July 23 is a special day that reminds us all of our shared commitment to protect and nurture our children, who will one day become the nation's future leaders.

Dear UNDIRA friends, this is the moment when Indonesia once again commemorates National Children's Day—a yearly reflection to evaluate how far we've come in providing a safe and healthy environment for Indonesian children to grow and thrive.

Originally known as National Children’s Day (Hari Kanak-Kanak Nasional), this observance was a progressive initiative introduced by the Indonesian Women’s Congress (KOWANI) in 1946. However, at the time, the celebration lacked uniformity in terms of date and form. It was not until the New Order era, on July 23, 1979, that President Soeharto officially designated the date as National Children's Day, coinciding with the enactment of the Child Welfare Law.

Today, National Children’s Day is more than just a mere event; it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of instilling values, offering emotional guidance, and creating exploratory space for children. Beneath their innocence and boundless curiosity, children are true explorers of thought—ones who need guidance, not pressure.

Unfortunately, the tides of modern times don’t always favor them. The rise of the digital age, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the societal shift toward Society 5.0 have introduced new challenges. While access to information and freedom of expression have increased, they often bring about loads of trends and societal expectations. The very freedom that was meant to shape their identity is now increasingly constrained by algorithms and digital screens.

To make matters more complex, the greatest pressure often comes from within the family. Academic, social, and future economic expectations are not always balanced with warm emotional support. As a result, children become vulnerable to mental stress, identity confusion, and existential crises. At the same time, they are continuously expected to become the "ideal" version imagined by their surroundings. Add to this the burden of carrying family expectations, and we begin to see the rise of the "sandwich generation"—children caught in the middle, trying to meet parental hopes while also preparing for an uncertain future of their own.

Naturally, the core solution must begin with the smallest environment: the home. Families must transform from spaces of demands into safe spaces for open dialogue. Parents need to recognize the importance of empathetic communication, grounded in a humane approach—seeing their child not as an extension of their own dreams, but as an individual with their own worth.

Dear UNDIRA friends, it is vital that we do not treat children as projects of achievement, but as individuals who deserve to grow in love, appreciation, and acceptance.

The role of parents as responsible figures extends beyond supporting their children’s current lives. It also includes long-term planning that avoids placing undue burdens on the child—especially when the child begins to build a family of their own.

Let us remember, children are not a way out of parental hardship. They are individuals with their own identity, choices, and future, all of which deserve to be respected. We must not allow the pressures of modern life and social expectations to rob children of their right to become their true selves. A supportive home environment and a conducive educational system are key to shaping a generation that is not only intelligent, but also emotionally resilient and well-rounded in character.

Let us embrace National Children's Day as a collective reminder: guiding our children is not merely an obligation—it is an honor that carries great responsibility. Their right to receive love and meaningful education, free from the pressure of unrealistic ideals, is the very foundation for sustainable child development today.

(Danang Respati Wicaksono / Humas UNDIRA)