Strengthening Literacy and National Character at Tanjung Priok Through Reading Corners for State Defence
Efforts to strengthen literacy whilst instilling national values continue to be promoted through the inauguration of a Reading Corner for State Defence at TK Pelita Harapan Sejahtera in Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, on Tuesday (17 March). This initiative resulted from collaboration between the North Sulawesi Regional Representative Council, the Democracy Salvation and Reform Forum (F-PDR) North Sulawesi, the Kawan Mekar Community represented by Treasurer Megasari Harsono, 234 SC Manado, and Elizabeth Pisciliaruntu.
The inauguration was attended by the Director of Human Resources for Defence Potential (Pothan) at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Budi Haryono, represented by the Deputy Director for State Defence Policy Formulation and Expert Staff at the Directorate of Human Resources for Defence Potential, Ministry of Defence, Indah Permata S.
In her remarks, Indah emphasised that the reading corner was not merely a reading facility but had strategic significance as a space for learning, reflection, and the formation of national character. “The Reading Corner for State Defence that we inaugurated today is not merely a reading space, but a learning space, a space for reflection, and a space for forming national character. It is here that values of love for the homeland, national and state consciousness, and the spirit of unity can be continually nurtured through literacy and knowledge,” she stated.
She also stressed that state defence is not merely the responsibility of defence personnel but the right and obligation of all citizens. Its implementation can be realised in various simple forms, ranging from maintaining unity, respecting differences, obeying the law, and contributing positively to national development.
According to her, literacy plays a crucial role in this context. Through a reading culture, society can broaden national perspectives, understand the nation’s history of struggle, and strengthen the values of democracy, the constitution, and reform as the foundation of state life.
Furthermore, Indah noted that future national challenges are increasingly complex, particularly in the digital era marked by disinformation, radicalism, and social polarisation. Therefore, the presence of the Reading Corner for State Defence is expected to become a centre for national literacy that encourages society to learn, engage in discussion, and strengthen commitment to Pancasila values and Indonesian unity.
“This facility is expected not merely to be a symbol, but to be genuinely utilised actively by society, particularly young people, students, university students, and various communities,” she added.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Piscilia Runtu, Secretary of the State Defence Board and Inter-Agency Relations at F-PDR and Founder of the Kawan Mekar Community, emphasised in her remarks the importance of the literacy movement as a foundation for building national character. She stated that the reading corner represents part of a collective movement to provide inclusive and sustainable educational spaces within society.
Elizabeth believed that literacy is not merely about the ability to read but also about building critical awareness, strengthening national identity, and forming a generation resilient in facing contemporary challenges. Aligned with Indah Permata’s remarks, Elizabeth affirmed that strengthening state defence values must begin from simple spaces close to people’s lives.
“Through this reading corner, we want to provide a space that not only educates but also inspires. A space where children and society can grow with strong national values, possess critical thinking skills, and are able to contribute positively to the nation and state,” Elizabeth said whilst inaugurating the Reading Corner for State Defence at TK Pelita Bhakti.
Jorry Sanger, Chairperson of the Pelita Harapan Sejahtera Foundation, in brief remarks expressed appreciation for the initiative. He hopes that the Reading Corner for State Defence can serve as a pleasant learning facility whilst forming children’s character from an early age.
The event was also attended by Eureka’s leadership, Andriyansyah, alongside parents of students, various community figures, and literacy activists who support strengthening reading culture in educational and community environments.
With the inauguration of the Reading Corner for State Defence in the Tanjung Priok area, it is hoped that literacy spaces will emerge that not only increase reading interest but also serve as a bulwark of values in facing national challenges in the modern era.