Jakarta, November 13, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesia commemorated the 61st National Health Day (HKN) on Wednesday under the theme “Healthy Generation for a Great Future,” highlighting the vital role of fathers in nurturing the mental and physical well-being of children. The celebration, which coincides with National Father’s Day, underscored the importance of family involvement in building a healthy and resilient future generation.
The Health Ministry’s Director for Vulnerable People’s Healthcare, Imran Pambudi, emphasized that both parents play essential roles during a child’s growth and development, particularly in helping children understand appropriate gender roles and family dynamics.
He warned that the absence of a father figure can negatively impact children’s emotional and behavioral development. “A father is very important because he serves as a protector and shows that one must work,” Pambudi said, adding that without a strong paternal presence, children may feel unprotected or unsupported — conditions that can lead to anxiety and, in severe cases, depression.
“If depression goes untreated, it can become severe, potentially leading to schizophrenia or even suicide,” he cautioned.
Pambudi also noted that children deprived of positive paternal role models may seek guidance in the wrong environments, leading to risky behaviors such as smoking or substance abuse. “The absence of a good father figure can weaken a person’s mental health, making them more vulnerable to unhealthy lifestyles and poor decisions,” he explained.
He further stressed that the presence alone of a father is not sufficient — the quality of his example matters greatly. “A father might be present, but if he smokes every day, eats junk food, or stays up all night, his child may think, ‘Ah, so this is what being an adult looks like,’” Pambudi said. “Both parents must serve as positive examples of a healthy lifestyle.”
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, addressing the commemoration ceremony, noted that about 84 million Indonesian children will reach productive age by 2045 — the centennial of Indonesia’s independence.
“We have only two decades to ensure they grow into a healthy and strong generation,” Minister Sadikin said, calling for joint efforts from families, communities, and government institutions to create an environment that supports holistic health and well-being.
The 61st National Health Day celebration reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to cultivating a future generation that is physically healthy, mentally resilient, and ready to contribute to the nation’s continued progress.
