JAKARTA (August 28, 2019) - The "A Day with Children" event was held at the Ministry of Social Affairs on August 27-28, 2019. Social Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita attended the peak of the event and participated in playing with children in the event which was attended by 600 children.

In his remarks, Social Minister Agus stated that so far the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation has developed a 5 Cluster Social Rehabilitation Program (Progress 5.0), including for a child cluster called the Child Rehabilitation Program (Progressa).

"The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to strengthen welfare services for children. One reason is because children face various real threats and are still quite high from their environment. Through this program, we strive to provide assistance packages for children, childcare, family support and therapy, "explained the Minister.

The Minister stated that the state showed concrete steps in protecting children. During this time children face real threats that occur in everyday life, including bullying, harassment, exploitation, becoming victims of drugs and free sex, suicide, and being exposed to the understanding of radicalism and terrorism.

Therefore, state protection for children is carried out in order to maintain their growth and development so as not to be disturbed from the influence of violence that occurs in their environment.

In line with this, the Ministry of Social Affairs ensures that all assistance given to children runs according to the 6T principle of being on target, on time, on quantity, on benefit, on administration and on time.

Data on children receiving assistance is integrated in the Integrated Social Welfare Data. The Ministry of Social Affairs has assigned all Social Workers Bhakti Unit (Sakti Peksos) to respond to various problems of children in the field.

Minister of Social Affairs Agus stressed, "Certainly it is important to carry out special protection for children to ensure their physical, mental and social growth and development as a whole. They have strategic values ​​and unique characteristics and become potential layers of society because the future of the nation is in their hands."

Budget Reduced

Regarding the budget allocation for child protection in the 2020 APBN, the Minister acknowledged that there was a reduction of around Rp.113 billion or nearly 40 percent from the previous year. For this reason, the Minister of Social Affairs continues to open talks with the Ministry of Finance and the DPR, so that the budget allocation for child protection is at least the same as the previous year.

"We also invite all groups whether it is local government, ministries, civil society, and the community to participate in protecting and fulfilling children's rights," said the Minister.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission VIII Tb. Ace Hasan Syadzily in his speech gave a serious note related to reducing the budget for children.

"Child protection is part of the nation's efforts to prepare human resources that can compete in the future. With the reduction in the budget, it will be difficult to overcome the challenges that hinder the creation of a conducive child protection ecosystem, "Hasan explained.

On the same occasion, Director General of Social Rehabilitation Edi Suharto stated that the "Day with Children" activity was carried out every year by involving children, parents and various other stakeholders.

"This year" A Day with Children "is packaged to listen more to children's voices, provide opportunities for children to better understand life, play and learn and involve parents and teachers to further enhance protection to children," explained Edi.


Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs
Sonny W. Manalu