Legislator: Children in Juvenile Detention Are the Future Generation, Not Failed Products
A member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Marinus Gea, made his first visit to the Class I Juvenile Detention Centre (LPKA) in Tangerang on Tuesday, 10 March. During the visit, the politician emphasised the importance of character transformation and optimism for the detained children as they look towards the future.
Marinus stressed that the period of detention at LPKA should be viewed as a learning phase, not merely as punishment for past mistakes.
In dialogue with the detained children, Marinus conveyed a touching message about the maturation process. According to him, mistakes made at a young age are part of life’s dynamics that can be corrected.
“Making mistakes as a child is part of the process of growing up. What is important is how that past experience becomes a life lesson to become a better person,” said Marinus Gea in a statement received on Tuesday, 10 March.
He stressed that the presence of children at LPKA is not the end of their life journey, but rather an opportunity to learn discipline, strengthen character, and prepare themselves for life in the future.
“You are not here at the end of everything. Rather, this is part of the learning process and building discipline. Study diligently, because the knowledge you acquire here will make you more prepared to face life outside,” said Marinus.
During the occasion, he also appreciated the facilities and guidance provided to children at LPKA, including the fulfilment of their rights in health and education.
“I appreciate the facilities available here, from child welfare to health and education. Children here should be treated like my own children at home, because they are the nation’s future generation,” he said.
Marinus also encouraged LPKA officers to continue serving as parental figures for the detained children.
“Officers here are not just guards, but also parents who listen to their stories, provide guidance, and admonish when necessary,” he said.
He reminded the detained children not to be trapped by the past, but rather to focus on building the future.
“Do not view the past as an obstacle. Look at your future. Nothing is impossible for your future,” said Marinus.
During the Ramadan period, he also invited the detained children to use their time in detention as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and self-improvement.
“Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection. Use this time to learn, build character, and continue to dream. You deserve to have a future and have the opportunity to become leaders in society,” he said.
Marinus also appreciated the various creative pursuits displayed by the detained children during their detention.
“I see much creativity here. The knowledge you learn could become a path to achieve your future, and it is not impossible that you could become successful entrepreneurs,” he said.
At the end, he stated that the House of Representatives would advocate for various needs of LPKA to relevant partners, including the Directorate General of Corrections, so that the guidance process for children can run more optimally.