Prof. Sutan Nasomal Calls for Stronger Protection of Women and Children
Iji.red | Jakarta – In conjunction with the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN), International Law Expert Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, S.H., M.H. urged the President of the Republic of Indonesia, General H. Prabowo Subianto, to strengthen the protection of women and children through more comprehensive regulations and stricter law enforcement.
Prof. Sutan Nasomal made the statement while responding to questions from editors-in-chief of print and online media at the Headquarters of the Merdeka Opposition Party in Cijantung, Jakarta, on Thursday (July 23, 2026).
According to Prof. Sutan Nasomal, protecting women and children is a fundamental pillar in building a progressive, just, and competitive Indonesia. He emphasized that many issues still require serious government attention, including violence against women and children, sexual abuse, bullying, drug abuse, and the increasing number of children dropping out of school due to economic hardship.
“It is time for the state to strengthen the protection of women and children through stricter regulations, ensuring that every Indonesian child can grow, learn, and develop in a safe environment,” Prof. Sutan Nasomal said.
Highlighting Major Challenges Facing Children
Prof. Sutan Nasomal identified several alarming issues affecting children in Indonesia, including:
School dropouts caused by poverty and financial hardship.
Children becoming victims of drug abuse.
Children becoming victims of sexual abuse and violence.
The increasing prevalence of bullying in educational institutions.
Children involved in street fights, criminal activities, carrying sharp weapons, theft, vandalism, and even violence against their own parents.
He stressed that these challenges require an integrated approach involving the central government, regional governments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, families, religious leaders, community leaders, and society as a whole.
Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement
Prof. Sutan Nasomal also expressed concern over the increasing number of child sexual abuse cases, including those allegedly involving educators in schools and Islamic boarding schools (pesantren).
He emphasized that every case must be handled professionally in accordance with existing laws to ensure justice for victims while creating a strong deterrent effect for perpetrators.
According to him, legal certainty is an essential component of ensuring a safe environment for Indonesian children.
Fighting Drug Trafficking for the Nation’s Future
Beyond violence against children, Prof. Sutan Nasomal described drug trafficking as one of the greatest threats to Indonesia’s younger generation.
He called on the government to intensify efforts against narcotics networks through firm law enforcement, while simultaneously strengthening prevention programs, rehabilitation services, public education, and community-based supervision.
Education Must Be Guaranteed by the State
Prof. Sutan Nasomal also highlighted the growing number of children forced to leave school because of their families’ financial difficulties.
He stated that education is the nation’s most important long-term investment and that the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure every child has equal access to education regardless of economic circumstances.
“Many parents have lost their jobs and can no longer afford their children’s education. The state must ensure that no Indonesian child loses their future simply because of financial hardship,” he said.
Proposes the “Protect Indonesia’s Children” National Program
As part of his recommendations, Prof. Sutan Nasomal proposed the establishment of a national initiative called “Protect Indonesia’s Children” (Jaga Anak Indonesia).
The program would involve ministries and government agencies, regional administrations, law enforcement institutions, schools, psychologists, psychiatrists, religious leaders, community leaders, and families.
He also proposed implementing Legal Awareness Roadshows (Safari Sadar Hukum) in schools to educate students about the law from an early age, prevent juvenile delinquency, and reduce children’s involvement in criminal activities.
Furthermore, he recommended regular policy evaluations involving experts to ensure that child protection measures continue to improve in response to evolving social challenges.
Appreciation from Kamidi
During the same occasion, Kamidi, CFLE., Journalist and National & International Social Activist, expressed appreciation for Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal’s commitment to protecting women and children in Indonesia.
According to Kamidi, the ideas presented by Prof. Sutan Nasomal demonstrate genuine concern for the future of Indonesia’s younger generation.
“We highly appreciate Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal’s consistent commitment to advocating for the protection of women and children. We hope his recommendations will receive serious attention from policymakers in strengthening Indonesia’s child protection system,” Kamidi said.
Source: Prof. Dr. KH. Sutan Nasomal, S.H., M.H. – International Law Expert, National Economist, President of the Merdeka Opposition Party, Chairman of the Indonesian Young Advocates Association, Chairman of the Prof. Sutan Nasomal Legal Aid Foundation (YPLBH), Founder and Head of Ass Saqwa Plus Islamic Boarding School, and Chairman of YPP Brigjen Kompii.
Written by: Kamidi, CFLE. – Journalist & National and International Social Activist.
