Managing school holidays to keep children productively engaged in learning

What is far more important is how all stakeholders manage holiday periods to maintain educational value and character development. Amidst the various challenges still facing Indonesia’s education system, one issue often overlooked by the public is how we manage children’s leisure time. At first glance, this seems simple and even enjoyable. However, upon closer inspection, how children spend their free time is closely linked to education quality, character formation, and the future of the younger generation. May is a clear example of this phenomenon, with various educational milestones coinciding with extended holidays. May holds special significance in the national calendar, featuring National Education Day on 2 May, National Book Day on 17 May, and National Awakening Day on 20 May. These commemorations should serve as reminders that education, literacy, and human quality development are fundamental to national progress. Yet, May also includes national holidays and collective leave days that disrupt school learning activities. In 2026, for example, holidays for Labour Day, Ascension of Jesus Christ, Eid al-Adha, and several collective leave days often result in school closures. In many regions, students not taking final exams are also given leave. After May, Pancasila Day on 1 June is followed by several weeks of term break. Consequently, children’s learning rhythm is frequently disrupted over extended periods. Alternative Activities: For some children, numerous holidays are welcome news, offering a break from busy school routines. However, not all families can utilise holiday time equally, creating an unspoken disparity. Families with stable economic conditions can fill holidays with enriching activities such as courses, travel, museum visits, performances, or other educational pursuits.