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ocal activists are accusing Bali’s provincial government of deliberately ignoring the rocketing number of cases of violence against children by refusing to extend the funding for the Bali chapter of the Commission on the Protection of Indonesian Children (KPAID) after April 23.

“Bali has been facing serious problems in dealing with the increasing number of cases of child abuse and violence against children. We must provide them safe places and protection,” KPAID chair Anak Ayu Sri Wahyuni said.

The commission was established under the auspices of former governor Dewa Made Beratha in 2008. It was part of the Commission on the of Indonesian Child Protection by the central government to comply with Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection.

In October 2002, the child protection law was adopted by the Indonesian government with major support and advocacy from UNICEF. The Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry together with the Social Services Ministry was in the process of establishing the Commission for Child Protection, which would be a separate body from Komnas Anak, the National Commission for Children.

“I just don’t understand why the Bali government under a progressive governor like Made Mangku Pastika has decided to stop funding KPAID’s operations while at the same time cases against minors are getting worse and more frightening,” Wahyuni said.

Representatives from the provincial government have not responded. But, it was reported that the Bali government will stop financing the commission due to a limited budget.

It is unfortunate that the law does not require provincial and regional administrations to set up their own KPAID, especially in this era of regional autonomy.

As an international holiday destination, Bali has been known as a safe haven for child trafficking, pedophilia and other types of abuses against children.

Numerous children and young people have become targets for sex predators pretending to be tourists, members of charity organizations or orphanage representatives.

“Many cases of sexual abuse against minors are committed by close family members or neighbors. This is very terrifying for young children.”

Child activist Luh Putu Anggraeni lamented the governor’s decision to stop KPAID operations and said it was a serious setback in the government’s efforts to protect its minors.

“The Bali administration does not have strong regulations or bylaws for the protection of children. It should still comply with the Law on Child Protection,” Anggraeni said.

Cases of violence against children come in many forms, including pedophilia, rape, sexual molestation, child prostitution, child trafficking and drug and criminal offenses.

Bali Police recorded that cases involving children were on the rise. In 2008, the police recorded 87 cases of violence against children. That number rose to 150 in 2010.

Since 2008, 133 cases involved minors as offenders and 278 cases involved children as victims. In that period, Denpasar lead with 118 cases, Buleleng regency had 77 cases and Karangasem regency had 52.

“We do not have adequate funding and health facilities to help children affected by sexual violence. Under the law, the state should be responsible for the safety of our children,” Anggraeni said.