KREASI Pesisir Barat carried out the activation of the Community-Based Integrated Child Protection (PATBM) at the village level. This initiative stems from the need to create an ecosystem that can protect and fulfill children’s rights.
Over two days, training participants consisting of representatives from three pekon (villages) in Pesisir Selatan were provided with materials on responsive and effective mechanisms for child protection and violence prevention.
The Head of the Office of Population Control, Family Planning, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection (DP2KB) of Pesisir Barat, Budi Wiyono, who delivered the opening remarks, stated, “We must remain focused on ensuring that children are protected, without any stigma. Therefore, the child protection system at the pekon level must be strengthened.”
Child protection within the community requires strategic involvement from all community members. Children are part of the community, and thus it is the responsibility of the entire community to protect them.
To reinforce this message, the activity invited two PATBM leaders from Tanggamus to share their experiences and best practices in protecting children at the pekon level. Their presence was expected to motivate pekon in Pesisir Barat to adopt effective strategies that can be applied in their own areas.
Yanti, a resident of one of the participating stated, “It’s a major shared responsibility to accompany children so they are protected and do not experience violence—especially for us who witness the real conditions on the ground. A bridge to protect children is very much needed.”
The establishment and strengthening of PATBM at the pekon or village level is a concrete step toward creating a safe, inclusive, and responsive environment for children. Of course, this effort must be supported by relevant stakeholders. With such support, a child-centered protection and case-handling system can function effectively.
Text: Putri Lalita (Writer); Andika Ramadhan (Editor)
Photos: Putri Lalita/KREASI/Yayasan Guru Belajar/Save the Children