Child Protection in Formal ECE: Regulatory Coherence and Service Readiness in Indonesia

Abstract or summary

Child protection in formal Early Childhood Education (ECE) is rarely studied from the perspective of regulatory coherence, even though the provision of safe services requires clear rules, procedures, and service coordination. This study analyzes the coherence of the national legal and policy framework regarding child protection in formal ECE and interprets its implications for service readiness. A qualitative policy analysis was conducted through a directed review of 22 sources published or established between 2005 and 2026. The data were organized into an analytical matrix and coded based on six indicators of service readiness. The findings indicate a strong normative foundation. The 2026 education regulations clarify aspects of prevention, reporting, complaint handling, referral, and institutional coordination. However, personnel readiness and cross-service operational integration remain uneven. Therefore, child protection needs to be positioned as a core component in the quality assurance and governance of formal ECE.