Jayapura Regency has achieved a proud milestone by becoming the only region in Papua, Indonesia to receive the 2023 Child-Friendly District/City (Kabupaten/Kota Layak Anak: KLA) designation in the Pratama (primary) category.
Since 2014, the local government has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children’s growth and development, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration.
This effort is supported by partnerships with several national and international organizations, including Wahana Visi Indonesia, UNICEF, and USAID. These collaborations focus on fulfilling children's rights in areas such as education, healthcare, and the provision of safe, inclusive play spaces.
Children’s Forum as a Pillar of Participation
One of the key indicators in the KLA assessment is the existence of a Children’s Forum (Forum Anak Daerah / FAD). In Jayapura Regency, 23 active FADs raise child-related issues from various regions, including remote villages.
Among the prominent youth figures are Fina, Sam, and Yunita—teenagers who are not only vocal in urban discussions but also work directly on the ground, accompanying and advocating for the voices of Papuan children.
Initially coordinated by the Department of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (DP3K), the Jayapura FADs are now actively supported by Wahana Visi Indonesia, which places a special focus on children’s education and well-being.
Fighting for Basic Education
One of the main focuses of Jayapura’s FAD is to reduce the school dropout rate. Through an independent initiative called Child-Led Research, FAD members have identified the main factors causing children to leave school.
“Our research shows that alcohol and drugs (narcotics and other substances) are the dominant factors behind school dropouts,” said Sam in an interview with GNFI (May 26, 2025).
These findings have been submitted to the local government as part of policy recommendations. Beyond research, FAD members actively promote the importance of education among their peers at schools and in rural communities.
Combating Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Children
The issue of alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers is a serious challenge in Papua. Jayapura’s Children’s Forum (FAD) continues to promote awareness about the dangers of these addictive substances, though their efforts are not without obstacles.
“Sometimes people think we’re not important, but we won’t give up. We want our friends to grow up with strong character and a bright future,” Sam asserted.
One significant achievement was the implementation of a ban on cigarette sales to children in a local village after the FAD ran an awareness campaign. The success of this initiative was largely supported by the mama-mama kampung, respected indigenous women leaders who played a key role in gaining community buy-in.
Cleanliness and Conservation for Papua’s Future
Beyond education and health, FAD Jayapura is also actively engaged in environmental conservation. They organize waste-sorting campaigns and routine clean-up activities, along with educational efforts to highlight the importance of preserving sago forests, which are a vital part of the local ecosystem and indigenous food security.
For FAD members, protecting Papua’s environment is a shared responsibility—one that includes the younger generation.
The Children's Forum as a Platform for Self-Development
Active participation in FAD has brought significant personal growth to its members. Sam now feels more confident speaking in public. Yunita says her knowledge and awareness have broadened. Fina has discovered potential she never knew she had.
They represent a generation of young Papuans who care deeply and are ready to become agents of change. Yunita, for instance, dreams of becoming a nurse and returning to serve her community.
“Once I finish my studies, I will definitely return to Papua,” she said.
Toward a Child-Friendly Papua
The stories of Fina, Sam, Yunita, and hundreds of other children in Jayapura’s FAD prove that young people can be powerful drivers of social change. Through education, advocacy, and concrete action, they are helping to build Jayapura into a child-friendly region.
However, sustaining this progress requires strong support from the government, civil society organizations, and local communities. If all stakeholders move forward together, making Jayapura and Papua as a whole—a truly child-friendly region is not just a dream, but a real possibility.
