<![CDATA[Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Kebijakan sosial perlindungan pekerja anak di Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus Mandalika Lombok Tengah. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode studi kasus. Unit analisis meliputi pekerja anak, orangtua pekerja anak, dan pemerintah terkait. Penentuan subjek penelitian dilakukan melalui teknik purposive sampling, sedangkan informan penelitian ditentukan dengan teknik snowball sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data menggunakan model spiral analysis yang dikembangkan oleh Creswell, meliputi pengelolaan data, pengkodean, pengembangan tema, serta penafsiran data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara normatif kebijakan perlindungan pekerja anak telah tersedia melalui regulasi nasional dan daerah, sebagaimana di atur dalam peraturan daerah Kabupaten Lombok Tengah Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat Nomor 5 Tahun 2021 tentang Penyelenggaraan Kabupaten Layak Anak. Namun pada implementasi belum optimal, adanya kesenjangan tajam antara bangunan regulasi dan realitas di lapangan yang mana masih banyak ditemukan anak-anak usia sekolah yang bekerja tanpa pengawasan sehingga hak anak terabaikan. Kata Kunci: Pekerja Anak, Kebijakan sosial, Perlindungan Social Policy For The Protection of Child Workers In The Mandalika Special Economic Zone of Central Lombok Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the social policy for protecting child labor in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, Central Lombok. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study method. The units of analysis included child workers, their parents, and relevant government agencies. The research subjects were determined using purposive sampling, while the informants were determined using snowball sampling. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used the spiral analysis model developed by Creswell, encompassing data management, coding, theme development, and data interpretation. The results showed that normatively, child labor protection policies are available through national and regional regulations, as stipulated in the Regional Regulation of Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Number 5 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Child-Friendly Districts. However, implementation has not been optimal, with a sharp gap between the regulatory framework and the reality on the ground, where many school-age children are still found working without supervision, thus neglecting children's rights.]]>
