PORTALJABAR, BEKASI REGENCY - The Bekasi Regency Government (Pemdakab) continues to finalize preparations for the 2025 hybrid verification of Child-Friendly Regency (KLA) which will be implemented by the Indonesian Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) on April 15.

The preparations were discussed intensively in a coordination meeting led by the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Bekasi Regency, Dedy Supriyadi, in the KH.R Ma'mun Nawawi Room, Bekasi Regency Government Complex, Thursday (10/4/2025).

Dedy emphasized the importance of synergy between regional devices to improve verification scores, while also proving that Bekasi Regency has a real commitment to fulfilling children's rights.

He targeted an increase from the “Nindya” predicate previously obtained in independent verification by West Java Province, with an administrative score of 780 points and an independent evaluation of 934 points.

"This is not just about the predicate, but how we ensure that Bekasi Regency becomes a truly suitable area for children, both in terms of protection, education, health services and information," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of presenting accurate data and physical evidence in the field during verification.

Acting Head of the Bekasi Regency Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service (DP3A) Ani Gustini explained that there are five main clusters in the 2025 KLA indicators, each with a responsible regional apparatus and program focus.

The first cluster, namely Civil Rights and Freedoms, focuses on fulfilling children's identity rights through ownership of birth certificates and expanding access to child-friendly information.

Regional apparatuses involved in this cluster include the Population and Civil Registration Service (Dukcapil), Archives and Library Service (Disarpus), and Communication, Informatics, Cryptography and Statistics Service (Diskominfosantik).

The second cluster is Family Environment and Alternative Care, which focuses on efforts to prevent child marriage and strengthen the role of the family in raising children.

DP3A collaborates with the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), Social Services (Dinsos), Education Services (Disdik), and Public Housing, Settlement and Land Services (Disperkimtan) to realize programs that support this indicator.

Next, Basic Health and Welfare are the focus of the third cluster. The Health Office (Dinkes), the Population and Family Planning Control Office (DPPKB), and Perumda Tirta Bhagasasi are responsible for the stunting reduction program, expanding access to clean water, and providing child-friendly health center services.

In the fourth cluster, namely Education and Cultural Activities, the Bekasi Regency Government encourages the provision of child-friendly schools, prevention of school dropout rates, and the creation of spaces for children's expression and creativity.

Regional apparatuses that play a role in this cluster include the Education Office (Disdik), the Environmental Office (DLH), and the Culture, Youth and Sports Office (Disbudpora).

Meanwhile, the fifth cluster, Special Protection, includes handling cases of violence against children, fulfilling the rights of children with disabilities, and preventing the crime of human trafficking.

Handling of this cluster involves the Bekasi Metro Police, the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol), and the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA).

Ani also emphasized that all regional apparatuses are required to fulfill seven main assessment aspects, including the preparation of child-friendly policies, child-responsive budgeting, HR training on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the involvement of children's forums in development planning.

In addition, Ani continued, partnerships with community institutions, dissemination of information through the media, and development of program innovations are also important benchmarks in verification.

"Examples of innovations that can be raised in verification include fast birth certificate services or the development of child-friendly digital schools," he said.

The Bekasi District Government is also optimizing the use of the SIMFONI-PPA application as a means of reporting child cases and collaborating with APSAI (Association of Indonesian Child-Friendly Companies) in strengthening the involvement of the business world.

This hybrid verification will include two stages, namely online administrative assessment and field visits by a team from the Ministry of PPPA to check physical readiness in the field.

The Bekasi District Government has also prepared an emergency action plan in the form of training for sub-district and village officers, as well as updating supporting data which must be completed before April 15, 2025.

With collaboration across regional apparatuses, the business world, the community, and the media, the Bekasi Regency Government is optimistic that it can strengthen its commitment as a Child-Friendly Regency that not only meets administrative indicators, but also prioritizes the substance of protecting and fulfilling children's rights in a sustainable manner.

The 2025 KLA hybrid verification is expected to be a starting point for strengthening child-friendly public policies and services across all lines, so that a safe, inclusive environment is created that supports the optimal growth and development of every child in Bekasi Regency. (DiskominfoKab.Bekasi/UPI)