Indonesia's Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi Urges Strengthened Safeguards on National Children’s Day

On 21 July 2026, Minister Arifah Fauzi, head of Indonesia's Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, led a press conference in Jakarta to mark the 42nd National Children’s Day (Hari Anak Nasional). The event, themed “Love Children, Protect and Build the Future”, emphasized the need for safe environments free from violence, bullying, exploitation, discrimination and digital threats. She said, “Protection of children starts with the family as the first and main guardian, then reinforced by schools, communities, businesses, media, government, and the children themselves as pioneers and reporters.”

Fauzi outlined government efforts to fulfill children’s rights to care, education, health and opportunity, citing programmes such as free nutritious meals (Makan Bergizi Gratis), the “Sekolah Rakyat” initiative to ensure school access for all, and free health‑check services. She also announced coordination with regional authorities and the state‑owned financing institution PNM to expand economic‑empowerment programmes for women, linking child welfare to broader family well‑being.