Child protection bill hailed

JAKARTA: The National Commission for Child Protection (KNPA) hailed the endorsement of the child protection bill, saying it confirmed the state's recognition of children's rights.

In its press statement the commission suggested that talks on further regulations to implement the bill should involve all experts on child affairs.

The commission expressed its readiness to help the government promote the bill nationwide.

The KNPA, headed by child psychologist Seto Mulyadi, expects the government to immediately formalize a commission for child protection as stipulated in the bill.

A decree issued by the social affairs minister set up an institute for child protection (LPA) in 1997, which in October 1998 became KNPA. -- JP