December 1, 2025 | 06:47 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of SMAN 72 Jakarta high school speaks out about the alleged bullying incidents at the school. The bullying allegations were previously linked to an explosion carried out by one of the students.
The head of SMAN 72 Jakarta, Tetty Helena Tampubolon, denies the existence of bullying at her school. "Apparently, there is no bullying," Tetty told Tempo on Friday, November 29, 2025.
Tetty claims to have confirmed the bullying allegations with the student who conveyed the information. "I asked the student who claimed there was bullying, and he apologized and admitted that there was no bullying," she said.
According to Tetty, the student felt pressured when questioned by many people, which led to the statement. "But if his statement turns out to be true, I certainly will not defend the bully," said Tetty.
The explosion on Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025, injured at least 96 people. From the investigation, it was revealed that the perpetrator was a student who felt lonely and had no space to express his grievances.
The Spokesperson of the Indonesian National Police's Densus 88 Anti-Terrorism Unit, Commissioner Mayndra Eka Wardhana, said that mental turmoil was the main trigger for the perpetrator's decision to detonate the bomb. The student often felt lonely and marginalized, which led to a desire for revenge.
A student, ZA, one level below the perpetrator, revealed allegations of bullying experienced by the perpetrator. He has not been able to confirm who bullied the student yet. "Yes, it's true (about the bullying), that's what made him (apparently) mentally weak," said ZA when interviewed by Tempo shortly after the explosion.
Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Aris Adi Leksono, said the perpetrator was known as a quiet figure at school. "There are scribbles on his desk that depict his lonely condition," said Aris to Tempo on Wednesday, November 22, 2025.
However, Aris has not been able to prove that the perpetrator was a victim of bullying. "According to his homeroom teacher, (the perpetrator) has been advised and accompanied many times, but it is not certain that his emotional approach was appropriate," he said.
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