Fathers in Indonesia urged to support children at school

Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji welcomed a government policy allowing fathers to arrive late for work when accompanying children on their first day of school.

“The policy makes clear that fathers should not face salary deductions for arriving late after taking their children to school. Fathers must play an active role in parenting,” Wihaji said on Monday.

He said Indonesia has a population of about 278 million and around 74 million families.

About 46 million families have children aged 10 to 24, including families raising children with special needs who require greater support, he said.

“Children with special needs are not children with shortcomings. They have strengths that have yet to be fully discovered. We appreciate teachers who continue helping develop their potential,” Wihaji said.

He said government data showed about 25 percent of Indonesian children experience “fatherlessness,” referring to the absence of an active father figure.

He said the condition often results from fathers focusing primarily on work and having limited involvement in their children’s education and development.

“Fathers should spend at least 30 minutes to one hour each day talking with their children because communication and interaction are essential for healthy growth and development,” he said.

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Translator: Lintang, Kenzu