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National scene: Govt forbids bullying in orientation programs
JAKARTA: The Research and Technology and Higher Education Ministry has banned bullying in the Study Orientation and Getting Acquainted with School program (OSPEK) for new university students
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AKARTA: The Research and Technology and Higher Education Ministry has banned bullying in the Study Orientation and Getting Acquainted with School program (OSPEK) for new university students.
'Orientation programs in universities should not involve bullying practices. If it happens, [the ministry] will take action,' said Research and Technology and Higher Education Minister Muhammad Nasir on Sunday.
He said that orientation programs should be aimed at introducing the university's campus and its activities.
The ministry has circulated the ban to the universities since June. There are sanctions for any individuals who fail to comply with the order, including rectors.
'If it involves senior students, they will get academic sanctions. If it is categorized a crime, then they will be directly expelled,' said Nasir.
The Culture and Elementary and Secondary Education Ministry that oversees primary and secondary schools have also made similar calls to school principals.
New students are often the targets of bullying that is often conducted by their seniors during orientation programs. The bullying sometimes involves physical and psychological abuse. In some cases, it even results in severe injuries and death.
