Minister: Literature Plays Key Role in Shaping Student Character

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen) Abdul Mu’ti stated that literature plays an important role in shaping students’ character, developing emotional intelligence, and strengthening literacy. He believes that education should not only focus on developing thinking skills but must also provide balanced attention to emotional and spiritual growth.

“Education consists of four aspects: physical exercise, emotional development, spiritual development, and intellectual development. All four must grow in an integrated manner,” Mu’ti said in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

He noted that children need more space to express themselves and develop their imagination, including through digital media. “We need to think about digital poetry in the future. We have a ‘Rumah Pendidikan’ (Education House) platform that can be filled by children and teachers with various works, including literary poetry. Additionally, we regularly publish a Literacy Magazine through the ministry,” he explained.

Mu’ti added that strengthening literacy through literature is part of the implementation of the Deep Learning policy currently being developed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. To support this policy, the Language Development and Fostering Agency under the ministry will distribute 5.5 million non-text reading books to schools across Indonesia. He expressed hope that these books would enrich students’ reading materials and broaden their imagination.