National Children's Day

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in Indonesia, Lesson 17 - National Children's Day

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Indonesia Series at IndonesianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Indonesian holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 17, National Children's Day. In Indonesian, it’s called Hari Anak Nasional.

National Children's Day is an important national day, or in Indonesian hari nasional, that has been celebrated since 1986. It was originally the idea of Soeharto, the second president of the Republic of Indonesia, who saw children as important assets for the nation's development. In 1984, the Government declared July 23 as National Children's Day.

In this lesson, we’ll talk about the various ways this day is commemorated.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What is the most popular Indonesian children's song?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. So, keep listening.

The events commemorating National Children's Day are usually organized during the preceding year by all segments of the nation, including the Ministry, government institutions, the private sector, provincial government levels, the general population, and by Indonesian representatives abroad. This cross-society effort shows the government's serious stance towards fostering the most important asset of Indonesia’s future, children, or in Indonesian anak-anak.

The children's carnival is the hallmark activity of National Children's Day. During this carnival, in Indonesian pronounced karnaval, children are introduced to various ethnic groups and indigenous cultures living in Indonesia. Children march in pairs showing off regional apparel from various provinces. Meanwhile, on the side of the road, spectators gather to watch and cheer the junior models. This carnival is also livened up by a kindergarten marching band, and the traditional dances to the Rebana Shalawat performance.

A traditional games festival is also held to revive traditional pastimes in the modern era. Although modern digital games are more familiar, children are still attracted to the various traditional games, such as jamuran, where children hold hands while singing and moving in circle; egrang or stilt walking; gobak sodor, a 2-team game in which each team tries to break through their opponent’s hands to win; tekongan, a variation of hide and seek that involves throwing chips; and petak umpet or hide and seek. These games instill the value of cooperation in children.

Another one of these traditional games is the slow bicycle race. Unlike a usual bicycle race, whoever reaches the finish line last is the winner. Of course, the participants who fall along the track are disqualified.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What is the most popular Indonesian children's song?

The answer is Balonku, or in English, My Balloon. Here are the lyrics – Balonku ada lima / Rupa-rupa warnanya / Hijau, kuning, kelabu / Merah muda dan biru / Meletus balon hijau Doorrr! / Hatiku sangat kacau / Balonku tinggal empat / Kupegang erat-erat.

In English these lyrics mean – I have five balloons / All sorts of colors / Green, yellow, gray / Pink and blue / The green balloon explodes – POP! / My heart is very disturbed / I have four balloons left / I hold them tight.