PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government is promoting a one-year compulsory Early Childhood Education policy as a foundation for child protection to prevent violence from an early age and shape the character of children who are ready to enter basic education 4/29/2026.

Vina Adriany, Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Early Childhood Care, Education, and Parenting, stated that adding one year of preschool education is a strategic step in building children's life readiness.

"This additional year of early childhood education is crucial, as it lays the foundation before children enter primary education. This isn't just about academics, but about children's overall life readiness," said Vina.

The Gross Participation Rate for Early Childhood Education (PAUD) in Indonesia is around 70 percent, so it needs to be increased so that more children can get access to early education.

This policy provides direct benefits to the community by expanding access to educational services while strengthening child protection in the learning environment.

Early childhood education functions as an initial space for children to learn to recognize themselves, boundaries, and safe interactions so as to prevent potential violence.

"In PAUD, children learn to recognize their boundaries—what behavior is safe and what is unsafe. This is where PAUD becomes an important foundation for child protection," said Vina.

Data from the 2025 Learning Environment Survey shows that approximately 7 percent of early childhood education educators still use corporal punishment, necessitating strengthened education and supervision.

Violence can also be verbal, psychological, or even sexual, which is often not realized because it is considered an everyday habit.

"Sexual jokes, stereotypes like 'boys don't cry,' or adults who ignore children's complaints can all be the root of violence," Vina said.

Body awareness and self-limitation education is provided through creative methods such as games and songs so that children understand without fear.

This approach helps children recognize private parts and have the courage to protect themselves from unsafe treatment.

Child protection efforts involve teachers, parents and the community to create a safe environment that supports children's growth and development.

The Bandung City Government considers this policy to be a concrete step towards creating a healthy, confident generation that is protected from various forms of violence.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)