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.