The explosion case at SMAN 72 Jakarta due to alleged bullying highlights the importance of guidance and counseling teachers' role. Psychologist Prof Henndy Ginting views guidance teachers as the frontline in early detection of students' mental issues. Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat urges enhancing their role by eliminating the 'school police' stigma.
The explosion at SMAN 72 Jakarta, suspected to be carried out by a bullying victim student, has drawn national attention to bullying among students. The incident occurred on November 13, 2025, causing burn injuries and head trauma to several victims.
Prof Henndy Ginting, Deputy Chair II of the Indonesian Psychological Association (Himpsi) and professor at the School of Business and Management ITB, emphasizes that guidance and counseling teachers (Guru BK) play a strategic role in preventing and detecting bullying. 'The role of guidance teachers is actually very strategic, especially in handling students' mental and psychological issues. But often, guidance teachers are sidelined,' he said when contacted by Republika on Thursday (13/11/2025).
He recommends policy changes in schools so that guidance teachers are not just administrative but partners to principals in students' psychological well-being. Initial steps include assessments and screenings of all students to map perpetrators, victims, defenders, and passive parties. 'From the screening results, it can be seen who likes to bully, who is bullied, and who can be defenders. This defender group needs to be strengthened so bullies don't get bolder,' explained Prof Henndy.
Guidance teachers should also conduct direct observations in school environments, such as during breaks or in the canteen, to recognize social dynamics. However, this role requires collaboration with subject teachers, homeroom teachers, and students as change agents.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat urges guidance teachers to view students as family for emotional closeness. 'Therefore, the role that guidance teachers must take is comprehensive in viewing students,' he said on the night of November 13, 2025. Atip highlights the importance of mental health support, emotion management, and early detection through in-depth observations, including for students with special needs. He acknowledges the challenge of the 'school police' stigma focusing on discipline rather than counseling. 'This bad stigma must be eliminated and guidance teachers placed in their true dignity,' he asserted.
Both experts agree that empowering guidance teachers is essential for students' holistic development and preventing similar incidents.