Every innovation and collaboration is very beneficial for the promotion of children's rights and child protectionJakarta (ANTARA) - Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga expressed her support for the campus-based child protection movement.
"This movement, initiated by the campus, can be an innovation and motivation for other campuses to prioritize the fulfillment of children's rights and child protection," Puspayoga stated during a public lecture at the HKBP Nommensen University Campus, Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra, on Friday.
According to the minister's statement received here, innovation and collaboration are still needed to realize child protection, considering that educational institutions are not immune to violence against children.
"Every innovation and collaboration is very beneficial for the promotion of children's rights and child protection. Campus institutions have an obligation to participate in protecting children with synergy and cooperation with stakeholders," she affirmed.
Citing data from the National Commission on Violence against Women (Komnas Perempuan), she noted that in the 2017-2021 period, most cases of sexual violence in educational environments occurred in universities, totaling 35 cases; Islamic boarding schools or pesantren, 16 cases; and high schools, 15 cases.
Puspayoga noted that Indonesia has in place Law No. 12 of 2022 on Crimes of Sexual Violence (TPKS Law) as a form of promoting prevention, protection, handling, and recovery of victims, victims' families, and witnesses of sexual violence.
The law is also strengthened by Ministerial Regulation No. 30 of 2021 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education Environments.
At HKBP Nommensen University in Pematangsiantar, she also witnessed the signing of the commitment of the Campus-Based Child Protection Movement.
"We really hope that the campus institution and students will oversee the implementation of the TPKS Law and Ministerial Regulation No. 30 of 2021 in order to create a safe campus environment that is free from sexual violence," Puspayoga remarked.
The minister called for promoting those regulations within the campus environment to create educators that have a perspective supporting children's rights.
Related news: Empowered mothers can fulfill children's rights: Ministry
Related news: Children's Day reminder of fulfilling rights of children: minister
Related news: Indonesian children should continue to clock achievements: Minister
Translator: Anita D, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
