"Currently, we are still concerned (because) Indonesia is still (plagued) with child labor issues,"
Head of KPAI Ai Maryanti Solihah said in Bandarlampung on Friday.
In 2022, there were still some 1.7 million children who were placed in labor. And an instance of mistreatment towards a child worker had also been reported, taking place in Lampung some time ago," Solihah said.
She affirmed that KPAI would follow up with the case by handling it, instituting preventive measures, as well as seeking permanent solutions to this problem.
"The case of torture of an underage house worker in Lampung involves violent acts, as well as some sexual violence. This is what needs to be watched out for. And we commend the regional head, as well as relevant stakeholders, who have responded well in this case," she said.
Solihah stressed that the commission highlights the eradication of child labour in all sectors, particularly in the worst sectors.
"For the child who is the victim of the violence, he will be given psychological therapy, and their rights would be fulfilled, as they are not paid. To prevent such things, it is expected that the children can receive work training, vocational courses that do not forgo their rights to education and decent caring by their families," she stated.
She noted that according to the articles outlined within the Children Protection Law, the legal consequences for the perpetrator include a maximum of seven years in prison, since it involved physical violence.
Moreover, the economic exploitation in this case —as the child was not paid for four months— impose a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and because the incident took place in a household, the perpetrator can receive a maximum of 10 years in prison, she said.
"We will always follow up on this case, so female and child workers who are victims can gain their rights and obtain protection," Solihah added.
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Translator: Ruth Intan S K, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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