Child Commission calls for protection in sandal case

The National Commission for Child Protection urged law enforcement officers handling a juvenile theft case in Palu, Central Sulawesi, to take into account the well being of the 15-year-old defendant and their treatment toward him.

Lisda Sundari from the commission said that every child has the right to receive physical, mental and social protection, including those undergoing the legal process.

“Therefore, as regulated in Article 16 of Law No. 23/2002 on Child Protection, Law No. 3/1997 on the Juvenile Court and a joint agreement signed by the Supreme Court, Attorney General’s Office and the National Police, imprisonment for juveniles should be taken only as a last resort,” she said.

“All law enforcers in Indonesia should prioritize restorative justice in the handling of a juvenile case,” Lisda said Monday, as quoted by kompas.com.

She added that the commission would urge the House of Representatives law commission to speed up the discussion on the Juvenile Justice System Bill, which would serve to strengthen the call for restorative justice.

A junior high school student, who can be identified only as AAL, was detained for allegedly stealing sandals valued at Rp 35,000 (US$3.82) from First Brig. Ahmad Rusli Harahap. The boy faces a potential five-year imprisonment for the crime.

The case is being tried at the Palu District Court with prosecutors to read their sentence recommendation on Wednesday. (awd)