"Likewise, if we refer to the Symphony-PPA data from January to June 17, 2020, a total of 3,928 cases of violence against children were recorded," Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati stated here on Wednesday.
Children were subject to forms of violence, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. However, almost 55 percent pertained to sexual violence, she noted.
While drawing reference to the prevailing data and facts, the minister expressed concern and called on one and all to give serious attention to children and their problems.
"This is since such data is (based on) reports. It means that the number of actual cases could be far more than what meets the eye," she pointed out.
The minister reminded that efforts to safeguard children would be effective only if inter-sectoral institutions worked in tandem, which is in accordance with Law No. 35 of 2014 on child protection.
"The law states that it is not the sole responsibility and obligation of only one party to ensure child protection," she emphasized.
Darmawati admitted to the tough challenge of safeguarding children in Indonesia. However, child protection can be ensured if all parties work hand-in-hand.
In the meantime, in June 2020, the Jakarta Metro Police's Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Francois Abello Camille (FAC), alias Frans, 65, at a hotel room in Jakarta where two underage girls were kept.
The French citizen had allegedly molested at least 305 minors. He, however, later died in a police hospital, after attempting suicide in Jakarta Police's detention. Based on the police’s investigation, the suspect approached street children and lured them by offering work as models.
Those consenting to sex with him would receive between Rp250 thousand to Rp1 million (US$17-70), whereas those not complying with his sexual demands would be beaten, slapped, and kicked by the suspect.
The suspect committed the crime at three different hotels in the capital city during the period from December 2109 to June 2020, but the police believe he had engaged in such acts long before that.
The police seized 21 pieces of clothing worn by the victims for making the video. It also confiscated a laptop containing the names of 305 victims along with their photographs and videos.
However, the Jakarta Police was able to identify only 19 of the 305 children sexually molested by Frans. Related news: Indonesia presses for strict actions against racially spurred violence
Related news: Police identify merely 19 of 305 victims of pedophiliac Frans
Translator: M Zulfikar, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
