Legal Efforts to Protect Children from Economic Exploitation and Violence in Indonesia. Study in Medan City

Abstract

This research aims to analyze legal efforts to protect children from economic exploitation and violence in Indonesia, with a case study in Medan City. The background to this research is the high rate of child exploitation in Medan City, which shows that there is a gap between existing legal regulations and their implementation in the field. Although Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection and Law Number 21 of 2007 concerning the Eradication of the Crime of Human Trafficking have provided a strong legal framework, challenges in law enforcement are still significant. The research method used is normative juridical with a field observation approach. Data was collected through analysis of legal documents, interviews with stakeholders, and observations of the implementation of child protection policies in Medan City. The research results show that despite government efforts, such as the formation of the Child Protection Rapid Response Team (TRCPA) and public awareness campaigns, coordination between related institutions is still less than optimal. Cultural and social barriers, as well as low legal awareness in society, are also the main inhibiting factors.

The recommendations put forward include increasing coordination between institutions, stricter law enforcement against perpetrators of child exploitation, as well as more intensive public education regarding children's rights. The government is also advised to provide better rehabilitation and reintegration services for children victims of exploitation and violence. By increasing these efforts, it is hoped that legal protection for children in Medan City can be more effective, and children can grow up in a safe and protected environment.