National Children's Day: 1,050 Juvenile Detainees Receive Sentence Remissions

A total of 1,050 juvenile detainees received sentence reductions during the commemoration of the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) in 2026 on Thursday (23/7). Of that number, 990 juvenile detainees received a partial remission (PMP HAN I), whilst 60 juvenile detainees were immediately released after receiving a full remission (PMP HAN II). Under PMP HAN I, 660 juvenile detainees received a one-month reduction, 206 received two months, 105 received three months, and 19 received four months. Meanwhile, for PMP HAN II, 31 juvenile detainees received a one-month remission, 14 each received two and three months, and one juvenile detainee received a four-month remission. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto stressed that every juvenile detainee retains the right to grow, learn, receive guidance, and prepare for their future. This is in line with the 2026 National Children’s Day theme, ‘Love Children, Protect and Build Their Future’. ‘The guidance provided in the Special Child Development Institution (LPKA) is not retribution, but rather a manifestation of the state’s responsibility to return children to a better life through an approach that prioritises the best interests of the child, respect for human dignity, and restorative justice,’ Agus said via a press statement on Thursday (23/7). Agus added that the guidance process in LPKA should not be seen as the end of a child’s journey, but rather the beginning of a process of change towards a better life. ‘All guidance programmes implemented are directed at building character, improving academic and vocational skills, strengthening religious values, fostering discipline, building responsibility, and developing life skills that will serve as provisions when they return to their families and communities,’ he said. Agus expressed hope that the remission can motivate all juvenile detainees to continue improving themselves, maintain good behaviour, comply with all guidance programmes, and prepare themselves to become individuals who are beneficial to their families, communities, nation, and state. ‘Make this opportunity a start to reorganise your life. Keep learning, worshipping, respecting your parents, appreciating your teachers and correctional officers, and building high aspirations. Never feel that your past determines your future,’ he said. Echoing this sentiment, Director General of Corrections Mashudi stated that remission for juvenile detainees is not only the fulfilment of rights in accordance with statutory regulations, but also a tangible manifestation of the state’s commitment to appreciating every behavioural change demonstrated during the guidance process. ‘Through remission, we have realised respect for the rights of juvenile detainees, fostered motivation for behavioural change and successful guidance, supported the theme of ’loving children’, strengthened aspects of child protection in line with the ‘protect’ theme, built a better future for children, reinforced the function of social reintegration, reduced the risk of recidivism, and promoted the achievement of the goals of the Correctional System,’ he explained. This year, the highest number of remission recipients came from North Sumatra with 102 juvenile detainees, followed by West Java with 96 and East Java with 80. Through the remission programme, the state reportedly saved IDR 1,075,140,000 in meal costs. Remission for juvenile detainees is part of a rehabilitative approach that prioritises the best interests of the child. This is in line with the principles of Law Number 11 of 2012 on the Juvenile Criminal Justice System and Law Number 22 of 2022 on Corrections.