Viral Video Sparks National Concern
A violent assault involving a teacher and students at State Vocational High School (SMKN) 3 Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi, has triggered widespread debate on school safety, discipline, and respect for educators after videos of the incident went viral online.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, 13 January 2026, when English teacher Agus Saputra, also referred to in reports as Agus Sunaryo, was walking past a classroom during lesson time. From inside, a student allegedly shouted words Agus considered crude, inappropriate, and degrading to his dignity as an educator.
Feeling verbally harassed, Agus entered the classroom and asked who was responsible.
One Slap, Then Escalation
One student stepped forward and admitted to making the remark. Agus later said the student’s body language was challenging. In a moment of emotion, he admitted to slapping the student once, describing it as a reflexive reprimand.
“It was a reflex, a single slap. That was the start of the incident,” he said during a clarification session at the Jambi Provincial Education Office on Wednesday, 14 January.
Another teacher intervened and briefly diffused the situation. However, tensions did not subside.
Teacher Assaulted by Multiple Students
As the school day continued, students reportedly continued provoking Agus. Although mediation was attempted in a room equipped with CCTV cameras, the situation deteriorated again later.
While Agus was heading towards the teachers’ room, he was attacked by a group of students from different year levels. He sustained bruises to his back and cheek. Later in the afternoon, another group allegedly pelted him with stones.
“I was assaulted. The video went viral. Many students were involved, from grades 1, 2, and 3,” Agus said.
Footage circulating online shows students shouting insults and threats, with some allegedly warning they would block his way home.
Sickle Brandished, Not to Harm
Another viral clip showed Agus holding a sickle on school grounds, prompting public alarm. Agus clarified that he had no intention of hurting anyone.
“I just want them to disband, I have no intention of causing harm.”
He said the sickle was used purely for self-defence to scare off students who were ganging up on him. According to Agus, sickles and similar tools are readily available at the school because it offers agricultural vocational training.
“Thank God nothing happened. I would think ten times before harming a student.”
Alleged Remarks About Parents Denied
Agus also addressed allegations that he had insulted a student by saying, “your parents are poor”. He denied any intent to demean.
According to him, the remark was meant as general motivation, encouraging students from less privileged backgrounds not to fall into negative behaviour. However, the students reportedly took offence.
Agus also claimed he had been repeatedly verbally bullied by the same student prior to the incident, and that the slap was the culmination of ongoing provocation.
Hesitant to Report Students to Police
Despite being physically assaulted, Agus said he was reluctant to file a police report.
“I get chills thinking about reporting this to the police. They are my students, still in school and psychologically in need of guidance.”
He also revealed that he did not attend a mediation session organised at school because he was not given assurances regarding his personal safety. Instead, he went directly to the provincial education office to give his account.
Calls for Transfer, School Stabilised
During mediation, a proposal emerged for Agus to be transferred to another assignment, aligning with student demands. Agus has taught at SMKN 3 Tanjung Jabung Timur for 15 years and said he is prepared to move schools if it ensures safety.
“If they don’t want me back, I am ready to move schools for their comfort and my safety.”
School principal Ranto M confirmed the assault and said mediation involved Forkopimcam, police, military representatives (Babinsa), and school authorities. He added that the situation is now under control, with classes continuing as normal.
Teachers’ Association Condemns Violence
Nanang Sunarya, chairman of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) Jambi, strongly condemned the student violence.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence, especially since the assault took place within the school environment.”
However, he also cautioned that teachers must maintain appropriate language, urging the case to be viewed objectively. According to Nanang, both restraint by teachers and respect from students are essential.
Online Outrage and Wider Fears
The video was shared by Instagram account @ichalago, whose owner criticised the incident.
“Whatever your teacher says, if the actions of the students are like this, ganging up on someone, it is clearly a criminal act.”
He noted that the assault appeared premeditated, as students recorded and uploaded the incident themselves, adding that such cases intimidate teachers nationwide.
Authorities Promise Preventive Steps
Head of the Tanjung Jabung Timur Education Office, Syafaruddin, said such an assault on a teacher had never occurred before in the area. He described the case as a serious lesson and said his office would strengthen outreach and values education at primary and junior secondary levels to prevent recurrence.
The incident has reignited broader concerns over school discipline, power imbalance, and the safety of educators in Indonesia’s education system.
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