Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education Distributes 24,000 Children's Books Free to Homebound Travellers
In an effort to enhance literacy culture and support the National Literacy Movement, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), through the Language Development and Guidance Agency (Badan Bahasa), again organised the Enjoyable Homebound Reading Journey (MABB) 2026 programme. The programme aims to provide educational activity alternatives for homebound travellers, particularly school-age children, during the Eid holiday journey.
The Enjoyable Homebound Reading Journey 2026 activities took place on 16–17 March 2026, from 09.00–15.00 WIB, at multiple departure points spread across two provinces: DKI Jakarta and Banten. This year, the activity coverage expanded to nine locations: Pasar Senen Station, Gambir Station, Kalideres Terminal, Kampung Rambutan Terminal, Pulo Gebang Terminal, Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Tanjung Priok Port, Merak Port (Banten), and Pakupatan Terminal in Serang, Banten.
Through this activity, Badan Bahasa provided 24,000 quality reading books free of charge to homebound travellers, particularly children. Each activity location received approximately 2,600 copies of books that could be read on-site or taken home by children participating in the literacy activity.
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti emphasised that the programme is part of the government’s effort to foster and improve reading culture, with the largest target being children’s books.
“This also aligns with our efforts for children to hold books rather than gadgets. So we endeavour to make future book printings more portable and colourful, both in appearance and content, that will become companions for our children to become close with books. Thus, efforts to build an intelligent and quality generation can begin from reading books,” he said at the Enjoyable Homebound Reading Journey 2026 event at Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, on Monday (16 March).
At the same venue, Head of Badan Bahasa Hafidz Muksin added that besides distributing free books, the 2026 Enjoyable Homebound Reading Journey also featured various educational and enjoyable literacy activities.
These activities included reading corners, read-aloud sessions, book review activities, storytelling, colouring, educational games, and various literacy community attractions. Literacy interaction was guided by Language Ambassadors and literacy volunteers who engaged children in enjoyable reading activities.
“This programme targets homebound children and families as the primary audience. By presenting literacy activities in public spaces such as stations, terminals, airports, and ports, it is hoped that people can access quality reading materials easily and freely. The presence of reading corners in these strategic locations is also part of efforts to introduce books as a source of knowledge and a medium of positive entertainment for children,” said Hafidz.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman of Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) Hetifah Sjaifudian appreciated the various parties and universal participation in the implementation of these activities, which could be realised through the involvement of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, the Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI), the Book Centre, and numerous book publishers.
“The presence of books in public spaces becomes a creative way to introduce children to reading materials and to familiarise communities with reading from an early age. Whatever happens during the homebound journey certainly creates pleasant interactions and will be remembered by children throughout their lives. Thus, reading culture as a long-term investment can begin from this small step. We always support programmes that encourage a literacy ecosystem in Indonesia,” Hetifah concluded.