KPAI Condemns A Soap Opera Actor Kriss Hatta For Dating Minors

A Soap Opera Actor, Kriss Hatta (Instagram @krisshatta07)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) condemned Kriss Hatta for dating minors. The soap opera is dating a 14 year old girl.

KPAI Commissioner Retno Listyarti is concerned about Kriss Hatta's actions, which the public considers normal, despite glorifying the love story between 20 years of age difference.

"Condemn Kriss Hatta as a public figure who has set a bad example for the community, especially teenagers. This has the potential to be imitated by the Indonesian people," said Retno in her statement, Thursday, September 29.

Retno also opposed Kriss Hatta's plan to marry his girlfriend after graduating from high school. He said there was a possibility that the girl would be married off when she did not meet the requirements in the Marriage Law, which is 19 years old.

This is also, continued Retno, it is feared that it has the potential to be a glorification of child marriage. In fact, the central and local governments are actively fighting to reduce the number of child marriages.

"Public figures should support government programs that have a good impact on this nation. Child marriage has a strong potential to make children lose their rights to grow and develop optimally," said Retno.

Retno continued, children aged 13 to 15 years should be formed from an early age to determine their tendency towards interests and the careers they will usually lead.

"Parents should support this 14-year-old son to explore his potential, support his talent, facilitate career opportunities and work at a young age. Not even allow him to marry young because he is dating a man who is much older than him," said Retno.

Kriss Hatta became controversial after admitting that he was in a relationship with a 14-year-old child. His outspoken statement actually caused contra from the public and made him considered a pedophile.

It started with an appearance at an event. Kriss Hatta is open about this fact and even feels comfortable having a romantic relationship with a woman 20 years apart.

He said the relationship was also known to the lover's parents. However, Kriss did not want to reveal who it was because she was worried that her relationship would run aground.