Ministry of Education Distributes Thousands of Children's Books to Celebrate the Eid Holiday Travel Season
Jakarta (ANTARA) — The Language Development and Cultivation Agency (Badan Bahasa) of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has once again enlivened the Eid holiday travel season by providing 24,000 free children’s books through the Fun Reading Mudik Programme (MABB).
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti said the 24,000 children’s books are distributed across nine departure points spread across two provinces: Jakarta and Banten.
“Alhamdulillah, the programme is now held at nine locations, more than last year which had only six locations, and the number of books is also much larger — this year we have 24,000 books. Hopefully this programme makes the journey home enjoyable, in line with the President’s programme, which is a fun and happy journey home to reunite with family,” said Minister Abdul Mu’ti after opening the Fun Reading Mudik programme (MABB) 2026 at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta on Monday.
The minister said the annual event represents one of the Kemendikdasmen’s commitments to fostering reading interest and literacy culture among children by providing quality books appropriate for their age groups.
Accordingly, the ministry is working to continuously increase the availability of quality children’s books whilst improving their appearance and size to make them easier to carry and more appealing to read.
“This also aligns with our effort to ensure children hold books more than gadgets, so we are also working to ensure future printed books are more handy or easier to carry and of course more colourful,” said Minister Abdul Mu’ti.
On the same occasion, Head of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency Hafidz Muksin said the scope of the Fun Reading Mudik programme locations has been expanded to nine points: 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.
“The books provided are interesting and educational children’s reading materials. These books are expected to provide beneficial entertainment alternatives for children during their journey home,” said Hafidz.
In addition to free book distribution, the Fun Reading Mudik programme 2026 features various educational and enjoyable literacy activities, including reading corners, read-aloud sessions, book review activities, storytelling, colouring, educational games, and various literacy community performances.