Jakarta, Sept. 2 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection is working with local authorities in North Sumatra to provide legal and psychological support for 23 children allegedly sexually assaulted by an elementary school teacher.

Minister Arifah Fauzi said on Tuesday that the ministry has activated its Women and Children's Support Service (SAPA) 129 hotline and is coordinating efforts with the regional office in South Labuhanbatu.

"We don't want children to suffer in silence.They need help to process what they've endured and to be empowered to speak up," she said.

She emphasized that the recovery process must be holistic, stressing that all children deserve full protection and the opportunity to move forward wi...