Dede Leni Mardianti, Jakarta – The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) reported a total of 2,301 cases of violence against children in 2025. Most of the victims were girls, making up 51.5 percent, with boys 47.6 percent, and gender-unspecified children making up 0.9 percent.
"This finding is deeply concerning," said KPAI Deputy Chair Jasra Putra in a written statement on Thursday, January 15, 2025.
According to the KPAI chair, assaulters mostly came from family environments and alternative care, with 9 percent being biological fathers and 8.2 percent being biological mothers. While the majority, accounting for 66.3 percent of reported child abuse last year, was conducted by unidentified perpetrators.
"This is ironic, as it indicates the weakness in the details of reporting and the victims' low courage to name their assaulters," he said.
Additionally, KPAI found that children remain vulnerable to political exploitation. For example, during the August-September 2025 riots, the children protection agency noted that many adolescents experienced violence and torture when detained by the Indonesian police.
"This constitutes a violation of Law Number 23 of 2002, which regulates the rights of children to participate and receive protection from violence and discrimination," he added.
The disregard for children's rights also occurred in the free nutritious meal (MBG) program, with a total of 12,658 children across 38 provinces suffering from free meal-related food poisoning in 2025. The three provinces with the highest number of MBG poisoning victims were West Java with 4,877 children, Central Java with 1,961 children, and Yogyakarta with 1,517 children.
According to Jasra, the data was derived from the Child Lead Research (CLR) involving 24 child researchers. KPAI urged the government to evaluate the free nutritious meal program and impose stricter health and safety standards.
"To avoid health and psychosocial risks, a strengthened governance, food security, and meaningful participation from children are necessary," said Jarsa.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2080728/kpai-indonesia-records-2031-child-abuse-cases-in-202