Indonesia promotes traditional games to reduce children's screen time
We call on all elements of society to promote traditional games among children to help balance their use of gadgets,Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Indonesian Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi has emphasized the importance of reviving and promoting traditional games to reduce children’s dependence on gadgets and protect them from excessive social media exposure.
“We should focus on finding solutions rather than immediately prohibiting children from using gadgets. One way is to promote traditional games that reflect our local wisdom,” she said while attending the main event commemorating the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, on Thursday.
Speaking at Tugu Sirih Square, Fauzi said the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) has made the promotion of traditional games a central theme of National Children’s Day celebrations since 2025 as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of excessive social media use on children.
She expressed confidence that traditional games can help reduce children’s dependence on social media by encouraging them to engage in real-world physical and social interactions.
According to Fauzi, traditional games offer benefits beyond entertainment by teaching children the values of cooperation, taking turns, mutual respect, creativity, and togetherness.
“We call on all elements of society to promote traditional games among children to help balance their use of gadgets,” she said.
The minister also noted that the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration was organized by her ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Seruni, a women’s solidarity organization affiliated with the Red and White Cabinet and chaired by Second Lady Selvi Ananda.
She expressed hope that the commemoration would go beyond a ceremonial event and help raise public awareness of the importance of guiding children in navigating the challenges of the digital era.
“Today’s children are Indonesia’s future leaders. Therefore, we must ensure their rights are protected and fulfilled,” Fauzi said.
During the event, the Forum of Indonesian Children compiled aspirations from children across all 38 provinces into 12 key recommendations, with the minister pledging to follow up on them.
“We will invite children to discuss directly the various issues they are facing,” she added.
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Translator: Ogen, Tegar Nurfitra