High School Students Have the Highest Rate of Child Labor Compared to Other Educational Levels

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the highest proportion of child workers is among those at the Senior High School (SMA) level and equivalent, compared to other education levels such as Elementary School (SD) and equivalent or below, and Junior High School (SMP) and equivalent.

In 2019, the proportion of child workers at the elementary school level reached 1.38%, junior high school 1.8%, and senior high school 10.50% of the total number of Indonesian children.

However, in 2020, the proportion for elementary school increased to 2.26% and junior high school to 2.08%. The proportion for senior high school workers decreased to 6.26%, although it remained higher than the other two levels.

In 2021, all percentages decreased. Elementary school reached 1.75%, junior high school 1.8%, and senior high school 5.92%.

"There was a decrease in the proportion of child workers at the senior high school level and above," wrote the BPS in its report.

BPS explained that the proportion of child workers at the elementary school level and below and junior high school equivalent tended to follow a similar pattern, increasing in 2020 and decreasing in 2021. However, at the elementary school level and below, the proportion was still higher than in 2019.

BPS calculated the number and proportion of child workers using disaggregation based on Law Number 13/2003 concerning Manpower. This is because the determination of the child worker limit in Indonesian law is higher than the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The regulations are as follows:

* Children aged 5-12 years who work more than 1 hour per week
* Children aged 13-14 years who work more than 15 hours per week
* Children aged 15-17 years who work more than 40 hours per week.

These results are taken from the National Labor Force Survey (Sakernas) in 2019-2021.

(See also: The Number of Child Workers Decreased in 2021)