Indonesia’s Minister of Population and Family Planning, Wihaji, revealed that around 80 percent of Indonesian children are growing up without a father figure in the household.
He added that approximately 20 percent of children are raised without any active role from their fathers.
This condition, he said, is far from ideal for child development, as children deprived of complete parental affection are more likely to spend their time on gadgets and social media.
Yet, the information consumed through social media is not always appropriate or beneficial for them.
Dean of the UGM Faculty of Psychology, Dr. Rahmat Hidayat, emphasized the crucial role of a father figure in a child’s daily life.
However, he noted that physical presence is not the only form of involvement. Fathers can also maintain meaningful communication with their children through digital platforms.
“The absence of fathers is often because they are the breadwinners of the family and must work out of town, off the island, or even abroad as migrant workers. But with today’s technology, there are many ways parents can still be present in their children’s lives,” said Dr. Hidayat on Thursday (May 15) at UGM Campus.
He explained that today’s generation of young fathers can build quality parenting and emotional closeness with their children.
Parents must understand that children are extraordinary blessings from God. Thus, fulfilling a child’s needs goes beyond providing material necessities.
Children also require healthy interaction and support for their psychological, mental, and emotional development.
“Strong interaction and emotional closeness with children contribute significantly to their mental well-being,” he said.
Dr. Hidayat cited the example of a parent’s presence during a child’s graduation celebration as an irreplaceable memory. Even spending time together before a major test can be meaningful.
“Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a child. The night before a big exam, when children are feeling anxious, also happens only once in that exact way. If we share that experience and are there for them in such situations, it creates lifelong memories,” he explained.
According to Dr. Hidayat, a father’s absence is not solely due to physical distance but also stems from economic challenges, such as financial burdens that demand late working hours or the inefficiencies of urban public transportation, which limit time spent with children.
“This is a challenge for parents to change their mindset, and perhaps for mothers too, to recognize that fathers must still be present in their children’s lives,” he said.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Freepik