UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito called on students across the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) to reject violence, bullying, drugs, and other forms of juvenile delinquency during a province-wide campaign promoting safer and more respectful school communities.
The campaign followed the issuance of Governor’s Instruction No. 6512 of 2026 on Handling School-Age Juvenile Delinquency Leading to Criminal Acts in Public Spaces. As part of the initiative, senior and vocational high schools across the province simultaneously held flag ceremonies and a Joint Declaration by the School Community on Monday (July 20).
Serving as the flag ceremony inspector at SMA Negeri 4 Yogyakarta, Dr. Arie delivered the Governor’s message to students, teachers, and school staff during the ceremony at Karangwaru Field.
In his address, Dr. Arie reminded students that Yogyakarta has long been recognized as Indonesia’s city of education and culture, producing many of the nation’s leaders. However, he said the province is now facing growing concerns over juvenile delinquency, including incidents involving students carrying sharp weapons and harming themselves through the misuse of illegal drugs and adulterated alcoholic beverages.
“Real change begins when a child chooses to speak up instead of remaining silent, and when they choose to refuse rather than follow harmful influences,” he said.
Referring to the Javanese principle eling lan waspada (“be mindful and vigilant”), Dr. Arie encouraged students to remain aware of who they are, remember their parents’ hopes for them, and stay alert because today’s dangers often appear in appealing forms. He emphasized that the DIY Government, together with schools, universities, families, and law enforcement agencies, shares responsibility for protecting children.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the Jaga Warga (Community Watch) initiative, encouraging communities to look after children who remain outside late at night, provide guidance respectfully, and report situations that may put young people at risk.
“Starting tonight, make it a habit to be at home during children’s designated rest hours, and keep the 110 emergency call center number readily available. A single phone call could save your friend’s life,” he said.
Dr. Arie stressed that no child is born intending to become a perpetrator of violence. Instead, he said harmful behavior often begins with seemingly small decisions, such as following the wrong group of friends, seeking acceptance, or trying to appear courageous. True courage, he added, lies in having the confidence to reject negative influences and protect both oneself and others.
He reminded students that they are future doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, members of the armed forces and police, and national leaders whose potential should never be lost because of a single poor decision.
“Choose friends who inspire you to grow. Have the courage to report violence or drug abuse when you witness it. Go home on time and respect your parents. Taking care of yourself is one of the greatest ways to honor those who have worked so hard to raise you,” he said.
Addressing parents, Dr. Arie said that although schools serve as students’ second home, families remain their first and most important line of protection. He encouraged parents to understand their children’s social circles and remain actively involved in their development.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting children, he emphasized that protection should never be interpreted as tolerance for unlawful behavior.
“However, for those who have lost their way, the doors to guidance and rehabilitation will always remain open. What we oppose is the behavior, not the child’s future,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Arie invited senior and vocational high school students throughout Yogyakarta to commit themselves to rejecting violence, bullying, drugs, alcoholic beverages, sharp weapons, and all forms of juvenile delinquency that endanger themselves and others. He encouraged them to become a generation defined by achievement, integrity, and dignity, emphasizing that the future of Yogyakarta is being shaped in today’s classrooms.
“Always return home to the house where the porch light is left on to welcome you, and become that light for your parents, your teachers, and the Special Region of Yogyakarta that we all cherish,” he concluded.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Donnie