'Honestly, I dont like reading'

Reading is definitely not all the rage here in Indonesia. The Jakarta Post spoke with several people who said they did not have the time to read, nor could they afford to buy books. They also said they could not see the benefit of reading, since they could get all the information they needed from television or by talking to their neighbors.

Atik, 39, works for a foreign manufacturer on Jl. Putra Utama in Tangerang. She lives in Tangerang, Banten, with her husband and son:

I used to read and often spent time in bookstores looking through books.

Also, when I was studying at university I had to read a lot of reference books for my studies.

However, after I graduated and started working the time I spent reading dropped drastically.

Frankly speaking, now I am lazy to read books or even magazines at home. I don't have the motivation to read.

In the work environment, theories do not work. So I prefer real practices to textbook theories.

Worse, I feel like I no longer have anything to gain by reading books, so I have lost my motivation to read.

It seems that I don't have the time to sit and read a book when I'm home with my family.

Besides, I don't think I need to read to get information. There are many alternatives now, like television.

I enjoy watching TV because I can get both information and entertainment. It's far more relaxing than reading books.

I guess reading books takes time, plus the prices of books are exorbitant.

Paidin, 25, is a high school graduate who works as a janitor at a private school in Tangerang. He lives near the school with several friends:

Honestly speaking, I am lazy to read books. I feel like there is no reason for me to read.

Usually, I just fall asleep if I try to read a serious book. I find it hard to understand books. I get dizzy if I see a thick and serious book. I'm ashamed to admit this, but it's true.

Also, I not going to college so why should I read a lot of books. That's how I feel.

It's easier for me to get information by talking to people rather than reading. I'm sure I get information by mingling with other people, who indirectly share their knowledge and information.

I get information and news from television and newspapers, though I rarely watch TV and only read the paper sometimes.

I sure that reading is very important but I can't overcome my own reluctance.

Sometimes I feel the drive to read books, particularly when I meet an intelligent or successful people.

Risma, 17, is in her second year at a vocational school in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. She lives on Jl. Gelora in Central Jakarta with her family:

Honestly, I don't like reading books because I can't stand to sit for long hours. I only read books when my teachers give me an assignment.

Even if I don't read books, I can get lots of information from magazines or television. But I prefer television because it is more fun and relaxing to sit in front of the TV rather than sitting alone in my room reading.

On the other hand, I also realize that reading is very important for me and, above all, my studies.

However, laziness and the skyrocketing price of books keep me from reading a lot.

Maybe when I'm in college I'll have to read more because I will have lots of assignments.

-- Leo Wahyudi S