Minister Urges Fathers to End the Fatherless Phenomenon

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Minister of Population and Family Development and Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), Wihaji, has called on fathers across Indonesia to take a more active role in raising their children as part of efforts to build resilient families and develop high-quality human resources in support of Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision.

Wihaji delivered the message while leading the 33rd National Family Day ceremony at Fort Vredeburg in the Special Region of Yogyakarta on Monday. The event was attended both in person and virtually by officials from the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Kemendukbangga) and BKKBN across Indonesia.

In his address, Wihaji emphasized that a father's responsibility goes beyond providing financial support, stressing the importance of being emotionally present throughout a child's growth and development.

"Your physical presence and emotional closeness are essential in shaping a child's personality and emotional stability," Wihaji said in a statement received in Jakarta.

He also warned against the growing fatherless phenomenon, referring to situations in which fathers are physically present but remain psychologically and emotionally absent from their children's lives.

Carrying the theme "Fathers Must Be Present," this year's National Family Day encourages fathers to take a more active role in supporting their children's development while fostering stronger communication within the family. Wihaji noted that one of the biggest challenges facing families today is excessive gadget use, which can reduce meaningful interaction between parents and children.

He urged parents, especially fathers, to limit gadget use at home, spend more time talking with their children, and encourage them to use screen time for productive activities.

Wihaji said National Family Day serves as a reminder that the family is the foundation for building a healthy, intelligent, resilient, and morally strong generation. Through the 33rd National Family Day commemoration, the Ministry of Population and Family Development reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening family development as a key pillar in realizing Indonesia's Golden 2045 vision.