Portrait of Street Children in Indonesia: Facts, Challenges, and Hopes

Abstract

The phenomenon of Indonesian street children is a complex multidimensional social problem that reflects social inequality, structural poverty and weak protections for children's rights. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive picture of the reality of the lives of street children in Indonesia. This includes the socioeconomic background that will lead them on the path, the form of their work, and the risks and challenges they face on a daily basis. With a variety of reports, research and country guidelines, qualitative approaches and literature studies by non- governmental organizations, this article distinguishes actual facts about the status of street children, including access to education, health, proper housing, and legal protection. In addition, the psychological and social dynamics that affect the development of these children, including issues of violence, exploitation, social stigma, and long-term impacts on their futures, have also been discussed.