President Jokowi Signs Rules For The Elimination Of Violence Against Children

President Jokowi in Subang Regency (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has finally signed Presidential Regulation Number 101 of 2022 concerning the National Strategy for the Elimination of Violence against Children.

In his consideration, the number of cases of violence against children in Indonesia is still high, so it is necessary to optimize the role of the government.

Moreover, laws and regulations relating to the elimination of violence against children have not been optimal in providing prevention and treatment so a national strategy is needed.

"The National Strategy for the Elimination of Violence against Children (Stranas PKTA) is intended as a reference for ministries/agencies, provincial governments, and district/city governments in carrying out prevention and handling of violence against children", it is stated in Article 3 of Presidential Regulation 101 of 2022 as seen on the website of the Ministry of State Secretariat in Jakarta, Monday, July 18.

Article 5 states that the policy directions and strategies for the elimination of violence against children consist of:

a. provision of policies, implementation of regulations, and law enforcement;

b. strengthening norms and values ​​of non-violence;

c. creation of a safe environment from violence;

d. improving the quality of care and availability of support for parents/caregivers;

e. economic empowerment of vulnerable families;

f. availability and access to integrated services; and

g. life skills education for children's self-defense.

Article 8 states that the funding for the implementation of Stranas PKTA comes from:

a. state budget;

b. regional revenue and expenditure budget; and/or

c. other legal and non-binding sources by the provisions of the legislation.

The government said, based on the results of the 2018 National Survey of Child and Adolescent Life Experiences (SNPHAR) showed that 1 in 17 boys and 1 in 11 girls had experienced sexual violence. Meanwhile, 1 in 2 boys and 3 out of 5 girls have experienced direct psychological violence.

Furthermore, 14 out of 100 boys and 13 out of 100 girls have experienced indirect psychological violence online (cyberbullying) and 1 in 3 boys and 1 in 5 girls experienced physical violence.

It can be concluded that 2 out of 3 girls and boys in Indonesia have experienced violence in their lifetime. In fact, in general, violence experienced by children tends to be accepted by more than 1 type of violence.

Based on reports from children who have experienced violence, the perpetrators of violence are the closest people, peers, and known adults. Unpreparedness for the provision of child protection services has an impact on children who are victims of violence difficult to get proper assistance and assistance.

As a result, violence is still often hidden or underreported, making it difficult to prevent, deal with effectively, and deal with its long-term impacts.

The Presidential Regulation was enacted on July 15, 2022.