The saying goes that books are windows to the world, and through books, we can learn from the past, increase knowledge, and derive inspiration for the future
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo appealed to parents to inculcate the habit of reading among children from an early age to increase their literacy levels and insights.

"The saying goes that books are windows to the world, and through books, we can learn from the past, increase knowledge, and derive inspiration for the future," Tanoesoedibjo affirmed through a video at a launch event for storybooks here on Thursday.

Citing some research, Tanoesoedibjo pointed to a close connection between literacy and the nation's development. Hence, she invited parents to teach their children to increase their love for reading.


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The storybooks -- "Starry Starry Night" and "Journey to the Top" -- are available in English and feature augmented reality that is expected to foster the spirit of exploring the archipelago and nationalism for future generations.

Tanoesoedibjo welcomed storybooks that are tourism-themed and appealing for children, as they have interactive features that can enhance the reading experience.

"This book will take Indonesian children (on a journey) to explore the super-priority tourism destinations (Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang) that the government has been developing, and Bali, which is a tourism icon," the deputy minister stated.

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Furthermore, she expected that these storybooks can enable children to develop an understanding, love, and a sense of pride of the beauty and uniqueness of the country's tourism destinations.

"Let us continue to collaborate in developing (members of) the national future generation that are cultured, broad-minded, and have high nationalism; all (of which) starts from a book," she concluded.

The storybooks are available under collaboration between the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry and kinderkloud, an educational technology startup, and Marianne Rumantir, a CEO of a private firm, through the Wonderful Indonesia Co-Branding Program.


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Translator: Nanien Y, Kenzu T
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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