Ministry of Education Distributes Thousands of Children's Books in Cilegon-Serang

Jakarta — The Language Development and Cultivation Agency (Badan Bahasa) of the Ministry of Education and Culture has distributed thousands of free children’s books to holiday travellers at Merak Port in Cilegon and Pakupatan Terminal in Serang, Banten Province.

Head of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency Hafidz Muksin stated that the distribution of 4,300 free children’s books forms part of the annual Enjoyable Homecoming Reading Campaign (Mudik Asyik Baca Buku, MABB) 2026.

“The objective of MABB is to enhance reading proficiency and provide beneficial books for children suited to their educational level. We also introduce reading materials appropriate for children and deliver engaging literacy activities,” Hafidz Muksin said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

At Merak Port, he noted that the agency had made available 2,300 books for holiday travellers, particularly families and children awaiting ferry departures to Sumatra Island.

On a separate occasion, Head of Cilegon’s Education and Culture Office Heni Anita Susila highlighted that Cilegon possesses a strategically important port terminal, making it a significant point for population mobility, particularly during the holiday travel period.

According to her, literacy activities in the port area represent a positive step to provide valuable activities for holiday travellers, particularly families travelling with children.

She also explained that the Sosoro Mall area at Merak Port frequently serves as a gathering point for travellers before boarding ferry vessels, making literacy activities ideal for filling waiting time with educational engagement.

“Through this initiative, it is hoped that members of the public undertaking holiday travel can obtain beneficial information and conduct their journeys safely, orderly, and comfortably,” she said.