Deputy Minister Veronica Emphasises Children's Voices as Foundation for Policy Making

Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan has emphasised the importance of making children’s voices the foundation for drafting child protection policies and programmes. “Today we want to hear children’s aspirations directly. No child should be left behind because every child has the right to benefit from development,” she said during a dialogue with child representatives at the Jelajah SAPA event in Cakung Barat Flats, East Jakarta, on Friday. She encouraged children to build polite behaviour when speaking with their parents by not using loud voices. The children in attendance were also invited to dialogue, share their activities, discuss their ambitions for adulthood, and convey their hopes to the government. Jelajah SAPA is part of a series of activities commemorating the 42nd National Children’s Day in 2026. She invited all parties to strengthen collaboration through the implementation of the National Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children Movement (Gernas RANA) to foster synergy between the government, the public, the business sector, the media, families, and various stakeholders in creating a safe, comfortable, friendly, and inclusive environment for children. “I invite all parties to continue providing an environment free from all forms of violence, exploitation, discrimination, and neglect. Let us ensure every child has equal opportunities to grow, learn, play, and achieve their dreams. Child protection is not solely the government’s task, but a shared responsibility of all elements of society,” she said. On 23 July, the 2026 National Children’s Day commemoration will be held in a decentralised manner to reach children across all regions of Indonesia.