Indonesia addresses gender equality and child deprivation

Indonesia's Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has emphasized the critical link between education, gender equality, and poverty reduction. Speaking at a workshop at Airlangga University, the Minister noted that limited educational access increases the risks of poverty and child marriage, whereas equal opportunities for women strengthen family resilience and national development.

Simultaneously, a policy brief from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs highlights challenges in addressing multidimensional child deprivation in Indonesia. Based on March 2025 data, approximately 29.95 percent of Indonesian children experience deprivation in at least two welfare dimensions, with the highest rates found in health (34.35 percent) and facilities (26.13 percent).

The analysis suggests a misalignment between actual child needs and government program priorities, particularly regarding basic facilities. Experts recommend using multidimensional deprivation evidence to better align policy planning, budgeting, and evaluation to ensure development meets the specific needs of both women and children.