Strengthening Family Functions is Key to a Quality Generation
The family holds a crucial role as the primary key in shaping a quality generation prepared to face global challenges. This was the central point of discussion in Commission 5 at the Asia Pacific Family Conference held in Jakarta on Saturday (12/9).
Under the theme “Strengthening the Function of the Family in Forming a Quality Generation”, the discussion analysed nine strategic points. The discussion covered the synergy between the roles of fathers and mothers, the implementation of effective parenting patterns, and effective strategies for facing challenges in the digital era.
The first speaker, Prof. Dr. Dwi Hastuti, emphasised that the capacity of parents in child-rearing is a decisive factor in achieving the child welfare standards set by UNICEF. According to her, parenting should not focus solely on educational aspects.
“Parenting must be carried out holistically, encompassing health, nutrition, stimulation, affection, safety, and character building,” said Prof. Dwi.
She added that both fathers and mothers must implement a Positive Parenting Program together to produce children who are healthy, intelligent, and of noble character.
In line with this, Prof. Dr. Imas Kania Rahman, the second speaker, emphasised the position of the family as the first school for a child. She highlighted the importance of partnership between husband and wife in building the foundation of character and morals at home.
“It is important to strengthen effective and adaptive parenting roles through husband-wife partnerships to build harmonious and productive families,” explained Prof. Imas.
Commission 5 also underlined that the education of religious, moral, and national values must be rooted in the home environment. On the other hand, parents are encouraged to be media literate and to establish family agreements to shield children from the negative impacts of digital technology.
As a result of this in-depth discussion, Commission 5 formulated four strategic recommendations for building family resilience. Through these steps, it is hoped that families can serve as both a defensive fortress and a driving force in producing a generation that is resilient in the face of dynamic global changes.