‘Old, borrowed, and renewed’: A review of early childhood education policy in post-Reform Indonesia

by: Harla Sara Octarra and Agustina Hendriati

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Abstract: Early childhood education (ECE) is not new in Indonesia. However, in the past decade, it has received more attention, as shown by the growing number of ECE centres in both urban and rural areas. This growth is accompanied by policy development that corresponds to the global agenda of ECE. Policy development is inevitably linked with the support of international organisations (such as UNICEF and the World Bank) at both national and local levels, through loans and grass-roots pilot projects. Such neo-liberal policies have been seen as contributing to inequality in educational access in developing countries. What is lacking is an understanding of how policies, caught up in the interwoven nature of global discourse and social problems, are being implemented at the local level. Such understanding is especially important in the changing social and political context of post-Reform Indonesia. Using a critical approach, this article examines the discourse around ECE policies and practice through critical engagement with policy documents and relevant reports. Because policy processes are messy and in many ways relative, this perspective enables the dominant discourse, within which ECE operates, to be challenged. This article concludes by suggesting the integration of ECE and health services at the practice level in order to bridge the current gap between ECE policy and practice.

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https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1478210317736207

‘GOODBYE STREET LIFE’: ASSUMING THE BEST INTERESTS OF STREET CHILDREN IN INDONESIA

by: Harla Sara Octarra

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Abstract: Many countries in the world are celebrating children’s rights today and call it “International Children’s Day”. Originally called International Day for Protection of Children, it is not to be confused with Universal Children’s Day which is celebrated every November 20th. But today is special for us because of the groups of children who often do no fit in a single category and thus fall into the cracks of social services: the street children. For these children, rights are as alien as they are to many people who still see them as society’s problems. 

Ideally children belong in a family, in a school and not on the streets. This assumption is behind the now not-so-new policy for street children in Indonesia called Program Kesejahteraan Sosial Anak (PKSA). Studies to identify street children’s risks, problems and the causes of their being on the streets have been constructively conducted; yet policies that address these issues tend to overlook the complexities of street children’s lives. Through a critical analysis in light of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this paper will show that the policy’s assumption, that street children should no longer exist in the streets and its insistence on family intervention, is not in the best interests of street children in Indonesia. 

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https://bit.ly/2TZ0UQc

Pengasuhan Among untuk Menurunkan Kecenderungan Orang Tua Melakukan Penderaan pada Anak

by: Nilla Sari Dewi Iustitiani and Ilham Nur Alfian

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Abstract: Cases of child abuse and neglect is dramatically increasing. Perpetrators of child  abuse and neglect are mostly those closest to the child. A strategy that can be used to reduce child abuse and neglect by parents is to provide parenting skills. This study aimed to look at the effectiveness of parenting skills in among training to reduce child abuse and neglect. The research was quantitative, using quasi-experimental methods, conducted with 11 parents in Putat Jaya, Sawahan, Surabaya. The chosen data analysis technique was paired t-test, in which the researcher first gave a questionnaire (pre-test) about abuse behavior of parents and parenting skills, and then gave the questionnaire again after the training was completed (post-test). The results of this study indicate that parenting skills in among training was effective to reduce the negative attitudes and behavior of parents. However, the training had no significant impact on parenting knowledge.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.20473/jpkm.V1I12016.35-40 

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ORANGTUA SEBAGAI MEDIATOR PENGEMBANGAN KARAKTER SOSIAL ANAK

by: Agustina Hendriati

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Abstract: The article discusses the role of parents in mediating the development of cooperation in their children. The author argues that the ability to work together with other people is an important skill, not only for the future but also returning to the national character as delineated by Ki Hajar Dewantara, the Indonesian education guru. The framework used in discussing parents’ mediation is the Mediated Learning Experience, as coined by Feuerstein, but different perspectives are also discussed. Finally, the article offers different avenues to apply the suggestion, i.e. via government-based initiatives such as Posyandu, private sectors initiatives as well as via community-initiated activities.

 

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Click here to view the full article:

https://tinyurl.com/KarakterSosialANak