The Indonesian government has launched the Gerakan Ayah Mengantar Anak Sekolah (GAMAS), a nationwide initiative encouraging fathers to accompany their children on the first day of school. According to official directives from the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (Menpan RB) and the Ministry of Population and Family Development (Mendukbangga), the program provides civil servants (ASN) with flexible work hours to support paternal involvement in early education.
National Directives and ASN Work Flexibility
Menpan RB Rini Widyantini issued letter Number B/257/M.KT.02/2026, urging all government agencies to grant work flexibility to ASN fathers. This directive applies to parents with children in early childhood education (PAUD), primary, and secondary school. The policy aligns with Minister of PANRB Regulation Number 4 of 2025 regarding flexible official duties for government employees.
The initiative follows a broader framework established by the Mendukbangga/Head of BKKBN in SE Number 17 of 2026. This framework includes both GAMAS and the Gerakan Ayah Mengambil Rapor ke Sekolah (GEMAR), which focuses on fathers collecting school reports.
Did You Know? The GAMAS initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes GEMAR, specifically designed to increase the active role of fathers in their children’s academic progress and growth.
Regional Implementation Across Provinces
Local governments have translated these national directives into official regional decrees. Bupati Nagan Raya, Teuku Raja Keumangan, formalized this via SE Number 395 of 2026, explicitly allowing ASN fathers to arrive late to work on July 13 to escort their children.
In Banten, the Tangerang City Government issued SE Number 15310 of 2026. Asda II Ruta Ireng Wicaksono stated the city instructed all regional apparatuses (OPD) to adjust duty times so that ASN fathers could support their children without disrupting public services.
Similar measures were adopted in other regions:
- Central Java: Governor’s SE Number S/400.13.26/207/2026 provided the legal basis for ASN time flexibility. Sekda Sumarno described the opportunity as a form of ASN welfare.
- West Sulawesi: SE Number B-100.3.4.1_12/SE/VII/2026 allowed ASN to start work after escorting children. Bapperida head Amujib noted that the agency also provides time flexibility for pregnant and breastfeeding employees.
- South Sulawesi: Bupati Luwu Patahudding issued SE Number 866/DPPKB/SEK/VI/2026 and personally escorted his child to school for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Impact on Family and School Synergy
In Jakarta, parents reported using the day to build emotional connections. Rio Manik, 33, from Matraman, left home at 06:00 WIB to avoid traffic and use the commute to talk with his child about entering middle school. Another parent, Dion, 36, noted that his child showed more enthusiasm for the first day of school when both parents were present.
Murthalamuddin, Head of the Aceh Provincial Education Office, stated that the movement serves as a momentum to align character building between the home and school environments. In Tangerang, officials encouraged fathers to use the visit to discuss academic potential and character development with teachers.
Potential Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GAMAS?
It is the Gerakan Ayah Mengantar Anak Sekolah, a movement encouraging fathers to take an active role in their children’s education by escorting them on the first day of school.
Are civil servants (ASN) allowed to be late to work for this?
Yes, according to directives from Menpan RB and various regional SEs, ASN fathers are granted flexibility or dispensations to start work after escorting their children.
Which educational levels are covered by this initiative?
The directive from Menpan RB specifies that the opportunity is for ASN with children in early childhood education (PAUD), primary education, and secondary education.
Do you believe flexible work policies for parents improve student performance in the long run?