The secretary general of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Erlinda, has warned that unlawful child adoptions could lead to violence against children
a href="/node/657836">The secretary general of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), Erlinda, has warned that unlawful child adoptions could lead to violence against children.
"There are still many other Engelines out there suffering abuse by their [adoptive] parents after they are separated from their biological parents," she told The Jakarta Post over the phone on Monday.
She was referring to the case of Engeline, an 8-year old Bali girl whose body was found buried in the backyard of the house of her adoptive mother, Margriet Megawe in Denpasar, Bali, on June 10, 2015.
Engeline had reportedly been adopted solely on the basis of a notary deed by Margriet.
Erlinda declined to say whether the adoption process itself could directly lead to abuse, but she said there was the potential.
"The Social Affairs Ministry has provided good regulations on adoption but some people just don't follow the procedure in their adoption process, whether out of lack of information or ignorance. [...] How do we monitor such adoptions?" she said.
The child adoption procedures are regulated in Government Regulation No 54/2007 and the 2002 Child Protection Law.
(fsu)(++++)
Related stories:
Social elements also responsible for child protection
Chronology of violence against Engeline
Story behind murdered child Angeline's adoption
Angeline's death should be avenged by death penalty, lawmaker says
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.