'State should take responsibility'

Law No. 23/2002 on child protection stipulates that the government, families and parents must protect children's rights to choose and freedom to develop their creativity. In observance of National Children's Day, which fell on July 23, The Jakarta Post asked parents how well a child's rights are protected:

Nurillah, 49, is a former teacher. The mother of four is married to an official at the Ministry of National Education. They live on Jl. H. Sulaiman, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta:

In my opinion, the state does not protect children's rights. Many of them still have no access to education, or have become street children and often suffer violence, like sexual harassment.

I support the idea of establishing a special ministry for children and youths that would take responsibility and pay serious attention to the many problems faced by children.

Yuliani, 38, is a housewife. She lives on Jl. Bintara, West Bekasi, with her two young children:

There are wide disparities between children in this country. Some children attend good schools, eat the best food and enjoy other luxuries, but many can't afford even the most basic necessities.

Many children are forced to become beggars and street singers by their parents or other adults. Many other children have to live on the street as they have no home.

I think the government should take care of neglected children because the Constitution obliges it to do so. All neglected children should become the state's responsibility.

--The Jakarta Post