
Indonesian Youth Violence: A Deep Dive into the Causes and Solutions
Youth Brawls in Indonesia: A Look at the Root Causes and Potential Solutions Manggarai, Jakarta, Indonesia – A recent brawl involving dozens of youths in Manggarai, Jakarta, has once again brought to light the persistent problem of youth violence in Indonesia. The incident, which occurred in early May 2025 and was captured on social media, showed young people attacking each other with metal rods in broad daylight. Muhammad Lutfi, a victim of a similar attack on May 4th, shared his experience. "I was taking a nap in a parking lot when I was attacked by a group of people with a sickle," he recounted. He sustained injuries requiring stitches to his head. His experience reflects the pervasive nature of this violence. Ichsan Malik, a peace and conflict resolution expert, offered insights into addressing the problem. He stated, "Firstly, brawl escalation should not be allowed. Secondly, the triggering factors should be reduced. And thirdly, the law must be enforced." His recommendations underscore the multifaceted approach needed to tackle this issue. The video footage and interviews highlight the urgent need for intervention, emphasizing the importance of job creation to keep youths occupied, stricter law enforcement, and a focus on preventing the escalation of minor conflicts before they turn violent.