I delivered books, bookshelves, and coloring and drawing equipment under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) Program of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and interacted with the children of Cikuya Village
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir delivered books, bookshelves, and coloring and drawing equipment to the children in Cikuya Village, Tangerang District, Banten.

"I delivered books, bookshelves, and coloring and drawing equipment under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) Program of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and interacted with the children of Cikuya Village," the minister said as quoted on his official Instagram account @erickthohir on Monday.

Thohir believes reading was more than just spelling letters but also the ability to assimilate messages and think broader and more logically, with several perspectives and imagination.

"There is a reason why in the first verse of the Qur'an, we are commanded to Iqra' that means read it," according to Minister Thohir.

This prompted the minister to visit the Palakota Creative Community Reading Park (TBM) in Cikuya Village, Tangerang District, Banten.

Thohir also acknowledges the challenges faced by teachers to teach how to read and write as well as tell stories in Cikuya Village.

"My utmost respect to the literacy heroes, who always work with their hearts. Thank you for bringing Indonesian children closer to books and knowledge," he emphasized.

Minister Thohir had earlier noted that SOE programs must be close to the community to proffer more benefits to them.

In an activity that aims to apply the SOEs' program in the community, Minister Thohir found that people at the lowest level, especially the underprivileged, witnessed changes and improvements in their standard of living after collaborating with SOEs companies.

Thohir also encouraged the ministry and state-owned companies to work more efficiently and be service-oriented to the community.

The minister noted that SOEs had made commendable efforts, including by streamlining the bureaucratic process in accordance with Indonesian President Joko Widodo's directive.

The state-owned enterprises minister also received reports that professionals in state-owned companies now sensed that they belonged to the company, which not only harbors the same vision as corporations but also realizes the importance of optimizing public services.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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