Deputy Speaker of the MPR says preventing child violence requires a collective commitment

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) urged strengthening the collective commitment of all parties in implementing child protection regulations as an effort to prevent and handle cases of violence against children. ‘Preventing and addressing cases of violence against children requires a joint commitment from all parties and there must be concrete steps born out of a strong shared commitment,’ Lestari said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. According to her, anticipatory steps to prevent violence against children must be continually intensified, given data from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) noting that 426 cases of violations against children occurred in January–April 2026. Preventive measures need to be intensified, especially as triggering factors continue to develop, including advances in digital technology. In this regard, Lestari emphasised that child protection policies in the online realm must be implemented massively and promptly. She cited Presidential Regulation Number 87 of 2025 on the Roadmap for Online Child Protection 2025–2029 as a guide for ministries and related agencies to build an adequately protective ecosystem for children. ‘Concrete steps born out of a strong collective commitment are needed in addressing the mental health of children and adolescents, as part of the protection mechanism,’ she said. A member of Commission X of the DPR RI also stressed the importance of building a child protection system from the smallest sphere, namely the family. ‘Efforts to enhance parents’ ability to apply appropriate parenting for their children are very important, as part of building a child protection system from the family environment,’ he said. He further urged the public to be more responsive and brave in reporting cases of violence against children that occur in their surroundings. ‘The success of building a strong child protection system hinges on accurate data integration, rapid response, and the commitment of stakeholders,’ he said. Earlier, on Monday (18/5), KPAI released data showing 426 cases of alleged violence against children from January to April 2026. Of these, 403 cases received psychoeducation services, while 23 cases were monitored through field supervision, case conferences (discussions), mediation, and coordination meetings with related stakeholders.