Ministry of Culture Officially Launches KILA 2026, Inviting Indonesian Children to Create and Revitalise Children's Songs
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia has reintroduced the KILA (Kita Cinta Lagu Anak) 2026 programme, a sustainable initiative aimed at strengthening the children’s song ecosystem through a Children’s Song Creation Competition and a Children’s Song Singing Competition. Held consistently since 2020, KILA represents one of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to support the creation of children’s songs, develop young talent, and utilise children’s songs as a medium for education, entertainment, and character building. Entering its sixth year, the programme has become a creative space for thousands of Indonesian children to create, sing, and foster a love for children’s songs as part of the nation’s cultural identity.
The launch of KILA 2026 was conducted online via KILA’s and the Ministry of Culture’s social media channels and digital platforms. On the occasion, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, stated that KILA 2026 serves as an important creative space to encourage the birth of more quality children’s songs as a means of instilling values, shaping character, strengthening self-confidence, and nurturing love for culture and the nation. The Ministry of Culture, he continued, welcomes the continued sustainable implementation of KILA as a platform for creativity for children and the Indonesian public. “I invite the entire community to dare to create, dare to sing, and dare to showcase their best talents through KILA 2026. Let us together present Indonesian children’s songs for the future of the nation,” said Minister Fadli Zon.
Echoing this sentiment, the Director General of Cultural Development, Utilisation, and Guidance, Ahmad Mahendra, affirmed that KILA is an essential part of efforts to build a sustainable arts and culture ecosystem. According to him, the programme not only encourages the production of quality children’s songs but also expands public appreciation for children’s songs as a medium for instilling cultural values and character. “Through this programme, we want to ensure that Indonesian children’s songs continue to be produced, disseminated, and appreciated by the public. Through children’s songs, we are not only creating works of art but also instilling cultural values, character, and a love for Indonesia,” Ahmad Mahendra stated.
The Director of Film, Music, and Arts, Irini Dewi Wanti, also invited Indonesian children to continue to dare to express themselves through music and song. She expressed hope that KILA can become a platform that produces quality children’s songs and musical works, while simultaneously encouraging the regeneration of Indonesian child singers. “The KILA programme is one of the efforts to address the still limited production and appreciation of Indonesian children’s songs. Yet, children need songs that are appropriate for their developmental stages. We invite all Indonesian children to participate in KILA 2026 and together present more quality children’s songs,” she explained.