Child Abuse in Surabaya Orphanage Highlights Gaps in Indonesia’s Child Welfare System
- communication016
- Apr 7
- 1 min read
In Surabaya, a 61-year-old orphanage owner has been reported to the East Java Regional Police (Polda Jatim) for allegedly sexually abusing his foster children, including a 15-year-old girl who escaped the institution and disclosed repeated assaults. This case highlights not only the immediate harm to the children but also the broader systemic issues surrounding child protection in institutional care.
Institutional care in Indonesia, while regulated, often fails to provide adequate protection. Permensos No. 30/HUK/2011 sets out clear standards for child welfare institutions, including safeguarding, accountability, and the dignity of children. However, incidents like this show that compliance with these regulations is inconsistent, leaving children vulnerable to abuse.
The systemic failure is twofold. First, the institutional model itself creates environments where oversight is weak and power imbalances can be exploited. Second, children are often placed in care when alternatives such as family or community-based support could provide safer, more protective environments. The normalization of institutionalization continues despite decades of research showing that it increases vulnerability, diminishes safeguarding, and exposes children to harm.
This Surabaya case is not isolated. It underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations, proactive monitoring of child welfare institutions, and a reevaluation of the reliance on institutional care as the default solution. Protection should not exist only on paper; it must be operationalized to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all children.
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