Indonesia urges protection for children in legal conflicts

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has called on the media and society at large to play a more responsible role in protecting children involved in legal conflicts, whether they are victims, witnesses, or offenders. During a briefing in Jakarta, KPAI Chairperson Margaret Aliyatul Maimunah highlighted the unique vulnerability of these children, noting that their psychological, moral, and social capacities are still developing. This immaturity affects their ability to control emotions, make sound decisions, and resist external pressures, making them particularly susceptible to harm and further involvement in the justice system. Maimunah emphasized that children entangled in legal battles often suffer significant psychological trauma. The way their stories are presented to the public can either add to their distress or help alleviate it. She warned that insensitive or intrusive media coverage risks pressuring these young individuals further and potentially pushing them into a damaging cycle of criminality. Because of this, it’s crucial for everyone—from the government to the media and general public—to support these kids in ways that protect their mental well-being and help them avoid further legal troubles. According to Indonesia’s Child Protection Law, safeguarding the rights and identities of children involved in legal cases is a collective duty. Maimunah reminded media organizations that legal regulations forbid revealing any information that could identify these children, including their names, addresses, schools, or other personal details. She stressed that responsible media reporting could actually serve as a tool for building a positive self-image among affected children, helping them regain confidence rather than feeling exposed or stigmatized. Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, echoed these concerns by underlining the importance of protecting children especially in the age of viral content. She urged all stakeholders—government bodies, media outlets, schools, and local communities—to prioritize the best interests of children in public communications. By doing so, they can ensure that the narratives around these children, especially those who are victims or witnesses in legal conflicts, contribute to their overall safety and emotional recovery. This call to action comes amid broader efforts to strengthen child protection in Indonesia, including recent moves to sanction platforms that violate child protection rules. The government’s stance is clear: protecting children’s identities and mental health is non-negotiable and must be embedded at every level of society’s engagement with cases involving children. This approach aims to break harmful cycles and foster environments where children can heal and grow, rather than become further trapped in legal or social difficulties.