KPAI Reveals Multiple Factors Behind Children's Involvement in Sarong Wars During Ramadan

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has identified multiple factors underlying children’s involvement in sarong wars during Ramadan, ranging from family vulnerability to a crisis in recreational spaces.

KPAI views the sarong war phenomenon not merely as juvenile delinquency.

Deputy Chairman of KPAI, Jasra Putra, cited various risk factors driving children’s participation in such activities.

“These range from broken families, economic vulnerability amongst the poorest income groups (deciles 1 and 2), high rates of out-of-school children, mental health issues, to children abandoned or neglected despite having families,” Jasra stated in a press release on Saturday (28 February 2026).

Within social systems, if one group of children lacks proper care, the impact can threaten all children in that environment.

According to him, Indonesia’s child protection referral system often fails to function optimally, leaving these vulnerabilities unaddressed from an early stage.

To address the root causes, KPAI believes Indonesia requires stronger policy legislation through a proposed Child Care Law (RUU Pengasuhan Anak).

“Without this, our responses will continue to be ad hoc and delayed,” said Jasra.

“This is an emergency signal from a crisis in recreational spaces, weak supervision, and the failure of communities to channel the energy of our children,” he added.

He explained that Ramadan should ideally be a cherished communal moment. However, beneath the spiritual observance lies a major gap in child protection work that is frequently overlooked.

The sarong war phenomenon typically originates in densely populated residential areas. Open spaces that once served as playgrounds have largely been converted into factories or car parks, severely limiting children’s freedom of movement.

“As a result, when Ramadan arrives and children have legitimate reasons to leave home at night, they venture out seeking as much space as possible to express themselves,” he stated.

This situation is compounded by changes in daily rhythms during Ramadan. Adults often become exhausted after breaking fast or night prayers given the need to work the following day, whilst children’s energy peaks at night and towards dawn.