Bersuara Projek is a groundbreaking youth-led endeavour aimed at combating bullying and fostering safer environments in Bandung, Indonesia. In alignment with ‘Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice, and strong institutions’, Team IDE, comprised of Indira Akmalia Hendri, Deftendy Virgiatman, and Eli Sulistyowati, introduced an innovative solution named “Bersuara Projek” during the Champion Ideathon 2023 in Bandung.
To transform Bandung into a secure and healthy city, the Safe and Sound Cities (S2Cities) programme enlisted young people to offer innovative solutions in the “Social Innovation Ideathon 2023: Youth Urun Idea for Bandung City” for three specific problems: bullying, waste management, and the creation of public spaces.
Bullying cases stand out as a major concern in Bandung City, drawing significant attention. The spectrum of bullying in Bandung spans from physical violence and verbal abuse to cyberbullying. During a site visit to a local school, the team discovered that approximately 1605 students had experienced bullying. Observations revealed that the underlying factors contributing to bullying in Bandung City are multifaceted, including academic pressure, lack of parental supervision, and the influence of social media.
Bullying demands urgent attention from various stakeholders due to its severe repercussions on victims, perpetrators, and the overall community. Victims often endure detrimental effects on their mental health, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and even suicidal ideation. Additionally, bullying negatively impacts academic performance by hindering concentration and motivation to learn, as well as impeding the development of healthy social relationships.
Perpetrators of bullying also face significant consequences, as their behaviour may lead to future involvement in violence and criminal activities. Furthermore, their social skills are compromised, making it difficult to foster positive interactions and maintain a healthy self-image. The ramifications of bullying extend beyond individuals to encompass the broader community environment. Unsafe school environments fostered by bullying can hinder learning, while incidents within schools can escalate into community-wide violence.
The Solution
Through collaboration with DP3A, Bersuara Projek (World Research Institute Indonesia) partnered with the Senandung Perdana application. This application serves as a platform for children in Bandung to report bullying incidents. The concept of a bullying-reporting application was initially proposed by the Bersuara Projek team during the hackathon, with the Senandung Perdana application offering a distinct approach to its features.
To promote awareness about bullying and facilitate the dissemination of the application, the project launched a pocketbook titled “Bersuara Tindak Perundungan.” This pocketbook serves as a guide for students and teachers, equipping them with the knowledge to combat bullying and create safe school environments. It covers topics such as the definition of bullying, its causes and consequences, prevention strategies, and reporting procedures.
Solution Implementation
The implementation of the Senandung Perdana application, developed in collaboration with DP3A and Bersuara Projek (WRI), is currently underway. While the Bersuara Projek contributes to certain aspects of the application, the development process is primarily managed by DP3A Bandung. Continuous enhancements are being made to the application’s features with input from experts in supporting bullying victims, aiming to provide effective assistance to those affected.
Our primary focus during this process has been on the pocketbook. The launch of “Bersuara Tindak Perundungan” aligns perfectly with our goal of raising awareness about bullying. This comprehensive guide empowers students and teachers with the knowledge and resources needed to address and prevent bullying incidents. Our collaboration with the government has been pivotal in driving this initiative forward, fostering a productive partnership dedicated to creating safer school environments. Together, we are taking significant strides towards our collective goal of eradicating bullying and nurturing a culture of respect and empathy.
