Commission X proposes expansion of free quality reading material access

Jakarta – Hetifah Sjaifudian, Chair of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has proposed expanding the distribution points for free quality reading materials to encourage reading interest and strengthen public literacy culture.

Specifically, she stated that expanding access to free quality reading materials in public spaces is aimed at fostering children’s reading interest from an early age.

“Providing books in public spaces is a brilliant idea to encourage reading from an early age and promote closer relationships between parents and children,” said Hetifah following the opening ceremony of the 2026 Mudik Asyik Baca Buku (MABB) programme at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta on Monday.

“Perhaps colleagues from the Directorate General of Railways could also provide space, for example in restaurants to place some books as mini libraries for passengers, not just during the homecoming season, but anytime,” said Hetifah.

Meanwhile, to the Ministry of Education and Culture, Hetifah also proposed that the provision of free quality reading materials could reach other public spaces such as markets and childcare facilities that could support the Ministry’s mission in promoting reading activities from an early age.

“Also to increase public access to reading habits from an early age, so not only at home, but whenever doing daily activities, perhaps later markets could also have books, Minister, and other places like childcare facilities, so they can simultaneously learn to read,” she said.

On this occasion, she appreciated the steps taken by the Minister of Education and Culture, Abdul Mu’ti, in fostering children’s reading interest and literacy outside the classroom through the provision of free reading materials in public spaces.

She stated that the provision of children’s reading materials free of charge in public spaces through the annual Mudik Asyik Baca Buku (MABB) programme is one of the Ministry’s creative approaches in increasing children’s access to reading culture beyond classroom teaching and learning activities.

“Commission X appreciates all parties, particularly the Universal Participation initiative led by the Ministry of Education and Culture. I am confident the impact will be very significant, because the presence of books in public spaces like this is one creative way to introduce children to books and reading materials,” said Hetifah.