Digital technology advancement has been a part of a family’s daily life, including young children. As a result, access to gadgets has brought a new array of issues in a child’s development. Without appropriate supervision, gadget usage risks a decline of needs from a child for physical activities, social interactions, exploration of their surroundings, and learning experiences necessary for their development.
The challenge is becoming more relevant as the usage of gadgets among children continues to rise. In 2024, Statistics Indonesia (Badan Pusat Statistik – BPS) showed that 39.71% of young children are spending more than two house per day on digital devices while the Pediatrics Association of Indonesia (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia – IDAI) recommends no more than one hour of parent-supervised screem time per day for children between 2-6 years old.
This situation shows that parenting should not focus solely on limiting gaged use. Children also need alternatives to activities that are fun, meaningful, and supportive of their development. Parents and caregivers also need a medium for education that could foster a positive interaction with children in this digital age.
In response to these needs, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kementerian Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak – KemenPPPA), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah – Kemendikdasmen), and Tanoto Foundation, launched the children’s storybook titled “Misi untuk Raka” (A mission for Raka) at the KemenPPPA’s hall on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
Through this multisector collaboration, the three initiators present this story telling book targeted at children of 3-8 years old, to encourage activities without gadgets, as well as to provide a practical guide for parents in supervising mindful gadget usage at home.
The Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Choiri Fauzi, emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of families in supporting children in the digital age.
“Without clear supervision focused on the child’s best interests, the use of gadgets risks disrupting children’s needs for physical activity, social interaction, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences,” she stated.
The PPPA Minister also stated how the book “Misi untuk Raka” was created to be an educative instrument that could bridge dialogue between parents and their children, as well as to make physical activities and real-life interactions joyful.
“We need to work hand-in-hand to ensure optimal growth for Indonesian children. It is not just parents, teachers, and the government, but also other relevant parties. This is why, through this book, we collaborated with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Tanoto Foundation, who share our vision,” the Minister continued.
At the same event, the Special Staff of the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education for Inclusive Education and Education Equity in Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost Regions, Rita Pranawati, shared, “Amidst the rapid digital era that brings challenges such as gadget addiction and low digital literacy, education must respond not only academically, but also through character building activities. One way we respond to this is through the Movement “Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children” (Gerakan Tujuh Kebiasaan Anak Indonesia Hebat) from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
This book also supports character building and aims to foster values aligned with the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children Movement. “We greatly welcome the book Misi Untuk Raka, which reinforces the pillars of the Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children. Here, storytelling works as one of the positive and beneficial alternatives for children,” said Rita.
At the same event, Tanoto Foundation’s Head of Policy & Advocacy, Eddy Henry, stated that enhancing the capacity of caregivers and providing alternatives to screen-free activities are crucial for supporting optimal child development.
“Technology has become part of everyday family life. However, young children still need to go offline; to move, play, read, create, and build real-life social interactions. Therefore, through this book, we want to present a more positive approach, not only limiting device use but also introducing fun and meaningful alternative activities for children,” he said.
Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization specializing in education and health, founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, previously launched three SIGAP Children’s Story Books in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) and the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). These books are titled “Rubrik Unik Corona,” which serves as an educational tool about the pandemic in 2021; “Saat Noni Datang”, which addresses emotional and emotional education in 2022; and “Bisa atau Tidak, Ya?”, which encourages the growth of independence in children from an early age in 2024.
“These books are examples of our commitment to helping the government improve the quality of human resources by enhancing parenting quality and literacy,” concluded Eddy.
As the fourth book in the series, “Misi untuk Raka” highlights the four main activities of #SeruTanpaLayar: moving, helping others, reading, and creating. The book also includes practical tips for parents based on the 3S principles: screen time, screen break, and screen zone, to help create a healthy and balanced parenting environment at home.
To make it accessible for children and families throughout Indonesia, “Misi untuk Raka” is available in print and available for free download on the official Tanoto Foundation website at www.tanotofoundation.org.
