Through Literary Works, the Voices of Indonesian Children Are Presented as Subjects Worthy of Being Heard and Protected
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS.COM – Through literary works, the voices of Indonesian children are presented not as mere accessories, but as subjects worthy of being heard, respected, and protected.
This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Veronika Tan, in her welcoming remarks read by Dra. Eko Novi Aryanti Rahayu Damayanti, Msi, Assistant Deputy for Coordination of the Implementation of Children’s Rights Fulfillment Policy for Region II.
At the launch and discussion of the poetry and short story anthology “Kepak Sayap Bunda” (Red and White Children Are Not Afraid of Problems) with the Indonesian Literary Inspiration Park (TISI)—moderated by Rissa Churria—at the HB. Jassin Literary Documentation Center (PDS), 4th Floor of the Panjang Building, Jakarta Arts Center (PKJ) Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Jakarta on Monday afternoon (December 22, 2025), to commemorate Mother’s Day 2025.
“Coinciding with Mother’s Day on Tuesday, December 22, 2025, the presence of this anthology of poetry and short stories will serve as a reminder that nurturing, affection, and protection are the main foundations for a child’s growth and development,” she said.
According to her, the 542-page anthology of poetry and short stories “Kepak Sayap Bunda” (Red and White Children Are Not Afraid of Problems) is a work born of concern, courage, and love for Indonesian children.
“The works in this book portray the world of children with honest language, touching on hopes, wounds, courage, and dreams that continue to grow despite limitations,” he said.
He further stated that families cannot carry out their parenting role alone. Strong parenting at home needs to be supported by a caring community. When children leave home, they encounter school, peers, public spaces, and the digital world.
“This is where the role of the community becomes crucial as an extension of family parenting. The Indonesian Literary Insoirasi Park is a concrete example of how a community can become a safe and growing space for children. The stories it tells can be an inspiration for Indonesian families,” he explained.
Deputy Minister Veronica Tan, in closing her remarks, reiterated that through literature and spaces of expression, children are given the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings, and life experiences safely and with dignity.
“Literature serves as a bridge of empathy, strengthening connections between people, while fostering children’s courage to recognize and express themselves,” she concluded.
Octavianus Masheka, Chairman of the Indonesian Literary Inspiration Park (TISI), who opened the literary event, expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Veronica Tan, for her significant contribution to the publication of this book.
“This is proof that the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) pays great attention to the issues of mothers and children, expressed in literary works. I am truly concerned about the condition of children in Indonesia who still experience child abuse. I hope this anthology of poetry and short stories will be beneficial,” he said.
The Pulse of Humanity
Meanwhile, Nasruddin Djoko Surjono, Head of the Jakarta Provincial Library and Archives Service (Kadispusip), stated that literature is the pulse of humanity.
It holds voices not always heard in formal spaces: anxiety, wounds, hope, and love. Through literature, the stories of mothers, including those facing disasters, do not fade into statistics but live on as stories, memories, and lessons for humanity.
“For this reason, I express my highest appreciation to the Indonesian Literature Inspiration Park (TISI), which has consistently nurtured literature as a space of support, a space where humanitarian values are continuously preserved and voiced,” he said.
Over the past few years, he continued, the literary space has become a partner in policy dialogue, a place where the values of protection, love, and support are voiced humanely.
From one anthology to the next, until today’s “Kepak Sayap Bunda,” the government’s presence has not been as a director, but as a listener and amplifier, opening up space for literature to become part of efforts to safeguard the future of Indonesian children.
“The strength of this anthology of poetry and short stories also lies in the unity of voices. Around 190 poets and 90 short story writers from across the archipelago have united their feelings and concerns. This demonstrates that Indonesian literature is alive and sensitive, present to address the most fundamental issues in human life,” he said.
The poetry and short story anthology “Kepak Sayap Bunda” (Red and White Children Are Not Afraid of Problems) teaches us that protection doesn’t always come in the form of power or a loud voice, but rather through calm, presence, and example.
“From the serenity of a mother, child’s courage is born. From a sincere embrace, resilience grows in facing problems,” he concluded.
Poetry Reading Parade
In a literary discussion—which included poetry readings in commemoration of Mother’s Day 2025—speaker Reza Indragiri, Master of Forensic Psychology, touched on data from SIMFONI-PPA (July 2025), which stated that there were 15,615 cases of violence against children, the majority aged 13-17. Ironically, this occurs in the home environment, which should be a safe and comfortable space.
“Most children who are victims of violence will not become perpetrators. However, it is certain that most children who become perpetrators will actually become victims. “The children of the red and white are not afraid of problems; they are not afraid of problems because we shine a light from the right door. Hopefully, they are afraid of problems because we shine a light from the left door,” he concluded.
The poetry reading parade—preceded by a musical poetry adaptation by guitarist Rinidiyanti Ayahbi—was followed by performances by Fanny Jonathans Poyk, Kurnia Effendi, Halimah Munawir, Nurhayati, Indar, and Jamal Rahman Iroth, paired with their son, Arung Larik Pramudya Rahman (7 years old) from Bolangmongondow, North Sulawesi, Farinnisa, and Ferlynda Natasya Andreana.
Also in attendance as guests at the literary event were poets and writers such as Imam Ma’arif, Remmy Novaris DM, Pulo Lasman Simanjuntak, Giyanto Subagio, Erwan Juhara, Shobir Poer, Nuyang J, Arieg Joko Wicaksono, and many more. (***)
Contributor: Lasman Simanjuntak
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