KPAI commissioner Sylvana Apituley said vulnerable children risk exploitation without strong protection measures. She urged local administrations to develop child-friendly mentoring programs involving families and schools to safeguard children’s best interests.
The appeal followed reports that hundreds of minors were named as suspects in unrest across the country in August and September.
Police data show 295 children have been designated as suspects in cases handled by 11 regional police offices, including Bali, Yogyakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, West Kalimantan, Lampung, Jakarta, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and South Sumatra.
KPAI said the numbers need further verification.
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“There is no synchronization between national and regional data on the children involved — their identities, legal status or detention locations,” Apituley said.
The commission warned that the lack of consistent data complicates efforts to ensure children facing legal proceedings receive protections guaranteed under child rights law.
KPAI stressed that immediate action is needed to prevent children from being further involved in anarchic acts and to uphold their legal and social protections.
The commission also urged coordination between police, schools, and community organizations to ensure children are diverted from criminal processes wherever possible and guided toward rehabilitation programs.
“Children must not be left vulnerable to manipulation or criminalization. Protection and rehabilitation should always take precedence over punishment,” Apituley said.
She added that stronger collaboration between local governments and child protection agencies would help reduce the risk of minors being exploited during mass unrest or other volatile situations.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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