KILA 2026 Promotes Indonesian Children’s Talents to International Stages

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture is developing the Kita Cinta Lagu Anak Indonesia (KILA), or “We Love Indonesian Children’s Songs,” program as a platform for children to nurture their musical talents and creativity. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said the program is part of the government’s commitment to reviving meaningful and educational children’s songs while supporting character development.

The 2026 Kita Cinta Lagu Anak Indonesia showcase was held at the Bendera Pusaka Park Amphitheater in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The event featured performances by talented children, including winners of the KILA songwriting and singing competitions.

Fadli Zon said KILA is expected to provide a space for children to develop their talents through performances prepared with dedication by young artists from various regions. “Through the KILA program, the Ministry of Culture is committed to bringing back meaningful and educational Indonesian children’s songs that also help build character,” he said.

Held annually since 2020, the Kita Cinta Lagu Anak Indonesia program is organized by the Directorate of Film, Music, and Arts under the Directorate General of Cultural Development, Utilization, and Development. The program combines competitions, performances, and learning activities to support the development of children’s musical abilities.

The 2026 edition attracted 971 new applicants, with 814 officially participating in the competition. They consisted of 168 participants in the children’s songwriting competition and 646 participants in the singing competition, ranging in age from five to 13.

The program selected six outstanding songs and 30 top singing participants, with winners coming from various regions across Indonesia. Jolly Jeanne from West Kalimantan won the singing competition, followed by Putu Pradnya Ananta Putra from Bali in second place and Naiya Naqqiya from Yogyakarta in third place, while Ilona Zea Karaleah from Jakarta was named the favorite.

Since its establishment in 2020, KILA has also produced young singers who have become KILA Ambassadors, with 36 ambassadors currently representing provinces across Indonesia. Some KILA Ambassadors have achieved recognition internationally, including winning the San Remo Junior 2025 competition, performing at a classical and seriosa music event hosted by the Austrian Embassy, and being selected to represent Indonesia at the Fifth International Children’s Cultural Forum 2026 in Moscow, Russia.

In addition to competitions and performances, KILA has expanded its educational activities through the KILA Academy for children and training workshops for teachers. The Ministry of Culture hopes the Kita Cinta Lagu Anak Indonesia program will continue to provide space for children to develop their creativity, talents, and confidence while opening wider opportunities for young Indonesian talents to participate in cultural activities at national and international levels.