Wealthy people urged to help neglected kids

JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has urged wealthier Indonesians to help poor and neglected children.

Baharuddin Lopa, secretary general of the Commission, together with members Asmara Nababan and Bambang Soeharto, met yesterday with 20 street children from Java and Sumatra. They were accompanied by 10 members of the Jakarta Social Institute, who coordinated the meeting.

"It is not only an economic problem but also a social one," Baharuddin said. The problem must be solved effectively, he said.

According to Baharuddin, the problem of street children is caused by a lack of job opportunities and an increasing population.

Twenty children testified before the Commission to the cruelties they have experienced.

According to Azas Tigor N., chairman of the Jakarta Social Institute, street children are of products of broken homes. Some of the children make money to survive by working as street peddlers and boot polishers, while some resort to begging. Many are without immediate families or relatives, he said.

Azas said that the children are often accused of involvement in crimes they did not commit. The children make special complaints about the cruelty of security officers.

The Institute reported that some of the children had been physically harmed, sexually harassed and robbed of their money and wares. Occasionally these children are thrown behind bars for days or even weeks.

Azas said the institute has tried to provide shelters for the children, however, residents living near shelter areas complain that the presence of the children denigrates their communities.

Baharuddin said the Commission will urge the Ministry of Social Services and local administrations to help solve the problem. He voiced support for the institute's activities.

Baharuddin also advised the Institute to submit details of the kinds on the cruelty faced by these children.

He said "to live is the most fundamental right, and restraining the children from making ends meet is a means of denying their right to live."

Baharuddin said that security officers may not mean to harm the children but intend only to warn them not to disturb public order.

He advised the children not to expect too much for the time being. "You should be able to help yourselves and avoid trouble, especially if it involves security officers," he said.

In the meeting the Institute asked that protection be given to the children and that their rights be respected.

Early this month the Institute held several activities to channel the children's artistic creativity at Cibubur Scout Center. The activities included an opera entitled "Nyanyian Ranting Kering" (The Song of a Dry Twig) which was performed at Taman Ismail Marzuki Art Center. (05)