Bill sets penalties for crimes against children<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A government sanctioned team has finished
\ndrafting the child protection bill that will allow the National
\nCommission for Child Protection (Komnas PA) to take custody of
\nchildren from parents for alleged negligence or abuse.<\/p>\n
The bill, consisting of 57 articles, threatens those
\ncommitting crimes against children, such as physical abuse, rape
\nand trafficking, with minimum penalties of nine years
\nimprisonment and Rp 200 million fine.<\/p>\n
The commission's executive director, Arist Merdeka Sirait,
\nsaid on Thursday the new bill would also allow doctors, teachers
\nand neighbors to report any child abuse cases to the police or to
\nthe commission.<\/p>\n
\"Victims of abuse will be admitted to the commission's shelter
\nand will stay there until their parents can prove they will never
\nrepeat the misconduct,\" Arist told reporters.<\/p>\n
The proposed bill also deals with child labor, prostitution
\nand exploitation.<\/p>\n
\"It allows us to remove neglected children from their
\nparents,\" Arist said.<\/p>\n
There are around 1.7 million children nationwide working in
\nhazardous places such as mines, offshore fisheries and factories.
\nThere are also some 70,000 underaged female sex workers, not to
\nmention rampant child abuse.<\/p>\n
Indonesia enacted in 1979 the law on children's welfare, which
\nallows the government to revoke parents' rights to raise their
\nchildren.<\/p>\n
Another commission member Irwanto said many child abuse cases
\nwere left unsettled, because of cultural norms that considered
\nabuse a domestic affair.<\/p>\n
The government team was formed two years ago. It comprises
\nofficials from the former ministry of social affairs, ministry of
\nlaw and legislation, child abuse experts, non-governmental
\norganizations, Komnas PA and legal aid institutions. (dja)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bill-sets-penalties-for-crimes-against-children-1447893297",
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