Minister of Women’s Empowerment Launches Programs to Encourage Father Involvement in Child Rearing

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi has emphasized the need for increased paternal involvement in child upbringing. According to her, male participation in children’s lives is significantly lacking in Indonesia.

New Initiatives to Boost Father Involvement

Minister Fauzi plans to implement several programs aimed at encouraging fathers to take a more active role. One initiative involves encouraging fathers to accompany their children to integrated health posts, promoting a daily conversation between parents and caregivers about their children’s health and development.

Fathers to Collect School Report Cards

Minister Fauzi also proposes that fathers should regularly participate in the process of picking up their children’s school report cards. This move aims to ensure that both parents have direct communication with teachers about their child’s academic performance and overall well-being.

“We want to establish a balanced parenting approach where both parents actively contribute to raising their children. It’s crucial for husbands and wives to work together and support each other,” stated Minister Fauzi.

The Impact of Absent Father Figures

The Minister’s call to action comes as Wihaji, the Head of BKKBN (Indonesia’s National Population and Family Planning Board), highlighted a concerning trend. He noted that 20.9 percent of Indonesian children lack a father figure due to factors such as divorce, death, or paternal absence due to work.

“In today’s society, the presence of a father in the family is decreasing. Many fathers are primarily responsible for the family’s finances but overlook their critical role in child-rearing,” stated Wihaji.

The Consequences of Paternal Absence

The absence of a father can have severe implications for child development, including increased emotional and social disorders, higher risk of substance abuse, and a decline in academic performance.

Wihaji also pointed out that less parental involvement, especially from fathers, can contribute to issues such as juvenile delinquency and the blurring of masculine characteristics in boys, potentially undermining leadership traits in children.

The Importance of Parental Touch and Non-Violent Parenting

According to Wihaji, children require consistent emotional support from both parents. “Children need psychological nurturing. If there’s any violence towards them, it’s essential to reflect on the parents’ actions rather than placing blame on the child,” he emphasized.

“Good parenting, rooted in moral values and mutual respect, can prevent violence against children. Building a strong future generation requires a holistic approach that includes both academic progress and moral character development,” added Wihaji.

Call to Action: Supporting Responsible Fatherhood

The Ministry’s efforts to enhance father involvement mark a crucial step towards addressing the challenges faced by Indonesian families. Minister Fauzi’s initiatives aim to foster environments where fathers play an active role in nurturing the next generation.

To make these programs a success, it is imperative for all stakeholders to support responsible fatherhood. By working together, we can create a society where both parents genuinely contribute to the well-being and upbringing of their children.

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