KPAI Urges Police to Investigate Child Persecution

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) expressed deep concern in light of the persecution case against a junior high student committed by 12 senior high students in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

“KPAI demands police thoroughly investigate the case and supports the case settlement,” said KPAI commissioner Retno Listyarti in a press release on Wednesday, April 10.

Retno said that the case must be proceeded based on Law No. 11 of 2012 concerning the juvenile justice system (SPPA).

The KPAI, she added, will coordinate with Pontianak Child Protection Commission (KPPAD) and Pontianak Health Agency to fulfill the rights of rehabilitation for the victim, “including a security monitoring to the hospital where the victim getting medical care.”

Read also: Persecution: #JusticeForAudrey Petition Receives Over 1.8mn Signs

As reported earlier, the petition posted in a site change.org urging KPAI and Pontianak KPPAD defend the victim gained public spotlight. The girl, identified as AY (14), was brutally beaten by 12 young people due to a conflict over a boy and posts on social media.

According to Retno, KPAI and KPAAD will team up with the Women Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Ministry and the Integrated Women's and Children's Center (P2TP2A) for psychological treatment for both victim and perpetrators.

“P2TP2A has psychologists to conduct psychological assessment and rehabilitation so those youngsters will not repeat their action,” Retno noted.

Moreover, she went on, those children must be helped to understand a positive self-concept and possess a life’s goal. Therefore, parents play a vital role in implementing positive parenting in a family.

The KPAI further reminded the police and media to not expose the identity of the persecution victim and perpetrators. “News coverage about children must protect their identity as stipulated in Article 19 (1) and (2) of Law No. 11 of 2012 on SPPA,” Retno asserted.

IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)