Minister PPPA: Traditional Games a Solution to Curb Children's Gadget Use

Tanjungpinang (ANTARA) - Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifatul Choiri Fauzi stated that traditional games are one solution to limit children’s use of gadgets amidst the rapid influence of social media. “We cannot simply tell children to stop playing with gadgets, but we must provide a solution. For example, through traditional games based on local wisdom,” said Minister Arifatul Fauzi during the peak commemoration of the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) in 2026 at Laman Tugu Sirih, Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands, on Thursday. She assessed that traditional games are effective in overcoming social media addiction because they divert children’s attention to the real world through direct physical interaction. Furthermore, she noted that traditional games contain high philosophical values, such as building a culture of queuing, mutual respect, and enhancing togetherness and creativity. “We invite all elements of society to promote traditional games for children so that their activities are balanced with gadget use,” she said. Minister Arifatul Fauzi added that the peak of the 42nd HAN was initiated by the Red and White Cabinet’s Solidarity of Women for Indonesia (Seruni) in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of PPPA. She expressed hope that the HAN commemoration would not be a mere formality but would build public awareness that today’s children face extraordinary challenges in the digital era. “Today’s children are Indonesia’s future leaders, so we must ensure the fulfilment of their rights and protection,” she stated. On the same occasion, the Indonesian Children’s Forum presented 12 points of Indonesian children’s voices compiled from 38 provinces. Arifatul Fauzi assured that these children’s voices would not only be heard but would be followed up with relevant ministries. “We will invite the children to meet directly with the relevant ministers to discuss various child issues from the village, district/city, provincial, to national levels,” she said.