Hundreds of Children Joined Jakarta Protest, KPAI Reports Cases of Violence

Casal dels Infants – Hundreds of children joined the Jakarta protest on August 25 and 28, 2025, drawing significant public attention. According to data from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya), 196 minors were taken into custody on August 25, and another 190 on August 28. The children, aged 12 to 17, came from Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bekasi.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) expressed regret over the involvement of minors in political demonstrations. It stressed that such participation risks violating their rights. KPAI immediately coordinated with the police to protect the detained children.

From Peer Influence to Social Media

Testimonies from several children revealed that most joined the protest due to peer pressure, encouragement from older students or alumni, or exposure to content circulating on TikTok and WhatsApp. Many came prepared with hooded jackets, mobile phones, chargers, and other small items.

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While most children joined the Jakarta protest without clear reasons, 19 of them reported experiencing physical violence by police officers, resulting in bruises and bumps on their heads. Additionally, two children claimed they were detained even though they had no intention of joining the protest and were only present at the scene by coincidence.

Treatment While in Custody

During their time at the police station, the children were given food and a place to rest. However, they were not accompanied by legal guardians or representatives as mandated by the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law (Law No. 11 of 2012). Police authorities stated that there was no formal investigation process, only requests for oral and written statements.

KPAI emphasized that this remains a serious concern and that authorities must uphold children’s right to legal protection.

A Form of Child Rights Neglect

The involvement of children in political protests is not a new phenomenon. KPAI noted that adults have continued to involve children in political activities for over a decade. These practices occur particularly during presidential and regional elections or large-scale demonstrations against government policies.

According to KPAI, children are often mobilized for adult political interests rather than being given meaningful opportunities to participate. Limited education on democracy, human rights, and digital literacy makes them vulnerable to manipulation. In fact, all children involved admitted they had never heard of the official “Children’s Forum” program. This program is supposed to provide a safe space for expressing opinions.

KPAI stressed that involving minors in political protests clearly violates the Child Protection Law (Law No. 35 of 2014). It also violates children’s rights to live free from violence, avoid exploitation, receive an education, and have time to rest, play, and develop their talents.

KPAI Recommendations

Based on its findings, KPAI issued several recommendations:

• Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA): They will strengthen child protection systems and expand the Children’s Forum to neighborhood levels. They will also use cases of child exploitation as evaluation indicators for child-friendly districts and cities. They will provide prompt medical and psychosocial services to affected children.
  
• Ministry of Education: They will improve political and digital literacy education in schools and provide special assistance to institutions vulnerable to student mobilization. They will also support schools that serve underprivileged students.
  
• Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs: They will tighten monitoring of hoax content and violent provocations. They will educate children and parents on responsible digital use.
  
• Indonesian National Police: They will increase officers’ capacity to protect children. They will also fully implement the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law in handling minors.
  
• Regional Governments: provide recreational facilities and talent development opportunities, and strengthen psychosocial support for low-income families.
  
• Parents and Communities: monitor children’s online activities, provide critical education, and refrain from involving minors in adult political agendas.

KPAI’s Statement

“Exploiting children in political demonstrations is a serious violation that must be stopped. The state, parents, and society have an obligation to ensure that children are safe, protected, and provided with healthy spaces for participation,” said KPAI Commissioner Sylvana Apituley in a press statement on Friday (August 29, 2025).

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