Protecting children requires everyone to play a part, from schools and local government to organisations providing support services. In Pulau Morotai District, North Maluku, the KREASI Programme brought these stakeholders together for a three-day capacity-building activity held on 20–22 October 2026 in South Morotai.
The activity involved the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for Women and Child Protection (UPTD PPA) and the Safe and Supportive School Environment Working Group (Pokja BSAN), with Dian Sasmita, a Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), joining as a resource person.
Over the three days, participants discussed the challenges of putting child protection policies into practice in Morotai, particularly how different institutions can work together more effectively to ensure that cases are handled through clear and coordinated procedures.
Dian highlighted the need for a shared understanding of child protection and a strong commitment from everyone involved.
“Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We need a shared understanding and strong commitment from all policymakers. Multisectoral collaboration and cooperation must be strengthened to support child protection efforts in Pulau Morotai,” said Dian.
One of the main activities was the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for child protection service referrals. On the final day, participants worked together to draft procedures that could guide relevant institutions in responding to reports and providing support services for children in need of protection.
The proposed SOPs cover the responsibilities of each institution, steps for handling cases, service quality standards, and expected outcomes. Having clear procedures is expected to improve coordination and help ensure that children receive the support they need.
“SOPs are important because they serve as practical guidelines for service providers, including those assisting victims. Clear, easy-to-understand, and practical procedures will help institutions deliver services to the community,” Dian explained.
She also noted that SOPs should be reviewed and updated as circumstances and needs change.
Beyond developing referral procedures, the activity gave local government representatives and service providers an opportunity to discuss how they can work together to protect children. This includes preventing violence, responding to cases, and ensuring that children can learn and grow in a safe environment.
Through this activity, KREASI, KPAI, and local stakeholders in Morotai are working towards better coordination and more integrated child protection services. The development of the SOPs is an initial step towards ensuring that each institution has a common reference for carrying out its responsibilities.
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KREASI is a program aimed to improving education quality by strengthening literacy, numeracy, and character development across eight districts in four provinces of Indonesia. KREASI is managed by Save the Children, implemented by local partners, and funded by Global Partnership for Education (GPE), with supported by Indonesia Local Education Group, led by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag).
Writer: Ayutama Putri Jordy | Editor: Laras Sabila Putri | Photo: Ayutama Putri Jordy/KREASI/Stimulant Institute/Save the Children