Magelang, 10 July 2026 – In support of improving the quality of social services for children, Widodo Suhartoyo, Deputy Director for Program of SEAMEO CECCEP, served as a resource person at the Capacity Development Program for Child Welfare Institutions (Lembaga Kesejahteraan Sosial Anak/LKSA) in Child Social Services, organized by the Directorate of Child Social Rehabilitation from 8–10 July 2026 at LKSA Darul Khikmah Putra Borobudur, Magelang Regency, Central Java.
The program aimed to strengthen the capacity of Child Welfare Institutions (LKSA), which play a strategic role in Indonesia's child welfare system by providing alternative care, protection, and support to children in need.
During the program, Widodo Suhartoyo delivered a session on the National Standards of Child Care in Child Welfare Institutions (LKSA). He emphasized that quality child care extends beyond meeting children's basic needs. It must also ensure the fulfillment of children's rights to survival, development, protection, and participation while providing a safe, nurturing, and supportive care environment.
Addressing 50 participants, consisting of managers and social service personnel from Child Welfare Institutions, Widodo also highlighted the importance of investing in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) as the foundation for human capital development. According to him, quality caregiving cannot be separated from access to quality early childhood education, as both complement one another in supporting children's holistic growth and development.
Widodo explained that early childhood represents a critical period of brain development, during which the human brain develops at its fastest pace. During this stage, children's experiences, responsive interactions, appropriate stimulation, and a safe and nurturing environment lay the foundation for cognitive, social-emotional, language, and character development throughout life. Therefore, investing in quality ECCE and caregiving is a long-term investment that benefits not only individual children but also society and national development.
"Quality caregiving must recognize children as rights holders with unique needs, potential, and capacities to be nurtured. Alternative care institutions have the responsibility to ensure that every child experiences positive care that supports their holistic development," said Widodo Suhartoyo during his presentation.
The capacity development program provided a collaborative learning platform for LKSA managers and practitioners to strengthen their knowledge and improve professional, inclusive, and child-centered social service practices based on the best interests of the child.
As a regional centre specializing in Early Childhood Care, Education, and Parenting (ECCE and Parenting), SEAMEO CECCEP remains committed to improving the quality of services for children through knowledge sharing, evidence-based practices, and collaboration with governments and development partners across Southeast Asia.
Through its participation in this initiative, SEAMEO CECCEP continues to contribute to strengthening Indonesia's child care ecosystem, ensuring that every child has access to quality care and services that support their development, well-being, and future.
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