Child Psychology in Indonesia : Problems and Contributions
Child related problems in Indonesia have demonstrated more serious concerns both in the variety of cases as well as its incidences and intensities. The data reported by the Indonesian Child Protection Commission recently indicates significant increases of child related problems influenced by parental divorce, children unfriendly television show, violence happened at school, and social media related pornography. Being the victims of the problems stated above, affected children are at higher risk to become perpetrators of physical, psychological, and sexual violence in the future. These days, children are also prone for trafficking and exploitation (both as factory workers and as prostitutes through online prostitution). Research findings and professional practices of child psychology in Indonesia have contributed to the management of problems mentioned above, for the development of promotion and prevention programs, and for being involved in creating specific intervention. Postgraduate students undertaking professional psychology in Indonesia have been given internship or placement opportunities to be involved in managing children's problems aiming for optimizing the children's development and for developing suitable interventions. However, the field of child psychology in Indonesia is facing bigger challenges to take more important roles, in particular suggesting vital government policies as preventive and protective actions which address the above concerns.