TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Crimes against children in Indonesia are at an alarming level as in several cases, the perpetrators are close to or familiar with the victims, according to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) Deputy Chairman Susanto.

"Crimes against children are now at an alarming level, and all public elements should focus their attention on the matter and join hands to prevent more children from falling victims," Susanto noted in a press statement on Friday.

He pointed out that Indonesian children continue to experience problems as they are still vulnerable to becoming victims of violence, murder, pornography, both sexual and economic exploitation, and even trafficking.

Moreover, even in the smallest of environments, such as households, several parents who are supposed to be the main patrons for their children become the perpetrators of violence against them.

"There are several parents who even exploit their children for momentary and economic benefits and become the perpetrators of violence against them," he noted.

Even in educational and social environments, the people close to the children become the perpetrators of crime against them. The teachers, who should serve as role models, commit violence against the students in some cases.

ANTARA