Education is a human right that must be accessible to all children, regardless of their

background or circumstances. However, in the city of Salatiga, there are still abandoned children

who have not received proper education. These abandoned children often face challenges that

non-formal education. Factors such as poverty and the inability of parents to meet their children’s

basic needs are the primary causes (Ummah, 2014). Moreover, many abandoned children are

exploited by irresponsible parties, resulting in them losing the opportunity to grow and develop

normally. This situation exacerbates the issue of abandoned children whose rights are neglected,

both in terms of education and protection from violence and discrimination (Khoirunnisa et al.,

2020).

Previous studies have examined the issue of abandoned children from the perspective of

social welfare and law (Wiratraman, 2018). Several studies show that abandoned children often

become the most vulnerable group to violations of their basic rights, including the right to

education for abandoned children in the city of Salatiga, specifically how the regulations of the

Salatiga city government play a role in fulfilling these rights. **This research has novelty in

uncovering how the implementation of formal and non-formal education can provide solutions to

the educational problems of abandoned children in Salatiga.** Furthermore, this research

contributes significantly to the formulation of more inclusive and sustainable educational policies,

which have not been extensively discussed in previous studies (Sukadi, 2013; Ummah, 2014).

Thus, this research aims to explain the role of the Salatiga city government's regulations in

fulfilling the right to education for abandoned children, as well as to examine the implementation

of these regulations. The results of this study are expected to provide recommendations that can be

applied to improve regulations and educational programs, particularly more targeted vocational

legislation related to the fulfillment of the right to education for abandoned children in the city of

Salatiga. Primary data in the form of legislation, as well as secondary data from legal literature,

academic journals, and expert opinions, were systematically analyzed to assess the effectiveness of

the city's educational policy implementation. Each piece of information gathered was organized and

categorized based on relevant legal topics and social issues, and then analyzed using a descriptive

qualitative approach. The aim of this analysis was to comprehensively understand how these

policies are applied in practice and to what extent they are effective in increasing educational access

for abandoned children. Transparency in this analytical process was ensured by detailing the data

sources and the approach used to interpret the data.

implementation of the right to education for abandoned children in Salatiga. This study also

discusses the actions of the Salatiga city government to implement regulations in fulfilling the right

to education for abandoned children.

The approach used in this study is a conceptual approach (Marzuki, 2019). Research with a

conceptual approach is an approach that is carried out by describing something in terms of abstract

characteristics and relationships with other conceptual entities. The conceptual approach is used

by using the concept of Human Rights in implementing the right to education for abandoned

children in Salatiga. The legislative approach is used in this study to examine laws and regulations

related to the Human Rights of abandoned children.

Legal Materials

This research was conducted by examining the literature between primary and secondary

legal materials. The primary legal material used is the 1945 Constitution Article 34. Mayor

The Role of Salatiga City Government Regulations in Fulfilling the Right to Education of

Children, who are still in the developmental stage and are not yet able to make important

decisions or protect themselves, need the protection of adults. Unfortunately, not all children get

this protection. Some of them, known as abandoned children, have to face a life without adequate

protection. Abandoned children are actually included in the category of children at risk or children

in need of special protection (Suyanto, 2016). Vulnerable children are, in essence, a term used to

describe a group of children who, due to various situations, conditions, and cultural or structural

pressures, have not earned or even often had their rights violated. In the context of children's rights,

they have a series of rights that must be fulfilled by their parents. These rights include the right to

not adequately or fully fulfilled.

According to KBBI, the definition of abandoned children is children aged 5-18 years who

spend most of their time earning a living or wandering on the streets and in public places. According

to the definition given by the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, an abandoned

child is an individual between the ages of 5 and 18 years who, for various reasons (for example, a

condition of poverty or incapacity, illness of one or both parents or guardians, death of one or both

parents or guardians, disharmony in the family, or absence of a guardian or caregiver), is unable to

adequately meet his or her basic needs, both in terms of physical, mental, and social. Abandoned

children can also refer to children who, for some reason, their parents neglect their obligations, so

that the child's needs cannot be adequately met, both mentally, physically, and socially, as well as

children who live in poor families and are up to 18 years old (Adhania, 2019).

On Monday (11/10/2021), a judicial operation carried out by a joint team consisting of the

Salatiga Police, Satpol PP, and the Social Service succeeded in arresting 10 individuals who were

included in the category of beggars, homeless people, and displaced persons (PGOT). The

individuals were secured from various locations, including around the Tamansari Roundabout,

develop their personality and level of intelligence in accordance with their interests and talents.

Thus, in the context of education (Pasal 9 Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 23 Tahun

2002 Tentang Perlindungan Anak , 2002), Article 9 paragraph 1 clearly stipulates that children can

develop their interests and talents according to their wishes, including street children, without any

exceptions (Almubarak, 2020). The community has an obligation to support the implementation of

education by providing the necessary resources. The government and local governments have the

right to direct, guide, assist, and supervise the implementation of education in accordance with

applicable laws and regulations. In addition, the Government and Regional Governments have an

obligation to provide services and facilities, as well as to ensure the implementation of quality

education for every citizen without discrimination. They must also ensure the availability of funds

Indonesia has the right to education and teaching. In addition, children who show excellence in both

academic and non-academic fields are also entitled to special education.

