Jakarta – Central Java has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development by securing the Child-Friendly Province (Provila) award for the fourth consecutive year. The recognition was presented by Indonesia’s Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA) during the 2025 Child-Friendly City and District Awards ceremony, held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Auditorium in Jakarta.
The accolade was received on behalf of the province by Deputy Governor Taj Yasin, who emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement. “Alhamdulillah, we have successfully maintained this recognition for four years in a row. This is the result of collaboration between government agencies and society at large,” he remarked.
Beyond child protection, Central Java has broadened its scope to include women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable communities. “We are committed to inclusive and equitable development. Safeguarding children is vital, but so is ensuring dignity and protection for all groups,” Yasin added.
Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Choiri Fauzi, underlined the rigorous evaluation process, which stretched over 18 months. Beginning with self-assessments in early 2024, followed by provincial evaluations, and culminating in national verification, the process narrowed 464 participating cities and districts down to 355 qualifying regions.
“This award is part of our collective commitment to realize Indonesia Layak Anak 2030 — a nationwide vision for child-friendly governance,” Fauzi explained. “Still, no district or city has yet achieved compliance with the indicators for tobacco-free zones and advertising bans.”
The 2025 awards also highlighted Central Java’s comprehensive success: all 35 of its cities and districts were recognized as child-friendly, spanning categories from Pratama (basic) to Utama (the highest distinction). Semarang City and Sragen District stood out in the top-tier category, reflecting the province’s consistent leadership in safeguarding children’s rights.
With this fourth consecutive honor, Central Java positions itself not only as a domestic leader but also as a model for sustainable and inclusive governance in Southeast Asia. The recognition affirms that visionary policies, coupled with strong community engagement, can yield enduring impact for future generations.
