The 2026-2030 cooperation program between the Indonesian government and UNICEF covers various aspects, particularly in the areas of nutrition, health, education, climate action, environment, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, and social policy.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) — Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar supports and appreciates the launch of the 2026-2030 cooperation program between the Indonesian government and UNICEF, initiated by the Ministry of National Development Planning.

The theme of the cooperation program is ’Together for Every Indonesian Child,’ the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs stated on its website on Monday (Apr. 20).

The minister emphasized that protecting children is a great trust in every religious teaching. Therefore, the involvement of religious elements is key to the program's effectiveness.

"For the Ministry of Religious Affairs, this is extremely important because for all religious communities in Indonesia, and even abroad, wherever their religion exists, children are a great trust," he said in his remarks at the program's launch in Jakarta on Monday (Apr. 20).

The minister emphasized that using a religious language approach is crucial so that the main mission of this collaborative program can penetrate even the deepest levels of community life, which may be beyond formal control.

"If we use religious language, even in the deepest levels uncontrolled by anyone, if religion works, then, God willing, the main mission of our program will be very important," he explained.

The minister also highlighted the importance of monitoring the development of religious understanding to prevent children from becoming victims of radicalism or inappropriate liberalism.

He expressed concern about the practice of exploiting children, who are often forced into adulthood prematurely for the sake of certain ideals, thus hindering their right to education.

"Often, when radicalization of religious understanding occurs, the first victims are children and women. Children are often exploited as targets of radical ideology, their childhood is lost, stolen by an unclear idealism," the minister said.

He emphasized his ministry’s commitment to collaborating with relevant government agencies to oversee the program's effective implementation within the community.

This synergy is believed to be a solid foundation towards the future vision of a Golden Indonesia.

 "We at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with relevant government agencies, will oversee these very important programs to ensure their true effectiveness... so we are very optimistic that Indonesia will truly reach the Golden Indonesia phase that we all hope for in the future," he said.

This strategic cooperation program covers various aspects, particularly in the areas of: nutrition, health, education, climate action, environment, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, and social policy.

By engaging multiple parties, this collaboration is expected to enhance synergy between the central and regional governments in serving the public, particularly in the protection and rights of children.

Reporting by Indonesia Window