A Stage for Children to Express Theirselves

On November 21, 2025, Plan Indonesia’s Let’s Together Improve Health Education & Parenting (MEKAR) program held an International Children’s Day celebration at the Rawa Badak Selatan RPTRA (Recreational Place for Children) in North Jakarta. This event provided a safe space for children and families to celebrate their rights: the right to play, express themselves, learn, and grow in a supportive environment.

The play-based learning RPTRA transformed into an arena full of color, laughter, and togetherness. Children from 11 neighborhood associations (RW) and various early childhood education (PAUD) schools in Rawa Badak Selatan attended with their families to participate in various activities designed to strengthen children’s creativity and emotional bonds within families.

One element that enriched this year’s event was the involvement of five staff members from bioMérieux, a MEKAR program donor, who were present as part of the staff engagement program. They collaborated with the implementation team and the community to serve as judges in various competition categories. Their presence not only added to the excitement of the event but also demonstrated the strong commitment of the supporting partners to ensuring that children and families have the best possible experience at this celebration.

The Father-Son Storytelling Competition was a touching moment, showcasing the warm interaction between fathers and children as they shared stories. Elsewhere, the children were fully engaged in the coloring contest, while cheerful voices could be heard during the singing session. The poetry reading competition showcased the children’s courage and honesty as they shared their dreams. The atmosphere transformed into laughter and applause during the Family Fashion Show, where families displayed unity and confidence.

This celebration not only provided fun but also emphasized the importance of warm interactions in parenting, as well as the role of public spaces like RPTRAs in supporting play-based learning.

Here is a list of winners from each competition category:

Family Fashion Show Competition Winners

• 1st Place: Jadira
  • 2nd Place: Qisya
  • 3rd Place: Felliza

Poetry Reading Competition Winners

• 1st Place: Azka
  • 2nd Place: Vina
  • 3rd Place: Nazia

Storytelling Competition Winners (Father & Child)

• 1st Place: Firdaus
  • 2nd Place: Zahir
  • 3rd Place: Shifa

Singing Competition Winners

• 1st Place: Zevania
  • 2nd Place: Assyifa
  • 3rd Place: Kalisha

Coloring Competition Winners

• 1st Place: Syafi
  • 2nd Place: Nauren
  • 3rd Place: Khairin

This International Children’s Day celebration with MEKAR once again demonstrates that when children, families, communities, and partners work together, a child-friendly environment can be achieved. growing significantly. With the support of bioMérieux, HKO, and the Rawa Badak Selatan community, MEKAR will continue to promote safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for Indonesian children.

“Thank you to Plan for organizing the International Children’s Day event in the South Rawabadak sub-district. This event was very beneficial for channeling children’s hidden talents and fostering their courage,” said one BKB HI parent.