The KIA Bill specifically regulates the role of fathers/husbands

The role and presence of fathers in supporting children's growth and development is very important. However, it was only attached to the mother.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

A father accompanies his child playing in the Tebet Eco Park playground tunnel, South Jakarta, Thursday (21/3/2024).

The Draft Law on the Welfare of Mothers and Children in the First Thousand Days of Life Phase (RUU MCH in the Thousand HPK Phase ) not only focuses on the welfare of mothers and children, but also regulates the role of father/husband and family. The role of fathers accompanying mothers is very important in encouraging children's growth and development.

With the presence of the father, the responsibility childcare which has previously relied on the mother can be carried out together, namely by the mother and father. At least, by encouraging the father's role, it can eliminate or at least minimize the domestication of parenting responsibilities to the mother.

In the Draft Bill on Employment Creation which entered the Job Creation Act phase, a regulation was formulated regarding "leave for female workers who give birth". Leave is granted for a minimum of three months during the first phase, and a maximum of three months during the second phase, if there are special conditions proven with a doctor's certificate.

However, in the RUU KIA in the Phase of a Thousand Family Welfare Programs, there are several articles proposed to regulate and affirm the role of husbands or fathers in their children's lives and in the lives of their partners.

Also read: Providing Paternity Leave Supports the Role of Standby Husbands

The role of husbands is specifically regulated in the draft bill because the responsibility of being the primary breadwinner is usually assigned to a husband or father. As the breadwinner, husbands/fathers generally spend a lot of time outside the home.

Even during his wife's pregnancy, especially in the early stages, the husband often becomes more diligent in working and leaves his wife. This is done in order to collect the costs of childbirth, including expenses from the birth of the child until school.

RIVALDO ARNOLD BELEKUBUN

A family walks on the sidewalk of Jalan Margonda Raya, Depok, West Java, Wednesday (4/1/2023).

However, since the early stages of a mother's pregnancy until birth or the first thousand days of a child's life, the presence of a husband is actually very important. That is why the role of the father is proposed to be regulated in the KIA bill during the First Thousand Days phase.

"Regulating the role of fathers is to overcome the challenges of a fatherless country or a father figure who has somewhat disappeared, then to overcome the mental health problems of parents," said Dian Ekawati, Assistant Deputy for Policy Formulation in the Field of Gender Equality, Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Protection. Children (PPPA) at a media talk held by Public Relations of the Ministry of PPPA, Tuesday (23/4/2024), at the Ministry of PPPA Office.

In a media discussion with the theme "The KIA bill on the First One Thousand Days of Life Pushes for the Role of Fathers in Raising Children," child and adolescent psychologist Mutia Aprilia and Deputy Assistant for Fulfillment of Children's Rights in Child Rearing and Environment at the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Rohika Kurniadi Sari also shared information.

When fathers go away for the weekend, they usually don't ask who their children are with?

According to Dian, the role of the husband/father before and after the mother gives birth is very important. The presence of a father/husband figure will support the mental situation faced by a mother. Often a postpartum mother is faced with pressure, especially young mothers who experiencebaby blues syndrome (excessive mental disorders). "We hope that this will no longer exist, or at least decrease," said Dian.

In addition to the role of fathers, the draft of the KIA bill in the One Thousand Family Planning Phase also proposes regulating the role of families. Article 6 of the draft bill stipulates a number of obligations for husbands and families to ensure the fulfillment of a mother's rights. For example, husbands are entitled to paternity leave for two days when their wife gives birth, and can be given an additional three days as agreed. When their wife miscarries, the husband can take two days off.

KOMPAS/SONYA HELLEN SINOMBOR

The media discussion with the theme of the KIA Bill on the First One Thousand Days of Life, which encouraged the role of fathers in parenting, was held by the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Public Relations on Tuesday (23/4/2024) at the PPPA Ministry Office.

In addition, husbands are given enough time to accompany their wives and children, if the wife experiences health problems, health disturbances, complications after giving birth or miscarriage. The husband's accompaniment is also needed when the born child experiences health problems, health disturbances, and complications; when the wife who gave birth passes away; or when the born child passes away.

The KIA bill during the Thousand Day Implementation plan also proposes that during the period of parental leave, husbands have the obligation to care for their wife's and child's health; provide sufficient and balanced nutrition for their wife and children; support their wife in providing exclusive breastfeeding for their child from birth until the age of 6 months; and accompany their wife and child in obtaining health and nutrition services that meet the standards.

Parenting is attached to the mother

Mutia Aprilia believes that the inclusion of the role of fathers/husbands in the KIA Bill will further encourage many fathers/husbands to be present in supporting mothers and children. In society, the role of childrearing is traditionally attributed more to mothers than fathers.

"For example, when a mother goes out, she is always asked, 'Why didn't you bring your child with you?' as if there is only one parent, and the mother is the only one responsible. However, if a father goes out on the weekend, usually no one asks who is taking care of his child. But when a mother goes out, it is like everyone is confused about who is taking care of her child," said Mutia.

Also read: Apart from 6 Months Maternity Leave for Working Mothers, What Else is in the Bill?

Therefore, when the KIA bill regulates the involvement of fathers/husbands in child upbringing, the child will be raised by both parents. In addition to receiving protection from both parents, children can experience the presence of their father for a longer duration, including being able to play with their father.

"It is very important for the time and involvement of both father and mother in a child's growth and development. The best inheritance parents can give to their child is time," said Mutia.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

A father plays with his cell phone with his child in Tangkuban Perahu Park, Guntur Village, Setiabudi District, South Jakarta, Wednesday (13/9/2023).

Rohika also agreed that the presence of both parents with their child from birth up to two years old is very important to support their growth and development. However, the responsibility of accompanying and raising a child is not only during the golden age of 0-2 years, but up until 18 years old as well. Especially if there is a child in a special situation who needs parental attention.

“Parenting is not only about fulfilling non-essential needs. The role of parents in the first two years is crucial in accompanying children to ensure their growth and development is guaranteed, and their rights are protected," said Rohika.

Therefore, the public is reminded that in raising children, it is important to ensure not only their physical growth but all aspects related to their development. In fact, there are many challenges parents face in raising their children, and some even choose to delegate the responsibility to others.

Also read: Discourse on Civil Servant Paternity Leave Brings Up the Urgency of the KIA Bill

The KIA Bill in the Thousand HPK Phase is still undergoing legislative process. The government and DPR agreed on Monday (25/3/2024) to continue the legislation process of the KIA Bill and change its name to the KIA Bill in the First One Thousand Days of Life. The agreement was made during the Discussion of the First Level Working Meeting at DPR, attended by Minister of PPPA Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati, government team, and eight factions in DPR's Commission VIII. The next stage is the Second Level Discussion at DPR.