RRI.CO.ID, Singkawang - A storytelling festival in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, is broadening its mission beyond children's entertainment by promoting family literacy and positive parenting. The event also aims to significantly raise child protection awareness among parents and caregivers.

The 2026 Fairytale Hamlet Festival, organized by Kampung Dongeng West Kalimantan, forms part of the 17th anniversary celebration of Kampung Dongeng Indonesia. The event is being held simultaneously in 50 cities across the country, bringing educational and creative activities to families.

As reported by Antara, organizers said the festival is designed to serve as an interactive learning space for children. Additionally, the event functions as a platform for parents to strengthen their understanding of child development and caregiving practices.

"This entire series of activities is free for both children and parents so that more people can experience the benefits of family literacy and education activities," said an official of Kampung Dongeng West Kalimantan, Ega Tyas Kusumawati, in Singkawang on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The festival features a variety of educational and creative programs for children, including talent showcases, storytelling sessions, and read-aloud activities. The lineup also includes poetry readings, educational games facilitated by volunteers, and a traditional hadrah, Islamic drum ensemble performance, by Pojok Pintar Mashami.

In addition to activities for children, the event offers dedicated learning sessions for parents. One of the sessions, led by Awlia Rahma, focused on helping parents recognize children's needs according to their age and developmental stage.

The program aims to equip parents with a better understanding of child growth so they can provide appropriate stimulation and guidance.

Another session addressed child safety and protection within the family environment. Head of Unit IV for Women and Children Services at the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Singkawang Police, Wijaya Rahmadinata, highlighted the crucial role parents play in creating a secure and supportive environment for children.

According to him, families are at the forefront of protecting children and fostering conditions that support their healthy development and well-being.

Through the festival, organizers hope to strengthen the culture of family literacy while increasing public awareness of the importance of child protection, guidance, and early-age support.

The initiative reflects a growing effort to combine literacy promotion with practical family education, ensuring that both children and parents benefit from community-based learning opportunities. ***