North Jakarta Administration Boosts Student Literacy and Reading Interest via 'Karedok' Programme

The North Jakarta Administration, via the Library and Archives Sub-department (Sudin Pusip), is working to increase reading interest and literacy among students through the ‘Kreasi Aksi Rekreasi Dongeng Keliling’ (Karedok) programme at SDN Tugu Utara 09, Koja District.

Anita Permata Sari, Assistant for Administration and Public Welfare of the North Jakarta City Secretary, stated that the Karedok programme serves as a medium to cultivate a reading culture while supporting government efforts to limit gadget usage among children. “This literacy activity is very positive as it supports the government’s programme in restricting gadget use for children,” she said in Jakarta on Thursday.

She encouraged students to study diligently, remain honest, obey parents and teachers, and persevere in achieving their ambitions. She also urged students to strengthen their curiosity by reading more and reducing screen time. “For those who are already frequenting the library and reading extensively, that is excellent; please continue to improve. Encourage your friends to also enjoy reading and reduce gadget use,” Anita added.

She expressed hope that the Karedly programme could be implemented continuously, targeting not only primary school students but also reaching higher levels of education.

Meanwhile, the Head of the North Jakarta Library and Archives Sub-department, Irawan, explained that Karedok is a routine activity conducted in public spaces and schools. The initiative aims to increase public reading interest to enrich literacy levels. Karedok features various engaging activities, ranging from storytelling and acoustic literacy sessions to educational games, creative activities, and student art performances, such as marawis, traditional dance, pencak silat, and Al-Qur’an recitation.

“We hope this activity can serve as a beneficial and enjoyable creative space for children, helping to shape intelligent characters with a literacy culture from an early age,” he noted.

Manggala Catra Bagaskara (11), a Year 4 student at SDN Tugu Utara 09, expressed his excitement about participating in the Karedok programme for the first time. “It was very exciting and interesting. Many friends performed arts, which boosted our enthusiasm. The performance by the storyteller, Kak Palupi, was also very fun and enjoyable,” he said.