Jakarta, May 20, 2025 — The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) through the Character Strengthening Center (Puspeka) in collaboration with the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of Kemendikdasmen held a National Seminar attended by more than 250 offline participants and 2,500 online participants from all over Indonesia, including teachers, parents, DWP administrators, and the education community.

"We don't need to always explain the reasons behind every habit. Just make it a habit. Children will understand its meaning through regular practice, which ultimately shapes character," said the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, while opening the national seminar "The Role of Parents in Shaping the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children" (May 19).

This seminar is part of a series commemorating National Education Month and International Family Day. The goal is to strengthen collaboration between families and schools in building Indonesia's golden generation through character education, starting with instilling good daily habits in children.

In his remarks, Abdul Mu'ti emphasized that character building in children begins with simple, consistent practices. He introduced the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children (7KAIH) Movement, which includes: waking up early, praying, exercising, eating healthily and nutritiously, enjoying learning, being social, and going to bed early.

"Parents' role models are the primary determinant. Schools only provide support; the center of education remains the family," he stressed.

In a report, the Head of the DWP of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Marlina Hafidz Muksin, stated that the seminar demonstrated support for character-building programs through collaboration between teachers and parents. "The togetherness and participation of all participants demonstrates the synergy between the DWP, teachers, parents, and the community," Marlina stated.

This event featured speakers from practitioners and psychologists to share insights and best practices in a seminar session titled "The Role of Parents in Shaping the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children." The speakers agreed that developing these habits is not solely the responsibility of schools; parents and families play a crucial role as the center of a child's education.

Neliana Puspita, a psychologist at the Psychomedia Center, emphasized the importance of consistency and parental role models. "Parents are the first and foremost role models. Children will imitate, not just listen."

This echoes the sentiment expressed by Sogi Indra Dhuaja, co-founder of Ayah ASI Indonesia, who highlighted the role of fathers in fostering positive habits. "Father involvement in daily routines strengthens emotional bonds and naturally forms good habits."

On the occasion, Rita Pranawati, who served as Commissioner of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) for two terms, 2014–2017 and 2017–2022, reminded the attendees of the need for a child-friendly approach to character development. "Character education cannot be separated from child protection. Children who feel psychologically safe will more easily absorb values and develop positive habits."

Dharma Wanita Persatuan Collaboration

Teti Aminudin Aziz, Head of Education for the Central DWP, praised the event as a concrete effort to build synergy between parties. "This seminar is excellent. I'm very pleased because it's one of the programs the community, especially teachers at school and parents at home, has been waiting for," she said.

"It can't be just schools that implement it. Children's habits start from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. Therefore, collaboration between teachers and parents is crucial," he added.

She also emphasized the Central DWP's readiness to expand the program's impact. "The Central Dharma Wanita Persatuan covers 84 ministries/institutions and 38 provinces. This presents a significant opportunity to collaborate and promote the 7 Habits of Great Indonesian Children Movement at the regional level."

Through this seminar, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education hopes that collaboration with the DWP will foster stronger synergy between families, schools, and communities in shaping a healthy, intelligent, and character-based generation.