Jakarta. Tanoto Foundation, in collaboration with Indonesia’s ministries overseeing women’s empowerment and education, has launched a new children’s storybook aimed at helping families manage young children’s screen time more effectively in the digital era.

The illustrated book, titled “Mission for Raka”, was introduced in Jakarta on Wednesday by the Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, the Primary and Secondary Education Ministry, and Tanoto Foundation.

The initiative comes as digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in daily family life, including among young children, while concerns grow over excessive gadget use and its impact on child development.

Without proper guidance and supervision, excessive screen exposure can reduce children’s opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, environmental exploration, and age-appropriate learning experiences, organizers said.

According to 2024 data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), nearly 39.71% of early-age children spend more than two hours per day accessing digital media. Meanwhile, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association recommends that children aged two to six should spend no more than one hour per day in front of screens and only with parental supervision.

The new book targets children aged three to eight and is designed not only to encourage screen-free activities but also to serve as a practical guide for parents navigating digital parenting challenges at home.

Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi stressed the importance of strengthening the family’s role in supporting children in the digital era.

“Without clear supervision that prioritizes children’s best interests, excessive gadget use risks disrupting children’s basic developmental needs, including physical activity, social interaction, and age-appropriate learning experiences,” Arifah said.

She described “Mission for Raka” as an educational tool intended to help parents and children build dialogue while rediscovering the joy of physical activities and healthy face-to-face interaction.

“It takes collaboration from many parties to ensure Indonesian children grow optimally — not only parents, teachers, and the government, but also other stakeholders. That is why we are collaborating with the Education Ministry and Tanoto Foundation, which share the same vision,” she added.

Rita Pranawati, special staff for inclusive education and educational equality at the Education Ministry, said responses to digital-era challenges must evolve alongside technological developments.

“In today’s fast-moving digital era, which brings challenges ranging from gadget addiction to low digital literacy, education must respond not only academically but also through strengthening fundamental character values,” Rita said.

She added that the book aligns with the ministry’s “Seven Habits of Great Indonesian Children” movement, which promotes positive character development among children.

Tanoto Foundation Head of Policy and Advocacy Eddy Henry said strengthening caregivers’ capacity and providing alternative non-digital activities are essential for supporting children’s growth and development.

“Technology has become part of everyday family life. However, young children still need space to move, play, read, create, and build real social interaction. Through this book, we want to offer a more positive approach — not only limiting gadget use, but also introducing meaningful and enjoyable alternative activities for children,” Eddy said.

Founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto, Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organization focused on education and health.

The organization previously released three other children’s books in partnership with the ministries, including “Rubrik Unik Korona” in 2021, which focused on pandemic education, “Saat Noni Datang” in 2022 on emotional literacy, and “Bisa atau Tidak, Ya?” in 2024, promoting independence among young children.

As the fourth title in the series, “Mission for Raka” highlights four main #FunWithoutScreens activities: movement, kindness, reading, and creativity.

The book also includes practical parenting guidance built around the “3S” principles — screen time, screen break, and screen zone — aimed at helping families create healthier and more balanced home environments.

To broaden access nationwide, the book is available in print and can also be downloaded free of charge through Tanoto Foundation.

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