Reading habit hindered

Reading habit hindered

From Republika

Reading habits in this country are still very low and the
government is making every effort to improve the condition by
publishing government books. Reading is especially important in
this era of information and globalization. Mastery of science and
technology can only be achieved through reading books. Books
could talk and convey ideas if only they were read.

However, we are startled to learn that the price of paper and
newsprint has been increased by 30 percent. This will affect the
publication of books. Book prices will also increase by 30 to 50
percent, which inevitably hampers the development of good reading
habits.

We, the Polytechnic students (publication department) at the
University of Indonesia, call on the government to cancel the
policy to raise the price of paper. If not, it can be taken to
mean that the government is not consistent in its effort to
enhance the people's intelligence.

To be more precise, we appeal to the government to take the
following two measures:

* Lower the price of paper to its previous level or provide
subsidies.

* Allow special pages of the books to be filled with
appropriate advertisements so that production costs can be
reduced accordingly.

SUKARJA

Jakarta