Press Release: Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, the Ministry of Education and Culture Promotes Impactful Literacy

Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of International Literacy Day, the Ministry of Education and Culture Promotes Impactful Literacy

Published on: 8 September 2026

Jakarta, September 8, 2026 — Six decades after UNESCO proclaimed International Literacy Day (ILD) in 1966, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) continues to encourage the 2026 ILD commemoration to become a momentum to broaden the meaning of literacy and make it more impactful in responding to social, environmental, digital technology, and artificial intelligence changes.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education (Mendikdasmen), Abdul Mu'ti, stated that this momentum serves as a reminder that many people still lack access to their basic rights: the right to learn, understand, and develop. "This is a moment for reflection and concrete action for all of us. Ladies and gentlemen, those I celebrate, and resource persons, literacy today has a broader meaning. Literacy is no longer simply defined as the ability to read and write," he said in Jakarta on Tuesday (September 8) during the 2026 International Literacy Day Commemoration Webinar.

According to Abdul Mu'ti, amidst social change, environmental crises, the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence, society needs to be able to understand information critically, think reflectively about the content consumed, continue to learn throughout life, and use knowledge to improve life and the environment.

This year is special because it marks the 60th anniversary of HAI. Carrying the global theme of Literacy for People, the Planet, and Prosperity, Indonesia adapted it to "Literacy for Others, the Universe, and Prosperity." According to the Director General of Secondary and Special Education at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Tatang Muttaqin, literacy must empower people, enable them to live together with dignity, understand their connection to the environment, and have the skills to build a life.

"Therefore, literacy should not be understood narrowly. HAI is not just about remembering the past, but we are ensuring that literacy remains human's preparation for facing the future," he explained.

Tatang Muttaqin explained that the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day has taught us that as the world changes, literacy must continue to evolve. "In the past, we fought so that everyone could read and write. Today, the challenges are much broader. We must be able to read information, distinguish between truth and falsehood, think critically using technology, and use artificial intelligence wisely in decision-making, as well as continue lifelong learning," he said.

Three words describe the journey of literacy. First, "Sesama" (Likely Fellow), because literacy should empower people and enable them to live together with dignity. Second, "Universe," because we don't just read books but also read nature and understand our responsibility to the earth. Third, "Sejahtera" (Prosperity), because knowledge must continually lead to opportunities for productivity and a better quality of life.

Santosh Kathri, Chief of Education at the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta, revealed that over the past 60 years, the world has made significant progress. Today, more than 88 percent of adults worldwide are literate. However, at least 739 million adults worldwide lack basic literacy skills, and nearly two-thirds of them are women. More than numbers and words, literacy is also about having the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape a better world.

"Hopefully, literacy will continue to open doors to learning, ownership, participation, and greater inclusiveness for the future of all in Indonesia," said Santosh.*** (Author: Denty/Documentation: PNFI Directorate Team)

Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education

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Source: Siaran Pers Kementerian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah Nomor: 796/sipers/A6/IX/2026

Writer: Denty Anugrahmawaty

Editor: Denty Anugrahmawaty