World Book Day and Strengthening Literacy

Reading a book is akin to keeping a lamp alight. On every page, the sheets of paper offer a respite. As the script begins to broaden horizons, the clamour in the mind gradually subsides. There is only silence and knowledge transforming into a universe.

Every 23 April, the global calendar marks a major event, namely the commemoration of World Book Day. This occasion, known as World Book and Copyright Day, serves to remind us of the importance of reading and developing a culture of literacy, given that books are windows to the world.

For Indonesia, the commemoration of World Book Day becomes a strategic moment to enhance and strengthen literacy through language and literature. At least, there are three strategic values that are the primary focus: the role of literacy as the foundation of the nation’s character, the importance of equitable access to reading materials, and the transformation of language as a key to improving the competitiveness of human resources.

The Head of the Language Development and Cultivation Agency (Badan Bahasa), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), Hafidz Muksin, emphasised that these three strategic reasons are part of ongoing efforts to make literacy the breath of development.

Badan Bahasa stresses that collaboration across all levels of society is the determining factor in achieving maximum results for this literacy strengthening target.

The existence of books is related to the context of literacy and language. Thus, the development and access to books that support literacy require a good ecosystem and proficient language competencies.

The habit of reading and writing, which is part of the literacy process, requires the most basic medium, namely books. Critical thinking can also be generated from good and sustained reading of books.

In addition, books also accelerate the reading culture amid the flow of digital literacy. Books are the most basic medium for gaining comprehensive understanding.

Furthermore, digital literacy strengthens that understanding. Without a strong foundation in book reading, depth will not be achieved, especially amid the strong digital current.

Hafidz Muksin hopes that a book-based literacy foundation of quality books will become the basis for literacy in Indonesia. Literacy is the foundation of linguistics and literature embodied in the medium of books.

Badan Bahasa is committed to supporting and developing the book ecosystem through various programmes to enrich literacy materials, both in print and digital forms.

Books also serve as a means to form inclusive and regional literacy for quality education for all. Through the development of books based on local wisdom, it is hoped that books will address the challenges of strengthening regional languages that need attention at this time.

To support this vision, Badan Bahasa has implemented strategic steps to support equitable access to books through various programmes.

First, providing literacy enrichment materials through quality book writing competitions, distributing books to priority areas including 3T regions (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost), providing digital book access, and translating foreign and regional books to add variety to public reading.

Second, expanding access in public spaces is realised through providing free reading books at mass transportation hubs, which will gradually reach all regions of Indonesia simultaneously.

Third, strengthening the reading culture is reinforced through empowering and providing coaching assistance to literacy communities in various regions to ensure the sustainability of the literacy movement at the grassroots level.

Adaptive Solutions

A similar perspective was expressed by Communication Observer and Head of the Communication Science Department at Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Purwokerto, Dr Edi Santoso. The current dynamics of literacy require a fresher and more relevant approach in line with the times, so that books remain a place in people’s hearts.

One thing that needs to be managed wisely, according to Edi, is the dominance of digital content that is very attached to the daily lives of the younger generation.

The closeness of Generation Z and Alpha to social media is actually an opportunity that can be aligned through the right approach, so that the depth of understanding offered by books is maintained.

The challenge is how to package interactions with books to feel as engaging as the fast-flowing digital information stream.

With a participatory approach, reading is no longer seen as a formal obligation, but as part of a enjoyable lifestyle, full of meaning and inspiration.

In the end, literacy is about nurturing hope and expanding future horizons. The various strategic steps that have been pursued are proof that the spirit to enlighten the nation continues to burn.

This success will certainly feel more beautiful when quality books not only reach library shelves, but also meet their readers in a warm and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the country.

Closing this World Book Day momentum, let us make reading part of the journey to discover new inspiring things.

It is enough to start with one reading that is closest to the heart. Every book opened is an opportunity to grow, and every story shared is a bridge to something better.

Let us together keep the flame of the reading culture alight to continue giving colour to the nation’s progress.