Abstract

General Background: The well-being and development of children are foundational to a nation's future. Specific Background: In Indonesia, despite existing child protection laws, sexual violence against children remains a persistent issue, including in Malang City. Knowledge Gap: There is limited analysis of how local protective policies are implemented and what challenges hinder their effectiveness. Aims: This study aims to identify and evaluate the policy implementation of child sexual assault response in Malang, focusing on procedures, enabling factors, and obstacles. Results: The findings reveal that the UPT PPA operates under a supportive legal framework but faces barriers such as limited human resources, low public awareness, weak community engagement, and issues in case reporting consistency. Novelty: This study contributes a contextualized understanding of the operational challenges within a local child protection agency in Indonesia.
Implications: The results highlight the need for targeted capacity building, improved reporting mechanisms, and broader community involvement to enhance the effectiveness of protective policies for children in Malang.

Highlights:

• Highlights the gap between legal protection and practical implementation.

• Identifies key barriers such as low awareness and limited resources.

• Emphasizes the role of local agencies like UPT PPA in safeguarding children.

Keywords: Policy Implementation, Sexual Violence, Child Protection

Introduction

The country's vitality in the future is tied to its children, like a government investment. It is only fair that this generation, which drives and supports the country, gets protection, guidance in building good character, and equal educational opportunities. So, it's safe to say that a country's future operations will be shaped by its new quality generation [1]. Children are precious gifts from the heart that need protection and the love they deserve. For children, there is no place like home, where they can feel safe and secure [2]. Assuring that children may participate fully in their communities and become future heirs and leaders of the nation and state requires swift action to protect them [3].

The purpose of child protection is to ensure that children are safe from violence and discrimination so that they can participate fully in society, develop to their full potential, and live in a way that respects their humanity and dignity, as stated in Article 1, paragraph 2 of Law Number 35 of 2014, which amends Law Number 23 of 2002 regarding Child Protection.

Many children in Indonesia find themselves involved in legal disputes due to the persistence of problems such as sexual assault, economic exploitation, neglect, and abuse, even though there are laws in place to protect children [4]. Aggression, physical damage to property, inflicting injury or death to another person, or the use of coercion are the characteristics that define violence according to the Big Indonesian Dictionary [5]. Because it is against the law and causes harm to people's physical and mental health, violence is considered a criminal act [6].

Throughout Indonesian society, sexual violence against children has persisted for a long time, and it comes in all forms and degrees [7]. There are many reports of sexual assaults on juveniles in the media every day, with varying degrees of brutality [8]. Anxiety, shame, and stress are common psychological symptoms experienced by children who experience trauma, especially sexual assault. Some of these children even consider suicide as a solution to their overwhelming misery [9]. It is very difficult to help a child heal from trauma, especially if the child shows signs of increasing despair and anxiety; the anger that may have developed as a result of the trauma may still show up in adulthood. When adults attack them, they are unable to respond, both mentally and physically [10].

Even though Malang City is home to several educational institutions, from primary schools to colleges, it has unfortunately been the scene of sexual assault. Both traditional and new media outlets continue to report on sexual assaults committed against adolescents. In 2023, there were a total of 20 victims of sexual assault, with 13 being children and 7 being women, according to observations and short interviews with UPT PPA officials in Malang City. For further details, see the table below.

The government must act immediately to address the problem of child sexual violence, which is receiving greater attention due to reports of sexual assault. Treatment rules for victims of sexual abuse who are minors are outlined in Presidential Regulation No. 65 of 2020 and the Criminal Acts of Sexual abuse Law no. 12 of 2022. The President receives assistance from this ministry in the domain of state administration, and it is also in charge of overseeing all issues related to women's empowerment and children's protection.

Combating violence against women and children is the responsibility of the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTPPA) in Malang. As a part of the Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Service (DP3AP2KB), the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTPPA) aims to prevent and fight violence against women and children [11].

A step in the right direction toward ending and preventing violence against women and children may be seen in the creation of specialized institutions such as the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTPPA). When it comes to helping out women and children, the Technical Implementation Unit for their Protection (UPTPPA) is great. Sexual assaults do happen, however, despite the efforts of organizations like UPTPPA to raise awareness and implement prevention measures.

