Minister: Father's Presence and Communication Key to Overcoming Fatherlessness

Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of BKKBN, Wihaji, has emphasised that the Gerakan Ayah Mengantar Anak Sekolah (GAMAS) or ‘Fathers Taking Children to School Movement’ should not be interpreted merely as fathers escorting their children on the first day of school. More than that, the programme is expected to serve as a gateway to strengthen communication and the presence of fathers in their children’s lives as an effort to overcome the phenomenon of fatherlessness. According to Wihaji, the core of GAMAS is to encourage fathers to take the time to talk with their children. The journey to school is seen as an opportunity for simple yet meaningful interaction. ‘The spirit is one, how these fathers make time to chat with their children. Our message is a way of reminding fathers to please talk to their children,’ Wihaji said on Monday (13/7). He explained that for fathers who drive their children to school, the car journey can be an opportunity for dialogue. Meanwhile, for those using motorcycles, interaction can still be built before or after the trip. Wihaji cautioned that a lack of communication between parents and children will lead children to seek other outlets to share stories and find answers to the problems they face. ‘If children are not invited to talk every day, do not be surprised if they end up talking more to their mobile phones. They will ask social media, they will ask AI. Everything is on AI if parents are too busy. Therefore, make time, put down your mobile phone for a moment to talk with your children,’ he said. According to him, a father’s presence has a major influence on a child’s psychological development. GAMAS therefore serves as a reminder to parents that building emotional closeness does not always require grand activities, but simply making time to be present and listen to children. Wihaji also noted that the challenge of declining family interaction is not unique to Indonesia but has become a global phenomenon with the rise of digital technology. ‘This is not just in Indonesia. This is a world civilisation, a new civilisation. That is why we are reminding people that it is important for parents to be present. We are human beings, we not only have minds, but also hearts and empathy. That is what must be built in a quality family,’ he stated. Through GAMAS, the government hopes that more fathers will not only be physically present but also actively involved in parenting through warm and quality communication. This presence is expected to strengthen the parent-child relationship while also serving as a step to prevent the fatherless phenomenon in Indonesia. Wihaji mentioned that around 25 percent of children in Indonesia experience the fatherless phenomenon, or the loss of a father figure in their daily lives. He also noted that only 20.9 percent of children in Indonesia have fathers who are directly involved in their upbringing.