Escalation of 'Sarung Wars' Prompts Ministry to Enforce Child Safeguarding Policies

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection is urging all law enforcement agencies and the military to enforce child protection and safeguarding policies when conducting activities involving children, with the aim of protecting children from violence, mistreatment, or exposure to dangerous situations.

“The Ministry urges all law enforcement agencies and the military to enforce child protection and safeguarding policies when conducting activities and working with children, aimed at protecting children from violence, mistreatment, or being placed at risk,” said Acting Deputy for Special Child Protection at the Ministry, Indra Gunawan, in an interview in Jakarta on Tuesday.

This statement comes in response to the escalating phenomenon of “sarung wars” that have become increasingly prevalent during Ramadan. According to Gunawan, “sarung wars” are particularly dangerous because the fabric tubes are often filled with stones or sharp weapons that can cause serious injuries and potentially fatal casualties.

He stated that enforcement action against “sarung wars” is necessary to prevent disruption to surrounding communities, particularly those engaged in religious observance, and must be carried out by authorities in a precise and measured manner whilst respecting children’s rights.

The Ministry believes that involving children’s immediate environment — including families, schools, and surrounding communities — could serve as a solution for guiding children through positive discipline practices.

Earlier incidents have highlighted the scale of the problem. A military personnel issued a stern warning to teenage youths attempting to engage in a “sarung war” in Kebumen Regency, Central Java, on Tuesday (24 February). Meanwhile, police thwarted a “sarung war” incident in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday (28 February), securing 16 minors. In Garut Regency, West Java, on Sunday (1 March), police forcibly dispersed a group engaged in “sarung war” activities.