KPAI Confirms Children Detained During 27 August Protests Have Been Released
The Indonesian Commission for Child Protection (KPAI) has ensured that all children who were detained by police during the demonstrations on 27 August 2026 have been returned to their respective homes.
KPAI member Sylvana Maria Apituley confirmed that, according to data from the Metro Jaya Regional Police, a total of 160 children were detained during and after the protest actions.
“The detained children have all gone home. According to the police, the total number of children detained was 160. When KPAI was at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on the night of 28 August, three children were still being interrogated, but the rest had already returned home. By the dawn of 29 August, those final three children had also been released,” Sylvana stated on Tuesday (1 September).
During the interrogation process at the Metro Jaya Police Headquarters, KPAI monitored the proceedings to ensure that children’s rights were fulfilled, including urging that the detention period not exceed 24 hours and requiring legal assistance.
“KPAI continues to oversee the interrogation of these children by requesting that they are not detained for more than 24 hours and that they have accompaniment. Metro Jaya Police assured KPAI that the children are being accompanied by the Correctional Centre (Bapas),” she explained.
On the other hand, KPAI expressed regret over the recurring pattern of involving and mobilising children in mass demonstrations. Sylvana emphasised that exploiting the vulnerability of children for practical political interests constitutes a serious violation of the law.
Such mobilisation is considered a violation of the fundamental rights of children protected by the Constitution, Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, and Law Number 11 of 2012 concerning the Juvenile Criminal Justice System (SPPA).
“Mobilising children with the targets and political agendas of adults, particularly by abusing the vulnerability of children—including the economic vulnerability of their parents—is clearly a violation of a child’s right to meaningful participation,” said Sylvana.