Surabaya, Jurnal Hukum Indonesia.–
Rumah Anak Prestasi (Children’s Achievement House) became a pioneer in fulfilling children’s rights in Surabaya. This place provide the space for children with special needs to develop their skills and competencies. In fact, those children’s works have been in demand by the market.
Qurota Ayun (aged 13) and Aqsa (aged 18) are the representatives of Rumah Anak Prestasi (locally abbreviated as RAP) Surabaya. They showcased their batik-crafted clothing to the representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) during the discussion on ’21st Century Workers and Child Rights Fulfillment’ at the ITS Informatics Engineering Building of Sepuluh November Institute of Technology Surabaya on Wednesday (31 July 2024).
The Head of the Technical Unit of Kampung Anak Negeri of the Social Service of Surabaya, Eva Rachmawati, said that the Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi established RAP as am example of fulfilling children’s rights in Surabaya.
“Providing education, insights, training, and information so that children with special needs or the disabled in Surabaya can be more productive and can achieve impressive accomplishments,” said Eva.
She explained that the works produced by these children at RAP are not only batik, but also other crafts such as paintings, screen printing, and sewing. “There are many products produced, one of the works we brought today is batik and abstract-styled painting. We also put their products online,” she explained.
Up to this day, RAP Surabaya is located in four locations, such as in Nginden Semolo, Sono Indah, Kedung Cowek, and Dukuh Menanggal. Each of this RAP currently accommodates 200 children with special needs.
“RAP which was established by Mayor Eri Cahyadi is intended to develop their talents and interests into achievements. There are instructors who will help guide and teach them, for example the duration of producing a piece of batik work depends on the patterns and the number of colors,” she explained.
Aside from pursuing their formal education, she continued, they also participated in training activities at RAP Surabaya. Moreover, RAP also provide some facilities such as health and medical services, counseling services, and learning services that can be used by the people of Surabaya for free.
“They can use all these services for free. For example, they can enjoy batik activities, besides producing products, they can also interact with their friends,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Head of UNICEF’s East Java Representative Office, Arie Rukmantara, said that children in East Java Province, especially Surabaya, have shown their innovation for the future.
“Children with special needs also create works, and their works are also in demand by businessmen. In fact, businessmen say that if there is an event, the supply can come from products made by them,” said Arie.
Seeing the innovations offered by children with special needs in Surabaya, he assessed that the Surabaya City Government has a strategic approach in fulfilling children’s rights, namely as community parenting. If parents face some difficulties, whether due to disabilities or limitations, the local government can help.
“Parents and the government are mutually responsible. In fact, some (local government) take over the role of parents, such as providing free courses and training, everything is free and all of their products are ready to be distributed,” he said.
In addition, he also appreciated the Surabaya Children’s Forum (FAS) which also voiced various things. “The voice of Indonesian children conveyed by FAS is also an innovation. For example, they want regulations on blocking pornographic sites for children, then a ban on smoking and online gambling for children,” he concluded.
