Jakarta, July 22, 2026 – The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Directorate of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) will commemorate National Children's Day (HAN) 2026 at the Golden Sirih Leaf Monument, Gurindam Tepi Laut Square, Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands on Thursday, July 23, 2026. With the theme "All Equal, Joyful Together", this commemoration is a momentum to strengthen cross-sector collaboration in fulfilling children's rights while campaigning for the implementation of the Circular Letter of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (SE Mendikdasmen) Number 18 of 2026 concerning Restrictions on the Use of Gadgets in Educational Unit Environments.
This year's commemoration of National Children's Day will demonstrate a shared commitment to ensuring that every Indonesian child, without exception, has the same rights to grow, learn, play, and develop optimally. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the Ministry of Education and Culture is promoting a safe, comfortable, inclusive environment that supports children's holistic growth and development.
The event will be attended by the Women's Solidarity for Indonesia (Seruni) of the Red and White Cabinet, officials from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Riau Islands Provincial Government, and students from various educational levels. The presence of these diverse parties reflects the spirit of collaboration in realizing the fulfillment of children's rights and protection in Indonesia.
The Director of Early Childhood Education (PAUD) at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Kurniawan, stated that this year's commemoration of National Children's Day is not merely a ceremony, but a moment to unite all stakeholders in creating an environment that supports child growth and development. "Fulfilling children's rights and protecting them cannot be done alone. Cross-sector collaboration is needed to ensure that every child is truly protected, educated, and grows in a healthy environment," he said.
As part of the 2026 National Education Day commemoration, the Ministry of Education and Culture presents Main Raya Anak Nusantara, a play space that combines traditional games, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics ( STEAM)-based activities, and nature exploration as a fun learning experience.
In addition, students from preschool to lower elementary school can participate in various activities, such as nature exploration, becoming little scientists, role-playing, and even making windmills and kites. Meanwhile, students from upper elementary to high school are invited to rediscover a variety of traditional games, such as spinning tops, rangku alu (a kind of spinning top), congklak (a kind of congklak), stilts on coconut shells (stilts made of coconut shells), clogs (bakyak), and even making jong boats. All these activities are designed to stimulate children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through hands-on play, creativity, and interaction.
This series of activities also forms part of the campaign to implement Circular Letter of the Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education Number 18 of 2026 concerning Restrictions on Device Use in Educational Units. This policy aims to maintain children's physical health, strengthen social skills, and support cognitive and emotional development through more meaningful interactions.
Kurniawan also emphasized that limiting device use in educational settings does not constitute a ban on technology, but rather an effort to create balance so that children gain more learning experiences through direct interaction. "Live play and peer interaction are the best ways for children to learn. Restricting device use in schools is not an absolute ban, but rather an effort to ensure children have more real-world interactions, not just through screens," Kurniawan emphasized.
The commemoration of National Children's Day 2026 is expected to further strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders in fulfilling children's rights and creating a safe, comfortable, inclusive, and child-friendly environment. This momentum is expected to be a concrete step towards building healthy learning and play habits so that every child can grow and develop optimally. "Let's join hands. Ensure that every child grows equally, develops fully, and happily together towards a bright future," concluded Kurniawan.*** (Author: Early Childhood Education Directorate Team & Ririn/Documentation: BKHM Team)
Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers
#QualityEducationforAll
#MinistryofEducationAndEducationFriendly
