Cilacap, Central Java, September 25, 2026 — The culmination of the 60th National Commemoration of International Literacy Day (HAI) was held in Cilacap, Central Java, on Thursday (September 24). With the theme "Literacy for Everyone, the Universe, and Prosperity," the 60th HAI commemoration emphasized a new paradigm of literacy that is no longer limited to the ability to read and write. Literacy is now viewed more broadly, encompassing social, economic, environmental, and even technological aspects, as a provision for society in facing the challenges of the times and the dynamics of social change.
In his remarks representing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), the Director of Non-Formal and Informal Education (PNFI), I Gusti Made Ardana, said that increasingly rapid social, economic, environmental, and technological changes demand a broader understanding of literacy.
Literacy is no longer simply the ability to read and write, but also encompasses the ability to understand situations, sort information, use technology wisely, and transform knowledge into beneficial actions. Thus, literacy is expected to address societal challenges and needs, improve well-being, and foster a sense of responsibility toward the universe.
"The theme of Literacy for Others, the Universe, and Prosperity must be translated into concrete actions to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, understand the environment, and become the knowledge and life skills for capital to create, work, or use technology and improve the quality of life," said the Director of PNFI Kemendikbud, I Gusti Made Ardana.
Made added that the government continues to encourage strengthening the literacy movement through various priority programs, from revitalizing educational units to digitizing learning. These efforts also include strengthening the governance of Community Learning Centers (PKBM), so that they can be more optimal in addressing various community issues, particularly in strengthening community literacy and addressing out-of-school children (ATS).
According to him, Cilacap is more than just the location for the 60th HAI. With its diversity, Cilacap has become a real learning space on how literacy can bridge diversity, preserve the environment, and pave the way to prosperity. This spirit is a tangible manifestation of this year's HAI theme.
"Here, 75.09 percent of the population aged five years and above has used the internet, so the challenge has shifted not to increasing internet access, but to developing the digital literacy skills needed so that people can use the internet safely and productively to improve the welfare of the Cilacap community," Made said.
Representing the Regent of Cilacap, Acting Regional Secretary of Cilacap Regency, Annisa Fabriana, stated that literacy is a crucial foundation that should not stop at the individual level. Furthermore, literacy needs to be developed into a collective movement that encourages concern for others and the environment, while simultaneously opening up opportunities to improve community welfare in a sustainable manner. "Therefore, the literacy movement needs to be more present within the community and reach all age groups, reaching various regions, both urban and rural," Annisa said.
The Cilacap Regency Government remains committed to improving the quality of human resources through education, a key pillar of regional development. This commitment is realized by encouraging the creation of a collaborative learning environment through the involvement of various parties. Therefore, he hopes that the HAI commemoration in Cilacap can serve as a momentum to further strengthen the literacy movement, thereby making a real contribution to realizing a better life for the community.
The HAI 2026 peak was lively with various interesting activities, starting from the Literacy Talkshow that raised strategic themes related to HAI, exhibitions, educational activities, Literacy Activist Meetings, and Appreciation of Inspirational Figures.
The excitement of the 60th HAI commemoration was also felt by various elements of society, starting from the Cilacap Regency Government, the DPW of the Community Learning Center Communication Forum of Central Java Province, non-formal education units such as PKBM and SKB, Community Reading Parks (TBM), Course Institutions, partner organizations, families, communities, the business world and the industrial world, collaboration of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) of Cilacap Regency, to literacy activists. The presence and participation of these various elements further strengthened the spirit of collaboration in driving a culture of literacy in Indonesia. (Author: Team of the Directorate of Non-Formal and Informal Education / Editor: Stephanie, Destian)
Bureau of Communication and Public Relations
Secretariat General
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Website: kemendikdasmen.go.id
X: x.com/Kemdikdasmen
Instagram: instagram.com/kemendikdasmen
Facebook: facebook.com/kemendikdasmen
YouTube: Ministry of Education and Culture
Questions and Complaints: ult.kemendikdasmen.go.id
Press Release from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: kemendikdasmen.go.id/pencarian/siaran-pers
#QualityEducationForAll
#MinistryofEducationAndEducationFriendly
