"Hopefully, this IKRA activity in the second quarter can increase community enthusiasm so that it can target more people, especially families. This aims to make reading a beneficial habit," Head of the Jakarta Library and Archives Office Firmansyah said here on Wednesday.
The literacy activity was a continuation of a series of literacy programs in the first quarter (April–May).
The Jakarta provincial government collaborated with related elements such as sub-districts, villages, and the Family Empowerment and Welfare (PKK) cadres in distributing books to families for reading.
Several reading materials were provided at IKRA, ranging from fairy tales/story books for children to knowledge and skills books for their parents, Firmansyah explained.
The books can be loaned for 14 days or more. IKRA participants can use them for reading activities with their families and for summarizing the content.
After that, participants can make videos or posts about what they read on social media.
"The activity of reading and writing a summary is expected to make participants not only understand the content, but also obtain innovative ideas to produce beneficial works, both for themselves and the community," Firmansyah explained.
As a form of appreciation, the Jakarta Library and Archives Office gave e-certificates to all IKRA participants and the five best participants.
In addition, participants also received prizes provided by the City Administration Library and Archives Office to encourage public interest in reading and promote a reading habit among all groups.
Jakarta was designated as a "City of Literature" by UNESCO in 2021.
IKRA, one of the initiatives to support Jakarta as the City of Literature, has been helping families get quality reading materials, especially during the pandemic last year.
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Translator: Siti N, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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