Problems of Implementation and Legal Protection for Child Workers in the Informal Sector (Study at The Social Service, KPAD, and DP2KBP3A of Pontianak City)

Abstract

Child labor in the informal sector remains a pressing issue in Pontianak City, driven primarily by economic hardship and the lack of accessible formal employment. Children are commonly found working as street vendors, parking attendants, performers, or beggars, often exposed to risks such as violence, exploitation, and the loss of educational opportunities. This study aims to analyze the condition of child workers in the informal sector, as well as to examine the implementation of legal protection and the role of local government institutions in addressing the issue. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews with child workers, parents, and relevant stakeholders, and the review of official reports from the Pontianak Child Protection Commission and the Social Service Office. The findings reveal that while legal frameworks, including the Manpower Law and the Child Protection Law, provide a strong normative basis for child protection, implementation at the local level remains weak due to limited resources, insufficient supervision, and low community awareness. The study also highlights that the services provided by the Social Service Office, such as temporary shelters and family reunification programs, often face practical barriers, including bureaucratic constraints and inadequate inter-agency coordination. Overall, the persistence of child labor in the informal sector reflects both structural poverty and gaps in the enforcement of child protection policies. The research emphasizes the urgent need for stronger cross-sectoral collaboration, community participation, and policy commitment to ensure children’s rights to protection, education, and development