Minister Nadiem: Children's Songs Affect Children's Growth

Screenshot of Minister of Education and Technology Nadiem Anwar Makarim in Jakarta, Friday, July 23. (Indriani/Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Anwar Makarim said children's songs have an influence on children's growth and development.

“Song is the language of teaching for children which has a great influence on their growth and development. Songs for children should contain moral values, messages of love, and knowledge about Indonesian culture and nature," he said at the Swara KILA 2021 media briefing which was monitored in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Friday, July 23.

However, in recent times, quality children's songs are increasingly difficult to find. This is a challenge for parents and educators. Therefore, Kemendikbudristek in collaboration with KITA Indonesia held the 2021 Kita Cinta Anak (KILA) contest.

"KILA 2020 proves that Indonesian children can still be creative even in a pandemic situation through encouraging positive activities," he added.

KILA 2020 produces quality works, which will be followed up by recording and making music videos. He invites Indonesian children not to be discouraged in learning during the pandemic, one of which is by participating in KILA 2021.

“I invite my children throughout Indonesia to participate in KILA 2021. KILA is a very good learning and cultural event. Therefore, I also invite schools and educators to socialize this event," he added.

The current condition, in which the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, has changed all lines of the learning and playing process for children. The KILA activity aims to embrace Indonesian children who have lost this process through children's songs. Starting from the PAUD to SD age groups, KILA encourages children to be active, creative, and work cheerfully and happily.

Director-General of Culture of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Hilmar Farid, explained that Indonesian children's songs are one of the media to help children become familiar with their identities, foster self-confidence, and be proud as Indonesian children.

"KILA is an effort from the Ministry of Education and Culture to restore childhood so that it develops naturally during the pandemic and fosters identity by knowing and singing Indonesian children's songs," he said.

The chairman of KITA Indonesia, Dhenok Bientarno, said that his party will hold KILA 2021 again, starting from July 23 to August 23, 2021.

The KILA 2021 contest includes a children's songwriting competition for the PAUD and SD age groups and a children's song singing competition for the PAUD and SD age groups. The singing competition participants will also be asked to sing new songs created by the 2020 Children's Song Creation Contest.