PANGKALPINANG - In commemoration of the 42nd National Children's Day (HAN) in 2026, the Family Welfare Movement Mobilization Team (TP-PKK) of the Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) Province organized a Literacy Development activity. Held at the Babel Regional Library (Perpusda) on Tuesday (July 21, 2026), the event aimed to instill a passion for reading while educating children on the importance of maintaining oral health from an early age.
The Chairperson of TP-PKK Babel, Noni Hidayat Arsani, emphasized that reading habits are the main foundation for the younger generation to broaden their horizons and build a learner's character. She encouraged the dozens of students from Public Elementary Schools (SDN) 21, 52, and 58 Pangkalpinang in attendance to read diligently to achieve their future goals. In addition to literacy, Noni also highlighted the importance of physical health, particularly dental care.
Echoing these sentiments, drg. Suniti from the Depati Hamzah Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Pangkalpinang explained that good dental care must be established early, starting with a check-up at least once every six months. This preventive step is considered crucial, especially for children who aspire to pursue careers requiring peak physical fitness, such as the military (TNI), police (Polri), pilots, or flight attendants.
Drg. Suniti also shared practical tips for maintaining oral hygiene, such as brushing teeth twice a day after breakfast and before bedtime. She advised children to reduce their intake of sugary foods, drink more water, and consume high-fiber fruits directly without juicing them to help clean teeth naturally.
This activity is part of TP-PKK Babel's flagship program titled "Bergerak Aktif Bersama Bunda Noni" (Beraksi). In addition to receiving literacy and dental health education, students participated in traditional games such as congklak and jacks (bola bekel), watched educational videos, and listened to interactive storytelling from Kampung Dongeng (Kado) Babel.
