Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Commemoration of National Children’s Day, Teijsmann Park, Bogor Botanical Garden, West Java Province, July 23, 2022
Press:
Mr. Jokowi, (your comment) regarding the commemoration of National Children’s Day?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
First and foremost, I would like to wish you a Happy National Children’s Day this morning. I am happy to see such cheerful children with various creativity by showing their activeness. I think that is the real world of children. We should not force children to conform to the wishes of adults because indeed children are children. Their world is the world of children.
Press:
How long did you practice for the magic performance just now, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Hmm?
Press:
How long did you practice for the magic performance just now?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I practiced this morning.
Press:
There is still case of bullying among children in Tasikmalaya, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yes, this is a concern for all of us. First of all, I would like to express my deep condolences for the case that happened in Tasikmalaya. It is the responsibility of everyone, including parents, educators, and the entire community, to prevent cases of bullying.
We must take care of it together so each child can have a world of play with their own joy. Don’t let bullying happen anymore.
Press:
What is your response regarding the case of a child who was chained by his parents in Bekasi, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Same. I think that bullying, be it physically or verbally, must be stop. Again, this is the responsibility of parents, educators, schools, and communities – all of us.
Press:
Mr. Jokowi, cases of sexual violence are very difficult to get to court. Some SPI cases and in Jombang are difficult to go to court, how can the state and the Government encourage sexual violence against children to be (processed) more swiftly?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, all of cases of violence must be legally processed in accordance with laws and regulations without discrimination. So that there is no more verbal and physical abuse, bullying, and sexual abuse. The laws and the regulations prohibit them and they are punishable.
I think strict and firm law enforcement against such activities is indeed the responsibility of all of us to guard against it so that it will not happen anymore and this is not an easy task. But as long as we are together, the community, teachers, educators, parents, all of them work hand-in-hand, I think it will reduce a lot.
Press:
Sir, this may interest you. Youth from Citayam (of Bogor regency) hang around creatively on the streets of the capital in certain spots. What’s your response to that, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As long as [the activities are] positive, I suppose there is no problem. Don’t make it a big deal. Positive activities must be supported and encouraged. Why must such creativity be banned? Once again, as long as they do not contradict or violate any rule. That is the principle.
Press:
Thank you, Sir.
(GWH/EP)