Ambon City Government Commits to Child-Friendly Development
The Ambon City Government in Maluku has affirmed its commitment to development that prioritises the best interests of children through the 2026 Ambon City Children’s Development Planning Forum (Musrenbang Anak).
“This forum provides a space for children to convey their aspirations, which will serve as input in the formulation of regional development policies,” said Ambon Deputy Mayor Ely Toisutta in Ambon on Tuesday.
The Children’s Musrenbang, facilitated by the Ambon City Office of Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Community, and Village Affairs (P3AMD), is part of the Ambon City Government’s commitment to realising a Child-Friendly City. He explained that a Child-Friendly City is a development system that ensures the fulfilment of children’s rights and protection in a planned, comprehensive, and sustainable manner.
“This activity confirms that children are no longer objects of development, but subjects in development,” he stated. He expressed hope that the Children’s Forum can continue its role as a pioneer and reporter, while contributing to the promotion of child protection in Ambon City.
Ely also requested that sub-district heads encourage the formation of Children’s Forums in all villages and urban wards within their respective areas. This step is considered important so that more children have the space to participate in development, as mandated by child participation policies.
In line with the inclusive, tolerant, and sustainable vision of ‘Ambon Manise’, strengthening the Children’s Forum is also part of the local government’s priority programme to reinforce the role of community organisations as development partners. “Through the Children’s Musrenbang, it is hoped that children can plan activities that address the needs of children in Ambon City, which will later become input for the government in drafting the local government work plan,” he said.
On this occasion, the Ambon City Government also extended its congratulations on the 8th anniversary of the Ambon City Children’s Forum (FAKOTA). The city government hopes FAKOTA will continue to be a strategic partner for the government while inspiring children to become agents of change.
“I invite all parties to pay serious attention to the results of this Children’s Musrenbang. Every input from children is an investment for the realisation of a healthy, intelligent, creative, and character-driven generation,” he remarked.
The 2026 Children’s Musrenbang featured the Head of the Representative Office of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) for Maluku Province, Dr. Edi Setiawan, and psychologist Grace Latuheru as speakers. The activity was also attended by representatives of Children’s Forums from the sub-district, urban ward, and village levels throughout Ambon City, heads of regional apparatus organisations (OPD), and the Ambon City Family Empowerment and Welfare Mobilisation Team (TP-PKK).