ensure the investigation proceeds independently and transparently. He suggested that transferring the case to the KPK could strengthen public confidence by ensuring a more impartial legal process.

“At the very least, in terms of independence, the public’s expectations are more likely to be fulfilled than if the case remains under the Attorney General’s Office,” he concluded.

Author: Agito Sitepu

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-Editor: Jasmine Ferdian

Photo: Magnific

Artikel UGM Professor Urges Stronger Institutional Oversight in Former Jampidsus Corruption Investigation pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.