In a region where conversations about sexual exploitation of children remain taboo, 17-year-old Agam, a student leader of the boy scouts and child advocate from Dramaga, Bogor, Indonesia, is refusing to stay silent.
“We don’t talk about these things here. But when I learned how often abuse happens and how often it’s ignored, I had to do something,” he shares.
Agam was first introduced to Yayasan SEJIWA, a partner-organization of the Down to Zero Alliance, through a recommendation by a community member who recognized his leadership potential and interest in social issues. He was invited to join a child and youth activity and learned about how to recognize and prevent sexual exploitation of children.
“When I became a [child rights] champion by being a peer educator in the community, I saw that the situation of children here is really tough. People don’t know the dangers in the homes, in the schools and the dangers online – things people often think are harmless but actually have a big impact on their lives,” said Agam.
Through the workshops organized by SEJIWA, Agam and other young people in Bogor receive structured training – covering sexual reproductive health and rights, child protection, psychological first aid, peer counseling, and youth advocacy.
“I hesitated at first,” Agam admits. “When I first heard what was going to be talked about, I thought, ‘Whoa, this is a heavy topic. It wasn’t something I was used to.’ But now, I feel more sensitive and more equipped to help.”
The impact is real. In one case, Agam’s fellow peer educator helped a friend who experienced violence by directing them to available reporting and support services. That small act of sharing information gave someone the courage to seek help.
Agam now leads discussions in his school, among his fellow boy scouts, and Islamic study circles. “Even if I’m a boy, I do this because I want to be the kind of friend or classmate who listens, who acts, who cares,” he says. “Even if there are challenges, I want to stay on the path I believe in, choosing to fight for what’s right – even when I’m surrounded by what’s not.”
SEJIWA, in partnership with Child Rights Coalition Asia (CRC Asia) and the Down to Zero Alliance, ensures boys like Agam are not just heard but are leading the charge – challenging gender norms, shifting perceptions, and speaking up against sexual exploitation of children.
“I hope its reach grows – not just in Java, or in Jakarta and Bogor but hopefully across Indonesia, and maybe even the whole world,” said Agam.
