Statement Attributable to Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Representative in Indonesia on the Occasion of National Children’s Day 2025

JAKARTA, 23 July 2025 — On this National Children’s Day, UNICEF joins the Government of Indonesia and our partners in celebrating every child across this vast archipelago. We take this opportunity to recognize the significant strides made in improving children’s lives in Indonesia—from reducing malnutrition and expanding access to essential health services, to increasing access to quality education, including 21st-century skills. Indonesia is also making important progress in ensuring safe water and sanitation and protecting children from violence, including online risks.

UNICEF commends the Government of Indonesia for its unwavering commitment to advancing children’s rights, particularly over the past decade. We also applaud the bold and accelerated investments in child-focused programmes under President Prabowo’s “Quick Wins” initiative—efforts that are central to realizing the ambitious vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. UNICEF remains steadfast in our partnership with the government at both national and subnational levels, to support every child’s right to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Children are the heart of this nation’s future. They will shape its prosperity, drive its development, and bring its aspirations to life. As children grow healthy, strong, curious, and creative, they will dream without limits and unlock their boundless potential—a journey UNICEF is proud to support. Children are not only recipients of services and support, but also changemakers themselves. Let us listen to their voices and involve them in matters affecting their present and their future, at home, in the community, and in government policies.

UNICEF salutes parents and caregivers, who lay the foundation for children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual development. We believe every parent deserves support—from family, community, and government. That’s why UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Indonesia and partners in supporting programmes aimed to offer parents with knowledge and services. We are also launching a new online resource hub on UNICEF’s website, offering age-appropriate tips to support parents at various stages of their child’s growth.

We also extend our gratitude to the frontline heroes—including governors, mayors, regency heads, community leaders, as well as health workers, teachers, social workers, and all those who work tirelessly to give children the best possible start in life.

While we celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge the challenges that remain. Many children still face barriers due to poverty, disability, or geographic isolation. Emerging threats—such as the climate crisis and digital risks—demand urgent and united action.

As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Realizing the rights of every child requires the collective effort of all sectors— including the government, civil society, the private sector, the media, and the donor community. Together, we share the responsibility of creating a world where every child can flourish. When every child’s rights are realized, we uplift societies and entire nations—today and for generations to come.