Paper short abstract:

We propose a key measure of multidimensional child deprivation using the Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA) approach to complement the monetary child poverty measure. Based on the collective decisions of line ministries in determining the dimensions and using the national data in 2022 we found that 40% of children aged 0-17 years old in Indonesia are multidimensionally deprived.

Paper long abstract:

Research Context

The Government of Indonesia (GoI) is interested in understanding more about child welfare as a manifestation of its commitment to enhancing programs and policies concerning children, aiming to achieve the vision of a Golden Indonesia by 2045. In partnership with UNICEF and BPS, and under the auspices of BAPPENAS, SMERU is analyzing child welfare from both monetary and non-monetary perspectives. This analysis will provide a significant contribution, especially in efforts to reduce poverty and deprivation among children.

Methodology

Regarding the monetary perspective, the analysis has primarily focused on children living below the national poverty line. For the non-monetary perspective, the Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (MODA) approach has been employed to assess the level of child deprivation from a multidimensional standpoint. The agreed dimensions have been carefully conducted through extensive consultation and validation with various relevant line ministries, which are mandated with fulfilling and actively promoting child rights. This study ensures a robust and evidence-based approach to developing MODA tailored to Indonesia's context. This step is crucial as it allows for the development of an Indonesia-specific MODA, serving as a guiding reference for all related ministries to enhance the welfare of children throughout the country.

The multidimensional deprivation analysis employs a quantitative approach to delineate child deprivation across each of the agreed-upon seven dimensions and in the calculation of multidimensional indices. Additionally, a qualitative approach was utilized to capture children's perspectives regarding the dimensions of deprivation.

Benefiting from a wide variety of socio-economic data from the 2022 National Socio-Economic Survey (SUSENAS), an overlapping analysis between monetary child poverty and child rights deprivation has been conducted to enhance the findings. This approach will allow for a deeper understanding of the intersectionality between economic hardship and the denial of fundamental rights among children, providing valuable insights for policy formulation and intervention strategies.

Analysis & Conclusion

The study reveals that approximately 40% of all Indonesian children experience multidimensional deprivation in at least two dimensions. Across various age groups, health and access to facilities emerge as the most pressing areas of deprivation. Significantly, disparities between urban and rural contexts are noticeable within each dimension.

Furthermore, the study highlights that children living below the national poverty line exhibit the highest prevalence of multidimensional child deprivation, approximately 73%. However, we also found that some nonpoor children are experiencing deprivation in multiple dimensions. Therefore, it's crucial to acknowledge that even non-poor children may encounter deprivation across multiple dimensions.

This study argues that the MODA approach, which focuses on individual-based, child rights, and age-sensitive methodology, serves as a valuable tool for policymakers in Indonesia to tackle child poverty and deprivation. By enabling the identification and analysis of multidimensional child deprivation characteristics, as well as pinpointing the most critical areas of deprivation within the country's distinct social and cultural context, MODA offers an effective framework. Particularly noteworthy is MODA's alignment with Indonesia's approach to lifelong social protection, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of children comprehensively and holistically.