BPW Indonesia: National Children's Day Reminds That Children Are a Development Priority

The Indonesian Business and Professional Women (BPW) federation has stated that the momentum of National Children’s Day, which falls on 23 July, serves as a reminder that children are a development priority in determining the future direction of Indonesia. BPW Indonesia President Giwo Rubianto said National Children’s Day is not merely an annual commemoration, but a reminder that today’s children are the generation that will determine Indonesia’s future direction. “Therefore, human development must be a priority by preparing a generation that is not only intellectually intelligent but also possesses character and noble values,” she said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. Drawing on her experience in women’s empowerment, child protection, education, and community development, Giwo believes children need to be the centre of attention in every national policy and development effort. “This experience further strengthens my belief that the quality of the nation in the future is determined by how we love, protect, and prepare the next generation from today,” she said. She also mentioned that the 42nd National Children’s Day commemoration in 2026 is a momentum to reaffirm the shared commitment that every Indonesian child has the right to affection, protection, quality education, and equal opportunities to grow and develop according to their potential. This is in line with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms every child’s right to live, grow, develop, receive protection from all forms of violence, and have their voice respected. Special attention and protection must also be given to children in vulnerable conditions, including those experiencing violence, bullying, exploitation, neglect, children in conflict with the law, and children requiring special assistance. “They are not to be blamed, but must be heard, accompanied, rehabilitated, and given the same opportunity to grow and achieve a better future through violence prevention efforts, the provision of safe complaint spaces, victim assistance, and collaboration from all parties to ensure the protection and fulfilment of children’s rights,” she explained. On the other hand, amidst changing times and increasingly rapid technological development, children face ever more complex challenges. Therefore, they need to be equipped not only with knowledge and skills but also with character values such as integrity, honesty, responsibility, discipline, empathy, tolerance, and a spirit of mutual cooperation as provisions for facing the future. She invited all elements of the nation—families, the government, educational institutions, the business world, community organisations, the media, and all levels of society—to jointly create a safe, healthy, inclusive, and child-friendly ecosystem. According to her, loving and protecting children is not only about preventing them from various threats but also about providing opportunities to learn, dream, create, and develop their best potential. “Children who grow up with affection, protection, and character education will become a generation capable of leading Indonesia towards a more advanced and dignified future,” Giwo concluded.