Strategies and Challenges in Protecting Children's Rights as Suspects of Sexual Abuse in Pekanbaru City, Indonesia

Background: The implementation of child protection in the criminal justice system in various regions in Indonesia still faces various challenges. Although regulations are available, there are still many deviations in implementation. Objective: To explore the protection of children's rights as suspects in criminal acts of sexual abuse by identifying strategies and challenges by law enforcement officers in the child criminal justice process. Method: Research design used descriptive qualitative. Data collection techniques in the form of in-depth interviews, document analysis, and observation of case mechanisms. The research was conducted six months at the Pekanbaru City Police, Riau Province. Results: Strategies in the implementation of the child criminal justice system, early legal and psycho-social assistance, restorative justice, sexual education and early prevention, and rehabilitation in special child development institutions. The challenges faced include: social stigma from the community, lack of special legal assistance, legal processes that are not child-friendly, and inequality of psychological services. Conclusion: More structured and coordinated approach is needed to improve the effectiveness of child protection in the criminal justice system.