Bank Indonesia NTT Partners with Dee Lestari to Develop Regional Literacy

Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur — Bank Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara Timur office has partnered with novelist Dewi Lestari, known professionally as Dee Lestari, to develop literacy across the region through various activities, including a book discussion held in Kupang.

The event, themed “Connected by Literacy: Building Future-Ready Communities,” was organised to commemorate World Book Day 2026.

“This theme conveys the meaning that literacy is a bridge connecting communities towards an efficient, adaptive, and competitive future,” said Rio Khasananda, Deputy Head of Bank Indonesia’s NTT Office, in Kupang on Saturday.

He explained that the series of activities serves as an opportunity to enhance literacy culture, reading interest, and strengthen the learning ecosystem within the community.

“We believe that building the next generation cannot be done alone. Collaboration from all parties — including government, schools, families, communities, and young people — is needed to create a living, inclusive, and thriving literacy ecosystem,” he said.

“Various competitions have been organised to encourage young people to express themselves and foster a love of literacy from an early age. These range from colouring contests, storytelling competitions, and speech contests to writing competitions that provide a platform for young people to share ideas and stories through their creativity,” he added.

He also stated that in addition to launching various literacy programmes, Bank Indonesia NTT supports improved access to education through educational assistance to 270 students across the province.

He emphasised that the New Generation of Indonesia (GENBI) programme represents Bank Indonesia’s commitment to nurturing young people who are not only academically excellent but also active, adaptive, and possess social awareness and a spirit of contribution to society.

During the event, 1,000 books were donated to Reading Gardens and Book Communities in NTT, and the Mobile Literacy Programme (LITERAMOVE) was launched.

“During the book discussion with Dee Lestari, an inspirational Indonesian author whose works often highlight humanity and the search for identity, it is hoped that young people will be increasingly inspired to love literacy and be brave in expressing their ideas through writing and other creative works,” Rio said.

The book discussion focused on a collaborative work titled Selaras by Reza Gunawan and Dee Lestari.