Encyclopedia for children launched

JAKARTA: An encyclopedia for children titled Ensiklopedia Bangsaku (The Encyclopedia of My Nation) was launched here Thursday.

The four volumes of richly illustrated books provide children with interesting short stories about things that matter in their lives. Each volume consists of two stories.

"The stories are aimed at nurturing children's understanding and responsibility toward the future of Indonesia," said Hendra Prasetya, the director of PT HM Sampoerna, a cigarette company that produces the encyclopedia.

All of the stories were written by Dwianto Setiawan, one of Indonesia's most productive children's writers, and published by Grasindo.

Lenggak-lenggok Penari Legong (The Swaying of Legong Dancers) is a story about the beautiful dance that originated from Bali, while Calon Fotografer (A Would-be Photographer) is for children who aspire to be photographers.

Menjelajah Negeri Dongeng (Exploring the Fantasy Land) illustrates various parts of Indonesia, and in Menjaga Isi Negeri (Protecting the Nation's Treasures), children are encouraged to safeguard the country's diversity in plants and animals.

Sesejuk Kasih Ibu (Mother's Warm Love) and Menyibak Rahasia Alam (Discovering the Secrets of Nature) are two other interesting stories in the encyclopedia.

The encyclopedia will be distributed free to 855 elementary schools throughout the 27 provinces. (09)