Libraries vital to help save the lost generation of children
By Hyginus Hardoyo
JAKARTA (JP): Despite the possibility of losing a generation of children in Indonesia, no immediate settlement of the current multidimensional crisis is in sight.
Political leaders are busy quarreling and blaming one another, not for the sake of the searching for ways to end the crisis, but only for their own interest.
In short, these leaders do not have a sense of urgency, a sense of unity or a sense of responsibility to overcome the crisis.
They act as if they were no longer shy before the country's heroes, who had sacrificed not only their wealth but also their lives in the fight for independence.
They apparently do not consider the severe effects of the prolonged crisis. A generation lost. The country unable to compete in the international market due to an undernourished, undereducated, inexperienced and insecure new work force.
The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) warned recently that for Indonesia to meet the global competition, it has to develop smart, skillful and productive human resources.
In reality, however, poor health and malnutrition continue to affect many children and the unhealthy economic situation is clearly manifested in the high level of school dropouts, especially in the secondary level, and the poor academic achievement among students able to continue.
"It's time for us to help save the lost generation," said Rizal Sikumbang, chairman of the Foundation for the Development of Indonesian Children (FDIC), an organization founded by executives of the mining and energy industries in 1998.
Rizal told The Jakarta Post that the help to be given by his foundation would be in the form of providing libraries in a number of areas throughout the country.
"Our target is to establish 145 libraries in stages across the country, five libraries in every province," he said.
He explained that FDIC's main focus is guiding the next generation through the provision of libraries.
"Our rationale is that through books, children can face their future with confidence," he said, adding that by reading, the children will become more sensitive, tolerant, skillful and smarter.
Former minister of mines and energy Subroto, who is also one of the foundation's patrons, said the poor reading habits among children is caused mainly by the limited availability of libraries and books accessible to them.
"Encouraging the reading among children is the responsibility of all parties, including those working in the mines and energy sector," he said.
Rizal acknowledged that in the first two years, the foundation was still focused on planning and preparations for establishing the libraries and how to raise the funds and how to manage them.
Two libraries have been handed over to two elementary schools in Bandung, West Java since February last year -- the first to state elementary school (SDN) Sukaluyu, which has 900 students, and SDN Banjarsari with about 2,000 students.
He explained that FDIC has received offers of cooperation from dozens of parties, especially in management and book procurement.
Those interested in cooperation with the foundation include Kelompok Pecinta Bacaan Anak (Group of Children Book Lovers), Mutiara Anak Indonesia Foundation, Han's Seidel and Saints American Charity.
Rizal acknowledged the idea of providing the libraries can only succeed with help from wealthy individuals and companies.
A fund raising event was held at the Sahid Jaya Hotel in Jakarta early this month through the sale of paintings and antiques. More than Rp 300 million was raised on that night.
"Out of the total, Rp 200 million was donated by privately run oil company PT Medco alone. We are waiting for other mines and energy companies as well as other firms and individuals to follow suit...," Rizal said.
The goal of establishing libraries across the country is laudatory. The idea of developing and sustaining the spirit of the nation's youth to grow out of backwardness, especially amid the current uncertainty, warrants support from all.