MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian child and maternal well-being received a significant boost with the enactment of the Child and Maternity Protection Law (UU KIA). Nasyiatul Aisyiyah (PPNA) has voiced its strong support for the law’s implementation, particularly concerning the crucial first thousand days of life phase.
President of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Ariati Dina Puspitasari expressed her enthusiasm during a Tadarus Kebijakan (a policy discussion) on “UU KIA Disahkan; Angin Segar Bagi Ibu Melahirkan?” (UU KIA Passed; A Breath of Fresh Air for Mothers after Giving Birth?) conducted on Friday (July 12). Organized by the Public Policy Department of PPNA, the event explored the implications of the new law.
Ariati highlighted the law’s focus on women’s rights and well-being. Many women, she noted, struggle during the postpartum recovery period. The guaranteed maternity leave within the Child and Maternity Protection Law is seen as a crucial step in empowering mothers to fulfill their roles effectively during the critical first thousand days of life, a window recognized for its immense impact on child development.
“We are delighted that mothers, especially those who have just given birth, are now receiving remarkable support and recognition from our legislators. Nasyiatul Aisyiyah, as a staunch advocate for women and children’s rights, wholeheartedly supports the Child and Maternity Protection Law. This law addresses a previously overlooked concern – the challenges faced by mothers after childbirth,” said Ariati.
Artiato, who is also lecturer at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) Yogyakarta, emphasized the importance of effective implementation and long-term sustainability of the Child and Maternity Protection Law. She urged collaborative efforts between the central government and regional authorities to ensure the law reaches the grassroots level. The potential creation of a dedicated institution to oversee the law’s implementation was also proposed.
Besides, Deputy Chairperson of Commission VIII of the DPR RI (House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia) Diah Pitaloka emphasized the progressive nature of the Child and Maternity Protection Law, describing it as a significant step towards safeguarding the well-being of mothers and children, particularly during the first thousand days of life.
Diah Pitaloka elaborated on the focus given to the various stages of a mother’s reproductive journey throughout the law’s drafting process. This includes aspects like pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and child care. The Child and Maternity Protection Law, according to Diah Pitaloka, signifies the government’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of mothers and children in Indonesia.
“Numerous Indonesian women grapple with challenges related to their reproductive roles, yet these issues are rarely addressed in our public policy discussions. The Child and Maternity Protection Law, we hope, will serve as a catalyst for increased government attention towards mothers navigating the first thousand days of life and fulfilling their reproductive responsibilities. This law goes beyond just ensuring access to proper nutrition and healthcare; it is a critical step towards ensuring the well-being of future generations,” said Diah Pitaloka
Diah Pitaloka, who is also a PDI-P politician, further stressed the significance of the Child and Maternity Protection Law for the nation’s future. She urged all stakeholders to collaborate to support the law’s successful implementation, recognizing its potential to become a cornerstone policy for safeguarding the rights of women and children in Indonesia.
The official enactment of the Child and Maternity Protection Law by the DPR RI Plenary Meeting marks a significant milestone. The law guarantees legal certainty regarding maternity leave rights, offering much-needed support to mothers during a crucial period. The Tadarus Kebijakan program, a monthly initiative organized by the Public Policy Department of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah, provides a platform for ongoing discussions and analysis of policy regulations concerning women and children’s rights in Indonesia.
