Bali agency backs 'Father Takes Children to School' movement, citing cultural alignment

The Indonesian Ministry of Population and Family Development (BKKBN) in Bali has lauded the "Father Takes Children to School" (GAMAS) movement, stating it perfectly aligns with the cultural role of men in Bali. The agency views this initiative as consistent with local values that position fathers not only as breadwinners but also as primary guides responsible for imparting values, traditions, and dharma to the next generation.

Ni Luh Gede Sukardiasih, head of BKKBN Bali, observed a noticeable increase in fathers accompanying their children on the first day of the 2026 school year. While mothers still constitute a significant presence, Sukardiasih expressed delight at the growing number of fathers actively participating. This increased involvement, she noted, contributes significantly to children's emotional development, academic achievement, and character building.

BKKBN Bali considers a father's presence on the first day of school a powerful symbol of commitment to their child's ongoing growth. The agency emphasizes that this investment of time, however brief, is invaluable for a child's future and supports the creation of quality families. Sukardiasih stated that the spirit of this cultural value is precisely what GAMAS aims to foster.

Addressing potential conflicts between work responsibilities and school drop-offs, BKKBN Bali stressed the need for balance rather than opposition. The agency welcomed a circular from the Minister of Population and Family Development regarding GAMAS, which has been reinforced by local government directives offering flexibility in work hours for civil servants on the first day of school. This policy underscores the view that child-rearing is a collective effort contributing to the development of quality human resources.