Independence Day in Indonesia is not only a national holiday. For young children, it is a moment to learn values that will stay with them for life—unity, pride, and respect for their country. At the preschool level, these lessons do not need to be abstract. They can be joyful, hands-on experiences that combine culture, play, and family bonding.
SKY Preschool, a play-based preschool in Jakarta inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, makes sure every national celebration becomes a meaningful learning journey. For children, it is a day of discovery. For parents, it is a reminder that education is not just about academics but also about character and identity.
SKY Preschool Independence Day Celebration 2025
On August 15, 2025, the bright school hall of SKY Preschool in Menteng, Jakarta was filled with excitement. The event welcomed students, teachers, and proud parents who arrived early to join the special day. Parents lined up neatly, smiles glowing, phones ready to capture every moment of their children’s milestones.
The children entered with their teachers, some confidently waving to their families, others shyly hiding smiles. Parents stood proudly, not just as spectators but as part of the celebration. Their presence added warmth and a sense of togetherness to the event.
Flag Ceremony: Instilling National Pride from an Early Age
The celebration began with a flag ceremony designed for preschoolers. The student leader gave a short report to the ceremony supervisor, signaling the start of the event. Then came the highlight—the raising of the red-and-white flag while everyone sang Indonesia Raya.
Afterward, the teacher guided the recitation of Pancasila, and the spirit of the day grew stronger when one student confidently conducted the patriotic songs ’17 Agustus’ and ‘Halo-Halo Bandung’. The children waved their small red-and-white flags proudly as their voices filled the hall.
This simple ceremony had deep meaning. By introducing national symbols early, children learn not only to recognize them but also to value them. Singing together, standing in formation, and seeing their parents cheer them on planted seeds of pride that will grow over time.
Fun Games for Parents and Children
After the formal ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to laughter and excitement. SKY Preschool designed games that combined Independence Day traditions with playful activities for families.
- Flag Into the Bottle
In this game, parents carried their children. The children picked up a small flag and tried to insert it into a bottle opening. While it looked simple, it required teamwork, balance, and patience. Parents ran, children focused, and the audience cheered. The result was pure joy.
- Dress-Up Challenge
Here, creativity stole the spotlight. Parents sat patiently while their children chose costumes from a pile. The children then dressed up their parents in funny or creative outfits before walking together in a mini fashion show. The hall erupted with laughter, but beneath the fun was an important lesson—children’s imagination can shine when adults give them space to lead.
- Biscuit-Eating Contest: Regal & Kerupuk
No Indonesian Independence Day celebration is complete without the famous kerupuk-eating contest. For children, SKY Preschool adapted this tradition by using Regal biscuits, a healthier and safer option. The biscuits hung on strings, and children competed to finish first without using their hands.
For parents, however, the traditional kerupuk contest remained. Parents tried to bite into crunchy kerupuk while still holding hands with their children. The result was both challenging and hilarious, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Cultural Values in Every Activity
These games were more than entertainment. They carried educational and cultural values:
- Social-emotional development: Children learned about teamwork, patience, and confidence. Through games that required them to wait for their turn or cheer for their friends, they discovered how to manage emotions and celebrate each other’s success. These small but meaningful experiences nurtured empathy, resilience, and the ability to work with others—skills essential beyond the classroom.
- Respect for tradition: Even with adaptations, traditional games were introduced as a way of preserving cultural heritage. Children became familiar with games that their parents and grandparents once played, creating a bridge between generations. This exposure fosters not only cultural pride but also curiosity about Indonesia’s rich history and the value of keeping traditions alive in modern life.
- Family collaboration: Parents and children played side by side, showing how education at Sky Preschool is holistic, involving both school and home. Shared laughter and cooperation during the activities reminded families that learning does not stop within classroom walls. It also strengthened bonds, proving that SKY Preschool truly creates a community where families grow together.
Closing Feast: Mini Tumpeng Decoration
To conclude the day, children were given mini tumpeng nasi kuning with various toppings. Instead of just eating, they decorated their plates with creativity and care. Each child proudly showed their creation before enjoying the meal.
This activity represented more than a closing feast. It encouraged independence, choice-making, and pride in one’s work—skills that are essential in early childhood education. The joy on the children’s faces showed how much ownership they felt over their own creations.
