JustUpdateOnline.com – Jambi, A long-serving English instructor at SMKN 3 Tanjung Jabung Timur has officially initiated legal proceedings against a group of his own students following a violent physical confrontation. Agus Saputra, who has taught at the institution for 15 years, filed a formal complaint with the Jambi Regional Police on Thursday, January 16, marking a significant escalation in a case that has captured widespread public attention.
While Saputra initially expressed reluctance to involve the law out of concern for the teenagers’ academic futures and psychological well-being, he ultimately decided that the severity of the incident required a formal response. According to his brother, Nasir, the decision was driven by the physical toll of the assault—which left the teacher with visible bruising on his back, face, and arms—as well as the significant psychological distress and damage to his professional standing caused by the viral nature of the conflict.
The legal move follows an internal mediation session at the school involving representatives from the military, police, the local education department, and parents. During these discussions, the 12 students involved were instructed to sign formal pledges promising to refrain from future misconduct. However, the atmosphere remains tense, with some student representatives and school officials suggesting that transferring Saputra to a different facility might be necessary for his own protection and to restore order within the school environment.
The roots of the altercation remain a point of contention. Reports suggest the violence may have been triggered by a verbal exchange regarding a student’s socioeconomic background, though Saputra has clarified that his remarks were not intended as an insult. Meanwhile, the head of the student council (OSIS) offered an apology for the violence while noting that student emotions had boiled over due to perceived grievances regarding the teacher’s instructional style.
National and local organizations have weighed in on the crisis. Nanang Sunarya, representing the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) in Jambi, emphasized that while violence is never acceptable, educators must also be mindful of their communication with pupils. Simultaneously, Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives, condemned the anarchy, stating that educational institutions must remain safe havens and calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter to ensure justice is served.