Jakarta (ANTARA) – Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi called for public restraint following the discovery of nearly 1,000 weapons at a private school in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, emphasizing the need to protect students’ privacy.
“Children must not bear the burden of an issue that is beyond their responsibility. Let us protect their privacy and psychological well-being, so that they can continue learning in a comfortable environment,” she said.
Speaking in Jakarta on Sunday, Fauzi expressed concern over the case, which also involved the discovery of narcotics and 25 pornographic CDs in a room within the school complex in Pondok Pinang.
The minister underscored the need for school management to ensure that teaching and learning activities were not disrupted.
She also urged the school management to conduct a thorough inspection of all rooms and facilities on the school premises and strengthen supervision to provide students with a safe and comfortable learning environment that supports their growth.
“We respect the ongoing investigation and trust the police to look deeper into this case. We will not preempt the legal process. However, safeguarding the interests of the children must remain the top priority,” Fauzi said.
South Jakarta police seized 996 weapons at the private school, as confirmed by the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Police on Friday (Aug. 7).
Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto told the press in Jakarta that the cache consisted of 995 air guns and one Franchi SPAS15 12-gauge combat shotgun, which was confirmed to have belonged to a man who died in 2020.
“As for the other 995, they comprise four 4.5mm air rifles, 215 air pistols of 4.5mm caliber, and 776 air revolvers of 4.5mm caliber,” he added.
Budi said police had summoned IW, the former chair of the school’s foundation, for questioning.
Related news: Police seize 996 guns from South Jakarta school
Translator: A.P. Dewi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
Copyright © ANTARA 2026