Children's Voices in Poetry: The Illustration and Re-Imagination of National Identity

The voices of children are an expression of their intention through speech and other ways. One of those other ways is through poetry. Moreover, children explore voicing their understanding of national identity through creating poetry. As a result, this study aimed to document the exploration of children's voices in poetry as an illustration and re-imagination of national identity. The research design used in this study was a participatory qualitative one. The subjects of this study were elementary school children in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and the data were collected from a children's voice project about national identity in poetry. Data were also collected through interviews, observation, and children's poetry analysis. In the end, the results of the study showed that, by allowing them to express their views, children can grow into culturally aware individuals who appreciate diversity and deeply love their country. This research implies that education of children's national identity through poetry can contribute significantly to forming a generation that is deeply patriotic and has a strong understanding of, and an active involvement in, their nation’s future. The themes that emerged from the children's voice project were the Red and White Flag, the Indonesian National Language, the Garuda Pancasila National Emblem, Indonesia's Great National Anthem, Indonesian Ethnicity, and Indonesian Culture and Customs.