KPAI Finds Recurring Pattern of Child Exploitation in Post-Demo Riots

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has condemned the alleged exploitation of children in the riots following a demonstration in Jakarta on Thursday, 27 August 2026. KPAI stated that child exploitation constitutes a violation of children’s fundamental rights.

“Exploitation of children in mass actions is a violation of children’s fundamental rights protected by the constitution and Law Number 35 of 2014 on Amendments to Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection and Law Number 11 of 2012 on the Juvenile Criminal Justice System,” said KPAI member Sylvana Maria Apituley, as reported by Antara on Saturday (29/8/2026).

KPAI emphasised that the political exploitation of children contradicts children’s right to participation. Meaningful participation requires voluntariness, full understanding of the substance and ideas conveyed by the child, and awareness of the consequences of expressing such opinions.

Sylvana stressed that meaningful participation requires a safe and comfortable space for children to express their views. “However, mobilising children with the targets and political agendas of adults, particularly by abusing children’s vulnerabilities, including the economic vulnerability of their parents, clearly constitutes a violation of children’s right to meaningful participation,” she said.

KPAI expressed regret over the recurring pattern of children’s involvement in the demonstration on 27 August 2026. “KPAI found a recurring modus operandi and pattern of children’s involvement in demonstrations. The majority were vocational and senior high school students, a small number were still in junior high school, and some had dropped out of school. Some of the children stated they were merely tagging along, invited by friends, or wanted to watch the demonstration. They were detained by police in the area near the DPR Building and Palmerah Station, South Jakarta, on Thursday (27/8) afternoon and/or evening,” she said.

Police are investigating the alleged exploitation of children. As is known, police detained 322 people in connection with the unrest after the demonstration in front of the MPR/DPR building ended on Friday (27/8). Of that number, 160 were children. Police are now investigating the alleged exploitation of children in the incident.

“Investigators are currently conducting an in-depth investigation into parties who used, utilised or exploited children to carry out unlawful activities,” said Director of General Criminal Investigation of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (28/8/2026).

He said this potentially violates regulations related to child protection. “This is because it could potentially violate the norms stipulated in the Child Protection Law regarding the involvement and exploitation of children,” he said.