Lack of Access to Social Services

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 100 views

The Plight of Children in Medan City

Every child has the right to protection, education, and decent attention for their growth and development. However, in the midst of concern for human rights, the fact shows that there are still many children in Indonesia who are trapped in exploitation as workers on the streets, such as buskers and beggars. This situation, especially seen in big cities like Medan, not only violates the rights of children, but can also have a negative impact on their psychological, physical, social, and educational well-being. The exploitation of children as workers on the streets is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from all parties.

Legal Regulation related to Child Exploitation

Legal arrangements regarding the exploitation of children as workers on the streets in Indonesia are regulated by various laws. Among these are Law Number 20 of 1999 concerning the Ratification of the ILO Convention Number 138 concerning the Minimum Age to be allowed to work, as well as Law Number 39 of 1999 which regulates human rights. In addition, Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower and Law Number 17 of 2016 also plays an important role in the protection of children through changes contained in Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection. Although the legal framework exists, often the implementation is weak, and it is very important to increase public awareness about the importance of protection of children and enforce the law explicitly against violations that occur.

Factors causing exploitation

There are various factors that cause the exploitation of children as workers on the streets. In general, these factors can be divided into two categories, namely internal and external.

Internal Factor

Poverty: Many parents are trapped in poverty, thus forcing their children to work to help meet the needs of life. Poverty is a major factor that contributes to child exploitation, as parents may see their children as a means to earn a living.
Education: Low level of education of parents often affects the low awareness of the importance of education for children. Parents who are not educated may not understand the importance of education for their children's future.
Ignorance: Lack of knowledge about children's rights can make parents consider naturally if their children work. Ignorance about children's rights can lead to exploitation, as parents may not realize the harm they are causing to their children.
Lack of Access to Social Services: Many families in Medan City lack access to social services, such as healthcare and social welfare programs, which can exacerbate poverty and exploitation.

External Factors

Environment: Social and Economic Conditions in the Children's Little Environment can make them vulnerable to be exploited. The environment in which children grow up can contribute to their exploitation, as they may be exposed to poverty, crime, and other negative influences.
Culture: In some cultures, children are considered as a reasonable source of income without considering the long-term impact. Cultural attitudes towards children can contribute to their exploitation, as they may be seen as a means to earn a living rather than as individuals with rights and dignity.
Economic Conditions: Economic conditions in Medan City, such as high levels of unemployment and poverty, can contribute to child exploitation.

Exploitation Prevention Efforts

In an effort to overcome the criminal acts of exploitation of children as workers on the streets, various steps need to be taken.

Formation of Regulations: The government needs to continue to strengthen and revise regulations relating to child protection to be more effective in overcoming exploitation. Strong regulations are necessary to protect children from exploitation, but they must be enforced effectively.
Government Role: The government must take active initiatives in social programs to reduce poverty and improve the quality of education. The government has a critical role to play in preventing child exploitation, through programs that address poverty and improve education.
The role of society: Awareness and community participation in protecting children from exploitation is very necessary. Through a socialization campaign, it is hoped that the community can be more sensitive to issues involving children. Community awareness and participation are essential in preventing child exploitation, as they can help to identify and address the root causes of exploitation.

Conclusion

Child exploitation as a worker on the streets is a serious problem that requires more attention from all parties. Existing legal arrangements must be optimized, while the factors that cause exploitation need to be considered comprehensively. Prevention efforts involving the government, NGOs, and the community must be carried out continuously so that children can enjoy their rights and grow into competitive generations. The exploitation of children as workers on the streets is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach to prevent and address.

Q: What are the main causes of child exploitation as workers on the streets in Medan City?

A: The main causes of child exploitation as workers on the streets in Medan City include poverty, low level of education of parents, ignorance about children's rights, and lack of access to social services. Additionally, external factors such as environment, culture, and economic conditions also contribute to child exploitation.

Q: What are the legal regulations related to child exploitation in Indonesia?

A: The legal regulations related to child exploitation in Indonesia include Law Number 20 of 1999 concerning the Ratification of the ILO Convention Number 138 concerning the Minimum Age to be allowed to work, Law Number 39 of 1999 which regulates human rights, Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower, and Law Number 17 of 2016 which plays an important role in the protection of children through changes contained in Law No. 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection.

Q: What are the prevention efforts to overcome child exploitation as workers on the streets?

A: The prevention efforts to overcome child exploitation as workers on the streets include the formation of regulations, government role in social programs, and community awareness and participation in protecting children from exploitation.

Q: What is the role of the government in preventing child exploitation?

A: The government has a critical role to play in preventing child exploitation, through programs that address poverty and improve education. The government must take active initiatives in social programs to reduce poverty and improve the quality of education.

Q: What is the importance of community awareness and participation in preventing child exploitation?

A: Community awareness and participation are essential in preventing child exploitation, as they can help to identify and address the root causes of exploitation. Through a socialization campaign, it is hoped that the community can be more sensitive to issues involving children.

Q: What are the consequences of child exploitation as workers on the streets?

A: The consequences of child exploitation as workers on the streets include negative impacts on their psychological, physical, social, and educational well-being. Child exploitation can also have long-term effects on their future, including reduced opportunities for education and employment.

Q: What can be done to prevent child exploitation as workers on the streets?

A: To prevent child exploitation as workers on the streets, it is essential to address the root causes of exploitation, including poverty, low level of education of parents, and lack of access to social services. Additionally, community awareness and participation, as well as government initiatives, are necessary to prevent child exploitation.

Q: What is the significance of this study on child exploitation as workers on the streets in Medan City?

A: This study highlights the importance of addressing child exploitation as workers on the streets in Medan City, and provides insights into the causes and consequences of this issue. The study also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to prevent and address child exploitation, involving government, NGOs, and the community.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address child exploitation as workers on the streets?

A: The recommendations for policymakers and practitioners to address child exploitation as workers on the streets include strengthening and revising regulations related to child protection, implementing social programs to reduce poverty and improve education, and promoting community awareness and participation in protecting children from exploitation.