Various previous studies have highlighted the importance of child protection as a long-term investment for the nation. According to Harahap 2021 [12], character building and a safe environment from an early age are key factors in creating a quality generation. A study by Krismawati et.al 2023 [13] shows that children who are victims of sexual violence often experience severe psychological disorders such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. Meanwhile, Makmur et,al 2022 [14] examined the role of service institutions such as UPT PPA in handling victims of sexual violence and emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies in ensuring victim recovery. Another study by Triantono et.al 2023 [15] discussed the effectiveness of national policies, such as Law No. 12 of 2022, in reducing the number of cases of sexual violence against children in several major cities in Indonesia. However, most of this research is still macro in nature and has not reviewed in depth the implementation of policies at the regional level, especially in local contexts such as Malang City.

Based on the literature review, there is a research gap related to the direct implementation of policies for the protection of child victims of sexual violence at the regional level, especially those involving technical implementing units such as UPT PPA Malang. Despite the existence of comprehensive national regulations, there is still little research that specifically examines how the policy is implemented in the field, the challenges faced, and the factors that influence the success or failure of its implementation. In addition, there are not many studies that explore the perceptions and experiences of policy implementers in the regions, as well as the effectiveness of existing service systems in the local cultural, social, and administrative context. Therefore, this research is important to address these gaps and provide data-based recommendations that are relevant to the formulation of child protection policies in Malang City.

Therefore, in order to protect human rights, investigations into cases of violence against children must be carried out without delay. The administration of Malang must immediately do something about the rampant problem of sexual assaults against municipal minors. According to Anderson in [16], the policy is an embodiment of the efforts of many different groups and individuals working together in a certain domain; they include government officials, organizations, and businesses. So, it's reasonable to assume that policy is just a set of rules with the end goal in mind.

This study's overarching goal is to learn more about child management practices, including those that help protect children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Additionally, they will investigate what helps or hinders the UPT PPA, which is part of the Department of Social Services for Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control, in carrying out these policies. Services for victims of sexual assault cannot be provided without UPT PPA's enforcement of victims' rights.

Method

This study employs a qualitative research approach rooted in field-based observations, with the aim of gaining an in-depth understanding of the legal protections afforded to victims of domestic rape. The researchers adopted a descriptive qualitative method, which is appropriate for exploring legal phenomena in a detailed, systematic, and contextual manner. This approach enables the researchers to portray the reality of legal protection as it exists in practice, particularly in the experiences of victims.

Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, including legal practitioners, law enforcement officials, social workers, and, where ethically and legally permitted, survivors of domestic rape. These interviews aimed to capture firsthand perspectives and experiences regarding the implementation of legal protection. Secondary data were obtained through a comprehensive review of relevant legislation, legal documents, judicial decisions, academic publications, and government or NGO reports related to domestic violence and rape laws [17].

The process of data analysis followed several sequential steps:

1. Data Reduction, Filtering and selecting relevant data from the field.

2. Data Display, Organizing the information in thematic categories.

3. Data Verification, Checking for accuracy and consistency.

4. Interpretation, Interpreting the data in the context of the research objectives.

5. Drawing Conclusions, Formulating findings based on the synthesized information.

To ensure the validity and reliability of the data, the researchers employed triangulation techniques. This involved comparing data from multiple sources and methods (interviews, observations, and documents) to cross-validate findings and reduce the risk of bias [18]. Ethical considerations were also prioritized throughout the study, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting the dignity and safety of all informants.

Results and Discussion

A. Results

1. Policy of the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPT PPA) of Malang City in Handling Sexual Violence against Children

Every element of any company has to follow its own set of rules if it wants to run smoothly. All three levels of society government, corporations, and communities are impacted by the policy. Within the bounds of legality, UPT PPA seeks to assist and safeguard children and women. Legislation no. 35 of 2014 of the Republic of Indonesia revises and sets legislation for the protection of children, amending Law No. 23 of 2002. Its goals include making children's rights protections stronger in Indonesia, defining who is responsible for what, and making sure that those who violate children's rights face consequences.

