Fatherless refers to a situation where a child grows up without a father figure in their life. This absence can be caused by various factors, ranging from death to a father who is physically present but emotionally absent.
The Ministry of Population and Family Planning (Kemendukbangga)/National Family Planning Board (BKKBN), through the 2025 Family Census, has officially released Fatherless Data, which states that 25.8 per cent of children in Indonesia are fatherless.
This data collection uses more comprehensive indicators, covering interaction, accessibility, responsibility and fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives, so that it does not merely measure physical absence.
According to the 2025 Family Census, broadly speaking, there are four key roles a father must fulfil in supporting his child’s development:
- Direct involvement
- Communication and emotional closeness
- Meeting children’s basic needs
- Involvement in household chores
As fathers, have we fulfilled all four of these components? Or are we still falling short in one of them?
Meanwhile, a father’s absence can have a significant impact on a child:
- Children tend to be overcome by feelings of sadness and depression.
- Exhibits a fairly high level of anger and aggression.
- Difficulty managing emotions.
Although it may seem trivial, the impact of a father’s absence in a child’s life is more crucial and destructive than it appears. The child may grow up to be someone who finds it difficult to make decisions and is emotionally dependent on others.
“And the child grew and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until the day he was to appear to Israel” (Luke 1:80)
Zechariah is a fine example of a father’s presence in a child’s life. He is described as welcoming the arrival of John by offering praise to God, so that his son might grow up with a strong faith. ("The Role of the Father in a Child’s Development", Alkitab Parenting TB2, Topic 1, Article 19)
As Fathers, Have We Been There for Our Children?
Building the role of a father is not about being perfect, but about being willing to be present and to keep learning. Just as Zechariah blessed John even before he was born, as fathers we can be present for our children both physically and spiritually.
When a father chooses to be present, he is planting the seeds of faith, character and hope in his child’s heart.
