KPAI's Statement on Alleged Unfairness in MPR's 4 Pillars Quiz Competition in West Kalimantan
The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has requested follow-up action in the implementation of the 4 Pillars of the MPR RI Quiz Competition at the West Kalimantan level, which has sparked allegations of unfairness. KPAI Chairman Aris Adi Leksono stated that every educational competition involving children must uphold child protection principles, including ensuring that the assessment process is objective, fair, and accountable.
He said that children participate in competitions to gain learning experiences, character development, sportsmanship, and opportunities for self-actualisation. Therefore, allegations of scoring errors or unfair treatment could potentially cause psychological pressure, shame, deep disappointment, and loss of confidence among participants.
“Educational activities and competitions involving children must uphold the principle of the best interests of the child,” said Aris in a written statement on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
KPAI also emphasised that all participants must receive equal treatment without discrimination or bias. The organisers and judging panel are deemed to have moral and pedagogical responsibilities to ensure that the assessment mechanisms can be accounted for.
Furthermore, KPAI reminded that the controversy developing in the public sphere should not turn into digital bullying against the involved children. According to them, educational competitions must not become spaces that humiliate or undermine participants’ mental well-being.
“Educational competition activities must not become spaces that humiliate, undermine mental health, or ignore children’s voices,” he stated.
KPAI encourages the organisers and judging panel to conduct an open and objective evaluation of the entire competition process, including the assessment mechanisms and answer validation. If errors are found, the organisers are asked to provide fair clarification and restoration to maintain participants’ psychological health and public trust.
The child protection agency also requested that the public and social media users maintain ethics in expressing criticism and avoid attacking or excessively exposing the identities of children. In the future, KPAI assesses that educational competitions need clear, transparent, and child-friendly complaint and objection mechanisms.