These guidelines were originally outlined in the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Children's Regulation No. 4 of 2018 and later ratified by Mayor's Regulation No. 36 of 2023; they form the basis of this formation, which is designed to protect women and children through the establishment of regional technical implementation units. Victims of abuse against children and women are to be managed and protected in accordance with this rule.

This is in line with the results of an interview with the Head of the UPT PPA of Malang City, information was obtained that:

“UPT PPA of Malang City was formed as a form of responsibility of the local government in providing protection to women and children, especially children who are victims of sexual violence. We work based on clear regulations, namely the Regulation of the Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection No. 4 of 2018 and the Regulation of the Mayor of Malang No. 36 of 2023. These two regulations provide a strong legal basis for us to carry out our duties.”

In addition, he also added:

“Although UPT PPA is still relatively new, we have made maximum efforts to respond to every report of cases of sexual violence against children. We collaborate with various parties, from the Social Service, the police, to non-governmental organizations. The goal is that handling can be carried out quickly, in an integrated manner, and in favor of the victims.”

From the interview, it can be concluded that the policy of establishing UPT PPA is not only normative, but is also actively implemented through cross-sector coordination to support the protection of child victims of sexual violence.

The study's findings validate UPT PPA's legal basis and provide credibility to the organization's ability to protect and aid women and children. The PPA industry in Malang City has been providing extensive services for quite some time. The Social Service, Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning agencies have successfully implemented the system, even though it is relatively new. Victims of violence will not have to leave their homes as often thanks to this all-encompassing plan.

2. Implementation of the Policy for Handling Sexual Violence Against Children by the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPT PPA) of Malang City

The following are the results of interviews and observations regarding B. Implementation of the Policy for Handling Sexual Violence against Children by the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPT PPA) of Malang City:

3. Policy Standards and Targets

Administration of both governmental and non-governmental organizations relies heavily on policies, which must have a goal and set defined standards. The establishment of trust among stakeholders and the facilitation of the discovery of development opportunities are both enhanced by well-defined goals and standards.

Women and children in Malang are expected to benefit from the specific goals and objectives of UPT PPA, which seek to alleviate, protect, and improve their welfare.

Malang City Regional Regulation No. 12 of 2015 for the Protection of Women and Children Victims of Violence aligns with the policy's purpose of protecting victims of violence, especially children and women. The Malang City Government has launched programs to protect children from abuse and help those who have been victims (UPT PPA under the Dinsos P3AP2KB) in response to reports of such abuse. However, there are still certain places that might need improvement, most notably the education system's handling of child victims of abuse and neglect. This is because there is a lack of widespread communication in the area. In addition, the newly formed UPT PPA has not yet maximized the use of the Dinsos P3AP2KB website, and there has been inadequate participation in social media, so only part of the community is getting important updates. As a result, knowledge on the best ways to support children who have been victims of violence in the future is scarce.

Concurrently, understanding the declared goals of the Malang City Government is the essential policy indicator for protecting abused women and children. Offering victims of violence including children prevention, protection, services, help, reunion, and empowerment is the purpose of protecting them, according to Malang City Regional Regulation No. 12 of 2015.

In regard to the metrics linked to the goal of protecting victims of child abuse established by policy. Regional Regulation No. 12 of 2015 of Malang City addressed the issue of protecting victims of abuse, including women and children. This policy in Malang City is mostly aimed at women and children. The Malang City Government has selected the UPT PPA to be a part of an implementation team through the Dinsos P3AP2KB in response to Major Regulation Number 36 of 2023, which deals with the creation of a Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children in the areas of Social Service, Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning. The establishment of the UPT PPA is intended to assist the head of the service in carrying out regional operational services, such as complaint services for children and women who are victims of abuse, prejudice, or other protection-related difficulties.

In order to improve accessibility and information documentation, victims of the crime in Malang City are asked to report it directly to the UPT PPA through one of three channels: in-person visits to the office, the online platform on the Dinsos P3AP2KB website (https://sosdp3ap2kb.malangkota.go.id/), or the UPT PPA WhatsApp number. Depending on the severity of the case and the victim's permission, they will be offered assistance, psychological support, and legal representation when the report is finished.

