Gorontalo Deputy Governor Urges United Effort for Child Protection

Gorontalo Deputy Governor Idah Syahidah has called for a united front to bolster child protection efforts across all sectors of society. She stressed that safeguarding children from violence, exploitation, discrimination, and bullying requires a commitment from everyone, not just the government.

Speaking at the commemoration of the 42nd National Children's Day in Gorontalo Regency, Syahidah highlighted that children are valuable individuals who deserve respect, a voice, and opportunities to participate in society according to their age and maturity. "Every child is a valuable person. They must be respected, their opinions heard, and given space to participate according to their age and maturity," she stated.

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Every child is a valuable person. They must be respected, their opinions heard, and given space to participate according to their age and maturity.

Syahidah underscored that children are not merely recipients of development but active subjects with inherent rights to grow, develop, and engage in various aspects of life. She urged all parties to ensure children are free from violence, exploitation, neglect, discrimination, child marriage, and bullying, whether in their physical surroundings or online spaces. The deputy governor emphasized that protection must begin within the family, the primary environment, and extend through collaboration with educational institutions, communities, businesses, media, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, academics, and both central and regional governments.

To formalize this collective effort, Syahidah launched the "Gerakan BERLIAN" (Bersama Lindungi Anak), or "Together Protect Children" movement. She encouraged all provincial government officials, community members, and children in Gorontalo to participate. The deputy governor also advised children not to fear reporting any instances of abuse or witnessing such acts, asserting their right to feel safe at home, school, in public, and online.

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Let us make the spirit of National Children's Day a joint movement. I invite the entire Provincial Government of Gorontalo, the community, and the children in Gorontalo Province to become part of the BERLIAN Movement (Together Protect Children).