LPAI Invites RT In Batam To Form A Child Protection Division To Prevent Sexual Crimes

LPAI General Chair Seto Mulyadi during a visit to Batam (ANTARA/Yude)

The Indonesian Child Protection Agency (LPAI) invites neighborhood units (RT) in Batam to form a child protection division to prevent sexual crimes against children.

The General Chairperson of LPAI Seto Mulyadi said that the division is its duty at the level of the private domicile RT area. "In this case, there needs to be community empowerment. Neighboring residents must take care of each other and care for each other. Therefore, I invite them to create a child protection section at the RT level," he said in Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri), Tuesday 27 June, confiscated by Antara. He explained that the members of the RT level protection section will later take precautions in their environment, not just taking action. Later they will hold routine meetings with parents to be given understanding. The understanding needs to be emphasized, he said, is like don't play physically with children because it can disturb children's psychology and can even make children run away from home. "Then often carry out family meetings. Mother's father not only conveys orders, but hears what children want. Parents don't get busy working and don't have time for children," he said.

He said that sexual crimes against children were mostly committed by those closest to him. Therefore, he asked for the family's concern for monitoring the behavior changes of each member of his family. In Batam, he said, based on the report he received, the number of sexual crimes against children was quite high. Data from the Barelang Police, the number of cases of sexual crimes against children in Batam City reached 53 reports from early January to June 2023.

"Therefore, a firm commitment from local governments is needed to protect children," he concluded.