Ensuring that the best care for children to be pursuedJakarta (ANTARA) - The Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry has sought the best possible care for two children who were found chained by their biological mother in Tabanan district, Bali province.
"Ensuring that the best care for children to be pursued," Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga said in a press statement here on Wednesday.
Puspayoga commended the quick response of Tabanan Police and the regional government in handling the case of violence against children.
"However, in Tabanan, I am quite proud and commend the decisive action from the officials of the Resort Police and the regional government in handling this case. The Resort Chief of Police stated that the legal process will run and will be followed up by Tabanan Police," she noted.
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She said that for the time being, the two children in question are receiving alternative care at a safe and comfortable house.
Children should be able to get the best care if they live with their families, their parents, or their parents' family members, she added.
However, if such a thing is not possible, they will be referred to a halfway house, foundation, or orphanage.
"Because this is related to the fulfillment of children's rights so that they can grow and develop properly," she explained.
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“The fulfillment of children's rights and protection is our collective responsibility. Children are not only the responsibility of their parents; but all Indonesian children are our children. The state must be present and ensure that children can grow and develop well,” the minister said.
The ministry's Women and Children's Friends Team (SAPA) 129 had conducted outreach to the Tabanan victims and their parents to further investigate the case of violence, which included an examination of the children's psyche.
The case came to light when people around the victims’ house heard their cries on October 22, 2022.
When they arrived at the house, they found the two children, aged three and six, with their necks and legs chained in the dark. They later informed the local police.
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Translator: Anita P D, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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