WCR Indonesia Moderates Focus Group Discussion on the Handling of Children in Conflict with the Law

On Tuesday, 4 November 2025, at Hotel Ambhara, South Jakarta, WCR Indonesia participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) organized by the Directorate of Crimes Against Women and Children and Human Trafficking (Ditpid PPA-PPO) of the Criminal Investigation Agency of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskrim POLRI). The discussion focused on the handling of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in the context of public unrest during protest actions. This activity formed part of broader efforts to protect children’s rights and strengthen the implementation of restorative justice.

On this occasion, Dr. Margaretha Hanita, Founder & Director of WCR Indonesia, was entrusted to serve as moderator of the panel discussion, which featured representatives from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, as well as members of the academic community. The FGD was attended by representatives from various ministries and government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the education sector, with the aim of strengthening cross-sector coordination in handling cases involving children in conflict with the law.

Recent socio-political dynamics in Indonesia indicate an increase in the frequency of public demonstrations involving diverse groups, including children. According to data from the Indonesian National Police, approximately 330 children were handled in connection with unrest during protest actions between August and September 2025. In addressing these cases, the police prioritized restorative justice principles: 155 children were handled through diversion, 37 children through restorative justice approaches, and 140 children proceeded to further legal processes and have reached Stage 2 (P21). This situation highlights that the handling of children in conflict with the law requires a protection- and rehabilitation-oriented approach rather than a purely punitive one.

The cross-sector collaboration fostered through this FGD is expected to strengthen public trust in law enforcement efforts that are professional and aligned with the best interests of the child. WCR Indonesia remains committed to advocating for child protection measures that are more just, humane, and centered on the best interests of children.