Over 13,000 Children in North Jakarta Unenrolled, Child Marriage Cases Reported

In North Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, data from the 2025 "Carik Jakarta" (Integrated Family Registration System of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government) reveals that a staggering 13,833 school-aged children are not enrolled in school. Compounding this issue, 33 cases of child marriage were also recorded during the same period. Hendra Hidayat, the Mayor of North Jakarta, has acknowledged these findings as a serious concern requiring urgent attention. He emphasized the critical importance of guaranteeing every child's right to education, stating that ensuring their safe, protected, and rights-fulfilled upbringing is a collective responsibility. The recent "National Children's Day," observed on July 23rd, should serve as a catalyst to strengthen support for children in vulnerable situations, he urged. In response, the North Jakarta City Government's Department of Child, Youth Protection, and Population Control (PPAPP) is intensifying its outreach to prevent violence against children. According to Nurjanah, the Head of the department's Child Protection section, preventive education on violence, bullying, and mental health is being conducted during the School Introduction Period (MPLS) for new students across 16 schools, ranging from elementary (SD) to high school (SMA). It is also being educated that acts of violence against children carry legal consequences, and perpetrators can face criminal charges. Furthermore, extensive awareness campaigns are being deployed, utilizing digital posters via social media, online public briefings, and educational videos. These initiatives aim to foster an environment where children can receive education and grow up healthily. Source: Liputan6