Getting to know GATI and GEMAR: Bringing back the role of father as a role model in the family

The movement of Ayah Mengambil Rapor (GEMAR) created a different atmosphere from previous report-taking activities. (IST)

DENPASAR - Child care is often considered a mother's domain. However, through the Indonesian Role Model Father Movement (GATI) and the Father Taking Report Movement (GEMAR), the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga)/BKKBN is trying to shift this paradigm. Fathers are now encouraged to be present in full, not just as breadwinners, but as emotional companions for children.

GATI is not just a discourse, but a concrete effort to make fathers as role models. One of the entry points is the GEMAR program. Simple activities such as taking children to school or taking reports send a strong message: fathers care and are actively involved in every phase of the growth of their children.

In the midst of the digital era, the physical and emotional presence of a father becomes an anchor for a child's character. Fathers are expected to be guides to the values of life and a real example in everyday behavior.

Local Wisdom of Bali: Father and Dharma Values Cultivation

In Bali, the concept of father's involvement is actually rooted in tradition. The role of the father as an example is reflected in the teaching of Dharma values - the values of truth and moral obligation.

Public Space Example: Balinese children learn about responsibility and discipline by seeing their fathers active in banjar, traditional ceremonies, and gotong royong. Identity Bridge: Fathers become bridges that introduce children to their social and community identities.

The implementation of GATI in Bali is not an effort to change local values, but to revive cultural wisdom: a father who guides with closeness, not with distance.

Answering Concerns: What If Dad Can't Attend?

Although the GEMAR campaign was welcomed positively, there was a critical response regarding the feelings of children who do not have a father figure - whether due to divorce, long-distance relationships (LDR), or grief. There is concern that this campaign will hurt the feelings of children who grow up without a father figure.

Responding to this, Clinical Psychologist Hari Imam Wahyudi, S.Psi, emphasized the importance of emotional honesty in the family.

"Children don't need a perfect family, but an honest and emotionally safe family," said Hari.

According to him, the role of mothers (especially single mothers or those who undergo LDR) is very crucial in providing understanding. A loving explanation that everyone's family conditions are different will help children feel accepted and loved.

The Essence of Parenting: Love that Transcends Status

In the end, GATI and GEMAR are an inspirational invitation, not a standard for judging a certain form of family. The essence of this movement is:

Quality Presence: Both physical and long-distance communication. Emotional Support: Be a good listener for the child. Encouraging Environment: Make sure the child feels safe in any family condition.

Children will grow healthy and confident as long as they feel heard and accompanied. Because what children need most is not perfection, but the presence of parents - father, mother, or both - who really walk with them in the process of growing up.