Potret Pekerja Anak di Jalanan Kota Samarinda (Studi Kasus Pekerja Anak di Simpang Lampu Merah Kecamatan Samarinda ULU)

Abstract

Abstract

This research is motivated by the discovery of children working at the traffic light intersections in the Samarinda Ulu, District area, either as street musicians, beggars, street vendors, or engaging in other informal jobs, These activities indicate the involvement of parents and acertain individuals in economically exploiting these children. This situation encouraged the researcher to investigate the following research question: What are the forms of child exploitation occurring, and to what extent does poverty influence the persistence of such exploitation. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a focus on family economic

exploitation and the culture of poverty. The main informants in this research include working street children, their parents, and related parties such as neighborhood leaders (RT) and the Social Affairs Office. Data collection was carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research findings reveal that poverty experienced by families is the primary factor driving children to work, followed by social environmental influences and low awareness of children's rights. This exploitation negatively impacts children's education, health, and psychological development. The exploitation patterns observed suggest that poverty is not merely an issue of economic incapacity, but has evolved into a culture inherited across generations. Therefore, efforts to address child exploitation must tackle both the structural and cultural roots of poverty.