Indonesia Pushes for More Father Involvement in Childcare

The Vital Role of Fathers in Child Progress

The importance of fathers actively participating in raising their children is a growing conversation in Indonesia. Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Choiri Fauzi, acknowledges the current minimal involvement of fathers, voicing a commitment to implement programs that encourage their active engagement.

Fauzi envisions initiatives like a “Father’s Day” at integrated health posts, where fathers could bring their children for check-ups and engage in critically important discussions. She also aims to encourage fathers to take an active role in collecting their children’s report cards, ensuring both parents are informed about their child’s academic progress.

“We are currently preparing a parenting pattern that is channeled between husband and wife in raising and guiding children,” she explained.

This emphasis on shared parental responsibility comes in response to concerns raised by Wihaji, Head of the Indonesian Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN). Wihaji highlighted that a staggering 20.9 percent of Indonesian children lack a father figure due to factors like divorce, death, or long working hours.

He warns that this absence can negatively impact a child’s development. “Currently, Indonesian society is starting to lose the figure of a father in raising children in the family. Fathers only take care of the family’s economy, but forget to raise children,” he stated.

Wihaji further explains the wide-ranging consequences, stating, “This has an impact on child development, increases emotional and social disorders, and increases the risk of abuse of narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and other addictive substances (Napza).”

To counter this, Wihaji urges a shift towards a more balanced approach to parenting. “Children also need psychological touch.So, if there is violence against children, never blame the child. we try to introspect what parents have done to their children,” he emphasizes. he believes strong future generations are built upon a foundation of strong parental involvement and shared responsibility.

“Good parenting, which is based on noble morals and shared awareness, can prevent the culture of violence against children. Creating a strong future generation depends not only on academic aspects but must also start with character building in the family environment,” he concludes.

Stepping Up: Addressing the Need for Greater paternal Involvement in Child Development

Indonesia is facing a concerning trend: the increasingly diminished role of fathers in raising their children. minister Arifah Choiri Fauzi, leading the Ministry of women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, recognizes this issue firsthand and is committed to implementing programs that encourage active paternal participation.

To shed light on this crucial topic, we sat down with Wihaji, Head of The Indonesian Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN), and Dr. Amelia Putri, a leading parenting expert. Their insights offer valuable strategies for families looking to foster a more balanced and nurturing environment for children.

The Absence of a Father Figure: what’s the Impact on Children?

“statistics paint a worrying picture,” says Wihaji. “Nearly 21 percent of Indonesian children are growing up without a consistent father figure. This is due to various factors, including divorce, the loss of a parent, or simply long working hours.”

Wihaji emphasizes that the impact extends far beyond financial support. “Children yearn for emotional connection, psychological bonding, and structured guidance, qualities often uniquely strengthened through a father’s presence,” he explains. “Without these vital elements, children face a range of potential challenges, including emotional difficulties, strained relationships with peers, and a higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors like substance abuse. It becomes a complex, multi-generational burden.”

A Shared Obligation

Dr. Amelia Putri underscores the importance of recognizing that parenting is a shared responsibility. “It’s no longer a competition between ‘mom’ versus ‘dad,'” she asserts. “The ideal scenario is a lovely dynamic where both parents actively contribute.”

according to Dr. Putri, today’s children are facing unprecedented challenges, from peer pressure to the complexities of social media. “They thrive when supported by a balanced blend of attention and perspectives offered by both parents,” she concludes.

The Power of Shared Parental Engagement

Creating a nurturing and supportive environment for a child’s growth is a complex but ultimately rewarding journey. It’s a partnership, and one of the most crucial elements is shared parental engagement.Both mothers and fathers play unique and vital roles in shaping a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

When both parents are actively involved,it sends a powerful message: care and support are not conditional,they are unconditional. As Wihaji, a parenting expert, eloquently puts it, “Think about learning to ride a bike, getting bullied, sharing, standing up for justice, facing rejection… these call for BOTH models, male AND female. It’s how they decode their place *within* this world, this community, the balance! Without both, what are the guidelines, boundaries that provide healthy development? That’s deeply concerning. It’s truly time for both the nurturing touch….”

This highlights the importance of seeing fatherhood not as a passive role but as an active and essential one. Fathers offer a distinct perspective and set of experiences that complement and enrich a child’s world. They provide a diffrent lens through which children can learn about emotions, relationships, and navigating the complexities of life.

