The ministry's Director of Community Education and Special Education, Baharudin, stated that, based on the National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas), the illiteracy rate among Indonesians aged 15–59 decreased considerably in 2023 compared to 2022.
"In 2022, the illiteracy rate was 1.51 percent, or 2,850,851 people. In 2023, it declined to 1.08 percent, or 1,958,659 people," he said during the International Literacy Day commemoration on Friday.
He explained that the significant reduction was due to strategies initiated and continuously implemented by the ministry at both the central and regional levels.
These strategies include the development of literacy education curricula and learning modules, focusing on basic and advanced literacy; verification of target populations; assistance in implementing learning programs; and government support for literacy education.
The ministry also coordinated with regional governments to accelerate the elimination of illiteracy in high-illiteracy areas and worked with Statistics Indonesia to process literacy data.
Baharudin added that the ministry has made efforts to improve literacy, especially among students, through the implementation of the Independent Curriculum, book distribution, learning recovery programs, and renovation of literacy facilities for children with special needs.
In addition, the ministry has enhanced literacy services and activities, such as the People's Reading Park and Community Learning Centers.
He emphasized that Indonesia remains committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by eliminating illiteracy and improving literacy and numeracy across all levels of education.
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Translator: Hana Dewi, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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