House Member Flags Child Violence in Sukabumi as Critical Wake-up Call

“This case also shows that a 12-year-old child, who is often considered to be quite mature, is still very vulnerable to violence. Therefore, prevention must start from the family,”

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dini Rahmania, stated that the case of violence against a 12-year-old child, identified as NS, who died at the hands of his stepmother, serves as an important alarm for the country to encourage the strengthening of the early detection system for child protection.

She assessed that the incident was very heartbreaking and a reminder that protection for children must continue to be strengthened because it is a mandate, not an object for venting emotions. The state must not remain silent, and the perpetrator must be prosecuted firmly.

“This case also shows that a 12-year-old child, who is often considered to be quite mature, is still very vulnerable to violence. Therefore, prevention must start from the family,” said Dini in Jakarta on Wednesday.

She said that parents and guardians are obliged to build a loving parenting style, open communication, and keep all forms of violence away from the process of educating children. The home should be the safest place for children, not a place that is frightening.

According to her, the information that the violence against NS was not the first time committed by the perpetrator is something that must be highlighted. This is because, she said, there were early signs that had been overlooked.

For this reason, she asked that the public, starting from the family, community, and local authorities, must be more sensitive to changes in children’s behaviour, physical condition, and household situations that could potentially be harmful.

“Neighbours, teachers, RT/RW officials, and community leaders must not be indifferent when they see indications of violence,” she said.

In addition, she also encouraged the strengthening of the early detection system, easily accessible complaint services, and a rapid response from local governments and related agencies. Child protection, she said, cannot be placed solely on one party. This is a shared responsibility between the family, community, and state.

“I will continue to oversee that the state is present in protecting our children, because the future of the nation is determined by how we care for the generation of today,” she said.

Previously, a 12-year-old boy died allegedly after being abused by his stepmother in Sukabumi Regency, West Java. The victim died with bruises and burns on his body.