During the period from July to December 2022, there were 60 children categorized as

school-age children from poor families, ensuring they have access to primary and secondary

education, including fees such as tuition, books, uniforms, and other learning equipment. In

addition, the government also provides financial assistance to high-achieving children from poor

families who want to continue their education to the university level, ensuring that academic ability,

not economic background, determines a person's access to higher education. These two initiatives

demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting education and helping to reduce

educational disparities that may be caused by poverty ('SALATIGA CITY REGIONAL REGULATION

NUMBER 4 OF 2009 CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDUCATION', 2009).

and develop naturally; (2) Children have the right to service to develop their abilities and social life,

in accordance with good norms and useful for society; (3) Children have the right to maintenance

and protection, both during the womb and after birth; (4) Children have the right to protection of

the environment that can harm or inhibit their growth and development in a reasonable manner.

All of these rights reflect the state's commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of

children (Sukadi, 2013).

The Salatiga City Government, through the Social Service, has the responsibility to deal with

issues related to abandoned children in the city. The Social Service functions as a form of

government responsibility in dealing with the problem of abandoned children. Next, the Salatig City

Social Service offers education in formal and informal forms. Formal education refers to the 12-year

12-year compulsory education program (Suryani, 2019). The 12-Year Compulsory Learning

Program is regulated in Law Number 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System

(Sisdiknas). In addition, this program also received support from the Regulation of the Minister of

to in paragraph (1) to the Social Service of Central Java Province in accordance with the provisions

of the Laws and Regulations (Peraturan Daerah (Perda) Kota Salatiga Nomor 12 Tahun 2018

Tentang Penanganan Penyandang Masalah Kesejahteraan Sosial, 2018). Then in Article 8 it is also

said that data collection by the Social Service, as stipulated in Article 7 paragraph (1), is carried out

by Data Collection Officers consisting of sub-district and sub-district officials. They involved District

Social Welfare Workers, Youth Organizations, Community Social Workers, and community leaders.

Data Collectors must meet several requirements, including a minimum education of high school or

equivalent, have participated in data collection training in the field of social welfare, be registered

Indonesia No. 8 of 2012 concerning Guidelines for Data Collection and Data Management of People

with Social Welfare Problems and Potential and Sources of Social Welfare, the purpose of this data

collection is to create a common understanding of data collection and data management of MSMEs

and PSKS. This also aims to improve the quality of data collection and data management of MSMEs

and PSKS in provincial social agencies and district/city social agencies. In addition, this initiative

seeks to ensure the availability of complete and accurate MSME and PSKS data.

The Social Service will provide formal and non-formal education programs for abandoned

children, formal education is compulsory for 12 years. The compulsory tuition fee is fully borne by

the state. For example, Stella Matutina Junior High School, which is under the auspices of the

Marsudirini Foundation, has consistently collaborated with the Government through the Salatiga

obligations up to high school, be it high school or vocational school. This is in line with the mission

of the Archdiocese of Semarang (KAS), which focuses on providing attention to vulnerable

individuals, including those who are underprivileged, marginalized, and disabled (KLMTD)

itself comprehensively and synergistically in its services, including its infrastructure and

curriculum, which adapts to the development of the times or the current situation.

Yuni Ambarwati, Head of the Salatiga City Education Office, emphasized that the School

Operational Assistance (BOS) funds from the central government are not only to help or support

school operations, but actually finance school operations. "At least 90 percent of school operational

costs are fulfilled by the central BOS, considering that public schools provide free education, so our

budget comes from the BOS which is financed by the state budget," said Yuni. He added, "We feel

very helpful with this BOS in meeting the needs in schools to achieve the eight National Education

opportunities for Indonesia citizens to get quality education. The main goal is to provide education

that can develop the potential of individuals, so that they can develop, contribute to society, and

advance the country. In addition, this program also aims to facilitate the continuation of education

to a higher level. To support the implementation of this program, complete learning facilities and

support the teaching and learning process in the classroom are very necessary. However, there are

several challenges that need to be considered in the implementation of the 12-year Compulsory

Learning program, especially in line with the current development of education. One of them is the

lack of public attention to the importance of educational programs, especially among teenagers who

often drop out of school. This has become a common problem in communities that do not pay

entrepreneurship is highly emphasized by the Salatiga City Social Service in dealing with

abandoned children. This is done with the aim of building an independent and productive attitude

of a child. The greater a child's interest in entrepreneurship, the more 83 will develop a desire in

The Social Service also provides specific skills training for displaced children, with the aim of

helping them become independent and productive. For abandoned girls, they provide sewing

training. This training is designed to teach sewing skills that can be used to create different types of

clothes and accessories, which can later become a source of income for them. Meanwhile, for boys,

the Social Service provides electrical installation training. This training aims to teach basic skills in

electrical installation and repair, which are indispensable skills and can open up many job

opportunities. Thus, through these trainings, the Social Service strives to provide displaced children

with the skills they need to build a better future.

displaced children who receive skills training can contribute to building stronger and more

prosperous communities. Overall, the goal of providing skills training to abandoned children is to

provide them with the tools and resources they need to build a better and brighter future.