World Book Day 2026 Strengthens Literacy Ecosystem in NTT

The Central Bank of Indonesia’s NTT Regional Office, in collaboration with the NTT Provincial Government, strengthened the literacy ecosystem to build a capable youth prepared for the future through the World Book Day 2026 event. Held on Saturday, 23 May, the event under the theme ‘Connected by Literacy, Building Future-Ready Communities’ coincided with International Book Day and National Book Day as part of the commitment to improve human resource quality in NTT, according to Deputy Head of BI NTT Rio Khasananda on Sunday, 24 May. Rio Khasananda stated that literacy plays a strategic role in supporting inclusive and sustainable human resource development. BI NTT has strengthened collaboration with the NTT Provincial Government and the Bunda Literasi Working Group through book reviews and various competitions that encourage creativity and critical thinking among youth, such as colouring, storytelling, speech, and short film contests. As tangible support, BI NTT, together with the NTT Provincial Government, the Regional Banking Consultative Body (BMPD), and the Bunda Literasi Working Group, donated 1,000 reading books to community libraries and literacy groups in NTT. During the event, BI NTT also launched the Generasi Baru Indonesia (GenBI) programme for 270 university students receiving Central Bank Education Assistance in 2026. Additionally, BI NTT launched the ‘Literamove’ mobile literacy vehicle, managed by BI NTT Library, to expand literacy access, particularly for children and students across various regions. The event’s highlight was a book discussion session with Dee Lestari attended by hundreds of participants. During the session, Lestari shared insights on the importance of reading, writing, and the courage to express ideas as part of building a creative generation. The initiative aims to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable literacy movement to create adaptable and competitive youth in NTT. NTT’s Education and Culture Department Head Ambrosius Kodo stated that education should not only focus on knowledge acquisition but also on character building, integrity, and national values. ‘The NTT Provincial Government continues to support various literacy improvement programmes for regional education advancement,’ added Kodo. Bunda Literasi Provinsi NTT Mindriyati Astiningsih Laka Lena praised literacy programmes that are community-oriented and effective in fostering reading interest among the youth. The event was also attended by the Head of the Archives and Library Department, banking leaders, the Language Bureau, and school principals, teachers, and students from high schools and vocational schools across Kupang City.