Indonesia Launches National Initiative to Boost Father Involvement in Children’s Lives
Indonesia is embarking on a nationwide effort to increase fatherly engagement in childcare and education, driven by growing concerns over the impact of father absence and a desire to foster more equitable parenting roles. A new circular issued on July 14, 2025, encourages fathers to accompany their children to school on their first day, marking a symbolic shift towards greater paternal involvement.
Addressing a Growing Concern: The “Fatherless” Phenomenon
Recent data reveals a significant number of Indonesian children are growing up without consistent father figures. According to statistics compiled from UNICEF (2021), I-Namhs (2022), BPS (2021), and KPAI (2017), approximately 20.9 percent of children in Indonesia have experienced the loss of a father due to divorce, death, or work-related separation. This absence is linked to a concerning rise in mental health issues among teenagers, with at least 33 percent experiencing problems, yet only 4.3 percent receiving diagnosed support from their parents.
Furthermore, data indicates that while 37.17 percent of children aged 0-5 are raised by both biological parents, direct father involvement in childcare remains at 20.9 percent nationally. These figures underscore what officials are calling a “fatherless phenomenon” impacting the nation’s youth.
The GATI Program: A Multifaceted Approach
In response, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights and the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) have jointly launched the Indonesian Father’s Movement Movement Program, known as GATI. The program, spearheaded by Minister Wihaji, aims to actively encourage fathers – and future fathers – to play a more prominent role in raising children and supporting adolescents.
“The impact of parenting carried out by the father on children will be related to leadership, academic, emotional, social to cognitive achievement,” a senior official stated.
GATI encompasses four key initiatives: a “school with father” program (Peer), counseling services through pre-marriage and family planning programs (Satyagatra), a consortium of activist groups (Kompak Tekan), and a village-level initiative recognizing exemplary fathers (Debate) within KB Villages.
A Symbolic First Step: Fathers on the First Day of School
The recent circular, number 7 of 2025, builds on the momentum of the GATI program by specifically calling on fathers to participate in the symbolic act of accompanying their children to school on their first day. This initiative, effective July 14, 2025, is intended to signal a broader cultural shift in Indonesian parenting.
Minister Wihaji emphasized the movement’s goal to move away from a traditionally mother-centered approach to parenting and towards a more collaborative and equal partnership. He expressed hope that the initiative will extend beyond government employees within the Ministry of Law and BKKBN, encouraging widespread participation from families, relatives, and neighbors. The movement applies to children of all ages, from early childhood education through high school.
The Multifaceted Role of Fathers in Child Development
Minister Wihaji highlighted the diverse and crucial roles fathers play in a child’s life, extending far beyond the traditional role of breadwinner. He emphasized the importance of fathers as educators, protectors, playmates, and role models.
“The active involvement of the father in parenting has a positive impact on the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children,” he stated.
Specifically, fathers provide a sense of security, both physical and emotional, fostering confidence and encouraging exploration. Their involvement strengthens emotional bonds through affection and shared activities, and serves as a model for positive behavior and character development. Fathers also play a vital role in supporting children’s learning, motivating them, and helping them navigate challenges. Ultimately, fostering shared responsibility between parents creates a balanced and harmonious family environment.
Through these multifaceted roles, officials believe fathers can make a significant contribution to the development of a strong, empowered, and well-rounded generation.
