Language Agency's Fun Homecoming Read Book Programme Under Kemendikdasmen Flooded with Praise
Support for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) regarding various innovative programmes relevant to societal needs and conditions has yielded positive results. The Mudik Asyik Baca Buku (MABB) 2026 event, initiated by the Language Development and Cultivation Agency (Badan Bahasa) of Kemendikdasmen, has attracted the attention of state officials who also visited stations to monitor homecoming traffic flows at several points in Jakarta. MABB serves as concrete evidence of the sustainability of high-quality programmes that impact society.
Appreciation for MABB 2026 came from the Minister of Manpower (Menaker), Yassierli, during his inspection of Pulogebang Terminal on Monday (16/3). He emphasised that this Kemendikdasmen initiative is an extraordinary step in cultivating children’s interest in reading. “This is extraordinary, and I certainly support it fully,” explained Yassierli.
The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam), General TNI (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, who was at Kampung Rambutan Terminal, also appreciated the active role of Badan Bahasa in serving children to prevent boredom during journeys. He explained that terminal readiness is not only measured by security preparedness but also by comfortable services for passengers.
“I extend my thanks to the public service elements here who have utilised the facilities available at the terminal for the sake of security and comfort of passengers, including Badan Bahasa which serves children so they do not get bored by providing reading books for them to read during the journey and later upon arriving at their hometowns,” stated Djamari on Monday (16/3).
On the same occasion, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasised the importance of synergy between central and regional governments as the key to the success of the MABB programme. He expressed that the habit of reading must start from children. “This step (strengthening reading culture) must be consistently carried out to bolster our human resource foundations. Through reading, we gain various knowledge, and it must start from our children,” he clarified.
The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), who visited Pasar Senen Station on Tuesday (17/3), commented on MABB there. He assessed that the presence of reading books amid public transportation is important for expanding children’s knowledge. “This can be utilised by children, accompanying them during travel, where parents can also read stories to their children. Cultivate reading, because books are the window to the world,” said AHY.
Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Hetifah Sjaifudian, expressed appreciation to all cross-institutional stakeholders who have supported the MABB 2026 activities. “We appreciate all parties who have extraordinarily supported this seemingly simple activity, but I am confident its impact will be very significant. Because the presence of books in public spaces like this, stations, and possibly expanded to other places later, is one creative way to introduce children to books and reading materials, and also to increase public access to reading habits from an early age,” she stated.
The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu’ti, expressed his gratitude because this programme has been well-received and supported by many parties. “Alhamdulillah, this programme is running smoothly, and from time to time, the number of books distributed is increasing, as well as receiving high support and appreciation from all of society,” he concluded.
In this year’s MABB, Kemendikdasmen distributed 24,000 copies of quality reading books, which are the result of collaboration with various parties. The implementation of this activity is supported by various partners such as the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI), the Textbook Centre, as well as several book publishers like PT Macananjaya Cemerlang, Balai Pustaka, CV Bukit Mas, CV Aldeaz, Solo Murni, Sejahtera Printing, PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, PT Temprina Media Grafika, PT ProVisi Mandiri Pratama, Asia Foundation, Litara Foundation, and Arya Duta. In addition, support for this programme also comes from various agencies and stakeholders, such as PT Kereta Api Indonesia Regional Operations I, DKI Jakarta Provincial Transportation Agency, Integrated Terminal Pulo Gebang Unit, Kalideres Bus Terminal Implementation Unit, Kampung Rambutan Terminal Unit, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, DKI Jakarta Provincial Communication, Informatics, and Statistics Agency, Tanjung Priok Port, Merak Port, Pakupatan Terminal, as well as literacy activist communities and the National Language Ambassadors Association.
This programme is part of the government’s efforts to nurture and enhance the reading culture, with the primary target being children’s books.