Jakarta, July 13 -- Indonesia's population minister urged fathers to play a greater role in supporting children, including those with special needs, saying stronger parental involvement is essential to children's development and family well-being.

Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji welcomed a government policy allowing fathers to arrive late for work when accompanying children on their first day of school.

"The policy makes clear that fathers should not face salary deductions for arriving late after taking their children to school. Fathers must play an active role in parenting," Wihaji said on Monday.

He said Indonesia has a population of about 278 million and around 74 million families.

About 46 million families have c...