Exclusion from Birth: Structural Barriers and Social Impacts Absence of Birth Certificates for Children of Urban Vulnerable Groups

Overview & Synopsis

The absence of birth certificates is a significant barrier for children from vulnerable populations, limiting their access to fundamental rights such as education, health, and legal protection. This study explores the structural barriers and social impacts of the absence of birth certificates for children from vulnerable groups in urban Indonesia. The study aims to investigate barriers to social bias, including potential discrimination, in the birth certificate registration process and to address the inaccuracy of birth certificate ownership data for vulnerable groups. This study used a qualitative methodology to conduct in-depth interviews and participatory observations of 50 urban poor people in Yogyakarta and Bogor. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that 70% of children in the surveyed communities did not have a birth certificate, a figure much lower than the national average. The main obstacles identified include complicated bureaucratic procedures, high costs, and lack of parental awareness of the importance of birth registration. These findings underscore a critical discrepancy between the observed realities in vulnerable communities and national statistics, highlighting the social exclusion experienced by children from vulnerable groups. The study concluded by proposing solutions centered on parental education, simplifying the registration process, and integrating technology to ensure all children can access the civil right to identity. This research contributes important data to develop more inclusive and effective policies to improve birth registration rates and reduce long-term negative social and economic consequences for children from vulnerable groups.