Social Affairs Minister Favors the Agreement of Eight Ministries/Institutions to Protect Children from Violence

JAKARTA (8 August 2023) – Efforts to deal with violence against children have made significant progress. Eight leaders of ministries/institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Education Units (PPKSP).

This memorandum of understanding is a manifestation of the spirit of collaboration of the eight Ministries/Institutions to prevent violence against children, especially in the educational environment. Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini favored this agreement. She is optimistic that the synergy of related stakeholders could aid in realizing an inclusive, diverse, and safe learning environment for all.

"This is the agreement that I have been waiting for. Since I became a minister, I always handle cases of child abuse. We got some reports that the incident occurred during the holidays when there was no one at school. It turned out that there was an aggravated rape and such," she said in Jakarta (04/08).

The rise of violence against children requires joint handling. The complexity and breadth of the challenges that must be faced require broader synergy. Therefore, said the Minister of Social Affairs, after signing the memorandum of understanding, broader cooperation is still needed.

"This agreement is very good. However, we still need help from the community. I am sure that together, our children will be in a comfortable and safe place wherever they are, including in the educational unit environment," she remarked.

In creating a safe environment for children, the Minister asked all parties to take care of any children as their own. Thus, there will be good will to look after the children.

"With that, our children will always be protected. My child is a child of all of us. Other people's children are our children. If you think so, then our children will be safe wherever they are," she emphasized.

To create an inclusive, diverse and safe learning environment for all, the Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding on PPKSP, at Graha Utama 3rd Floor, Ki Hadjar Dewantara Building, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology on Friday, 4 August 2023.

Apart from the Minister of Social Affairs, the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Dante Rigmalia, Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Atnike Nova Sigiro, Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Ai Maryati Solihah, and Secretary to the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Pribudiarta Nur Sitepu.