Minister Ensures Children’s Rights Through Secure Environments

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, emphasized that a safe and comfortable environment is a concrete step toward protecting children and sustainably fulfilling their rights.

Child protection efforts require the active participation of all parties to prevent violence early on within the local community.

"We must not wait for a child to become a victim. Concrete action must begin now by building a safe environment before violence occurs," Minister Arifah said in a press statement in Jakarta on Friday, August 14, 2026.

She stressed that the community must act swiftly when violence occurs and ensure children receive optimal protection. Support from families, communities, and those closest to the child is considered crucial in helping them navigate situations of violence safely.

"As many as 50.78 percent of children aged 13–17 have experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime. This data indicates that child protection must be strengthened through prevention and concrete action from an early stage," she said.

Meanwhile, 33.64 percent of children in that age group had experienced violence within the last 12 months. She noted that this situation highlights the need for concrete measures to strengthen child protection and ensure the fulfillment of their rights.

"The theme 'Act Now, Save Lives' reminds us that fulfilling children's rights and protecting them requires concrete action. We can no longer wait; child protection must be implemented now, before violence occurs," she stated.

The Child Heroes Festival also serves as part of the celebration marking Save the Children's 50 years of work in Indonesia. The event features educational spaces and games that teach children how to protect themselves from violence, respond to disasters, and understand nutritious eating habits.

The festival also hosts educational talks with public figures, experts, and practitioners to discuss child-rearing. Discussions highlight the importance of family resilience in creating a safe and comfortable environment for children's growth and development.

Save the Children Indonesia CEO Dessy Kurwiany Ukar stated that the festival serves as a collective call to create safe spaces for children. She said the event is not merely a celebration but also encourages public concern for the protection and fulfillment of children's rights.

“This festival is not just a celebration; it serves as a collective call to create safe spaces for children. Children need spaces where they feel safe, heard, and protected from various forms of violence,” said Dessy. (Misni Parjiati)