REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The culprit behind a bullying incident that occurred at a university in Depok, West Java, can be penalized, according to Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission X member Ledia Hanifa.

"We should remember that according to Law Number 8 of 2016 on people with disabilities, anyone engaging in acts of discrimination against them could be penalized," Hanifa stated in a press release on Monday.

Hanifa expressed regret over the incident in which a college student, who is assumed to have a better educational level, could bully a person with disabilities.

Furthermore, the incident occurred at an educational institute, so it is a matter of even greater concern. Hence, the institution where the culprit and victim study should immediately conduct an investigation and take strict action against the offender.

"The incident should be investigated in a detailed, honest, just, and open manner. Moreover, it is not the first time that the victim has experienced bullying," she stated.

Hanifa said according to the law, the paradigm of the nation's efforts towards people with disabilities changes from "charity base" to "right base," which grants them rights in pursuit of ensuring equal rights and protection from exploitation, insults, and other acts of discrimination.

Verse 143 of this law strictly forbids anyone from hindering people with disabilities from exercising their rights, such as the right to be free from discrimination.

Meanwhile, verse 145 states that anyone engaging in such acts will face a two-year prison term or be fined as much as Rp200 million.

Earlier, Disabilities Care Forum (FPD) in Jember, East Java, had condemned the incident that occurred at the Gunadarma University, Depok, East Java, in which a person with disabilities became a victim of bullying.

"We highly condemn the student who bullied the autistic student in that university, especially after the video of the incident went viral on social media," Kusbandono Ibrahim, Jember FPD's coordinator, stated in Jember on Monday (July 17).

According to Ibrahim, the incident was planned, as it was recorded and shared on social media platforms.

FPD Jember condemns the act, as it opposes any violation of basic human rights.

"We urge the management of Gunadarma University to impose strict punishment on the culprit," he added.

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