On Saturday 23rd July Kang Guru attended 'Hari Anak National' at Taman Menteng Jakarta. This event provided an opportunity for representatives from the child protection and juvenile justice sectors, six AusAID funded organisations and the wider public to celebrate the rights of the child. The Indonesian Legal Resource Centre, Jakarta Legal Institute, The Indonesian Legal Institute, The Children's Legal Aid Institute in Aceh and the Child Protection Body of East Java received funding from the Australian Government to continue their juvenile rights and justice. These organisations work to increase people's awareness of child rights, provide free legal services to street children, and train paralegals who work on child protection cases. 

The event was opened by Paul Robilliard, Australia's Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia. In his speech he said Australia is helping Indonesia to build a juvenile justice system that respects child rights. 'As is the case anywhere in the world, child offenders should not be treated in the same way as adult criminals. The system needs to protect their well-being. Australia is proud to fund the dedicated work of these six selected non-government organisations working to improve juvenile justice and child protection,' said Mr Robilliard.

Prof Irwanto from Pusat Kajian Anak Universitas Indonesia also spoke about the importance of protecting the rights of the child. During the day children's activities and games were provided by Bamboo Production and proved very popular with the young visitors. There was always a crowd waiting to join in the tug-of-war and the racing events such as the sack race, the marble and spoon race and the balloon race.

Boys were lining up to kick footballs at a target. One of the funniest games was the krupuk on a string game which was never short of giggling participants. Kang Guru met students from Mama Sayang Orphanage, Jonggol, Bogor and PA Dorkas in Jakarta Pusat. Ester, a student at Mama Sayang Orphanage, had fantastic English. She told Kang Guru she had been awarded a scholarship from Rotary and went to live in Australia for a year.

When the children had had enough of the more energetic games here were also quieter activities such as puzzles, painting, learning to tie knots and kite making. Local food and drinks such as Kelapa muda, satay, gado-gado and steamed cakes were available for the hungry and thirsty participants. Look at the photos – a fun day for all.