Batam’s government and council unite behind proposed law to combat child exploitation and abuse.
Facing rising concerns over child exploitation in an industrial city, Batam’s leadership has moved to back a regional law aimed at making the city more child-friendly and legally accountable in protecting children’s rights.
City Leadership Commits to Reform
On July 24, 2025, Batam’s Mayor Amsakar Achmad, through his Secretary Jefridin Hamid, publicly endorsed a draft regional regulation (Ranperda) for a Child-Friendly City, introduced by the Batam City Council (DPRD). During a plenary session led by DPRD Chair Muhammad Kamaluddin, attended by 26 council members, Jefridin emphasized the city’s responsibility to secure the rights and well-being of its youngest residents.
He cited Presidential Regulation No. 25/2021, which mandates that every city in Indonesia adopts localized policies to ensure child protection and development. “This is the legal foundation that guides our proposed local regulation,” Jefridin told the council.
Industrial Pressures and Social Risks
Batam’s status as a manufacturing and trade hub presents unique risks for children, particularly those from low-income families. According to Jefridin, economic hardship and urban disparities have made children increasingly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and trafficking.
“This policy must directly address poverty reduction and child protection,” he added. The proposed regulation outlines preventive strategies and cross-sector collaboration to create a safer environment, including better access to education, health services, and protection from harm.
Mayor Highlights Existing Initiatives
Mayor Amsakar, who had voiced his support earlier on July 21, highlighted that Batam has already implemented several child-focused programs. These include public nursing rooms, child play spaces in service centers, child-friendly schools, and grassroots education by PKK, Posyandu, and Kelurahan Siaga networks.
However, he acknowledged the need for stronger legal backing: “This regulation will serve as a vital guide for all stakeholders in creating a truly child-friendly environment,” Amsakar said.
Calls for Legal Consistency and Collaboration
While endorsing the draft, the city administration stressed that its contents must fall within the legal jurisdiction of the regional government and not contradict national laws. Jefridin confirmed the city’s readiness to refine the bill with the special committee (Pansus) of the DPRD in the next phase.
Both the mayor and the council agreed that implementation would require multi-stakeholder participation—from government offices to civil society—to turn policy into impact.
Rising Violence Fuels Urgency
Data from Batam’s Integrated Service Unit for Women and Children (UPTD PPA) shows 109 reported cases of violence against children from January to mid-June 2025. Alarmingly, 73 were cases of sexual abuse. The rest involved physical and psychological violence, reinforcing the urgency of a legal framework to address these issues holistically.
The proposed Child-Friendly City regulation marks a critical step toward institutionalizing child protection in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing urban centers. With rising cases of abuse and exploitation, Batam’s effort could serve as a benchmark for other industrial cities facing similar social pressures. As Indonesia and neighboring Singapore deepen regional collaboration, ensuring the welfare of future generations must remain a shared priority rooted in enforceable laws and proactive governance.
Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Metro Batam (2025)
Keywords: Ranperda Kota Ramah Anak, Amsakar Achmad, Jefridin Hamid, DPRD Batam, Child Exploitation, Batam City Policy
