Jakarta – Deputy Chairman‌ of Commission X of⁢ the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Lalu Hadrian, has demanded strict⁤ sanctions‍ against a lecturer from the University of Islamic Majapahit (UIM) who went viral for ​spitting at a supermarket cashier⁣ after being reprimanded for cutting in line.Hadrian characterized the act ⁤as uncivilized and damaging to ‍the dignity of the teaching profession.

“I think, not only as a lecturer, this attitude of spitting is an uncivilized act, degrading human dignity, and absolutely cannot be tolerated⁤ in any social life,” Lalu Hadrian told reporters on Monday,​ december 29, 2025.

Hadrian emphasized that spitting at public service workers is unacceptable under any circumstances. He argued that the act transcends personal ⁢emotions and ⁤touches upon fundamental ⁣human values⁢ and social ethics.

“Lecturers are educators and moral role models‌ in the public sphere,so arrogant attitudes,especially the act of spitting at service⁤ workers,clearly conflict with the values⁣ of academic ethics,social etiquette,and the dignity of the teaching profession,” he stated.

“Emotional⁤ reasons cannot ⁤be used as ⁤justification, because self-control is actually part‌ of a lecturer’s integrity,” he added.

Context and Implications

This incident​ highlights ‌a⁣ growing concern in Indonesia regarding public behavior and respect for service workers. While isolated incidents​ of rudeness occur globally, the act of spitting carries a notably strong negative connotation in Indonesian‌ culture, ‌often‍ seen as a sign of extreme disrespect and⁢ aggression.

The⁣ call for sanctions⁢ from a high-ranking member of the​ DPR suggests the government is taking the matter ⁢seriously. Potential sanctions could range from reprimands and mandatory sensitivity training⁤ to suspension ⁣or even termination of employment, ‌depending on​ the university’s internal regulations and⁢ the severity of the disciplinary process.

The Role of Educators as Role Models

the incident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities​ of educators to serve as positive role models for their students and the wider community. Lecturers, ⁤in particular, are expected to uphold high ethical standards and demonstrate respectful behavior in all interactions.

Potential Sanctions and Legal Framework

While there isn’t a specific law ⁢directly addressing spitting as a criminal offense in‌ Indonesia, the lecturer’s ⁢actions⁤ could potentially fall under broader categories of assault or public disturbance, ‍depending on the specific circumstances and ‌local regulations.However, the primary response is likely to ⁣come​ from ​the UIM itself through its internal disciplinary procedures.