Fun Zone Kids Mining Adventure: Introducing Sustainable Mining
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Mahes deftly tapped an interactive board to select the answer he thought was correct. For the final question — “After mining is complete, what should be done with the former mining land?” — he confidently chose “reclaim it according to plan”. Having completed all ten questions perfectly, Mahes moved on to another interactive game.
Farhan, a pupil at SDN Kebon Kosong 05, was meanwhile enjoying a remote-controlled mini excavator with his friends. Seemingly unaware that the afternoon was drawing to a close, he continued moving chunks of coal from a stockpile into a lorry. “It’s fun, really fun. I like making this. There are lots of games here,” Farhan said, keeping his eyes fixed on the excavator as he spoke.
Mahes and Farhan were among the participants in Fun Zone Kids Mining Adventure, part of Minerba Convex 2026. Amid the grandeur of the event, which was filled with mining company stands and high-level discussions among mining executives, one floor of JIExpo Kemayoran was transformed into a lively and educational playground. The attraction drew hundreds of children, from primary and junior secondary pupils to university students.
Mining is often associated with arduous work, advanced technology and even environmental damage. The event sought to address those perceptions and explain the industry from a young audience’s perspective.
From mineral hunts to driving a VR excavator
The adventure for these future miners began in the Safety Zone. Before entering the arena, children had to put on safety vests with reflective strips and miniature hard hats. Mining safety rules and culture were introduced in an enjoyable way.
The adventure then continued across three main zones:
Education Zone: Participants began with a short class introducing them to mined products found in everyday life. They were then given an activity map and shown an animated video about the mining process.
Mining Technology and Simulator Zone: Using virtual reality (VR) and interactive driving simulators, participants experienced operating a giant dump truck and an excavator to move mining materials efficiently.
Interactive Zone: This was both the most popular and the most substantive zone. Children could play a treasure-hunting game, try an interactive quiz board and a human claw machine, and write their thoughts about mining on a “wall of wishes”.
Changing perceptions from an early age
The children’s zone was warmly welcomed by teachers accompanying pupils to the event, which has been held for the past two years. Wawan, 34, a teacher accompanying 17 pupils, said he was delighted to learn that Kids Mining Adventure was being held again.
“Last year we were invited to attend. At first, we were confused — what is this Kids Mining activity? Then we decided to join, and it turned out to be very interesting. This year we were invited again, so of course we accepted,” Wawan said.
From the outset, Fun Zone Kids Mining Adventure was designed not simply as a place for children to play or be entertained, but as a long-term investment in public literacy. Teaching good mining practices and environmental sustainability needs to begin at an early age so that future generations can develop a well-rounded and responsible understanding of natural resource management.
Minerba Convex 2026 was organised by the Directorate General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. Held on 2 and 3 November, the event brought together mining business associations and organisations in Indonesia. Under the theme “Building the Nation, Empowering Communities”, it aims to bring the mining industry closer to the public, including children as Indonesia’s future generation.