RRI Yogyakarta’s Programa 2 once again partnered with the UGM Faculty of Law for a legal education broadcast, this time focusing on the theme “Dealing with Children: Forgiveness or Firmness?” on Wednesday (November 19, 2025). The broadcast was held live from the RRI Yogyakarta Pro 2 studio in the form of an interactive dialogue and a Q&A session with listeners. The event featured three speakers from the UGM Faculty of Law: Mayra Isabelita Bratayuna Situmeang (undergraduate student), Jeremy Awang (researcher at the Center for Legal Studies and Social Justice (LSJ) at the UGM Faculty of Law), and Prof. Dr. Heribertus Jaka Triyana, S.H., M.A., LL.M. (Associate Dean for Research, Community Service, and Information Systems at the UGM Faculty of Law).
The broadcast began with an introduction by an RRI announcer regarding the rise in cases of abuse involving children, whether within the family, at school, or in the digital environment. Next, Mayra Isabelita provided an overview of the legal status of children under Indonesian law, including the principle of the best interests of the child, the importance of parenting practices that support growth and development, and the challenges parents face in balancing forgiveness with firmness. Listeners were then invited to participate via phone calls and text messages to share their questions and experiences.
The topic “Forgive or Be Firm?” was chosen because it reflects a dilemma often faced by parents, teachers, and the community when dealing with children’s misbehavior. Jeremy Awang explained that responses to children’s misbehavior should not be based solely on momentary emotions. On the one hand, children need to understand the consequences of their actions so they do not repeat their mistakes; on the other hand, an overly harsh approach can cause psychological harm to the child and actually encourage deviant behavior in the future. He emphasized the importance of a restorative approach: repairing relationships, making amends for harm caused, and instilling a sense of responsibility—not merely punishing.
Prof. Dr. Heribertus Jaka Triyana added perspectives on policy and human rights. According to him, child protection must be situated within the framework of the rule of law, which upholds human dignity. When a child commits an offense, the question is not only “how severely should the child be punished,” but also “what support needs to be provided so that the child does not repeat the same offense.” He emphasized the role of the family, school, and community as a responsible ecosystem, and reminded listeners that children in conflict with the law still have the right to be treated humanely and to receive adequate support. In terms of the program’s benefits, this broadcast provided practical guidance for parents and the community: how to set clear boundaries for children, how to impose proportional and educational consequences, and the importance of empathetic communication when a child makes a mistake. Listeners were given concrete examples, such as mechanisms for dialogue after a child breaks a rule, involving the child in making amends (such as apologizing or replacing damaged items), and knowing when to involve the school or a counseling agency.
The program “Dealing with Children: Forgiveness or Firmness?” is also strongly relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, this initiative supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting a fair, humane, and child-rights-based approach to enforcing rules, both within the family and in educational institutions. Second, by encouraging parenting practices that protect and empower children, this program contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly regarding character education, discipline, and a safe learning environment. Third, the protection of children as a vulnerable group and the prevention of violence in child-rearing align with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as they ensure that every child, regardless of background, receives dignified treatment and equal opportunities for development.
Through this program, RRI Yogyakarta and the UGM Faculty of Law reaffirm their commitment to presenting a side of the law that is closely connected to everyday life. Legal education does not end in lecture halls or courtrooms, but extends into homes, schools, and public spaces as a guide for adults in raising children. It is hoped that the broadcast “Dealing with Children: Forgive or Be Firm?” will encourage parents, teachers, and the broader community to foster a culture of parenting that is firm yet empathetic, so that children grow up to be a generation with integrity, willing to take responsibility, and whose rights are protected.
Writer: DEMA Justicia
