International Children’s Day, PKGA IPB University Webinar: Children Victims of Violence Are at Risk of Developing Degenerative Diseases
The Center for Gender and Child Studies (PKGA) at IPB University, in collaboration with the National Institute for Child and Family Development (NICFD) at Mahidol University, Thailand, is hosting a national webinar to commemorate World Children’s Day, which falls on June 1.
This webinar serves as a strategic opportunity to reflect on challenges and strengthen policy coordination and concrete actions in advocating for children’s rights.
Prof Arya Hadi Darmawan, Chairman of the International Research Institute for Social, Economic, and Regional Development at IPB University, emphasized in his opening remarks that child protection is not merely a national issue but a global responsibility.
“Throughout 2024, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) recorded 25.559 cases of violence against children reported through the SIMFONI PPA (Online Information System for Women and Child Protection). Additionally, the low achievement of the Child Protection Index remains a shared challenge for us,” he stated.
According to him, international cooperation, such as between Indonesia and Thailand, is crucial to strengthen research-based and collaborative child protection policies.
Dr Chatchai Imarom, a Pediatrician at Mahidol University Hospital, emphasized the importance of a collaborative interprofessional approach to ensure the fulfillment of children’s rights in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
“Children who are victims of violence are at risk of developing various degenerative diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and liver disorders. Moreover, experiences of violence can damage brain and nerve development, potentially shortening a person’s lifespan,” said Dr Baz, as he is affectionately known.
Meanwhile, Dr Yulina Eva Riany, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Advocacy Center (PKGA) at IPB University, outlined the current state of child protection in Indonesia. She revealed that there were 11.771 cases of sexual violence against children in 2024.
Dr Yulina also highlighted that the National Child Protection Index has yet to meet the targets set in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2024.
“Family- and community-based education, as the primary and closest units to children, needs to be implemented. Let us strive to protect children now, starting from our immediate surroundings,” she urged.
The webinar also discussed several real-life cases of violence against children, including a case at a boarding school in Bandung, infant abuse by a biological father, and online trafficking of girls. These cases underscore the urgency of policy reform, increased public awareness, and child-friendly law enforcement.
Several key recommendations agreed upon in this forum include: 1) an integrated strategy to provide protection for children, 2) the involvement of various sectors, 3) accurate data as the basis for developing child protection strategies, and 4) a strong commitment from all parties to achieve child protection.
“This event reaffirms that protecting children is protecting the nation’s future. Therefore, it is urgent to begin all child protection efforts immediately and from the nearest environment,” emphasized Dr Yulina. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KDP)
