YOGYAKARTA - National Children's Day (HAN) falls today, Wednesday, July 23. HAN's commemoration is a momentum to increase awareness of all elements of society towards children's rights, protection, and growth and development as the next generation.
This commemoration is not just an annual ceremony, but is a reflection of the current condition of Indonesian children as well as an impetus to create a friendly environment and support their optimal growth and development.
National Children's Day was first commemorated in the era of President Soekarno's administration, to be precise in 1952. However, the idea was made a year earlier at the Indonesian Women's Congress (Kowani).
The determination of the date of HAN's implementation in history has changed several times. This is done to ensure the right momentum, given the importance of the role of children as the next generation of the nation.
Children as future leaders play an important role in the development of the country. Therefore, the protection of their basic rights must be a top priority.
In the era of President Suharto's administration, HAN's commemoration date was finally officially stipulated through Presidential Decree (Keppres) No. 44 of 1984. The Presidential Decree emphasized that National Children's Day is celebrated every July 23.
The choice of this date refers to the date of ratification of the Law on Child Welfare, namely July 23, 1979. The government has a responsibility to ensure the fulfillment of children's rights, as stated in the Convention on Child Protection.
Some of the rights that must be protected include security, access to education, nutritious food, and support for optimal growth and development.
National Children's Day 2025 has the main theme Anak Great, Indonesia Strong Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045 with the tagline Anak Indonesia Brothers. These themes and taglines contain strong messages about the importance of forming a generation of healthy, intelligent, resilient children, and have a high national spirit in welcoming a century of Indonesian independence in 2045.
The 'Child of the Indonesian Brothers' tagline emphasizes the values of unity, togetherness, and tolerance among children from various ethnic backgrounds, religion, culture, and social conditions. This is an important foundation in creating Indonesia's inclusive, peaceful, and full of mutual cooperation.
To support this main theme, HAN 2025 also carries a number of sub-themes that reflect the focus of the government and society in responding to the challenges faced by Indonesian children today. Here are five sub-themes in this year's HAN commemoration:
The government is targeting a significant reduction in stunting rates through various programs. Nutritional education for families, nutritional fulfillment for pregnant women and toddlers, as well as increased access to sanitation that deserves to be the main step in producing physically and mentally healthy generations.
Equal access to education is the right of every child, without exception. Governments and educational institutions are encouraged to ensure that children in remote areas, children with disabilities, as well as those in special conditions can receive proper education and meet their needs.
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In the midst of advances in information technology, digital literacy becomes an essential skill. Children need to be equipped with the ability to use the internet and technology wisely, safely, and productively. Education about digital ethics and cybersecurity is an important part in educating generations who are responsive to the challenges of the digital era.
Early marriage is still a serious problem that threatens the future of children, especially girls. The government continues to strengthen prevention efforts through educational campaigns, law enforcement, and support for youth reproductive education and health.
Violence, both physically, verbally, and psychologically, still often occurs in the home environment, school, and society. All parties, parents, teachers, neighbors, and law enforcement officers must unite to create a safe and supportive environment for children's growth and development.
The Role of Family and Education
Family is the first and main environment in children's growth and development. A warm, supportive, and open family environment is a strong foundation for the formation of children's characters. Education, both formal and non-formal, also plays a central role in honing children's potential, teaching the values of life, and forming a mentality of a strong and integrity young generation.
Therefore, efforts to commemorate National Children's Day should not only be a ceremony at the government level, but also a reflection moment in the family, school, and the wider community. Have children got their rights? Has their voices been heard? Have they lived in a safe and supportive environment?
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