A group of six Indonesian professionals, including legal experts, child protection advocates, and law enforcement officials, has completed a three-week professional exchange program in the United States focused on protecting children’s rights. The initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), ran from July 12 to August 2, 2025.
During their visit, participants traveled to Washington, DC; Miami, Florida; Kansas City, Kansas; and Los Angeles, California. They met with judges, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement officials, and policymakers to discuss issues related to child custody and welfare. The program included an emphasis on international parental child abduction cases and examined legal frameworks such as the Hague Abduction Convention for resolving cross-border custody disputes.
The Indonesian delegation visited various U.S. government agencies at both federal and local levels as well as family courts and nonprofit organizations. These visits provided insight into how different sectors collaborate in the United States to address cases involving children’s rights efficiently.
“Participating in the IVLP program has provided me with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of how child protection is implemented in cases of international parental abduction,” said Risky Edy Nawawi, Judge at the District Court of Sanggau, West Kalimantan. “Beyond the legal insights, the program has also offered me a firsthand experience of the economic, social, and cultural dynamics of American society.”
Other members of the Indonesian group represented organizations such as the Ministry of Law; Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection; Indonesia Commission for the Protection of Children; and local police forces.
“This program provided a unique opportunity for Indonesian leaders to consult with American experts, exchange best practices, and investigate ways to strengthen legal frameworks that safeguard children and families,” said U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Jamie Ravetz. “The insights shared among participants and their U.S. counterparts will help keep children in both of our countries safe and secure.”
The IVLP is considered a key professional exchange effort by the U.S. Department of State. Each year about 4,000 individuals from around the world take part in this program which aims to give foreign leaders direct exposure to U.S. society while building professional relationships with their American peers. More than 2,900 Indonesians have participated in IVLP since its inception.