KPAI Calls for Competitions Involving Children to Be Fair and Non-Discriminatory

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) assesses that every educational activity and competition involving children must uphold the principle of the best interests of the child. “Such activities must implement the principle of children’s rights to fair and non-discriminatory treatment. All participants must receive equal opportunities, assessments, and treatment,” said KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday. He made this statement in response to allegations of injustice in the implementation of the 4 Pillars of the MPR RI Quiz Competition at the West Kalimantan level. Therefore, when there are allegations of judging errors or treatment deemed unfair, this has the potential to cause psychological pressure, feelings of shame, deep disappointment, and even loss of the child’s trust. According to him, the organisers and judging panel have a moral and pedagogical responsibility to ensure that the assessment process is objective, accountable, and justifiable. “KPAI views that educational competitions must not turn into spaces that humiliate, damage mental health, or ignore the voices of children,” said Aris Adi Leksono. “If errors are found, there needs to be clarification and fair restoration to maintain public trust and the psychological health of the quiz participants,” said Aris Adi Leksono. All parties, including the public and social media users, are urged to maintain ethics in delivering criticism and to avoid attacking or excessively exposing the identities of children. “The polemic developing in public spaces also needs to be managed wisely to avoid digital bullying, emotional exploitation of participants, or personal attacks on the involved children,” said Aris Adi Leksono.