Government Launches National Child-Safe School Initiative

RRI.CO.ID, Malang - The government has officially launched the National Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children Movement (Gernas RANA) in schools alongside the opening of the school orientation period for the new academic year. The launch was centered in Malang, East Java on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno and Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, introduced the initiative for Islamic schools and Islamic boarding schools. Now, Gernas RANA has been expanded to all schools under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

As quoted by the coordinating minitry's press release, Pratikno said children must be guaranteed safe and comfortable environments in four key areas, namely within families, educational institutions, public spaces, and digital spaces. He explained that schools should protect children from violence, while public facilities and digital environments must also support children's well-being and healthy development.

Pratikno affirmed, “that, under President Prabowo’s instruction, the government must guarantee safe and comfortable spaces in families, educational institutions, public spaces, and digital spaces.” He added that creating a safe ecosystem requires proper regulations, strong institutions, effective supervision, and appropriate rewards and sanctions for educational institutions and their administrators.

The coordinating minister also encouraged children to speak up whenever they experience bullying or violence. He affirmed that parents and teachers should support children so they never hesitate to report incidents that threaten their safety.

Meanwhile, Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, highlighted the high number of violence cases involving children, most of whom are girls. She said the movement should become an important milestone in reducing violence against children through preventive efforts involving multiple stakeholders.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, reaffirmed his commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment. He said the initiative aligns with Ministerial Regulation Number 6 of 2026, which requires schools to provide safe environments for every member of the education community.

The launch of Gernas RANA also marked stronger cross-sector collaboration involving the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, regional governments, education offices, teachers, and parents. The government expects this coordinated effort to strengthen child protection and create safer educational environments throughout Indonesia.