Laughter and excitement filled Wisma Pojok on Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, as children from different communities across Yogyakarta gathered with a shared purpose: to learn, listen, and inspire one another. More than just another weekend activity, the event marked the Second Children’s Forum of 2026, organized by The Dreamhouse Indonesia Foundation as part of the celebration of Indonesia’s National Children’s Day 2026.
A total of 45 children from the Foundation’s Education Centers in Tlukan, Wonocatur, Sidomulyo, Jogoyudan, and the Children Crisis Center (CCC) Kalasan participated in the forum, which carried the theme “Becoming Change-Makers to Support Victims of Bullying in Our Communities.” The theme reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to equipping children with the knowledge and confidence to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying in their daily lives.
For The Dreamhouse Indonesia Foundation, the Children’s Forum is more than an educational event—it is a meaningful platform where children are encouraged to express their opinions, share personal experiences, and actively participate in finding solutions to issues that affect their lives. By creating a safe and inclusive space, the Foundation seeks to empower children as active contributors to building healthier communities.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of bullying. Following the opening session and energizing ice-breakers, children explored different forms of bullying that occur in schools, neighborhoods, and online spaces. Through small-group discussions, presentations, reflection sessions, and a collective declaration, they examined the emotional and social impact of bullying while identifying practical ways to support victims and prevent further harm.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of the discussions was the children’s growing awareness that standing against bullying does not always require confronting the bully directly. They discovered that listening to a friend, offering encouragement, reporting incidents to trusted adults, and refusing to participate in ridicule are all powerful actions that can make a significant difference in a victim’s life.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration in protecting children. The forum was fully supported by Rotary Club of Jogja Merapi, with the broader Rotary network in the Yogyakarta area contributing to the success of the event. Adding to the spirit of youth leadership, the President of Interact Club Malioboro—Rotary’s service organization for young people—attended the forum together with two fellow members, demonstrating that young leaders can play an active role in promoting child protection and positive social change.
This partnership between civil society organizations and Rotary reinforces a shared belief that creating safe environments for children is a collective responsibility. Families, schools, community organizations, and young volunteers all have important roles in ensuring that every child grows up in an atmosphere of dignity, respect, and safety.
The forum concluded with all participants making a Declaration as Anti-Bullying Change-Makers, publicly committing themselves to become advocates for kindness, empathy, and inclusion within their schools and communities. More than a symbolic ceremony, the declaration represented each child’s personal commitment to becoming part of the solution.
Through its Second Children’s Forum of 2026, The Dreamhouse Indonesia Foundation hopes to nurture a generation of children who understand their rights, have the courage to protect one another, and are prepared to become leaders of positive change. As Indonesia celebrates National Children’s Day 2026, the Foundation reaffirms its belief that every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment—free from violence, rich in opportunities to participate, and empowered to make their voices heard.
Because when children are given the opportunity to speak, to be heard, and to participate, they do not simply become beneficiaries of change—they become the change-makers themselves.