Indonesia's Child Welfare Minister Arifah Fauzi Urges End to HIV Stigma and Boosts Play‑Based Development

Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Choiri Fauzi called for an immediate halt to stigma and discrimination against children living with HIV, after the discovery of 522 infected children in Sidoarjo, East Java. She emphasized that children’s rights to health, education, care and protection are guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution and several child‑protection statutes, and that the state and society must ensure those rights are fulfilled.

Fauzi also highlighted the role of play in nurturing children's potential, confidence and creativity. Speaking on National Child Day, she referenced the Lego Playground event at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which invites children to learn and create through Lego building activities. The Lego Group’s regional manager noted that 99 % of Indonesian parents see play as essential for wellbeing, and 82 % consider its benefits should be prioritized.

Both statements underline a broader agenda to create inclusive, stigma‑free environments and safe, supportive play spaces for all Indonesian children.