Children's protection institute established
JAKARTA (JP): The government has inaugurated the Children's Protection Institute to mobilize formal legal protection for abused and neglected children.
Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno officiated at the establishment of the organization at the national level at her office yesterday, and reminded its officials their target was children who were mistreated, exploited, neglected and facing discrimination.
The body is also expected to focus on children in dangerous situations and those with disabilities or a substance dependence, Inten said.
It was born out of the National Children's Protection Drive launched by President Soeharto on July 23, 1997. This is aimed at promoting efforts to protect the rights of the country's children.
"Your duties are to review various regulations in connection with the protection of the rights of the child, and recommend necessary amendments," she said.
The institute will also be involved in cases of violations of children's rights, such as abuse, neglect and exploitation. It will facilitate research and dissemination of information on relevant subjects, provide consultations, and establish local and international networks.
"Every Indonesian child is an asset of this nation. We have to protect their welfare," Inten said at the gathering attended by, among others, representatives from the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the International Labour Organization.
She pointed out that not only did many Indonesian children have to work, they were often exposed to numerous dangers including hazardous chemicals.
Citing data compiled in 1996 by the Indonesian's Children Welfare Foundation, she said 39 cases of children's rights being violated were reported every month. Most of the children were female and under 13 years old, especially in the 289 cases of sexual abuse.
The institute's advisory board is made up of the coordinating minister for people's welfare, the ministers of social services, home affairs, education and culture, health, manpower, and religious affairs and the state minister of population affairs/chairman of the National Family Planning Board.
The members of the institute include first and second echelon officials of relevant government agencies, and representatives of public and social organizations. The director general of social welfare development will be assigned to coordinate the development of the institute. (swe)