New provincial directive encourages fathers to actively engage in children’s education and growth
A small but meaningful presence can shape a child’s future. In Indonesia’s Riau Islands, a new policy is placing fathers at the center of a critical educational moment, reinforcing family bonds while supporting long-term social development.
Provincial Support for Active Fatherhood
The Governor of Kepulauan Riau, Ansar Ahmad, has officially issued a Circular Letter on the implementation of Gerakan Mengambil Rapor Bersama Ayah, or GEMAR. The initiative encourages fathers to accompany their children when collecting school report cards, emphasizing the importance of paternal involvement in education and caregiving.
Alignment With National Family Programs
According to Rohina, M.Si, Head of the BKKBN Representative Office in Kepulauan Riau, the policy aligns with a national directive from the Ministry of Population and Family Development. GEMAR forms part of the Gerakan Ayah Teladan Indonesia program, which promotes positive father figures across the country.
Local Governments and Workplace Flexibility
The circular urges regents and mayors throughout Kepulauan Riau to encourage male civil servants and private sector workers with school-age children to take part. Importantly, the policy allows time dispensation during report card collection periods, ensuring fathers can attend without work-related obstacles.
More Than Academic Results
Rohina emphasized that a father’s presence during report card collection goes beyond academic performance. It helps strengthen emotional bonds, builds children’s self-confidence, and supports early character development, all of which are essential for healthy family dynamics.
Supporting Family Resilience and Public Health
Consistent father involvement, she added, plays a role in strengthening family resilience and supporting broader government goals, including efforts to reduce stunting in Kepulauan Riau. Active parenting is seen as a key foundation for long-term human development.
Commitment to Province-Wide Implementation
BKKBN Kepulauan Riau has expressed readiness to collaborate with provincial and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to ensure GEMAR is effectively socialized and implemented across the region. The agency hopes fathers will fully utilize the opportunity for their children’s benefit.
The GEMAR initiative reflects a growing recognition that education and family well-being are shared responsibilities. By normalizing fathers’ involvement in everyday academic milestones, Kepulauan Riau sets an example that resonates beyond Indonesia, including for neighboring Singapore, where work-life balance and parental engagement remain ongoing conversations.
Sources: Tribun Batam (2025) , Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Gerakan Mengambil Rapor Bersama Ayah, GEMAR Policy, Father Involvement, Child Development, Kepulauan Riau Government
