IPB University Family Expert: Kendari Fire Tragedy, Portrait of Failure to Protect Women and Children
A fire tragedy killed three toddler siblings in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. Family Expert and Chairperson of the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) IPB University, Dr Yulina Eva Riany, said this incident was not only a domestic disaster, but also reflected a portrait of systemic failure to protect women and children in Indonesia.
“The fact that the mother, Siska Amelia, is only 23 years old and already has five children from three marriages, indicates a much deeper problem, namely the failure of the social support system in preventing child marriage and providing assistance for single parents,” she explained.
Regarding this incident, he expressed several views. First, the age of toddlers who are completely dependent on adults. Toddlers do not have the ability to recognize danger signs or save themselves in an emergency.
“When left alone, the risk of loss of life is even greater. This is a failure of safe parenting, which should be basic knowledge for every parent,” she said.
Secondly, according to Dr Yulina, parenting is not only about meeting physical needs, but also ensuring safety. She added that the decision to leave four children alone for hours reflected a lack of understanding of parenting responsibilities.
“This case confirms that safe parenting education should be a priority, especially for young mothers who are vulnerable and do not have adequate parenting knowledge,” she explained.
Third, the lack of social support for women, especially for those who marry at an early age. According to Dr Yulina, Siska is a clear example of the impact of early marriage that is not followed by emotional, economic, and social readiness to become parents. She emphasized that the social system fails to provide adequate protection, in the form of education, counseling, and post-marriage assistance.
“After divorce, the absence of a network of support from family or community makes the burden of care fall entirely on the shoulders of a single parent who is still very young and still struggling to find identity and stability in life,” she added.
Fourth, the failure of child protection. Dr Yulina believes that this case shows the weak existence and role of child protection mechanisms at the community level, such as child protection cadres, integrated service posts (Posyandu), or children’s forums.
“The absence of monitoring the condition of high-risk families like this causes many problems to be overlooked until it leads to tragedy,” she added.
Finally, household conditions that are not child-friendly increase the risk. Unsafe living environments, without fire detection devices or evacuation routes, exacerbate fatalities when disasters occur.
“This is a reflection of the absence of public awareness and local policies on household risk mitigation,” said Dr Yulina, who is a lecturer at the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University.
For Dr Yulina, this tragedy must become a national alarm. It takes joint steps from all parties, including how to prevent child marriage, strengthen safe parenting education, and provide assistance for young mothers, especially single parents.
She also recommends expanding access to social assistance, and building a child protection system that is truly present down to the family level.
“Children are an investment in the future of the nation that must be protected from the circle of vulnerability and violence that can be prevented,” she concluded. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ARD)
