NGOCSTIP – Parental child abduction is a serious issue affecting families across Indonesia. Recently, Seto Mulyadi, also known as Kak Seto, has urged Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to pay attention to the growing number of cases involving child abduction by parents. This issue has become more pressing as more victims report the traumatic experiences of having their children forcibly taken by one of the parents. Kak Seto, the head of the Indonesian Child Protection Institution (LPAI), calls on the government to take immediate action to address these cases, which have severe emotional and psychological impacts on children.
Kak Seto’s plea follows a report filed by seven mothers through the “Lapor Mas Wapres” platform, highlighting the rise in child abduction cases by parents. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly by Vice President Gibran. Kak Seto expressed his concerns, noting that these abductions often occur without the knowledge or consent of the other parent, causing severe harm to the child’s well-being.
In his statement, Kak Seto emphasized that these incidents should be treated as serious violations of children’s rights. He argued that such cases not only disrupt the lives of children but also breach Indonesian laws meant to protect children from harm. Kak Seto believes that with proper intervention and legal action, the government can prioritize the best interests of children, especially in cases of parental disputes.
Parental abduction is a criminal offense under Indonesian law. Seto highlighted that it violates Article 330 of the Indonesian Penal Code (KUHP), which carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison. If the abduction involves violence, threats, or unlawful coercion, the sentence can increase to nine years. This reinforces that parental abduction is not only an emotional issue but also a legal violation.
Seto urged the relevant authorities, including the police, foreign relations ministry, and other institutions, to intervene in these cases. He emphasized the need for better coordination among agencies to prevent children from being forcibly taken by one parent.
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One of the most heart-wrenching stories involves Angelia, a mother who has not seen or heard from her 12-year-old child for five years. Angelia shared her experience through the “Lapor Mas Wapres” platform, detailing how her former husband abducted their child in January 2020. According to Angelia, her seven-year-old child was picked up from their home by a driver and driven away. During the journey, a man, who claimed to be a police officer, stopped their car.
The man, later identified as Angelia’s ex-husband, intimidated the driver and forced him to hand over the child. Since then, Angelia has had no contact with her child. This case highlights the serious issue of parental abduction and the emotional damage it inflicts on both the child and the parent left behind.
The effects of parental abduction are devastating for children. Kak Seto emphasized that children subjected to abduction face significant emotional and psychological trauma. These children may experience anxiety, fear, depression, and confusion about their sense of identity and family structure. The sudden removal from one parent and the lack of stability can hinder a child’s emotional and social development.
Seto stated that these cases leave long-lasting scars on a child’s psyche. Children taken away from one parent struggle with social integration, trust issues, and develop negative behavioral patterns. The government and law enforcement must work together to safeguard children and ensure their well-being.
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Kak Seto urged the Indonesian government to strengthen measures to prevent parental abduction cases. He requested Vice President Gibran to prioritize this issue. Seto also called for collaboration among government bodies, including the Ministry of Law, Foreign Affairs, and National Police.
Seto pointed out that the government often overlooks children’s best interests in parental disputes. He believes more resources and support are needed to address these cases. Kak Seto hopes that the government can provide better protection for children in cases of parental conflict and abduction.
Kak Seto advocates for greater awareness of parental abduction and its consequences. He believes understanding the legal and emotional impacts can prevent these cases. Educational campaigns highlighting the effects on children and the legal consequences for parents could reduce incidents.
Seto emphasized supporting families in conflict. He argued that unresolved disputes often lead to parental abductions. Better family counseling services and conflict resolution programs could help avoid these situations. Addressing the root causes of disputes can reduce parental abduction and protect children’s rights and safety.
Kak Seto’s call for action on parental child abduction stresses the urgent need for government intervention. The rise in child abduction cases by parents grows more concerning. Authorities must take more action to safeguard children’s best interests. Seto urges Vice President Gibran and the Indonesian government to act swiftly. Prioritizing children’s welfare should remain the top priority.
