Children are at risk
With more than 80 million children, Indonesia has the fourth largest child population in the world. Despite Indonesia's rapid economic growth, the country is struggling with various problems that affect children the most. About 12% of all children in Indonesia live in poverty. In addition, children in Indonesia are victims of widespread human trafficking and violence. Geographically, Indonesia is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and children are the most affected by these disasters
80,000
Children are victim of sex trafficking
Child trafficking
Child trafficking, forced labour and exploitation have been a problem in Indonesia for decades. The country is not only a country of origin, but also a destination and transit country. Children are trafficked for mining, domestic and sexual exploitation.
Exact figures cannot be given as these crimes often take place behind closed doors. However, it is estimated that about 80,000 children are victims of sex trafficking in Indonesia. Children who have grown up without parental care have a higher risk of becoming victims of traffickers.
665,000
Children were affected by the last natural disaster
Natural disasters
Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Not only earthquakes, but also floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions are a danger to the people living on the many different islands. Disasters can lead to children growing up without parental care or a home. In the 2018 earthquake, 665,000 children were affected – which is one third of all people affected. These children have to fend for themselves or often take care of their siblings, making it difficult for them to escape the vicious cycle of poverty.
62%
Of children experience violence
Violence
62% of Indonesian children experience violence in their lives. In fact, three out of five girls and one out of two boys experience emotional violence.
Children are not only affected by violence at home, but also at school, where teachers use violent forms of physical and emotional punishment. One of the causes of this violence is sometimes attributed to the social acceptance of violence in education.
Together we can make a difference for children in Indonesia
Are supported in the community
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
630
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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In the aftermath of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, SOS Children’s Villages provided care for the affected children. Mistahul, a young woman who lost her mother in the tsunami, lives at the SOS Children’s Village and dreams of becoming a teacher, to give back to the community. “I want to teach children who live in isolated areas. So that they have more knowledge of the world” (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and train parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives