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Every year on July 23, Indonesia commemorates National Children’s Day (HAN) as a symbol of its commitment to protecting and nurturing children as the nation’s next generation. This date was chosen because it marks the enactment of the Child Welfare Act on July 23, 1979, as reported by the official website ditpsd.kemdikbud.go.id.
The celebration of National Children’s Day stems from a deep concern for the well-being of Indonesian children, who are valuable assets and have the right to grow up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. Therefore, HAN serves as a vital moment to raise awareness across all segments of society about the importance of respecting, protecting, and fulfilling children’s rights to a decent life—free from violence and with opportunities to actively participate.
The commitment to protecting children is also reflected in the attention given to their daily lives, especially in today’s digital era. According to… Dr. Meiske Yunithree Suparman, M.Psi., Psychologist, stated , “Gadgets are indeed appealing, and it’s natural for children to be drawn to them. When used appropriately, gadgets can be helpful tools. However, excessive use can lead to dependency. That’s why it’s important to set rules, such as limiting screen time according to age and needs, and applying an educational system of rewards and consequences. Educating children about the positive and negative impacts of gadgets is also crucial so they understand the reasons behind the rules. Parents, too, need to set an example by using gadgets wisely.”
Furthermore, Dr. Meiske encouraged parents to involve children in various alternative activities such as playing outdoors, engaging in physical exercise, exploring new hobbies, and building closeness through shared activities at home. Play also plays a vital role in supporting children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Through play, children learn to think creatively, manage emotions, understand others, and build self-confidence and independence.
In commemoration of National Children’s Day 2025, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA) organized the National Children’s Forum Workshop, providing a platform for children to voice their aspirations through Suara Anak Indonesia (Children’s Voice of Indonesia). This affirms that children’s participation is not merely symbolic, but a right that must be integrated into development policies. Beyond serving as a national reflection, HAN also aims to strengthen the role of families in quality parenting, prevent child marriage and child labor, and support children’s quality of life through family economic empowerment. Protecting children from an early age is the best investment toward building a stronger and more resilient nation. (VC/AJ/YS)
This article was compiled from various sources.