Local Government Efforts to Prevent the Exploitation of Children as Workers in Wajo Regency

Abstract

Child exploitation in employment is a child-rights protection issue associated with household poverty, access to education, labor inspection, and local institutional capacity. This study examines the efforts of the Wajo Regency Government to prevent the exploitation of children as workers and identifies factors supporting those efforts. It employs an empirical juridical approach with a qualitative design. The underlying manuscript reports data collection through interviews, observation, and documentation involving local government agencies responsible for child protection and manpower affairs. The data were analyzed descriptively by comparing field practices with applicable legal provisions. The reported findings indicate that prevention measures include public education on children's rights, the involvement of the Children's Forum, strengthening Community-Based Integrated Child Protection (PATBM), assistance for vulnerable families, social assistance and economic empowerment, and inter-agency coordination and monitoring. Supporting factors include public awareness, regulatory support, family involvement, welfare programs, and cross-sector coordination. The legal analysis suggests that these measures are consistent with the government's child-protection obligations; however, their effectiveness needs to be assessed through case data, program coverage, complaint follow-up, and monitoring outcomes. Age verification for the issuance of job-seeker cards applies only to formal services and cannot replace monitoring of informal work. The study recommends stronger data collection, risk-based monitoring, case-referral mechanisms, and measurable program evaluation.