Ministry of Culture and PANDI Launch Children's Story Writing Competition Using Nusantara Scripts
The Ministry of Culture (Kemenbud) and the Indonesian Internet Domain Name Registry (PANDI) are holding a children’s story writing competition using Nusantara scripts in an effort to improve public cultural literacy.
PANDI Chairman Isnawan Aslam stated that the competition is part of PANDI’s commitment to supporting the use of local scripts in the digital space. “PANDI views Nusantara scripts as an important part of the nation’s identity that needs to be continuously preserved and revitalised, including in the digital realm,” he said in a PANDI press release quoted on Monday.
He conveyed that Nusantara scripts need to be reintroduced through a medium relevant to today’s generation. “Through this children’s story writing competition using Nusantara scripts, we want to present a closer, more creative, and enjoyable way for the younger generation to rediscover regional scripts,” he said. “We also hope this initiative can encourage Nusantara scripts as a living heritage to remain alive and relevant amidst the times.”
The competition is further expected to become a collective movement to strengthen cultural literacy and establish Nusantara scripts as a heritage that continues to be used and developed. The launch event for the competition will be held on 8 September 2026, coinciding with International Literacy Day, but participant registration will commence on 8 August 2026.
The competition is open to the public. Participants can choose from six regional script categories that are closest to the story, language, and culture they wish to bring to life. The language options include Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Batak, Bugis, and Rejang.
The writing and submission period is scheduled from 8 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. The announcement of winners and the award ceremony are planned for February and March 2027. Information regarding the terms and schedule of the competition can be accessed on the official website of the Nusantara script story writing competition.