SECRETARY OF FGM GKI PAPUA: COMMUNITY ROLE IS KEY TO REDUCING CHILD ABUSE

Papua – Cases of child abuse have once again come under the spotlight following an incident involving a married couple, a civil servant, and a pastor. The abuse, both physical and psychological, carried out by these individuals has sparked deep concern from various parties, including the Secretary of the Regional Leadership Council (DPW) of the Young Generation Forum (FGM) of GKI Papua Province, Franciskus Xaverius Rumere (FXR)

In the statement, the Secretary of the DPW FGM GKI emphasized the importance of active community involvement in reducing child abuse cases. "Child abuse often occurs due to a lack of awareness in the surrounding environment. As part of neighborhood and community harmony, we must care for one another. With greater attention, cases like this can be addressed more quickly," he stated.

He also urged the community to be more courageous in reprimanding suspected cases of abuse. "If you hear a child crying incessantly without a clear reason, we should ask. If abuse is found, the abusive parents must be firmly reminded," he added.

Beyond calling for community vigilance, the Secretary also provided recommendations to leaders of government agencies and the GKI Synod. He stressed the need for more intensive monitoring of employees or staff under their supervision, including home visits. "Economic difficulties or psychological conditions of parents can be contributing factors to child abuse. This supervision can help identify potential problems before they escalate," he explained.

Special attention was also directed toward a case involving a pastor residing in the Organda housing complex. This pastor, reportedly inactive in the fellowship activities of the GKI Lembah Yordan Emereuw congregation, has drawn serious concern. The Secretary urged the GKI Synod leadership to evaluate the pastor, considering their role as a spiritual leader who should set an example for the congregation.

"This case should be a lesson for all of us. Children are the hope of the future, and protecting them is a shared responsibility. There is no tolerance for violence, especially when it is perpetrated by those trusted as community role models," he concluded firmly.

These concrete steps are expected to break the chain of child abuse in Papua and send a strong signal that every perpetrator, regardless of their status, will be held accountable.