Governor Khofifah and Ministers Launch National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Schools in 2026

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, together with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti, and Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, launched the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children (Gernas Rana) in Educational Units on Monday (13/7). Attended by students from kindergarten to senior high school level and held at the Centre for Quality Assurance Development of Vocational Education in Automotive and Electronics in Malang City, the launch of Gernas Rana embodies the 2026 Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS). The launch was conducted by pressing an LED screen and signing a declaration of support for the Indonesian Safe, Healthy, Clean, and Beautiful (ASRI) Movement, along with a commitment to implement Gernas Rana through strengthening a Safe and Comfortable School Culture. The declaration was signed by Governor Khofifah, the Director General of Early Childhood, Primary, and Non-Formal Education at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Director General of Secondary and Special Education at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the Deputy for Coordination of Family Quality and Population Improvement at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture. “This event is very important as a momentum to affirm that every child’s right is to grow and develop in a safe and comfortable environment. This means they must also be free from all forms of violence,” said Governor Khofifah. She stated that the launch of Gernas Rana is a concrete step to strengthen the child protection ecosystem within the educational environment. For students, an educational unit means more than just a place to learn; it is also a space to develop their potential optimally. “Our children carry the future of the world in their hands. They are the ones who will take up the baton of leadership in various fields. Therefore, a safe space for children is our shared responsibility, from the government, teachers, parents, to the community across all sectors, to work together to build an environment free from violence and friendly to children,” she explained. Governor Khofifah reminded students not to be afraid to report acts of violence and bullying. She also reminded them not to feel easily intimidated, as it is the state’s duty to protect and ensure that Indonesian children grow up in a safe and pleasant atmosphere. “To my children, if you know of or experience any violence, never hesitate to tell your teachers, your parents, or the authorities. This violence includes everything, from physical, verbal, and sexual violence to violence in the digital space. God willing, with the involvement of adults, such things can be suppressed,” she concluded. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno stressed that the government must guarantee safe and comfortable spaces, whether in the family, educational units, public spaces, or digital spaces. “Therefore, we invite parents, teachers, and local governments to jointly ensure a safe and comfortable space for children. Because if a child experiences violence, the impact is tremendous for the child’s future growth,” he said. Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi explained that efforts to protect children face particular challenges. Based on data from the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (Simfoni PPA), there were 21,352 cases of violence against children throughout 2025. “As many as 62.19 per cent of the total victims were female, and 46.1 per cent of the cases were sexual violence. Furthermore, 71 per cent of the violence occurred in places where children should feel safe, namely within households and educational units. So, let us protect them together, let there be no more bullying among our children,” she stressed. Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti stated that the ASRI programme is a direct directive from President Prabowo Subianto. This was then followed up in the policy on safe and comfortable schools in accordance with Ministerial Regulation No. 6 of 2026 concerning a Safe and Comfortable School Culture issued by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. “We thank the Governor because she is very creative, with many great ideas such as the SIKAP movement in schools. This is extraordinary creativity that connects government programmes for primary education and others. Thank you, Governor, and all ranks of the East Java Provincial Government,” he concluded.