Do-Land Festival at Borobudur Temple: Commitment to Developing Children's Creativity and Self-Development
Hundreds of children from Magelang and the surrounding area looked enthusiastic when trying out traditional Central Javanese games at the National Children's Day (HAN) commemoration at the Central Java Province level at the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Saturday (12/7/2025).
The event, titled "Do-Land Festival," featured a variety of traditional games such as dakon, otok-otok, and the tedak siten cultural procession, which captivated both participants and invited guests.
This activity, initiated by the Magelang Regency Government, Central Java Province, together with the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and supported by InJourney Destination Management, provides a stage for children's creativity and self-development in a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
The Indonesian Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Fauzi, who attended the event, enthusiastically tried out traditional games with the children. She opened the event alongside Central Java Provincial Secretary Sumarno, Magelang Regent Grengseng Pamuji, and Central Java Children's Forum Chairman Prajnaputra Piyakusuma by twirling a toy otok-otok on stage.
"This festival serves as a reminder that Indonesia is rich in traditional games. Through this activity, children can return to playing, singing regional and national songs, and listening to inspiring stories. All of this serves as a way to reduce dependence on traditional games." gadgets, "He said.
The Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection emphasized the importance of providing educational and culturally-based play spaces for children. She hopes initiatives like the Do-Land Festival can provide concrete solutions to curb excessive gadget use among children.
"National Children's Day should be a moment to remind all Indonesian children that we are brothers and sisters. All of us, adults, are part of a big family responsible for protecting them," he added.
Central Java Provincial Secretary Sumarno stated that children have the right to happiness, education, and protection. He emphasized the government's commitment to listening to children's voices in every development process.
"Children also have the right to participate in child-friendly development planning. Our duty as adults is to accompany and protect them," he stressed.
Magelang Regent Grengseng Pamuji stated that National Children's Day (HAN) is a momentum for his administration to synergize with the central government and the Central Java Provincial Government to realize better education and become a child-friendly region.
"We hope that this kind of support will continue to support the outstanding youth program launched by the Magelang Regency Government in collaboration with universities throughout Central Java and Yogyakarta to provide opportunities for students to study," he explained.
The head of the Central Java Children's Forum, Prajnaputra Piyakusuma, also expressed concern about the increasing number of cases of violence against children, both online and offline. He highlighted the negative impact of technological developments if not properly monitored.
"Many children are exposed to digital violence, including pornography and sexual harassment. We continue to raise these concerns with the government and hope that children are included in all policies," he said.
The Central Java Children's Forum is also active in education, advocacy, and strengthening children's forums in various regions as a platform for the voices of the younger generation. "Children are the future of the nation. Involve us in the process, because the future of the nation depends on how we are treated today," he concluded.
