RRI.CO.ID, Sragen - Indonesia strengthened efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for children through the Kumpul Bocah Festival in Sragen, Central Java. The event was held at Pendopo Sumonegaran, Sragen Regent's Official Residence, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to commemorate National Children's Day 2026.

The festival was organized by the Sukowati Children's Forum (Forasi) and the Sragen Population Control, Family Planning, Women Empowerment, and Child Protection Office. It carried the theme "Love Children, Protect and Build the Future" and involved around 500 children and parents.

Head of Sragen's Child Protection Office Yohanes Agus Sudarmanto said issues affecting children's growth, including bullying and sexual violence, remain shared concerns. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen child protection and fulfill children's rights.

"We are still dealing with child-related issues such as bullying and sexual violence. We raised the theme of children being loved, protected, and building the future so these issues can be addressed together by stakeholders," Yohanes said.

Sragen Regent Sigit Pamungkas said every child has unique talents and potential that should be supported. He encouraged communities to build safe, inclusive, and violence-free environments where children can grow according to their interests and abilities.

The festival provided a space for children to express themselves and share their aspirations. Event organizer Naufa Ulya Dewantari said the activity also aimed to increase public awareness about children's rights and support Sragen as a child-friendly regency.

The event also introduced the Storytelling for Children Movement (Gendong Bunda), a program aimed at reviving storytelling traditions within families. Sragen Family Welfare Movement Chairperson Linda Sigit Pamungkas said storytelling helps strengthen emotional bonds between parents and children while developing early literacy.

"The heirs of the future are children. If children are raised well, the nation's future will also be better. Through storytelling, positive values can be instilled in children while building closeness between mothers and children," Linda said.

The Kumpul Bocah Festival featured educational games and children's performances, including traditional dances by kindergarten students. The initiative reflects Indonesia's efforts to promote child-friendly communities through protection, participation, and character development.