Penelitian ini menganalisis upaya penegakan hukum terhadap eksploitasi pekerja anak di Kota Tarakan dengan penekanan pada perlindungan anak, larangan pekerja anak, dan sanksi bagi pelaku eksploitasi. Konteks latar belakang menunjukkan bahwa masalah eksploitasi pekerja anak masih menjadi perhatian di Kota Tarakan, dipicu oleh faktor ekonomi dan budaya. Rumusan masalah mengkaji sejauh mana efektivitas upaya penegakan hukum dan perlindungan anak yang diterapkan oleh pemerintah setempat. Hasil pembahasan menyajikan informasi terkait regulasi hukum, strategi penegakan hukum, dan kontribusi Dinas Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak serta Pengendalian Penduduk Keluarga Berencana (DP3AP2KB). Temuan penelitian mengindikasikan bahwa implementasi larangan pekerja anak masih dihadapkan pada tantangan, seperti minimnya kesadaran masyarakat dan persepsi orang tua terhadap partisipasi anak dalam kegiatan ekonomi keluarga. DP3AP2KB Tarakan berfungsi sebagai lembaga yang memberikan pelayanan terpadu melalui Pusat Pelayanan Terpadu Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak (P2TP2A). Rekomendasi penelitian mencakup penguatan kampanye sosialisasi aturan, pendekatan pembinaan bagi pelaku usaha dan orang tua, serta pemberdayaan ekonomi keluarga. Sanksi pidana, sebagaimana diatur dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 35 Tahun 2014 dan Undang-Undang Nomor 13 Tahun 2003, diharapkan dapat memberikan efek jera. Meskipun demikian, kesadaran masyarakat tetap menjadi faktor utama yang menentukan keberhasilan penanganan masalah pekerja anak di Kota Tarakan.

Kata Kunci: Anak,eskploitasi pekerja anak,perlindungan anak

This research analyzed law enforcement efforts against the exploitation of child labor in Tarakan City with an emphasis on child protection, prohibition of child labor, and sanctions for perpetrators of exploitation. The background context shows that the problem of child labor exploitation is still a concern in Tarakan City, triggered by economic and cultural factors. The problem formulation examined the effectiveness of law enforcement and child protection efforts implemented by the local government. The results of the discussion present information related to legal regulations, law enforcement strategies, and the contribution of the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection and Family Planning Population Control Service (DP3AP2KB). Research findings indicated that the implementation of the ban on child labor is still faced with challenges, such as a lack of public awareness and parents' perceptions of children's participation in family economic activities. DP3AP2KB Tarakan functions as an institution that provides integrated services through the Integrated Service Center for Women and Child Protection (PTP2A). Research recommendations included strengthening the campaign to socialize the rules, coaching approaches for business players and parents, as well as empowering the family economy. Criminal sanctions, as regulated in Law Number 35 of 2014 and Law Number 13 of 2003, are expected to provide a deterrent effect. Nevertheless, public awareness remains the main factor that determines the success of handling the problem of child labor in Tarakan City. Keywords: Children, exploitation of child labor, child protection