RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) is intensifying efforts to safeguard children by ensuring their aspirations form a key element in government policymaking.

This initiative is carried out through the Indonesian Children’s Voice (Suara Anak Indonesia-SAI), which compiles the needs and expectations of children nationwide as the foundation for programs that uphold their best interests.

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi stressed that children’s voices must guide government policy, as listening to them is a constitutional mandate.

“Children’s voices are a constitutional mandate. Listening to them is a state obligation and a responsibility for all of us,” Minister Arifah said when receiving the SAI document from representatives of the National Children’s Forum (FAN) at the closing of the 2026 FAN Workshop in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

The SAI document reflects children’s aspirations, needs, and hopes at the village, subdistrict, and national levels, focusing on creating safe, healthy, and inclusive environments that support their growth.

Minister Arifah praised the participation of children from across Indonesia in drafting the SAI and emphasized that their voices must be heard and acted upon by all stakeholders.

“I am deeply moved by the achievements of children from across Indonesia, from the village to the national level. These voices are meant to be heard and require concrete action from stakeholders throughout the country,” she said.

As a follow-up, KemenPPPA will facilitate direct communication between children and relevant ministries and institutions through the Kemudi Program, which enables children to engage directly with ministers and institutional leaders on issues raised in the SAI.

“We hope these children can directly convey to ministers and other leaders what they truly expect,” Minister Arifah added.

In the month leading up to the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) celebration in 2026, FAN organized a series of workshops under the theme “Building Meaningful Children’s Participation.”

The workshops provided a platform for children to learn, share experiences, and formulate the Children’s Rights Action Plan (SAI), narrowing their discussions into 12 priority points. The process upheld inclusivity by involving Children Needing Special Protection (AMPK), including children with disabilities.

“This highlights the importance of learning to value and respect the opinions of others, leading to a shared conclusion and ultimately resulting in the 2026 SAI,” Minister Arifah said.

The 2026 Indonesian Children’s Voice will be read at the peak of the National Children’s Day commemoration in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands, and at the Children’s Cultural Festival at the Makara Art Center, University of Indonesia, in Depok, West Java. ***