Jakarta, Oct. 2 -- Indonesia's Child Protection Commission (KPAI) on Thursday called on local governments to adopt child rights-based strategies to prevent children from being drawn into unrest and other high-risk activities.

KPAI commissioner Sylvana Apituley said vulnerable children risk exploitation without strong protection measures. She urged local administrations to develop child-friendly mentoring programs involving families and schools to safeguard children's best interests.

The appeal followed reports that hundreds of minors were named as suspects in unrest across the country in August and September.

Police data show 295 children have been designated as suspects in cases handled by 11 regional police offices, including Bali, Y...