{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1744230,
        "msgid": "a-nation-that-reads-a-nation-that-values-humanity-1780669180",
        "date": "2026-05-17 14:45:00",
        "title": "A Nation That Reads, a Nation That Values Humanity",
        "author": "Ferril Dennys",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Indonesia commemorates National Book Day on May 17th, highlighting the importance of books not just as printed objects but as markers of civilisation. While reading rates have increased according to BPS data, challenges remain in terms of consistent reading habits, access to quality literature, and critical thinking skills.",
        "content": "<p>This article is an opinion piece, and all content and opinions\nreflect the personal views of the author and not the editorial\nstance.<\/p>\n<p>EVERY 17th of May, Indonesia commemorates National Book Day. This is\na moment that should not only remind us of the existence of books as\nprinted objects containing pages of words but also as markers of\ncivilisation. Books are essentially a home for knowledge, a space for\nreflection, and a long journey for humans to understand themselves and\nothers.<\/p>\n<p>In the midst of today\u2019s fast-moving information overload, the\npresence of books is becoming increasingly important: they teach\nperseverance, depth of thought, and the ability to see the world in a\nmore complete way. National Book Day was first initiated in 2002 by\nEducation Minister Abdul Malik Fadjar and was chosen to coincide with\nthe anniversary of the founding of the National Library of the Republic\nof Indonesia on May 17, 1980. The hope is simple: to cultivate a reading\nculture within society. Because a nation that loves to read is not only\nan intelligent nation but also a nation that is better able to\nappreciate humanity.<\/p>\n<p>However, the commemoration of National Book Day also presents an\nirony. On one hand, data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS) shows that\nIndonesia\u2019s Reading Interest Level (TGM) in 2024 reached 72.44, placing\nit in the high category. This figure has increased significantly\ncompared to 2022, which was at 63.90. On the other hand, various\nliteracy issues are still clearly visible in everyday life. For example,\na BPS survey in 2020 showed that only about 10 percent of Indonesians\ncan be classified as avid readers. In addition, access to books and\nlibrary facilities is also not yet evenly distributed across various\nregions. There are many areas that lack reading facilities, have limited\ncollections, and lack adequate and inclusive learning spaces. This\nsituation shows that the issue of literacy is not just about whether\npeople read or not, but also concerns consistency, quality of reading\nmaterial, and critical thinking habits. Many people today are connected\nto various sources of information at all times, but they lack a\ndeep-rooted reading tradition.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-nation-that-reads-a-nation-that-values-humanity-1780669180",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}