Cilacap, Central Java, September 26, 2026 – The Director General of Secondary and Special Education (Dirjen Dikmen Diksus), Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen), Tatang Muttaqin, closed the Peak Commemoration of the 60th National International Literacy Day (HAI) 2026 in Cilacap, Central Java, Friday (25/9). On that occasion, Director General Tatang invited all parties to continue to keep the spirit of literacy alive in the community.
"The culmination of International Literacy Day 2026 has concluded. We've brought home all these experiences, but our work isn't done yet," said Director General Tatang.
According to Director General Tatang, the low reading culture in society and the use of gadgets that offer many entertainment options are among the challenges in reviving a culture of literacy in society.
"We invite all participants to continue the spirit of literacy within the community to achieve a better future," said Director General Tatang.
Director General Tatang believes that literacy is not limited to education but is also closely related to daily life. Literacy skills influence various aspects of life, including people's decision-making abilities, improving quality of life, and promoting family well-being.
"Illiteracy can hamper a person's independence and self-confidence, including in managing family finances," stressed Director General Tatang.
Furthermore, Director General Tatang stated that literacy is not merely the ability to recognize letters, but also the ability to understand life and participate in it. Literacy needs to be a force uniting humanity, sustainability, and prosperity.
"Literacy must be present when individuals strive to understand others. It must be present when communities protect their environment and livelihoods. It must also be present when citizens learn to use their knowledge and skills to build a better future," said Director General Tatang.
On that occasion, Director General Tatang reiterated that non-formal education is not merely a supplement, but an integral part of the national education system. Various services, such as equivalency education, literacy, life skills, digital literacy, and community-based learning, need to be continuously developed to respond to the needs of a dynamic society.
Thus, non-formal education is expected to become more relevant and adaptive and provide a real contribution in supporting the lifelong learning process.
Director General Tatang hopes that after the 60th anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day (HAI), learning spaces through non-formal education can continue to be revitalized and expanded, both in PKBM (Centers for Community Learning), SKB (Special Learning Centers), TBM (Teaching Community Learning Centers), families, villages, and communities. These efforts need to be strengthened through ongoing collaboration with local governments, the business and industrial worlds, the media, universities, community organizations, and youth groups. "From Cilacap, we strengthen the belief that everyone can learn, every place can become a learning space, and every party can take part in the literacy movement," said Director General Tatang.
As a closing ceremony, Director General Tatang also presented awards in the form of certificates to those who have contributed to building the national literacy movement and making HAI 2026 a success. Seventeen awards were presented to various parties, including regional heads, government organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. (Author & Documentation: Directorate General of Higher Education, Mendipta Diksus Team/Editor: Ririn, Seno)
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