Children of South Bengkulu Speak Out Based on Data
With valid data and sharp analyses, members of the Children's Forum in South Bengkulu Regency succeeded in voicing appropriate recommendations on the child marriage issue. Hans, Nabila, and Afgan, as representatives of the Children's Forum, presented the recommendations at the District Musrenbang (development planning meeting). They encouraged all parties to work together so that every girl and boy, regardless of their circumstances, can continue to have access to education. Children who are survivors of child marriage must also have access to health services and counselling. Thus, no one's rights are deprived even though the child is pregnant or traumatised by the violence they have experienced.
During the Musrenbang, the Children's Forum in South Bengkulu Regency presented the results of research led and conducted by children with topics of adolescent health, stunting, and child marriage. The Child-Led Research (CLR) method is one way to get children used to aspire based on data. The children carried out all research processes from conceptualising, collecting data through questionnaires, analysing, then compiling research results. "I am proud to be part of this research team because these data will be the voice of children delivered to the local government to fight for children's rights in our area," said Hans, a 17-year-old boy.
This CLR was conducted based on the fact that stunting in South Bengkulu is a serious problem that is closely related to child marriage that still occurs today. Data shows that the prevalence of stunting in Bengkulu Province, including South Bengkulu, is still quite high. According to the results of the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Study (SSGI), South Bengkulu's stunting prevalence is 23.2%. This figure shows that stunting is still a significant health problem in the coastal areas of Bengkulu.
Child marriage is an important factor contributing to the high stunting rate in South Bengkulu. Child marriage increases the risk of stunting and other negative impacts on the infants. Child marriage can cause stunted physical growth in infants and increase the risk of maternal and child mortality during childbirth.
Based on the Children’s Forum research, 75.2% of respondents stated that child marriage still occurs around them. Therefore, in addition to encouraging access, the Children’s Forum also encourages the government to tighten the requirements for marriage dispensation for prospective child husbands or wives. This is in accordance with the South Bengkulu Regent Regulation No. 24 of 2021 on the prevention of child marriage, which states that the minimum age of marriage is 19 years old. In addition, it is also necessary to increase the coverage of services reproductive health and psychology for adolescents. Another recommendation that children conveyed during the Musrenbang was regarding youth entrepreneurship. This is considered important and urgent so that teenagers in South Bengkulu can immediately take a role in developing the local economy.
Gusnan as the Regent of South Bengkulu Regency welcomed the participation of Children's Forum representatives in the Musrenbang. "We will give the first opportunity for children to express their voices. They are the forerunners of the South Bengkulu regional government," he said. In addition to developing research skills, CLR is also a tool for children to gain a large portion of participation in front of stakeholders.
"I hope that what we convey from the advocacy can be heard, considered, and responded seriously by policy makers in addressing the issue of child marriage. Children's issues must be a common focus, especially for local governments in providing the best policies for children," concluded Hans.
Each member of the Children's Forum who was involved in CLR and successfully spoke out at the Musrenbang also experienced personal changes. "This is an extraordinary experience. This is the first time I have done child-led research. I felt a change in my knowledge about child marriage, which was previously taken for granted. After participating in this research, I also have a new way of thinking, namely, every child has the right to access education in any condition," said Nabila.
A different impression came from Afgan. During the process of distributing questionnaires to friends at his school, Afgan had received rejection. "I learnt a lesson to manage my emotions and respect the voices of my friends, as well as educate my friends to give their valuable voice because it is important to the children in this region," he said.
Leading and completing a research project was a valuable experience for the members of Children’s Forum in South Bengkulu. Not only did it develop their critical thinking and emotional intelligence, the children became more aware of the importance of a child's aspirations in fighting for children's rights. Their participation in the District Musrenbang is the first step towards becoming agents of change for other children. These young activists will continue to advocate for the fulfilment of children's rights and children's protection in Indonesia.
Author: Jeng Karona Sitepu (Coordinator in South Bengkulu Area Program)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
