Adventures on Day Three of the 2023 LAI National Children’s Jamboree
How many of us know about wallabies? Who has ever seen an anoa up close? What is the difference between a siamang and a Javan gibbon? Wallabies are marsupials, like kangaroos but smaller in size. In the wild, wallabies are not only found in Australia, but also in the forests of Papua. The anoa is native to Sulawesi; it is similar to a banteng but smaller and more slender, and it runs very nimbly and swiftly. So, what is the difference between a siamang and a Javan gibbon? What are the differences between them? It turns out that many of the children taking part in the Jamboree had never seen a wallaby, an anoa or primate species such as the siamang or the Javan gibbon.
Consequently, on the third day of the 2023 National Children’s Jamboree, the participants were taken to visit three tourist sites in the city of Solo that offered a wealth of educational opportunities, both in terms of science and socio-cultural learning. These three locations were: Solo Safari, Solo Technopark and Pura Mangkunegaran. Although it was tiring, the hundreds of Jamboree participants appeared satisfied with the new knowledge and experiences they had gained.
At Solo Safari, over the course of around three hours, the participants were given the opportunity to see up close hundreds of species of wild and domesticated animals, originating from various parts of the archipelago as well as from abroad. Not only did they see and hear the animals, but the children were also invited to touch and have their photos taken with some of them. Solo Safari has been open for less than a year. The Solo City Council developed it on the site of the former Taman Satwataru Jurug Zoo. The hot weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the participants in the National Children’s Jamboree
After leaving Solo Safari, the group of Jamboree participants was split into two. The first and second coaches headed to Solo Technopark. The third and fourth coaches headed to Pura Mangkunegaran. Solo Technopark is an open-air complex established by the Solo City Council to foster creativity, innovation and social interaction. Outside the main area, there is a futsal pitch, a basketball court and a boulevard featuring a fountain. There are also specialised spaces available free of charge for research and innovation aimed at developing knowledge and technology. There are also free meeting rooms and a free podcast studio, all of which are provided by the City Government to offer opportunities and facilities to the residents of Solo and local SMEs to learn, be creative, start businesses and build networks. There are also special spaces designed to help children learn about science and gain an understanding of the world of work. The one-hour session, led by mentors from Solo Technopark, felt all too short.
From Solo Technopark, the group proceeded to Pura Mangkunegaran, one of the centres of Javanese history and culture. The children were invited to experience the sacred and serene atmosphere of the Javanese royal palace. Throughout the visit, all participants were encouraged to mind their thoughts, words and behaviour so as not to stray from the values of courtesy and truth. Upon seeing the Mangkunegaran Palace, visitors were invited to observe how the blending of Javanese, Islamic and Western cultures takes place naturally, without any underlying tension. Marble floors dating from the early 20th century, pillars of select teak wood in the pendopo—beautifully carved and painted in gold and pastel green—are complemented by several statues and chandeliers of European origin. By exploring the palace room by room, the young participants of the Jamboree are expected to gain a close-up understanding of one of these historic buildings, where local wisdom is preserved and passed down from generation to generation.
This visit to three different locations is a unique feature not previously seen in previous editions of the Children’s Jamboree. Through these visits, the young Jamboree participants are encouraged not only to love God and His Word, but also to learn to become the best children of God—those of strong faith, deep knowledge and great devotion. As the Word of God says: whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31). Everything we do from now until the day the Lord calls us home should indeed be for the glory of God’s name. Soli Deo Gloria.
