'Teaching by example is best'

Children are supposed to receive education and protection from their families, the society and the state. In observance of National Children Day, which falls on July 23, The Jakarta Post asked some people their thoughts on children's rights.

Onny, 33, works as an event organizer for a sports association in Senayan, South Jakarta. He lives in Cempaka Putih, Central Jakarta, with his wife and daughter:

It is the responsibility of the family to protect children, not school teachers or the government. Children nowadays are more critical than those of our generation. They will protest if our attitude contradicts our principles.

Providing an example is best for the children. If I want to teach discipline, I must do something good continuously at first, say for instance praying. My daughter always asks questions about what I do, before she follows me.

Arman, 28, is a journalist with Indo Pos. He lives with his family in Depok:

Many children are still unlucky because they do not have the chance to enjoy their childhood, Instead, they must work to feed themselves.

If I'm not wrong, around 3.3 million children nationwide are working. It's terrible because they are exposed to violence, exploitation and mistreatment from their employers.

The government must draw up strong regulations to protect children. Many children are still left unprotected, even by their own families. It's imperative the government improves the current condition for the sake of the children.

-- The Jakarta Post