Supporting Puan Leading The House Of Representatives To Struggle For The MCH Bill, KPAI Commissioner: It Is Important To Welcome The Golden Generation

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JAKARTA - Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Retno Listyarti conveyed her support for the DPR which is in the process of initiating the Maternal and Child Welfare Bill (RUU KIA).

Retno hopes that the struggle of the DPR under the leadership of Puan Maharani can realize a policy that upholds the interests of women's and children's rights through this bill. Moreover, Puan has proven successful in fighting for the rights of women and children through the ratification of the Sexual Violence Act (TPKS).

"I support the DPR RI's plan to ratify the MCH Bill into law as conveyed by the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, who cares about the interests of children," said Retno in her statement, Tuesday, June 21.

One of the points in this bill stipulates the addition of maternity leave for working mothers from 3 months to 6 months. Retno hopes that the MCH Bill which is included in the 2022 Priority National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) can be completed soon.

“This bill is important to welcome Indonesia's golden generation. The provision of 6 months maternity leave is very much in favor of working women and also in the best interests of the children," she said.

Through the MCH Bill, the DPR also fights for the fate of women so they are not dismissed from their jobs during childbirth. Then so that working mothers continue to receive salaries as well as corporate social security and corporate social responsibility funds when on maternity leave.

"Ideally, the leave for pregnant women who gives birth is 6 months, but if the company considers it too long, then at least a female worker who is about to give birth has taken a month off before the expected delivery date and 3 months after giving birth," explained Retno.

“Because when a mother is 8 months pregnant, her body will get heavier because the fetus is growing. This condition makes it difficult for a pregnant woman to breathe, have difficulty sleeping, and become tired,” he added.

To overcome this condition, women who are pregnant should increase their rest. Retno said good rest is the key to maintaining the health of mothers and babies.

“If you have to work, especially if you have to travel long distances and take public transportation, it is possible that the mother will be very tired. Therefore, the solution to stay fit and healthy is to take leave at least a month before giving birth," said the former Secretary General of the Federation of Indonesian Teachers' Unions (FSGI).

A mother will be sleep deprived or tired after giving birth due to having to care for her newborn baby. Of course, this condition has an impact on emotional stress that has the potential to cause the baby blues or even postpartum depression.

"So taking leave during this time can give mothers giving birth to rest, recover, and focus on caring for babies by providing exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk is needed by babies for optimal growth and development," explained Retno.

The urgency of the MCH Bill is considered quite important because the ideal maternity leave will make a mother who has just given birth have good mental and physical health. That way the child can be awake and cared for optimally.

"Many female workers take leave before giving birth and have returned to work after a month of giving birth because sometimes the company demands. This may be urgent to fix," she explained.

Retno explained that good maternity leave will have a very positive impact on the bond between mother and baby. Then it can also reduce the risk of infant mortality and increase the success of breastfeeding.

"The MCH Bill is important to be ratified because this bill is designed to create superior Indonesian human resources (HR)," he said.

In addition to maternity leave for working mothers, the MCH Bill also regulates the granting of leave rights for male workers whose wives give birth. The DPR has proposed granting 40 days of paternity leave so that husbands can help and accompany their wives in taking care of their newborn child.

“Childcare is the responsibility of both parents. This is also a momentum for the state in educating fathers so that they have awareness and are obliged to support their wives in breastfeeding their babies and help take turns taking care of the babies at night," said Retno.

"Such as changing the baby's diaper and giving it to the mother to be breastfed, rocking it if the baby hasn't slept after being fed, while the wife can rest, and so on," he added.

Furthermore, Retno reminded about the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that must be fulfilled. The CRC has 4 principles, namely the principle of non-discrimination, the principle of the best for children, the principle of the right to life, and the continuity and development of children in ensuring the fulfillment of children's rights.

To that end, Retno encouraged the Government and the DPR as the holder of the obligation to fulfill human rights to strengthen their commitment to fulfill children's rights in Indonesia through active actions to fulfill the 'best interests' for children's growth and development.

"The MCH Bill, which was initiated for future superior Indonesian human resources, needs to be supported by all parties because it is full of the best interests of children," concluded Retno.