The Natuna Regency Government has called on all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to protecting children’s rights as part of the commemoration of the 42nd National Children’s Day (HAN) 2026.
Representing Natuna Regent Cen Sui Lan, Regional Secretary Boy Wijanarko Varianto delivered the message while officially opening the National Children’s Day celebration at Sri Serindit Hall in Ranai on Thursday morning (July 23). This year’s event was held under the theme, “Love, Protect, and Build a Better Future for Every Child.”
In his remarks, Boy emphasized that National Children’s Day should serve as more than an annual celebration. Instead, he said, it should inspire stronger collective action to ensure that every child enjoys their rights and grows up in a safe and supportive environment.
He referred to Law No. 35 of 2014 on Child Protection, which states that the state, central and regional governments, communities, families, parents, and guardians all share responsibility for safeguarding children.
“National Children’s Day should remind us that protecting children is a shared responsibility. We must ensure that adults become their protectors, not the ones who take away their rights,” he said.
Boy described children as the nation’s greatest asset and future generation, stressing that they deserve the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop to their fullest potential. Achieving this, he added, requires concrete action and sustained commitment from all sectors of society.
He highlighted the importance of close collaboration between the central and regional governments, the private sector, the media, community organizations, families, and local communities to create an environment where every child can thrive.
At the same event, Head of the Office for Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning (DP3AP2KB), Sri Riawati, explained that the celebration aims to raise public awareness of children’s fundamental rights, including their rights to survival, development, participation, and protection.
She added that the commemoration also seeks to encourage broader public participation in preventing violence against children while creating more opportunities for children to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
The event was attended by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of relevant regional government agencies, the Chair of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), the Chair of the Women’s Organizations Association (GOW), school principals, representatives of the Natuna Children’s Forum, and various youth and children’s organizations. (Pro_kopimnatuna/D)
RILIS PERS, Number : 0668/PRO_KOPIM/2025
