Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Highlights Sarong Gang Fights During Ramadan, Emphasises Child-Friendly Approach

Thu, 26 Feb 2026, 19:29 WIB | By Cahya Mulyana | Source: MEDIA_INDONESIA | Social Policy

The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) has expressed concern over the increasing number of sarong gang fights that have occurred in various regions during Ramadan, including in Kebumen Regency, Central Java.

The phenomenon is considered to undermine the meaning of Ramadan as a time for increased worship and drawing closer to God. In addition to endangering the children involved, the actions also disrupt public order, especially for residents who are fasting.

The Acting Deputy for Special Child Protection at KemenPPPA, Indra Gunawan, affirmed that law enforcement officers must still carry out order-keeping measures appropriately and in a measured way while still respecting children’s rights.

“Handling child gang fights must prioritise a child-friendly approach. Violence and physical punishment are not correlated with discipline and do not automatically break the cycle of violence. In fact, it has the potential to cause violence to recur, both on the child as the perpetrator and as the victim,” said Indra in a statement on Thursday (26/2).

According to him, the involvement of the child’s closest ecological environment, such as family, school, and community, is key in fostering through the application of positive discipline. This approach is considered more effective in preventing deviant behaviour and building children’s character sustainably.

KemenPPPA ensures that the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA) will provide assistance during the coaching process for children involved in gang fights. The assistance includes family involvement and the provision of trauma healing services for children.

“The presence of UPTD PPA in this process is very important as part of monitoring the implementation of positive discipline while also ensuring that the protection of children’s rights is still fulfilled,” he said.

Furthermore, KemenPPPA also encourages all law enforcement agencies and the military to uphold child protection and safety policies in every activity involving children.

This policy aims to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, or risks that can threaten their physical and psychological well-being.

Indra added that incidents in the field not only have the potential to cause trauma to children, but also to the officers on duty. Without intervention and changes in the approach in prevention activities, this trauma is feared to be prolonged.

“We need to conduct a thorough evaluation of security procedures in the field so that similar incidents do not recur, especially those that have the potential to pose risks to children’s safety. This must be a shared lesson to strengthen the child protection system in Indonesia,” he emphasised.

KemenPPPA also reminds that the public has an important role in preventing and reporting violence against women and children. If they know, see, or experience violence, the public is encouraged to reprimand and report it through the SAPA 129 service or the nearest complaint units. (Fik/P-3)

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