"Even when there is a call, it is immediately recorded by us. On top of that, you can also report via the official Instagram (page) of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission," KPAI commissioner Ai Maryati Solihah said when contacted here on Monday.
There are still many who are hesitant to voice their complaints, and they tend to suddenly disappear, without leaving clear identification, upon being questioned further, she added.
The commission's officers have been trained to handle such cases and they have prepared emergency standard operating procedures to ensure that people feel safe in lodging complaints, she informed.
Solihah said that she received many complaints on social media, but due to the limited consultation time, complainants were asked to use the WhatsApp number 08111772273.
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There are many reasons why victims approach the commission, including because they need a friend to make a decision, she elaborated.
"What is certain is that they need friends to determine whether this is violence or (to figure out) whether it is normal for my parents to treat (them) like this," she said.
Based on the commission's Data and Information Center, from January to June 2022, it received as many as 1,358 child protection complaints.
Of the number, 1,013 were received via the online media (website, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter), 198 through direct complaints, 92 over electronic mail (e-mails), and 55 via letters.
In line with this, she also revealed the results of the commission's survey regarding child protection complaints in 2020, which showed an increase in public trust.
"The highest was when parents complained to the commission (the rate was capped at) 30 percent and children at 34 percent based on the survey at that time. Actually, what is needed is public trust," she opined.
She further said that the commission needs to ensure the identity of the complainants so that the report can be followed up, so complainants must state their identity as clearly as possible.
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Translator: Luthfia M P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
