02 August 2025
From July 30 to August 1, 2025, hundreds of children from across Obi Island gathered in the New Settlement Area of Kawasi Village to take part in the 2025 Obi Children’s Day Festival, a warm celebration nurturing creativity, character, and friendship that transcended school boundaries.
Organized by Harita Nickel to commemorate Indonesia’s National Children’s Day, the festival carried the theme “Joyful Obi, Bright Future.” A total of 679 participants from 43 schools, from early childhood education (PAUD) to senior high school, joined various competitions in arts, literacy, and quizzes.
“This festival reflects our commitment to building a social environment that supports children’s growth and development, rejects child labor, and upholds their fundamental rights,” said Ifan Farianda, Community Development Manager at Harita Nickel.
The initiative also marks the beginning of the “Child-Friendly Village” program, which is expected to continue and expand to reach more areas.
One of the festival’s main attractions was the Clash of Champions quiz competition for junior and senior high school students. SMP 13 South Halmahera clinched the junior high title, while SMAN 06 South Halmahera took top honors in the senior high category.
Children also enjoyed an inspiring storytelling session with professional storyteller Mochammad Awam Prakoso, affectionately known as Kak Awam, who delivered tales rich with messages on the importance of good character.
The gathering brought together children from remote corners of Obi Island, many meeting peers from other villages for the first time. “This is the first time they’ve met on such a large scale. It gives them a glimpse of a world beyond their villages,” Ifan noted.
For Saimah Kasuba, Head of the Provincial Education Branch Office for the South Halmahera region, the festival stood out as a model of productive collaboration between the private sector and the community.
“Children need spaces to express themselves, and events like this create those opportunities. The government cannot do it alone, and Harita Nickel has shown it is committed to improving education quality in the region,” she said. She also called on parents to take an active role in encouraging and supporting their children’s education.
The Obi Children’s Day Festival stands as proof that spaces for children’s expression and growth can be built anywhere, even in the middle of an industrial zone. Children's joy has found its place on Obi Island, where mines and smelters operate.
Go Top