KemenPPPA Emphasizes The Importance Of Sportivity In Child Sports Development

Deputy for Special Protection for Children of the Ministry of PPPA, Nahar (ANTARA/Anita Permata Dewi)

JAKARTA - Sport has an important role in supporting children's growth and development, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. ideal sports for children should prioritize aspects of pleasure, teamwork, and character development, not merely chasing victory.

Activities such as swimming, football, badminton, basketball, and child-friendly martial arts can be an option, as long as they are carried out in a safe and supportive environment.

However, it is important to ensure that the value of sportsmanship is always instilled in every child's sports activity. The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) emphasized the need for a child-friendly sports environment, free from violence, and focuses on character building and achievement.

"We hope that child sports development will be carried out in a safe environment, uphold the value of sportsmanship, and not become a place of violence," said Deputy for Special Protection for Children of the Ministry of PPPA, Nahar, when contacted in Jakarta, Monday.

Nahar made this statement in response to the incident of beatings that took place at the 2025 SDH Basketball Cup tournament in Bogor City, West Java, on February 17, 2025.

The Ministry of PPPA encourages the settlement of the case by involving committees, coaches, schools, and families to ensure a fair and child-friendly approach.

"This case must be handled seriously because it is related to violence in sports coaching activities in the school environment. If the element of coaching is lost and violence is allowed to happen, this could pose a threat to the future of young athletes," Nahar added.

The Ministry of PPPA through the Sahabat Perempuan and Anak (SAPA) 129 service has coordinated with the UPTD PPA Bogor Regency to ensure that victims get the necessary assistance.

In the incident, AS (13), a student of SMPN 1 Bogor, became a victim of alleged violence by RC, a student from SD Mardi Waluyo Cibinong. Both were involved in an inter-school basketball tournament when the incident occurred.

The violence was caught on camera when RC hit the US during the match. Apart from the US, there are allegations that other players from SMPN 1 Bogor were also victims, although not recorded in the video.

Chaos had occurred at the location of the match, but the players and teams who were present immediately released. The referee took firm steps by removing RC from the match and forbidding him to continue the game.

Footage of this beating incident then circulated on social media, sparking public attention regarding the importance of surveillance in child sports activities.