Indonesia reported 2,301 cases of violence against children in 2025, with girls comprising the majority of victims, according to the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).
Child Violence Cases in Indonesia Rise
KPAI reported that 51.5 percent of the victims were girls, while boys accounted for 47.6 percent, and 0.9 percent of cases involved children of unspecified gender. KPAI Deputy Chair Jasra Putra described the findings as “deeply concerning” in a written statement on Thursday, January 15, 2025.
The majority of perpetrators were from family environments and alternative care settings, with biological fathers responsible for 9 percent of cases and biological mothers for 8.2 percent. However, 66.3 percent of reported child abuse cases involved unidentified perpetrators.
“This is ironic, as it indicates the weakness in the details of reporting and the victims’ low courage to name their assaulters,” Putra said.
Political Exploitation and Program Failures
KPAI also found that children remain vulnerable to political exploitation. During riots in August-September 2025, adolescents experienced violence and torture while detained by Indonesian police, violating Law Number 23 of 2002, which protects children’s rights to participate and be free from violence and discrimination.
Additionally, 12,658 children across 38 provinces suffered food poisoning related to the free nutritious meal (MBG) program in 2025. The provinces with the highest number of cases were West Java (4,877 children), Central Java (1,961 children), and Yogyakarta (1,517 children).
The data was derived from the Child Lead Research (CLR) involving 24 child researchers. KPAI has urged the government to evaluate the free nutritious meal program and implement stricter health and safety standards.
“To avoid health and psychosocial risks, a strengthened governance, food security, and meaningful participation from children are necessary,” said Jasra.
Disclaimer: To report any doubts or concerns related to child safeguarding, child sexual abuse, and/or violence against children, please contact the nearest authorities and/or relevant organizations. Child Helpline International at https://childhelplineinternational.org/helplines/ provides an extensive list of global helplines for accessible assistance and counseling services for children and young people. To report wrongdoings against children, including online child sexual abuse material and imagery, the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children at https://www.icmec.org/hotlines-and-helplines/ provides a list of global hotlines.
If you’re in Indonesia, you can contact the Ministry of Social Affairs’ TePSA hotline at 1500771, or the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection’s SAPA Service 129 at 08111 129 129. For immediate dangers, call the police at Call Center 110.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
