Children to have legal protection

Debbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesian children will soon have legal protection to save them from all forms of physical abuse, exploitation, persecution and illiteracy thanks to the bill on children's' protection being deliberated by the House of Representatives, claims a minister.

State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri Redjeki Sumaryoto said on Wednesday that the bill had been long-awaited due to rampant child exploitation across the country for political, economic and other interests.

"This bill guarantees children's rights and their protection against all actions depriving them of their childhoods so as to allow them to grow in a humane manner and become mature and independent adults," she said before a meeting to discuss the bill with the House of Representatives' Commission VII on population and social affairs here on Wednesday.

The minister added that around 85.3 million children under the age of 18 in the country were frequently exposed to numerous kinds of abuses, exploitation, physical maltreatment and persecution in conflict-prone regions.

The bill stipulates that the government, natural and adoptive parents, and all state institutions are obliged to provide protection for children in crisis situations, such as when they are forced to become refugees or fall victims to riots, natural disasters, and armed conflicts.

The draft law also threatens stiff sanctions against the perpetrators of all forms of crimes against children.

Any individual and institution abusing children in time of war or armed conflict, or during riots or other violent situations will be liable to a maximum of 15 years in jail and/or a fine of Rp 1 billion.

Those abducting children for their organs will be liable to a maximum of 15 years in jail and/or a fine of Rp 300 million.

The draft also requires the government to develop and enhance cooperation with civil society and NGOs to provide protection for children, especially the handicapped.

Sri said the government and the House are committed to having the bill passed into law on International Children Day as a gift for the country's children

Children's rights:

- to live a normal, humane life - to be protected against all forms of violence and discrimination, exploitation, legal sanctions and persecution - to develop their identities and receive citizenship - to enjoy religious freedom according to their beliefs, and freedom of expression under their parents' guidance - to be informed of their biological parents in the case of adopted children - to benefit from medical care and social security according to their physical, social and religious needs. - to receive education and training to develop their personalities and intellectual capabilities in accordance with their interests and talents - (for handicapped children) to receive special education, rehabilitation, social security and social welfare - to be able to rest and utilize their leisure time, associate with their peers, play, and enjoy recreation according to their interests for the sake of the development of their personalities.