The klitih phenomenon involving adolescents continues to attract public attention in Yogyakarta. Why do children who should be holding books instead carry sharp weapons? Where does the breakdown in communication between them and adults occur?
This topic was featured in the latest episode of Obrolan Psikologi (OPSI), a psychology talk show produced collaboratively by the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and TVRI Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (16/6). Hosted by Ferry Anggara, the eighth episode featured Kompol Angela Yohana Melati Kusumasari, S.Psi., M.Psi., and Istiana Tajuddin, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, discussing the social and psychological issues behind street crimes committed by adolescents.
The klitih phenomenon refers to street crimes committed with sharp weapons, often by teenagers in Yogyakarta.
“For adolescents, being part of a social environment is extremely important, so their main consideration is wanting to be accepted here,” said Istiana.
Psychologically, adolescents are at a stage of rapid limbic system development, making decision-making often emotional. The need to be accepted in a group or gain social recognition frequently drives aggressive behavior to feel a sense of power or control.
“There are environmental and peer factors, where peer influence encourages participation, and family factors such as discipline and parenting styles also strongly shape behavioral choices,” Angela explained.
Lack of supervision and ineffective communication often leave parents unaware of their child’s activities outside the home. Angela emphasized that family communication strongly influences adolescent behavior, and parents should act as active facilitators who understand the modern adolescent world, rather than merely enforcing rules or sanctions.
“When parents act this way, children learn that violence will be tolerated,” added Istiana.
Parents who justify violence, for instance through corporal punishment, may inadvertently teach children that aggression is acceptable. Therefore, parental firmness is essential, with clear boundaries between right and wrong.
As a preventive effort, the Indonesian National Police introduced the “Ibu Memanggil” program, a humanistic initiative involving parents in monitoring children during nighttime and coordinating with authorities when necessary.
Collaboration is critical in raising children, and parents should remain open to feedback from their environment to better understand their children. Additionally, parents need to monitor their own emotional states, as frustration and personal stress can affect their relationship with their children.
Angela reminded viewers that “Our children are not downloaded.” She emphasized that children are born because they are desired, and it is a shared responsibility to guide and support them in shaping their future.
This discussion underlines that guiding children in the context of the klitih phenomenon requires patience, effective communication, and a warm approach. With this strategy, children can find a healthy “way home,” while parents learn to understand the ever-evolving world of adolescents.
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Author: Arrasya Aninggadhira
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana