Promoting true literacy

In this era of information, few things can be more important for a person in order to be able to communicate and express him or herself properly than to be literate in the truest sense of the word. To be able to receive and give information in a clear and effective manner through writing. Sadly, too many Indonesians appear to be lacking in this respect, if the opinion of experts and concerned observers is to be believed.

It is useful in this context to note President Soeharto's remarks on the occasion of International Literacy Day last week; that Indonesia's success in eliminating literacy is being undermined by the poor reading habits of its people.

As the President aptly remarked, "Acquiring the ability to read and write is simple, but it is (only) the first step that takes mankind to enhanced knowledge. With knowledge, mankind improves life. And through knowledge, mankind develops culture and civilization."

In reducing the numbers of its people who are illiterate, Indonesia's success can truly be called impressive. When the country became independent in 1945, more than 90 out of every 100 Indonesians were illiterate. At present -- half a century later -- only 13 percent of Indonesians are illiterate.

Considering the illiteracy rate that still prevails in many other developing countries, and even in some industrially- advanced countries, that surely is an accomplishment that is not to be undervalued.

Unfortunately, those figures do not quite reflect the degree of "enhanced knowledge" which the various literacy campaigns, together with better schooling, have brought most Indonesians. If the word "literacy" is to also mean the capability to express oneself in a precise and organized manner, illiteracy is still sadly evident even among many students and university graduates.

In a world where science and technology are more and more becoming determining factors by which the state of a nation's advancement are measured, clearly such a condition cannot be allowed to go on ad infinitum.

It is in this context that the government's determination to improve the reading habits of Indonesians acquires an importance that goes beyond that of simply encouraging people to read more books, either for the purpose of study, information or entertainment.

Literacy and a good reading habit are mutually enhancing. And since writing takes more thought than talking, encouraging people to read (and write) more good reading material may give the added benefit of getting people into the habit of organizing their thoughts better.

To borrow the President's words once again, basic literacy -- the ability to read and write -- is only the first step towards enhanced knowledge. To gain that knowledge and improve life the ability to both read and write must be used to the fullest, nurtured and maintained.

It has been said that reading habits among the vast majority of Indonesians is poor because of the country's past predominantly oral tradition. Considering the wealth of ancient original Indonesian manuscripts in existence, however, that may only be partly true. It is time to take concrete action to improve the reading and writing habits of Indonesians, especially now that the President has expressed his concern. This is a step not to be neglected if we are to become a modern nation in the region at the beginning of the coming century.