Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development (Wamendukbangga) Ratu Ayu Isyana Bagoes Oka emphasized the importance of parents continuously engaging with their children’s interests and promoting physical activities to prevent addiction to games and gadgets. Speaking at the Double Check discussion on The Role of Family Development in Welcoming a Golden Indonesia 2045, organized by the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) and Gempita in Jakarta, Isyana highlighted the need for parents to keep up with current technology and online applications as children tend to learn quickly. She pointed out that children often seek instant gratification through social media and online games, leading to addictive behavior. Isyana suggested that engaging in sports, outdoor activities, and exposure to sunlight can also provide the dopamine boost that children seek, emphasizing the importance of physical movement for overall well-being.
Veronica Tan, Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, shared details about the Ruang Bersama Indonesia (RBI) program during the discussion. RBI aims to create safe and inclusive spaces for women, children, and communities to empower, learn, play, and unleash creativity. Tan hopes that through programs like RBI, children will have access to safe environments to participate in traditional and creative games, sports, and reduce reliance on gadgets to prevent addiction.