Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/Bappenas officially launched the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) 2030 for 2024 on Wednesday (05/14). This initiative aligns with the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4: Quality Education.
In his speech, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, Deputy Head of Bappenas, emphasized the importance of Indonesia leveraging its demographic bonus by increasing investment in human capital development. According to him, the key to realizing the Golden Indonesia Generation lies in fulfilling children’s essential needs from an early age—including education, health, and nurturing care—as 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, known as the ‘golden years.’
“During this period, children must be equipped not only with technical skills but also strong character and spirituality. Intellectual abilities without good character and deep spirituality will produce individuals with AI-like traits,” Febrian said.
The 2024 ECDI2030 document, prepared by the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas in collaboration with the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), Statistics Indonesia (BPS), UNICEF, and the Tanoto Foundation, is based on a survey conducted from December 2023 to May 2024. It serves as a strategic tool to ensure policies are responsive to child development needs and to cultivate a superior workforce as the key to driving inclusive and competitive economic growth.
Deputy Minister Febrian also stressed the importance of early childhood education (PAUD), which positively correlates with the development of children’s sensory, cognitive, and language abilities. According to the 2024 measurements, Indonesia’s ECDI recorded that 87.7% of children aged 24-59 months are developing appropriately regarding developmental milestones, learning, well-being, as well as psychosocial and physical health.
It is hoped that the 2024 ECDI2030 will serve as a crucial instrument in formulating data-driven policies to ensure every Indonesian child enjoys their right to optimal growth and development. “To achieve this, close collaboration is needed between the central government, local governments, development partners, experts, academics, and the community. Let us unite our efforts, strengthen synergy, and commit to building a strong foundation for the future generation—toward an Advanced Indonesia and Golden Indonesia 2045,” Febrian concluded.
