Child Street Singers: A Symptom of Structural Poverty Requiring Solutions

In family sociology, the definition of a child extends beyond biological age to encompass social position, role, and status within the family and societal structure. Children serve several functions within a family: as primary socialisation agents who receive and transmit family values and norms; as maintainers of family bonds, linking generations and strengthening social cohesion; as contributors to caring for elderly family members; and as continuers of the family lineage. Furthermore, a child has rights that must be fulfilled by their family, including the right to protection, where family members provide affection and a safe, comfortable space for growth and development. Children also have rights to education, health, a decent standard of living, and recreation. In education, a child is entitled to nine years of compulsory schooling, from primary through to secondary education. In health, a child has the right to good healthcare services. A child should also have a decent standard of living, including shelter, a place to play, and the fulfilment of basic needs such as clothing, housing, and food. Regarding recreation, a growing child needs time and a supportive environment for their development, including the freedom to play with peers to facilitate socialisation with their surroundings. However, not all children are fortunate enough to obtain these basic rights. Many school-age children are forced to drop out due to a lack of funds and are compelled to work by their parents. Many children choose the shortcut of becoming street singers. These child buskers typically roam around shopfronts and eateries. Armed with a guitar, ukulele, and sometimes a speaker, they peddle their voices and seek compassion from passers-by. Sometimes they perform alone, sometimes in groups, and occasionally alongside their parents. The phenomenon of children busking with their parents is quite common in Padang City. Around the Pasar Baru area in Pauh District, women with their young children can be seen every night carrying microphones and pulling speakers while singing along the streets. While singing, the child will hold out a plastic bucket for money from those moved to share a little of their fortune. Often, they receive only a thank you and a nod from people nearby before moving on to another location. As a reflection, should we give money when we see these child buskers? If we habitually give them money, the practice of busking will be perpetuated and repeated as a promising livelihood. Upon reflection, the phenomenon of child buskers is not merely a public order issue; it is a clear symptom of the structural poverty occurring within their families. Children are forced to work and earn a living due to economic pressures at home. The root cause does not always stem from parental laziness or helplessness; rather, they take to the streets because the system has failed to provide access to proper and inclusive education, employment opportunities for parents and youth, health insurance, and legal protection and social security for marginalised groups. This poverty is intergenerational and, if not addressed, will continue to repeat itself, robbing them of their future. What concrete solutions can be offered? It must start from the most fundamental unit: the family. Families must resume their functions, such as the economic function, where parents meet their children’s basic needs, and the affection function, where families provide love. Allowing or even inviting children to busk on the streets late at night, sometimes in the rain, clearly violates their basic rights. Another approach is to strengthen the social safety net for families, especially vulnerable ones. Providing targeted, data-based social assistance is necessary to reach those who truly need help. Currently, families who should receive social assistance often do not, while more affluent families are recorded as recipients. Re-registering vulnerable families is crucial to ensure aid reaches those who genuinely need a helping hand. Moreover, existing systems must be reformed to reach the marginalised. This starts with building an inclusive education system with affordable costs, providing scholarships, and equipping schools with adequate facilities so children can access proper education and develop themselves and their skills. Law enforcement and child protection must also be strengthened. Their basic rights as children must be fought for and upheld. Socialisation regarding the prohibition of child exploitation is important to foster collective awareness that children should not be involved in family economic activities.