MPR urges multi-party collaboration to boost national literacy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Wakil Ketua MPR RI Lestari Moerdijat is encouraging stronger collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and the community to accelerate the improvement of national literacy.
According to her, this effort is needed to address various literacy challenges, ranging from low access to quality reading materials to the suboptimal development of reading culture in the regions.
“Community literacy programmes cannot run in silos. Central government efforts must be supported by regional governments and the community. Synergy among stakeholders must be strengthened with concrete actions,” Lestari Moerdijat said in a written statement in Jakarta, Friday.
Therefore, increasing regional capacity must be a focus so that literacy programmes can run sustainably.
Data from the National Library (Perpusnas) shows the national Community Literacy Development Index (IPLM) in March 2026 stood at 40.6, still in the low category on a scale of 30-49.9. Meanwhile, the national Reading Interest Level (TKM) was recorded at 54.9, placing it in the moderate category.
Head of Perpusnas E. Aminudin previously stated that regional governments are the spearhead in improving community literacy. According to him, the development of reading culture fundamentally takes place in the regions through various services and programmes that are close to residents.
Responding to this situation, Lestari, who is familiarly called Rerie, assessed that Indonesia’s literacy problem is not solely caused by low reading interest, but also by a weak supporting ecosystem.
The member of House Commission X also highlighted the importance of expanding the availability and accessibility of quality reading materials, including by strengthening the function of libraries to reach villages.
Rerie hopes that libraries can develop into community activity centres that support lifelong learning, not merely places to store books.
On the other hand, education agencies are also encouraged to integrate literacy development into learning and extracurricular activities at schools.
“Now is the momentum to move. This nation needs a smart generation with character, and that starts with literacy skills,” said Rerie.