The Existence of City Facilities and Street Children in Malang

Abstract

Street children are a common phenomenon in Indonesian big cities. The existence of street children caused fear and concern among people in Indonesia. In order to protect child's potential lost, the role of government is needed. Effective solutions are required but unfortunately it still not been achieved now. Through observation and interview on thirteen street children in Malang East Java, this research intended to know 1) Social problems causing the emergence of street children. 2) The life condition of street children in Malang, and 3) Street children perception about life they had. This research is qualitative study using observation and interviews to collect data. The results of the study found that street children in Malang work voluntarily without family coercion, they work due to economic pressures faced by family. Economic pressure lead children go work on the streets to lessen parents burden. It is found that the physical and psychological threats on the streets cause street children do not like the life they had. Actually, child wanted out from the street life if opportunity comes but unfortunate that opportunity never comes. This research concluded that the government participation is needed to alleviate children from street life. Without help from others, it will be difficult to make the children out from street life.

Keywords: Street children, causes, problems