Legal Analysis of Child Protection in Blitar City Based on Statutory Regulations

Abstract

Child protection is the responsibility of the state, local government, community, family, and all stakeholders as mandated in various laws and regulations. This study aims to analyze the implementation of child protection in Blitar City based on Law Number 35 of 2014 concerning Child Protection, Blitar City Regional Regulation Number 3 of 2023 concerning Gender Mainstreaming and Fulfillment of Children's Rights, and Blitar Mayor Regulation Number 20 of 2023 concerning the Implementation of Child-Friendly Cities. The study uses an empirical juridical method with a qualitative approach through documentation studies and in-depth interviews with informants selected purposively. The results show that the Blitar City Government has implemented various child protection programs through the Children's Forum, Child-Friendly Schools, victim assistance services, child protection outreach, and strengthening the Child-Friendly City Task Force. However, various cases of violence against children, bullying, neglect, and sexual violence are still found, indicating a gap between legal norms and their implementation in the field. Key obstacles include low public legal awareness, limited human resources for child advocates, and increasing threats to children in the digital space. This research confirms that effective child protection requires strengthened inter-institutional coordination, increased community participation, and optimized implementation of regional policies on a sustainable basis.