Cheers and applause echoed across the stage at the 2026 Obi Children's Festival. One by one, students stepped forward to perform traditional dances, answer quiz questions, and showcase their talents. Before an audience of teachers, parents, and community members, around 200 students from Kawasi and Soligi villages found the confidence to perform in public and celebrate their abilities.
Held under the theme "Joyful Obi, Child-Friendly Obi," the festival was part of Indonesia's National Children's Day celebration on Obi Island. Students from primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools took part in a range of activities, from traditional dance performances to the Class of Champion academic challenge. More than a competition, the festival gave young people an opportunity to express themselves, discover their strengths, and learn through experience.
Suryo Aji, Community Development Superintendent at Harita Nickel, said the festival was designed to create an enjoyable learning environment while encouraging children to believe in themselves and develop the confidence to perform in front of others.
"We want children to have a place where they can learn, express themselves, and believe in themselves. This festival is only the starting point. Through Sanggar Anak, we hope to provide continuous opportunities for them to keep learning, creating, and growing," he said.
For educators, experiences like these offer valuable lessons that cannot always be gained in the classroom. Dameria Silaya, a teacher at SMP Negeri 39 South Halmahera, has seen that change firsthand.
"Children who are usually quiet or shy become much more confident when given the opportunity to perform. Experiences like this help build self-confidence, and that will stay with them as they face new challenges in the future," she said.
One of those students was Fahril Muhlis from SMA Negeri 39 South Halmahera. Although he admitted feeling nervous before taking the stage, he decided to challenge himself by joining the competition.
"I'm actually not a very confident person. But through this event, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I hope it also encourages my friends to be brave enough to show what they're capable of," he said.
The festival also marks the beginning of a longer journey. Harita Nickel plans to launch Sanggar Anak, a monthly enrichment programme that will provide regular opportunities for children to explore the arts, develop creativity, strengthen practical skills, and showcase their work. The programme is designed to ensure that the enthusiasm generated during the festival continues long after the event has ended.
Bambang Bakir, Head of Social Welfare Affairs at the Kawasi Village Government, welcomed the initiative, saying children benefit from having more opportunities to develop their talents while building character.
"We hope programmes like this will continue. The more opportunities children have to learn and gain the confidence to perform, the greater their chances of developing their full potential," he said.
For many students, the Obi Children's Festival was their first opportunity to perform before a large audience. With Sanggar Anak set to begin, Harita Nickel hopes that first step will grow into a lasting journey—one that gives young people the confidence to keep learning, expressing themselves, and reaching their full potential for years to come.