JAKARTA - The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) has reopened the Kita Cinta Lagu Anak (KILA) 2026 program. This program is one of the government's efforts to encourage the birth of more Indonesian children's songs in the midst of still limited production and appreciation of children's songs in recent years.
The registration for KILA 2026 is officially open from June 22 to August 31, 2026. This program includes two main categories, namely the Children's Song Creation Competition and the Children's Song Singing Competition.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said children's songs have an important role in character formation, value cultivation, strengthening self-confidence, and cultivating a love of culture and nation.
According to Fadli, KILA is a creative space to encourage the birth of children's songs that are more qualified and relevant to the lives of Indonesian children today.
"I invite all people to dare to work, dare to sing, and dare to show their best talent through KILA 2026. Let's together present Indonesian children's songs for the future of the nation," said Fadli in the launch of the program which was broadcast online, Monday, June 22.
The KILA program has been held continuously since 2020. In the last six years, this program has become a platform for thousands of children to work and develop their interests in the field of music.
Director General of Development, Utilization, and Cultural Development Ahmad Mahendra said KILA is not just a competition. This program is also part of efforts to build a sustainable children's song ecosystem.
According to Mahendra, children's songs need to continue to be produced, disseminated, and appreciated so that they remain present in the midst of people's lives.
"Through children's songs, we not only create works of art, but also instill cultural values, character, and a sense of love for Indonesia," he said.
In line with this, the Director of Film, Music, and Art Irini Dewi Wanti assessed that children need songs that are appropriate for their stages of growth and development. Therefore, the regeneration of creators and singers of children's songs needs to continue to be encouraged.
He admitted that the production of Indonesian children's songs is still limited compared to the music content that is circulating today.
"The KILA program is one of the efforts to answer the still limited production and appreciation of Indonesian children's songs," said Irini.
In addition to competitions, KILA 2026 will also present various supporting activities, ranging from the production of children's song video clips, digital campaigns, to the appearance of KILA Ambassadors in a number of national activities.
After the registration process is closed, participants will undergo the curation and audition stages. All series of activities are scheduled to end at the Grand Final and KILA 2026 Stage which will be held on September 18, 2026.
Through this program, the Ministry of Culture hopes that more children's songs will be born and become familiar in the ears of the younger generation as part of the development of Indonesian culture.
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