Role modeling is a powerful force in a child’s development. When children see both parents demonstrating positive behaviors like empathy, resilience, and healthy dialog, they learn by exmaple. This translates to stronger social skills, better emotional regulation, and increased confidence.

Building Your Ideal Vision

what does your ideal version of paternal involvement in Indonesian families look like? consider how dads can actively participate in daily life, from bedtime stories to playdates, school activities, and beyond. Encourage open communication, create opportunities for shared experiences, and celebrate the unique bond that fathers forge with their children.

Shared parental engagement is not just about division of labor,it’s about creating a harmonious and loving environment where both parents are actively invested in their child’s well-being. It’s an investment that yields immeasurable rewards for both children and families.

What steps can indonesian fathers take too be more actively involved in their children’s lives?

Stepping Up: Addressing the Need for Greater Paternal Involvement in Child Development

Indonesia is facing a concerning trend: the increasingly diminished role of fathers in raising their children. Minister arifah Choiri Fauzi, leading the Ministry of women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, recognizes this issue firsthand and is committed to implementing programs that encourage active paternal participation.

To shed light on this crucial topic, we sat down with Wihaji, Head of The Indonesian Family Planning Coordinating Board (BKKBN), and Dr. Amelia Putri, a leading parenting expert. their insights offer valuable strategies for families looking to foster a more balanced and nurturing surroundings for children.

The Absence of a Father Figure: what’s the Impact on children?

“statistics paint a worrying picture,” says Wihaji. “Nearly 21 percent of Indonesian children are growing up without a consistent father figure.This is due to various factors, including divorce, the loss of a parent, or simply long working hours.”

Wihaji emphasizes that the impact extends far beyond financial support.”children yearn for emotional connection, psychological bonding, and structured guidance, qualities frequently enough uniquely strengthened through a father’s presence,” he explains. “Without these vital elements,children face a range of potential challenges,including emotional difficulties,strained relationships with peers,and a higher risk of engaging in risky behaviors like substance abuse. It becomes a complex, multi-generational burden.”

A Shared Obligation

Dr. Amelia Putri underscores the importance of recognizing that parenting is a shared obligation. “Its no longer a competition between ‘mom’ versus ‘dad,'” she asserts. “The ideal scenario is a lovely dynamic where both parents actively contribute.”

according to Dr. Putri, today’s children are facing unprecedented challenges, from peer pressure to the complexities of social media. “They thrive when supported by a balanced blend of attention and perspectives offered by both parents,” she concludes.

The Power of Shared Parental Engagement

Creating a nurturing and supportive environment for a child’s growth is a complex but ultimately rewarding journey. It’s a partnership, and one of the most crucial elements is shared parental engagement.both mothers and fathers play unique and vital roles in shaping a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

When both parents are actively involved,it sends a powerful message: care and support are not conditional,they are unconditional. As Wihaji, a parenting expert, eloquently puts it, “Think about learning to ride a bike, getting bullied, sharing, standing up for justice, facing rejection… these call for BOTH models, male AND female. It’s how they decode their place *within* this world,this community,the balance! Without both,what are the guidelines,boundaries that provide healthy development? That’s deeply concerning. It’s truly time for both the nurturing touch….”

This highlights the importance of seeing fatherhood not as a passive role but as an active and essential one. Fathers offer a distinct perspective and set of experiences that complement and enrich a child’s world. They provide a diffrent lens through which children can learn about emotions, relationships, and navigating the complexities of life.

Role modeling is a powerful force in a child’s development. When children see both parents demonstrating positive behaviors like empathy, resilience, and healthy dialog, they learn by exmaple. This translates to stronger social skills, better emotional regulation, and increased confidence.

Building Your Ideal Vision

what does your ideal version of paternal involvement in Indonesian families look like? consider how dads can actively participate in daily life, from bedtime stories to playdates, school activities, and beyond. Encourage open interaction, create opportunities for shared experiences, and celebrate the unique bond that fathers forge with their children.

Shared parental engagement is not just about division of labor,it’s about creating a harmonious and loving environment where both parents are actively invested in their child’s well-being. It’s an investment that yields immeasurable rewards for both children and families.