Let's (follow the) intellectual tradition by obtaining knowledge from books as a main resource, not just depending on information from cyberspace.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy has urged the youth to cultivate their fondness for reading to improve their horizons and knowledge.

"Culture of reading is important to support human resources development programs," the minister said in a statement received here on Monday.

The government is consistently pursuing efforts to garner more interest in reading among the youth, he pointed out.

"Many programs to improve literacy are consistently being conducted, such as by establishing book corners at schools and digital book corners," he said.

People's active contribution is necessary to inculcate the reading habit, particularly for reading books, Effendy noted.

"Let's (follow the) intellectual tradition by obtaining knowledge from books as a main resource, not just depending on information from cyberspace," he said.

The ministry also urged regional governments to pursue innovations in promoting a love for reading among the youth.

An expert from Purwokerto's Jenderal Soedirman University, Edi Santoso, said that an e-library could spark interest in reading.

He opined that regional governments need to always develop digital libraries.

"Libraries must be innovative and interesting so the number of visitors will grow," he said.

Santoso further said that the regional governments and the stakeholders have to make creative campaigns that can hook people into visiting libraries.

In the current digital era, getting people interested in reading has become challenging, he pointed out.

"The efforts to develop an interest in reading will be more challenging, particularly reading printed books. Our tradition of reading, which has been established well all along, has suddenly struck with many more digital multimedia tools, which look more attractive and interesting to the youth," he added.


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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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