Kowani Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection and Family Strengthening

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Women’s Congress (Kowani) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection, empowering women, preserving culture, reinforcing family resilience, and transforming the organisation as part of the series of events marking the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN).

“We are united by a common purpose: to protect children, to strengthen women and families, to care for the nation’s culture, to safeguard the history of Indonesian women’s struggle, and to advance Indonesia,” said Kowani Chairperson Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto in Jakarta on Friday.

According to her, the commemoration of National Children’s Day must not be interpreted as merely an annual ceremony, but rather should become a sustained collective movement to ensure that the rights of Indonesian children are fulfilled.

Children must also be protected from all forms of violence, exploitation, discrimination, people trafficking, bullying, child marriage, narcotics abuse, pornography, and various forms of crime in the digital space.

“Kowani takes the view that child protection cannot be borne by the government alone. That responsibility must be carried out jointly by families, schools, community organisations, the business world, the mass media, communities, and all elements of the nation,” said Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto.

Kowani affirmed that all Indonesian children have the right to equal protection without discrimination, including children with special needs, children with disabilities, children in vulnerable situations, children who are victims of violence and exploitation, and children in conflict with the law.

According to Nannie, the handling of children in conflict with the law must prioritise the principle of the child’s best interests through a restorative justice approach, legal and psychological accompaniment, education, rehabilitation, social reintegration, the prevention of stigma, and the provision of second chances so that children can still have a good future.

“No Indonesian child may be left behind. Every child must be embraced, heard, respected, and protected, and given the opportunity to grow and become the best version of themselves,” she said.

In this year’s HAN commemoration, the organisation is continuing the National “Children’s Play” Movement launched by Kowani at National Children’s Day in 2025.

“That commitment is being expanded through the Kowani National Simultaneous Movement commemorating National Children’s Day 2026, carrying the theme of Children Safe, Children Happy, Children Brave, Children Playing, Children Protected, Resilient Families, Strong Indonesia,” said Nannie Hadi Tjahjanto.