All of the above points to strict adherence to the policy's stated goals and requirements. The Malang City Government has taken action to aid and protect children and women who have been victims of abuse via the Social Services P2TP2A and P3AP2KB. Even if there are certain shortcomings, such as the fact that community socialization efforts for prevention aren't fully implemented, very few people in Malang City are getting the knowledge they need about these programs. The implementation of policies meant to safeguard women and children also lacks optimization.

And according to the policy goal indicators, the UPT PPA a branch of the Malang city government has successfully reached its intended audience: Malang women and children who have been victims of violence.

4. Resources in Policy Implementation

Since resources greatly affect the efficacy and efficiency of policy implementation, they are an essential component of every government organization.

Two parts make up this resource: human resources, which include the quantity and caliber of employees needed to carry out the organization's duties, and physical resources, such as the facilities offered by UPT PPA in Malang City. As per Malang Mayor Regulation Number 36 of 2023, the UPT PPA's resources consist of the Head of Administration, two counselors (two ASN and one non-ASN) and the Head of the UPT PPA, in terms of quality. There are four people on staff at UPT PPA. Effective handling of complaints about victims of violence against children is possible despite limited human resources by coordination with several organizations, including sub-district, village, RT and RW administrations, and NGOs.

Although the staff at Malang City's Dinsos P3AP2KB have not received any official training, the officers at UPT PPA have sufficient experience and knowledge to assist victims, provide them with advice, and engage with relevant parties all through the case management process. More people need to be hired to deal with the growing problem of sexual assaults against minors. Even though UPT PPA has only been around for a short time, it is still necessary to move quickly to fill open positions with qualified individuals so that the handling program may be carried out efficiently and effectively.

The UPT PPA office has sufficient resources and facilities to meet the requirements of women and children; Nevertheless, owing to space constraints, expansion is required to accommodate their growth. With a rising number of victims reporting, the present facilities are insufficient, leading to congestion or the need to schedule help, especially during therapy sessions. especially when it comes to helping victims, especially women and children. Treatment for victims will not cost anything since the UPT PPA secured specialized funding from the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) if all prerequisites were satisfied.

5. Inter Organizational Communication

How well various groups are able to communicate with one another and work together to achieve common goals is a key factor in the effective implementation of public policy. Organizational cooperation, interaction, and mutual support in a wide variety of endeavors are affected by the quality of communication, which is a multi-faceted component.

Implementers' ability to communicate has a major effect on how policies are put into action. Emphasizing the requirement of providing accurate and clear information is critical in avoiding community misunderstandings.

The responsibility for responding to and preventing acts of violence against children lies with Dinsos P3AP2KB and UPT PPA. After speaking with the head of UPT PPA in Malang City, we learned that several groups had been in touch about how to best protect abused children and women. Dinsos P3AP2KB and UPT PPA work together in the first communication pattern, which involves yearly reporting in writing. The second one is for UPT PPA and Dinsos P3AP2KB to work together with community organizations and NGOs to raise awareness about laws that protect victims of child and female violence. RT and RW are members of the sub-district administration, and UPT PPA is a partner with NGOs as well.

In addition, the UPT PPA of Malang City has conducted community and educational outreach to enlighten people about the legislative framework for victim protection, regulations for reporting and resolving child assault, and other related topics.

In addition to their official website (https://sosdp3ap2kb.malangkota.go.id/), the Malang City Social Service P3AP2KB also makes use of social media to spread the word. This website includes a direct complaint service flow for victims of violence and offers public access through platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Many people still don't know that sexual assaults against children happen, even though UPT PPA has made efforts to raise awareness about this issue.

6. Characteristics of the Implementing Agent

A clear bureaucratic structure is seen in the traits of child protection workers who deal with sexual assault victims. Malang City's local government established the UPT PPA to aid women and children affected by violence, prejudice, special protection needs, and other issues in line with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Children's Regulation No. 4 of 2018 on Guidelines for the Establishment of Regional Technical Implementation Units for the Protection of Women and Children and Mayoral Regulation no. 36 of 2023.

Problems continue, such as the insufficient funding provided by the Malang City administration, even though there is a clearly established bureaucratic system to safeguard children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Due to its newfound existence, the UPT PPA needs more capital to function properly. This includes the costs connected with medical exams and the salaries of mental health experts including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and advocates.

