Though classified as simple, a magic trick shown by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to students in Pekanbaru, Riau, made quite an impression.
The children, who were present for the commemoration of National Children\'s Day on Sunday (23/7), were amused by the President’s magic trick.
Fun games in line with their age, inspirational entertainment and a warm atmosphere of intimacy are what Indonesian children crave as they face fresh challenges triggered by the advancement of science and technology, and widespread social changes.
Having the opportunity to meet with the President, of course, would fill any child with pride, especially as Indonesian children are known to face a cumbersome education system that requires many tasks and memorizations, but lacks recreation and inspiration.
Experts frequently refer to the educational system of Scandinavian countries, which successfully generates creativity, among others, by reducing the duration and the burden of the curriculum.
In recent months, reports on child abuse and bullying have become more frequent, with children not only as victims of such incidents, but also as perpetrators.
We need to explore the complex causes of bullying. In the advancement of social media, we see signs that this new medium is being misused by netizens to gain recognition.
Bullying is only one of a series of issues related to children. Another issue, which is related to economic conditions, is that the schooling period for many Indonesian children is still a concern, with an average of only 5.5 years of education – or almost equivalent to elementary school.
Is this not troubling?
There have been discussions about Indonesia’s demographic bonus, which is predicted to arrive in about a decade, when the country will see a peak in the number of people at their productive age.
However, how can Indonesia benefit from the bonus when these people do not have the adequate skills or competencies to push the country forward?
Today, we often speak about the millennial generation (Generation Y), which is beginning to occupy important positions in companies. President Jokowi has even touched on the roles of the next generation (Generation Z).
Times are challenging. Indonesia’s children will be part of a future that – if they are properly prepared – will offer them a bright and prosperous period.
The dream of a State Elementary 36 student in Riau of wanting to become a famous YouTuber so he can have many subscribers and make lots of money, reflects the aspirations of children today; conventional professions, such as physicians or engineers, are disregarded.
Therefore, today’s educators will need to direct these children in the best possible way to give them the necessary skills to become a successful YouTuber.
Times have changed. Let us support the Indonesian children in pursuing their dreams of entering this phenomenal new world.