The Role of Play-Based and Reggio Emilia Approach in Events Like This
SKY Preschool embraces the Reggio Emilia Approach, which sees children as active participants in their own learning. Events like the Independence Day celebration highlight how this philosophy works in real life:
- Children are given agency to contribute meaningfully.
In this event, children were not only participants but also decision-makers in simple yet impactful ways. They chose songs, helped prepare decorations, and shared ideas for games. This freedom of choice nurtures independence and critical thinking, showing children that their voices matter in shaping the experience.
- Learning is linked to real cultural contexts, making it relevant.
By tying activities to Indonesia’s Independence Day, the school bridges classroom learning with national identity. Children learn songs of patriotism, dress in red and white, and join cultural games passed down through generations. These experiences strengthen their sense of belonging while also reinforcing historical and cultural awareness.
- Parents are active partners, not passive observers.
SKY Preschool encourages parents to join in rather than sit on the sidelines. During the celebration, parents cheered, played alongside children, and even shared stories of their own childhood games. This collaboration builds a strong community where children feel supported by both teachers and families working together.
- Activities combine play, tradition, and education seamlessly.
Every aspect of the event—from fun competitions to traditional snacks—was designed to be playful yet meaningful. Children laughed, moved, and played, but also learned teamwork, patience, and respect for others. The blend of joyful play and thoughtful planning ensures that every moment contributes to both academic and social-emotional growth.
This approach ensures that children not only have fun but also build essential life skills, embrace cultural values, and gain confidence that will last a lifetime.
Community and Family Involvement
One of the unique strengths of SKY Preschool in Jakarta is how it nurtures its community. Parents are invited to join in, not just to watch, but to experience learning together with their children.
The Independence Day celebration created a sense of belonging. Parents, teachers, and children stood side by side, building a school community rooted in warmth and collaboration. This involvement strengthens trust between families and the school, ensuring that every child grows in an environment of support and joy.
Why Parents Choose SKY Preschool in Jakarta
For families in Jakarta, choosing the right preschool is about more than convenience. Parents today want a place where their children can grow academically, emotionally, and culturally. SKY Preschool in Menteng has become a top choice because it offers the perfect balance of readiness, creativity, and community. Here is why many parents trust SKY Preschool:
1. ‘A’ Accreditation – A Mark of Quality Education
SKY Preschool is the only preschool in Menteng with an ‘A’ accreditation, the highest recognition from Indonesia’s education authority. This status proves that the school consistently meets national standards in curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, and student outcomes. For parents, it is a guarantee that their children are receiving the best foundation for their educational journey. Beyond paperwork, this accreditation reflects SKY Preschool’s dedication to continuous improvement and excellence. Families can feel confident that their children are learning in an institution recognized for its quality and reliability.
2. A Nurturing Environment Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach
At SKY Preschool, children are seen as active learners who explore, create, and express themselves in a safe environment. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, teachers act as guides, encouraging curiosity and independence instead of imposing rigid instruction. This nurturing environment ensures that every child feels valued, respected, and supported. It also means that learning is joyful—children grow not just in knowledge but also in confidence and social-emotional skills.
3. Respect for Local Traditions and Global Perspectives
While SKY Preschool embraces a modern, child-centered approach, it also places strong emphasis on Indonesian traditions and cultural identity. Events like the Independence Day celebration are proof of how the school weaves culture into daily learning. At the same time, the curriculum introduces children to global perspectives, preparing them to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. This balance of local and global ensures that children develop both a strong sense of identity and openness to others.
4. Parents as Partners in the Learning Journey
At SKY Preschool, parents are not just spectators but active partners in their children’s growth. Through family events, classroom involvement, and open communication, the school builds a bridge between home and school. Parents feel welcomed, respected, and heard, which strengthens trust and creates a supportive community. This collaborative approach ensures that children benefit from consistency between their learning at school and at home, giving them a stable foundation to succeed.
Conclusion: A Preschool That Blends Learning, Culture, and Joy
The Independence Day Celebration 2025 at SKY Preschool Menteng was more than a festive event. It was a day where children learned about pride, teamwork, and tradition in ways they will never forget. It was also a day when parents realized that preschool education can be both academic and cultural, playful yet meaningful.
For families looking for a Jakarta preschool that balances academics, creativity, and cultural awareness, SKY Preschool stands as the perfect choice. With its play-based learning in Jakarta and Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, it nurtures not only bright students but also confident, independent individuals.
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At SKY Preschool, every celebration becomes a lesson, and every lesson becomes a celebration.
