Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi has urged children to express their opinions and aspirations through positive, innovative, and safe methods.
“Every child has the right to participate, express opinions, and voice aspirations safely and comfortably. We hope Indonesian children can continue to voice their opinions without compromising their own safety,” the minister said here on Thursday.
Fauzi emphasized that the government and society are responsible for ensuring children’s safety, protecting them from dangerous situations, as outlined in the Children Protection Law.
“When we observe large protests involving children, we coordinate with women’s organizations to keep them safe and, if necessary, prevent family members from going out until the situation improves,” she added.
The minister also highlighted the importance of family in safeguarding children.
According to ministry data, 105 children participated in the Jakarta protest on August 25, 2025. On August 28, one child was involved in Makassar, 39 in Bali, and 110 in a second Jakarta protest.
On August 29, at least 23 children participated in Semarang, 25 in Yogyakarta, and 56 in Surabaya. Children were also involved in protests in Solo, Kediri, Bandung, West Nusa Tenggara, and Palembang, although many have yet to be identified.
Fauzi stated on August 29 that her administration ensured that 91 children who had been detained received assistance, including psychological counseling, educational support, and access to support channels, before being sent home.
Through its technical unit, the ministry collaborates with counselors, social workers, and paralegals to provide these children with proper guidance.
Of the 91 children, 47 were from Jakarta, 19 from outside the area, and 25 remain unidentified. “They are not only from Jakarta, but also from Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi,” she explained.
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Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Mecca Yumna
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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