Every July 23rd, Indonesia observes Hari Anak Nasional—a day dedicated to honoring the rights, dreams, and dignity of children. It is a moment when the nation pauses to recognize not only the importance of protecting our young but also the boundless potential they carry within. But perhaps, beyond ceremonies and campaigns, Hari Anak Nasional offers us something deeper: a chance to reconnect with the inner child that lives quietly in each of us.
Children see the world with eyes full of wonder. They dream without limits, love without conditions, and live without fear of failure. Somewhere along the way, as we grow older, many of us trade this childlike magic for caution, conformity, and routine. We forget the joy of curiosity, the courage of imagination, and the simplicity of happiness.
Let this National Children’s Day be more than just a tribute to those still growing. Let it be a celebration of that part of ourselves that once believed we could fly, build castles from cardboard, and turn rainy days into adventures. Let’s celebrate our inner child—the keeper of our truest self.
At the same time, Hari Anak Nasional is a call to action. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in Indonesia—not just in cities, but in villages, mountains, and remote islands—can grow up safe, educated, loved, and free. According to 2024 data from Badan Pusat Statistik, over 79 million children—nearly a third of our population—deserve this promise. Yet many still face poverty, drop out of school due to economic hardship, or are forced to work at a young age.
When we protect and nurture children, we do more than invest in the future—we create a present that is compassionate, just, and full of hope. Let us lift up the children who cannot yet lift themselves. Let us listen to their voices, value their dreams, and build a world where being a child is never a burden, but a joy.
But as we do so, let’s not forget to be kind to ourselves. The inner child within us still longs to play, to laugh, to be seen. In a world that often demands perfection, let’s allow ourselves moments of lightness. Let’s be curious again. Let’s believe again. Let’s remember that the spirit of a child is not something we grow out of, but something we carry forward—if only we let it breathe.
So today, as we honor Indonesia’s children, let’s also take a moment to pause, smile, and celebrate the child in us. Because every dream we once had, every story we once told, every spark we once felt—it still matters.
Happy National Children’s Day. May we never stop learning, loving, and believing—just like a child.
