To this day, we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that has not only affected our health but now there are children who have lost both of their parents. There are 20 thousand children whose data are continuously being processed and recordedJakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPPA) has said that children orphaned by COVID-19 must continue to be protected and cared for through citizens' support and synergy between ministries or institutions.
"We hope that everybody can be a substitute caretaker, can provide the same amount of love to these children, especially since the number of deaths has continued to increase even now," the ministry's child protection deputy, Nahar, said in a press statement received here on Saturday.
He drew attention to other problems that have emerged as a consequence of children losing their parents during the pandemic, namely economic issues, caretaking issues, and the psycho-social impact of losing parents.
Related news: Govt taking care of Indonesian children orphaned by COVID-19
"To this day, we are still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic that has not only affected our health but now there are children who have lost both of their parents. There are 20 thousand children whose data are continuously being processed and recorded by the government," he informed.
"Because this number affects the children under the age of 18 who are left behind by one or two of their parents," he added.
The government has continued to keep track of children aged under 18 who have lost their parents during the pandemic by comparing the death data with the population data from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs, he said.
Related news: Child protection agency urges regional governments to protect orphans
The government is welcoming both civilians and institutions to report and file cases on such children, he said adding, one platform that can be used for the purpose is the Women and Children Protection RapidPro system.
Earlier, National Commission for Child Protection chairperson Arist Merdeka Sirait had urged regional governments to look after children orphaned by COVID-19 by providing social rehabilitation and assigning foster families for them.
Related news: Bogor govt allocates Rp37-million budget for repairs to public schools
Related news: President highlights Indonesia's energy, climate commitments at MEF
Translator: Anita Dewi, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