There is a clear chain of command for carrying out the UPT PPA in Malang City. The administrative sub-section head and the functional and/or implementing position group are both reported to the Head of UPT PPA. Facilitating technical efforts relating to child empowerment and protection and carrying out operational activities are the responsibilities of the Head of UPT. During the service, members of the accompanying staff are responsible for helping victims report, which provides technical assistance to the Head of UPT PPA.

In addition, the framework ensures that rules are implemented effectively, which helps achieve the goals of the UPT PPA, which is based on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Victim outreach, case management, mediation, victim complaint services, and victim support are the five SOPs that are now in place at UPT PPA.

7. Social, Economic and Political Conditions

Policies are shaped, implemented, and received by the community in large part by the political, social, and economic climate. To successfully accomplish the organization's goals, the support from all three areas must work together in harmony. The social, economic, and political climate affects an organization's ability to carry out policies.

Evaluating the policy's reach and effect on socioeconomic conditions, public reaction to the policy (including elite support for its implementation), and the sufficiency of financial resources to aid victims of sexual assault are all concurrent tasks for UPT PPA. Several members of UPT PPA have spoken out in favor of children who have been victims of abuse. Keeping in mind that the nation's future depends on its youth. Also, addressing sexual abuse against children requires providing funds.

8. Implementor Disposition

When it comes to carrying out policies, the attitude of those responsible is paramount. The chances of the policy's success are increased when the implementers have a good understanding, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment; on the other hand, the effectiveness of the implementation is negatively affected when the implementers have a negative attitude.

The fact that the implementer gave a favorable reaction to the Malang City policy aimed at protecting and managing victims of child abuse is only one of many good aspects of the implementor disposition variable. As an example, the UPT PPA, which is supervised by the Head of Dinsos P3AP2KB, was set up in response to a request from the Malang Mayor in 2023. Supporting victims of violence, the Social Service, Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning sectors have been asked to form a Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children. This unit will provide assistance to those in need. In order to reduce the occurrence of youth violence in Malang City, it is imperative that UPT PPA takes part in community-wide socialization programs. Additionally, UPT PPA and its affiliates are liable for services, assessments, and yearly reports.

Victims' identities, details, and private internal activities are highly valued by UPT PPA Malang City, which is committed to protecting their privacy. The goal is to ensure the safety of victims and help them recover, since sexual abuse causes long-lasting trauma.

9 . Supporting and Inhibiting Factors in the Implementation of Policies for Handling Sexual Violence against Children

When it comes to sexual assaults against kids at the UPT PPA in Malang City, there are a lot of elements, both helpful and bad, that affect how regulations are put into place. The long-term viability of policy implementation would certainly benefit from the full backing of all relevant parties, but the opposite is also true: any problems that arise when putting the policy into action would have an impact on its final form. A counseling room, laptop, Wi-Fi, computer, internet connection, and more infrastructure are all available at UPT PPA, ensuring that the service process is well-equipped.

Inadequate human resources, a lack of specialized UPT vehicles, and public awareness regarding reporting local issues are all obstacles to certain policy implementation service processes at the UPT PPA. This is especially problematic because some sexual offense perpetrators are family members or close acquaintances. Meetings with PKK mothers are the primary means of socialization, hence there is a lack of distribution to the larger community, which is a major flaw in the community outreach efforts. As a preventative strategy, the UPT PPA places a premium on schools in its socialization efforts. The community is not actively involved in the socialization process. Socialization via PKK groups or other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is the only means of representation.

B. Discussion

The implementation of the policy for protecting children who are victims of sexual violence by the UPT PPA of Malang City shows a strong institutional commitment in a regulatory manner. This can be seen from the existence of regulations that serve as the legal basis such as Law No. 35 of 2014, Permen PPPA No. 4 of 2018, and Perwali Malang No. 36 of 2023. This policy was formulated as a form of state responsibility in providing comprehensive protection to women and children, especially victims of sexual violence.

However, in its implementation, the policy faces a number of obstacles, both technical and structural. Based on George C. Edwards III's policy implementation theory, there are four main factors that determine the success of policy implementation, namely communication, resources, implementer disposition, and bureaucratic structure [19].

