Human Rights at Stake: Amnesty Urges West Java to Drop Curfew on Children

“This could lead to victimization, stigmatization, and even criminalization of youth for actions that would not be considered offenses if committed by adults,” he added.

Amnesty International urged the West Java government to explore more constructive, rights-based alternatives—such as community engagement, education, and dialogue—to address concerns about student behavior.

“The government must foster safe public environments for children at all hours, not restrict their freedom under authoritarian rules,” Hamid concluded. “Discipline and protection should not come at the cost of violating children’s rights.

Amnesty affirms that the curfew policy must be revoked immediately and replaced with inclusive, participatory approaches that respect children as equal rights holders. (Uki Ruknuddin)