The Government Is Trying To Make RPTRA A Means Of Developing Creativity

The government is trying to make Child-Friendly Integrated Public Spaces (RPTRA) a supporting facility for creativity development. 

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar and Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan discussed the use of RPTRA as a place for local creative businesses in a meeting with representatives of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government and the Marunda Flats Management Unit (UPRS). 

"Literacy is not just about reading but how we build imagination and creativity from an early age," she said in a meeting held at the Autograph Tower, Jakarta, Monday (23/6). 

As quoted in the ministry's press release in Jakarta, Tuesday, she said that RPTRA could be used to support the development of creative economic businesses at the grassroots level. 

"When the reading space in RPTRA is connected to local works such as comics, board games, or folk tales, that's where we form an ecosystem that not only educates, but also drives the creative economy from the grassroots," she said. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan explained the strategic role of RPTRA in efforts to shape children's character while empowering women. 

According to her, public spaces such as RPTRA should not only provide physical facilities, but also inclusive and sustainable growth and development spaces. 

"Children need a safe, fun, and curiosity-stimulating space, but more than that, they need a living space," said Veronica. 

"If literacy, creativity, and family values ??can grow from the surrounding environment, then RPTRA is not just a play space, but a space for shaping the future. This is a long-term social investment," she said. 

In order to initiate efforts to improve the function of RPTRA, a series of community activities will be held at RPTRA Marunda in July 2025, after the commemoration of National Children's Day. 

The activities to be carried out include the provision of a thematic reading corner, a traditional playroom, and educational game facilities based on local stories to arouse children's interest in reading and creativity. 

A representative from UPRS Marunda said that the library at RPTRA is currently inadequate, the average reading room area is 2x2 square meters, the book collection is minimal and rarely updated, and the variety of activities is limited. 

However, residents are trying to optimize its function by presenting creative spaces, waste cooperatives, used cooking oil banks, hydroponics, and English classes 

Collaboration between the central government and local governments that focuses on local content, citizen involvement, and increasing literacy is expected to optimize the use of RPTRA. In addition to being a place to play, RPTRA is expected to develop into a center for learning and strengthening the family economy. 

Tag: Irene Umar RPTRA Veronica Tan