Highlighting the Importance of Synergy, Prof Dwi Hastuti: Character Building for Children is Not Only the Responsibility of Parents
IPB University Professor, Prof Dwi Hastuti, emphasized the importance of synergy between families, communities, and the government in shaping the quality and character of Indonesian children. This was conveyed during the IPB University Professor’s Open Scientific Oration Session on Thursday (23/10).
In her presentation entitled “Synergy between Family, Community, and Government in Parenting for the Development of the Quality and Character of Indonesian Children,” Prof Dwi revealed that the quality of children’s lives is an important indicator for the sustainability of the nation.
She highlighted the concerns among parents regarding the decline in children’s morals, the prevalence of violence, bullying, and abuse, which are now serious issues.
“As many as 20 percent of parents in Indonesia admit to being concerned about the moral condition of their children. This shows a decline in moral integration that must be addressed immediately,” she said.
According to Prof Dwi, strengthening parenting cannot be left solely to families, but requires real support from the community and the government. He emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to enhance parenting capacity, including through structured training, funding, and the provision of counseling facilities by experts.
Furthermore, she said that the Family and Child-Friendly Village model could be used as a concrete reference for realizing this synergy. Similar programs, such as the Family Planning Village program from the Ministry of Population and Family Development (formerly BKKBN) and the Child-Friendly Village program from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA), can be strengthened through increased parenting capacity for fathers and mothers.
“In the past, Indonesian families were known for their resilience due to their strong values of togetherness, exemplary behavior, and spirituality. Now, the biggest challenge comes from individualism and the influence of globalization, which are shifting these values,” said Prof Dwi.
She also emphasized the importance of instilling moral values and compassion from an early age, because childhood is the optimal period for brain development. “Compassion, exemplary behavior, and balanced discipline will help children build a good sense of self and self-control,” she added.
Prof Dwi invited all parties to build empowered and characterful Indonesian families by strengthening the synergy between families, communities, and the government. “We need to move together, not only by imparting knowledge, but also by instilling values of kindness and exemplary behavior in our daily practices,” she concluded. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)
