Budi Setiyono, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Family Development, has emphasized the irreplaceable role of fathers in raising children, stating that their presence can never be substituted by artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Budi, the greatest challenge facing Indonesian families today is no longer physical oppression but the growing influence of digital algorithms, which have the potential to erode the role of parents—particularly fathers—in shaping their children’s character.
“Digital devices, social media, and AI are increasingly influencing the way children think and behave,” Budi said during the 33rd National Family Day (Harganas) celebration in Yogyakarta, as quoted by Antara News Agency on Monday, June 29, 2026.
He warned that the rapid advancement of technology and AI could weaken family relationships while gradually undermining the nation’s core values. Therefore, he stressed that the National Family Day commemoration should serve not merely as a ceremonial event but as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of family values, which have been the foundation of the nation since Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
“A father’s responsibility goes beyond providing financial support. He must also be present in his children’s lives, serving as a role model, offering protection, and guiding them through the various challenges of the modern era,” he said.
Budi believes that a father’s presence is the first line of defense in building children’s character and resilience, enabling them to navigate the risks of the digital age.
For children growing up without a father, the government encourages the broader community to step in as a support system. Teachers, neighbors, extended family members, religious leaders, caregivers, and community leaders are expected to provide guidance and support so that every child continues to receive the care, mentorship, and protection they need.
Meanwhile, Minister of Population and Family Development and Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), Wihaji, urged fathers not to allow their families to become emotionally isolated or Indonesia to become a “fatherless country” as a consequence of rapid technological advancement.***
