Indonesian city considers China-style boot camps after youth crime surge

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi proposed the idea in response to a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence, in Depok city

An Indonesian politician has proposed China-inspired military rehabilitation for youth facing difficulties amid an increase in juvenile delinquency in his area.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi said his idea of a voluntary military-style discipline programme in Depok city was inspired by China’s youth reformation model, according to English-language newspaper Jakarta Globe.

According to the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, mainland China mandates education and rehabilitation for misbehaving children in special correctional schools.

This approach aims to tackle underlying issues like family dynamics and the school environment. Individuals aged 13 to 28 who commit minor offences may be placed in reformatories or work-study schools, focusing on education and vocational training.

Some Chinese parents also enrol their children in camps that emphasise character development and provide military training

“I’ve seen how China uses this method. The results are that children are more energetic, optimistic, and have a clear direction in life. This could be part of our future,” Mulyadi said on Friday.

Depok, a city about 25km (15.5 miles) from Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, has experienced a surge in youth crimes, including drug abuse, and violent behaviour in recent years.

Each year, numerous street brawls involving hundreds of teenagers occur, often resulting in multiple fatalities. The delinquents have become more brazen, resisting arrest and clashing with police, according to the Jakarta Globe.

The latest incident took place on Monday, when two groups of teenagers gathered with sharp weapons on a street in the city, as reported by online media Kompas.com.

Most fled when police arrived; however, two were arrested but later released into their parents’ custody.

“Apparently, the parents were still willing to educate their sons and came to pick them up,” Depok police colonel Iman Widhiarto told Kompas.com.

On Friday night, dozens of teenagers armed with sharp weapons clashed in a busy street, causing panic among nearby residents.

Ironically, the fight took place during Depok’s 26th anniversary celebrations at city hall, where Mulyadi was making his proposal, the Jakarta Globe reported.

Mulyadi said that many parents were struggling to manage their children’s destructive behaviour, which included consuming alcohol, using drugs, and misbehaving at home.

“Many parents have reached their limit. Their children are using drugs and drinking liquor. It’s difficult to manage, and some families are being financially drained,” he said.

Some desperate parents have reportedly hailed his proposal.

“When I presented the idea to parents, they applauded enthusiastically. That shows how real their concern is,” Mulyadi added.

The proposed rehabilitation boot camp would be entirely voluntary, he added. “If parents don’t see the need, of course, they won’t be forced to hand over their children.”

“I want to create a programme for naughty children, who don’t want to go to school at home, who want to eat all the time, race motorbikes and fight their parents,” he said, according to news portal JPNN.com.

“Just hand over children like that to the Depok city government to be rehabilitated in a military or police complex.”

He plans to start the programme later this month. “Later we will prepare the budget. For six months to a year, they will be trained directly by the military and police,” he said.

Not everyone agrees with Mulyadi’s proposal.

“There are already legal regulations, why should we make things up? We just need to follow the provisions [in the law],” Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi said on Wednesday, according to JNN.com.

“If they are old enough, between 12 and 18 years and above, that’s considered criminal. Criminal punishment is carried out so that it has a deterrent effect. Central Java is proof of that.”