Chairman Of The National Commission For Child Protection, Arist Merdeka Sirait, Highlights The Case Of Grandchildren Being Used As Debt Guarantees In Bogor

Chairman of the National Commission for Children, Arist Merdeka Sirait. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA – The case of grandchildren being used as collateral for debts to moneylenders by their grandmothers in Bogor has received attention from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI). KPAI chairman Arist Merdeka Sirait regretted the incident. According to him, guaranteeing children for debt is part of exploitation, where children should receive full protection.

"That's part of child exploitation. Make children a shield. And it is a criminal offense and can carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for the moneylender. So there's no reason not to hold back. Moneylenders may be subject to the Child Protection Law NO. 35 of 2014, a threat of violence that can be punished with imprisonment, a maximum of 15 years, a minimum of 5 years.” Arist explained when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 10.

Arist said that his party had not received a report on the case, so they could not provide legal and psychological assistance.

“If it is reported by our grandparents, we must act quickly. We are not investigators, there must be reporting, the need to accompany children psychologically or legally. So if grandma or grandpa need it, we will help." bright arist

The background of this case is economic, where Yanto and MH as MR's grandparents are struggling economically. Yanto and MH use debt loans to moneylenders to meet their daily needs.

"Then related to the cause of the child being taken by the suspect because of debt. And debt of 15,400,000, given directly. It is used to meet the daily needs of Yanto's father and mother." said the Head of Bogor City Police, Kombes Susatyo Purnomo Condro, when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 10.

If there is concern that this case will happen again to MR, and MR's grandparents feel they cannot report it, then the RT or RW can represent him and report to Komnas Anak to provide protection.

"It could happen again (grandchildren are used as debt guarantees), because of economic factors, habit factors, it can be seen when the grandparents are brought in by the RT, RW or whoever makes the National Commission for Child Protection provide counseling for the child." Arist explained.

Arist added, if there is no report to his side, and it is likely that it will happen again, the KPAI will take a stand for the safety of the child, MR.

"If necessary, if the grandparents change locations, and this cannot be attended so that the child becomes a shield again, then we will carry out evacuation measures, the child is placed in a social institution or other appropriate institutions as a family to care for." Aristo explained.

As previously reported, 5-year-old MR in Bogor is a debt guarantee for his grandparents. Bogor City Police who received the report immediately took action, and managed to arrest the moneylender, NH.

By the police, NH was charged with article 88 of the child protection law and article 330 of the Criminal Code concerning illegally taking over or controlling a child who was not old enough.