YBHA Highlights Iceberg Phenomenon of Child Violence Cases in Aceh

Commemorating National Children's Day 2026, the Child Legal Aid Foundation (YBHA) Peutuah Mandiri warns that the issue of violence against children in Aceh Province still resembles an iceberg phenomenon. Most cases allegedly do not surface because victims often face psychological pressure, threats from their closest circles, and fear of negative social stigma.

Data from the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (SIMFONI PPA) shows 127 cases involving children in Aceh up to April 2026. However, this official figure is deemed not to fully reflect the reality on the ground, especially for sensitive cases such as sexual violence, which are often deliberately hidden.

Research and Public Policy Manager of YBHA Peutuah Mandiri, Wardatul Jannah, stated that the low number of complaints is not an indicator of success. According to her, this could indicate that the current complaint infrastructure does not yet provide a sense of security, is not child-friendly, and has not gained the full trust of victims to speak up.

In addition to physical and sexual violence, YBHA also highlights various other social vulnerabilities overshadowing children in the "Veranda of Mecca" (Aceh). Issues such as child labor exploitation, rampant early marriage, and the threat of Human Trafficking Crimes (TPPO) continue to rise, triggered by systemic poverty and limited access to education.

YBHA assesses that child protection regulations at the national level are actually quite comprehensive, but their implementation in the regions remains very weak. Therefore, local governments are urged to allocate adequate budgets to establish child-friendly complaint centers, provide free psychological trauma recovery services, and strengthen coordination between relevant agencies.

According to Wardatul, indicators of success in child protection should not be measured merely by administrative awards or low case statistics. Beyond that, the guarantee that every child can grow, learn, and realize their dreams without fear is the true form of success.