Kupang, NTT, May 30, 2026 — The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) continues to realize quality education for all by strengthening universal participation in the National Literacy Movement (GLN) which focuses on improving literacy in the Province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Through the Language Development and Fostering Agency (Badan Bahasa), these efforts are carried out together with the central government, local governments, schools, families, communities, and development partners to build a literate, inclusive, and sustainable education ecosystem. One of the implementations is the holding of Technical Guidance for Young Generation Literacy and a Talk Show on Good Literacy Practices in NTT in the framework of National Book Day on Tuesday (26/5). Carrying the theme "From the Land of Flobamorata, Sowing Seeds, Spreading the Glow of Literacy", this activity is a manifestation of collaboration between the NTT Regional Government, INOVASI, and Bank Indonesia.
The Head of the Language Development and Fostering Agency, Hafidz Muksin, emphasized that improving the nation's literacy quality cannot be done by one party alone. He believes that literacy requires the involvement of all elements of society so that it can develop into a living culture within families, schools, and communities. "Universal participation is key to building a quality and equitable education ecosystem," Hafidz said.
He explained that the results of various educational assessments indicate the need to more extensively strengthen students' reading culture and literacy skills. Therefore, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through the Language Agency, continues to expand access to reading materials appropriate to children's needs and age levels. According to him, East Nusa Tenggara Province is one of the priority areas for strengthening national literacy in 2026. The Language Agency will distribute 200 copies of quality reading books to 1,294 elementary schools and 300 copies to 393 junior high schools in NTT.
"Children must have access to quality, engaging books that are appropriate for their age and educational level. This is where reading habits and critical thinking skills can develop," he emphasized.
In addition to providing books to schools, the Language Agency also donated 5,400 quality reading books to NTT Literacy Mothers for distribution to various regions in the province. The Language Agency also provided an external hard disk containing 1,400 digital book titles for reproduction and use by Literacy Mothers in districts/cities throughout NTT.
Improving the Literacy Skills of the Young Generation
The NTT Provincial Language Center, in collaboration with the Community Reading Garden Forum (FTBM), is strengthening literacy among the younger generation. Students are directly involved in reading and literacy learning activities. A total of 700 students, from elementary to high school, participated in literacy activities tailored to their respective educational levels. Elementary students participated in book reviews, junior high students were equipped with speed reading skills, and high school students were encouraged to critically read stories presented by speakers.
Hafidz assessed that the participants' enthusiasm showed that children had a high interest in learning when given interesting and appropriate space and reading materials.
"Some students felt the stories they read were very close to their lives. This shows that reading isn't just about understanding the text, but also building empathy. They learn to comprehend the content of the reading and develop their imagination and critical thinking," he said.
The participants were very enthusiastic when reading the picture books that captured their attention. Joy and camaraderie developed in the activity of reading with peers. When asked to retell the stories they had read, they responded fluently, with a complete understanding of what they had read.
Henderina Laiskodat, Expert Staff to the Governor of NTT, delivered the Governor's remarks at the event, emphasizing that the reading culture of the NTT community is showing positive developments. Based on the 2025 Reading Enthusiasm Survey from the National Library, the reading enthusiasm of the NTT community reached 62.05, above the national average of 54.80. She believes this achievement is crucial for developing superior human resources in NTT.
"We must maintain this enthusiasm for reading by providing quality reading materials that are easily accessible to the public," he said.
NTT's Literacy Mother, Mindriyati Astiningsih Laka Lena, also emphasized the importance of a literacy movement that starts from the family. She said support and collaboration with the Language Agency helps strengthen the literacy movement at the regional level.
"We can't do it alone. The literacy movement requires collaboration from all parties so that its impact can truly be felt by the community," he said.*** (Author & Documentation: Language Agency Team)
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