A landmark research publication addressing child rights protection within Indonesia's religious courts has been launched in Yogyakarta. The book, Pemenuhan Hak-Hak Anak dalam Norma dan Praktik di Pengadilan Agama: Upaya Memperkuat Perlindungan dalam Perspektif Gender dan Kebebasan Beragama, was unveiled on 21 January at the Grand Rohan Hotel.

The publication marks the culmination of the first phase of a three-year collaborative research project (2024–2026) conducted by the Institute for the Study of Law and Muslim Society (ISLaMS) in partnership with the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) at the University of Oslo. The initial nine-month study delves into key legal norms surrounding child custody, adoption, and minimum marriage age within Indonesia’s religious court system.

Professor Noorhaidi Hasan, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, praised the research during the launch event. “I extend my sincere appreciation to ISLaMS for its remarkable academic work. This study lays a critical foundation for future legal advancements in child protection,” he said, emphasizing the need for further research and the development of policy briefs based on the findings.

The book aims to address persistent gaps in the legal protection of children's rights in religious court proceedings by integrating perspectives on gender equality and religious freedom.

Professor Dr. Ali Sodiqin, Dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Secretary of ISLaMS, highlighted the significance of the collaboration with NCHR. “This partnership strengthens our capacity to contribute to judicial reforms that prioritize justice and inclusivity for children,” he noted.

The research findings have been lauded for their practical implications. Professor Dr. Hj. Tutik Hamidah described the book as a vital resource for improving judicial practices in child protection cases. “This is an invaluable contribution for ensuring that children's rights are not merely theoretical but safeguarded in real legal contexts,” she said.

Muhrisun Afandi, a key participant in the research initiative, underscored the ethical imperative behind the work. “Children are entrusted to us; they are not possessions,” he stated, stressing the moral and legal responsibility to protect their welfare.

ISLaMS has pledged to continue its evidence-based research efforts, aiming to address pressing societal challenges while contributing to global discourses on justice and human rights.  By fostering a deeper understanding of child rights issues and advocating for meaningful legal reforms, the publication represents a crucial step forward in strengthening the judicial protection of children in Indonesia.