National Children's Day 2026 to Strengthen Safe Spaces Movement

The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection has stated that the 2026 National Children’s Day commemoration is expected to be a momentum for strengthening the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children (Gernas RANA) to create a child-friendly environment free from violence. ‘Through collaboration between the government, families, businesses, media, society, and children, Gernas RANA encourages efforts for prevention, early detection, handling, and recovery from violence against children,’ said Ciput Eka Purwianti, Assistant Deputy for the Provision of Services for Children in Need of Special Protection, during a media talk in Jakarta on Wednesday. She expressed hope that National Children’s Day 2026 would become a sustainable social movement, rather than merely a ceremonial observance. The theme for the 42nd National Children’s Day in 2026 is ‘Love Children, Protect, and Build the Future’, featuring several sub-themes including ‘Filter Before Sharing #AmandiruangDaring’, ‘My School is Fun, My Dreams Soar #AmandiSekolah’, ‘Stop Child Marriage’, ‘Build Children’s Mental Resilience, Create a Resilient and Empowered Generation’, and ‘Good Friends Against Drugs’. Ciput Eka Purwianti explained that these sub-themes are not standalone messages but concrete steps to realise the main theme of loving every child, protecting every right, and jointly building Indonesia’s future through a healthy, intelligent, resilient, and happy generation towards Golden Indonesia 2045. The Javanese eagle was chosen as the mascot, symbolising Indonesian children who are brave, intelligent, resilient, a source of national pride, and possess the spirit to soar high in achieving their dreams. A series of activities have been organised for the 2026 National Children’s Day, including the National Movement for Safe and Comfortable Spaces for Children (Gernas RANA), the Joint Protection of Children (Berlian) campaign, Jelajah SAPA, a National Children’s Forum workshop, and Anak Goes to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. She noted that Anak Goes to the Presidential Palace Jakarta is an educational and inspirational activity that provides children with the opportunity to learn about the environment and history of the Presidential Palace while fostering self-confidence, leadership, love for the homeland, and the belief that their voices and roles are important for the nation’s future. Other activities include the Indonesian Children’s Joint Movement, Kemudi Anak, Main Raya Anak Nusantara, and a visit for Children in Need of Special Protection (AMPK) to Dufan.