Jokowi Issues PP Concerning Special Protection For Children, Here's Its Contents

President Jokowi (BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo issued Government Regulation Number 78 of 2021 concerning Special Protection for Children. This PP was signed by Jokowi on August 10, 2021.

Jokowi explained that what is meant by the child in this PP is someone who is not yet 18 years old, including children who are still in the womb.

Meanwhile, special protection is a form of protection received by children in certain situations and conditions to get a guarantee of security against threats that endanger themselves and their lives in their growth and development.

"Special protection for children aims to provide a sense of security for children who need special protection, provide services needed for children who need special protection, and prevent violations of children's rights," Jokowi wrote in the PP, quoted on Saturday, August 21.

This special protection for children must be carried out to the ranks of the central government, regional governments, and other state institutions. There are 15 categories of conditions for children who are given special protection, namely: a. children in emergency situations; b. children in conflict with the law; c. children from minority and isolated groups; d. economically and/or sexually exploited children; e. children who are victims of abuse of narcotics, alcohol, psychotropic substances, and other addictive substances; f. children who are victims of pornography; g. children with HIV and AIDS; h. child victims of abduction, sale, and/or trafficking; i. child victims of physical and/or psychological violence; j. child victims of sexual crimes; k. child victims of terrorist networks; l. children with disabilities; m. child victims of abuse and neglect; n. children with deviant social behavior; o. children who are victims of stigmatization from labeling related to the condition of their parents.

Regarding children in emergency situations, it is explained that special protection is given to children who are refugees, victims of riots, natural disasters, and children in situations of armed conflict. Special protection for children in emergency situations is also given to children who are victims of social disasters, natural disasters, and children of female prisoners.

There is also a special form of protection for children as mandated in this PP, which is carried out through the following efforts: a. rapid treatment, including treatment and/or rehabilitation physically, psychologically, and socially, as well as prevention of disease and other health problems; b. psychosocial assistance during treatment until recovery; c. providing social assistance for children who come from underprivileged families; d. providing protection and assistance in every judicial process.