Sports, Youth, and Justice: Protecting the Rights of Child Athletes in Indonesia’s Competitive Sports Environment

Abstract

The rights of child athletes in Indonesia’s competitive sports environment are often overlooked, with many young athletes subjected to exploitation, harsh training regimens, and inadequate protection against abuse. This paper examines the legal and ethical challenges surrounding the treatment of child athletes in Indonesia, with a focus on issues such as child labor, overtraining, and the lack of institutional safeguards to protect vulnerable athletes. It evaluates existing laws and regulations designed to protect child athletes and identifies gaps in enforcement. The paper also explores the role of sports organizations, parents, and coaches in safeguarding the well-being of young athletes, proposing recommendations for improving legal frameworks and promoting a more just, safe, and supportive environment for child athletes.