First, from the communication aspect, although the reporting channel has been provided by the UPT PPA through various platforms such as direct visits, the Dinsos P3AP2KB website, and WhatsApp, not all people know about the service. The lack of socialization and the less than optimal use of social media have resulted in information not being evenly distributed. This hinders victims from accessing services and shows that communication between stakeholders and the public has not been running effectively.

Second, in terms of resources, UPT PPA only has four core staff consisting of a head, two counselors, and one admin. This number is very limited to handle cases of sexual violence against children that require special handling. In addition, the lack of formal training and minimal supporting facilities such as operational vehicles are serious obstacles in responding to cases quickly and efficiently. In fact, handling victims of violence requires a comprehensive approach, both medically, psychologically, and legally.

Third, in terms of the disposition of the implementers, research shows that UPT PPA staff have a positive attitude, high empathy, and a strong commitment to dealing with victims. They uphold the confidentiality of data and the safety of victims. This disposition is an internal strength in implementing policies. However, this commitment has not been adequately supported by a strong system and budget, so the potential for policy success is not optimal.

Fourth, regarding the bureaucratic structure, UPT PPA already has a fairly clear coordination flow and SOP, such as mediation mechanisms, assistance, and case management. However, this structure has not been supported by an integrated reporting system and optimal multi-sector collaboration. Cooperation with NGOs, schools, and RT/RW has been running, but is not yet comprehensive and systematic.

Furthermore, the implementation of this policy is also influenced by the social and economic conditions of the community, which tend to make victims reluctant to report, especially if the perpetrator is a family member. This makes it even more difficult for the UPT PPA to intervene in detecting and handling cases of sexual violence against children [20].

Of the four factors of policy implementation according to Edwards III, it can be seen that the disposition of the implementer is the strongest aspect in UPT PPA Malang, while communication and resources are the main weaknesses. In general, this policy has not achieved optimal performance because it is still hampered by technical and institutional constraints.

Previous studies on this subject have provided extensive analysis, such as that of Ilham on "Analysis of Cases of Violence against Children and Prevention Policies in Kulonprogo Regency"[21] and of Rusliandy et al. on "Analysis of Policies for Handling Violence against Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic" [22]. Research has shown that the UPT PPA's procedures regarding the handling of sexual assault cases involving children are still not up to standard.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study on the implementation of the policy for handling sexual violence against children by the UPT PPA of Malang City, it can be concluded that normatively this policy has a strong legal basis, namely through Law No. 35 of 2014.

However, the implementation of the policy in the field has not been optimal. The main obstacles lie in the limited human resources consisting of only four core staff, the lack of supporting facilities such as operational vehicles and adequate service rooms, and the uneven distribution of information to the community. On the other hand, the high attitude and commitment of UPT PPA officers are the main strength, although they are not fully supported by an adequate system, budget, and community participation.

Thus, although the policy direction is correct and the implementers show high dedication, the success of the policy implementation is still bound by technical and structural factors that must be fixed immediately.

The recommendation from this study is that the Malang City Government needs to increase the number of workers at UPT PPA, especially professional staff such as psychologists, legal counselors, and social workers. In addition, regular training needs to be carried out to increase the capacity of staff in handling cases of violence against children comprehensively. UPT PPA needs to be supported with more adequate physical facilities such as counseling rooms, transportation, and communication technology to speed up the case handling process and support more responsive services. Information about UPT PPA services must be widely disseminated through social media, official websites, and educational programs to schools and communities so that public awareness and understanding increase. More intensive cooperation is needed between UPT PPA, government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and local communities to create an integrated, responsive, and sustainable protection system. A reporting system needs to be created that is easy, fast, and integrated with other agencies so that the case tracking and follow-up process runs more effectively, and can increase public trust in government services. The local government must allocate a special budget to support the operation of UPT PPA, especially for medical, psychological, and legal services for victims. Without sufficient financial support, child protection services cannot run optimally.

Acknowledgement

Officials in Malang City, and the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children in particular, were very kind in providing the researcher with more details on the study's findings, and the researcher was very grateful to them.

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