"Every student of senior or vocational high schools and their equivalent is required to read a minimum of 20 books during their study period to nurture literacy skills and fulfil one of the requisites to graduate," Duka stated at the regional literacy movement launching event here on Sunday.
A governor's circular was signed on July 5, 2025, to give legal basis for district heads and all related officials to enforce the new requirement, he noted.
The governor stated that two of the books required to be read by high school pupils are books about national heroine and independence fighter Andi Depu and former law minister and attorney general Baharuddin Lopa.
Duka considered the two as exemplary West Sulawesi figures who made their name in national history that must be studied by high school students.
All school levels, from the primary to senior high schools, are also required to allocate a session for library visits at least once a week for their students, he said, while highlighting the need for librarians to manage the book collection.
Meanwhile for government officials, the governor instructed them to provide a reading corner or mini library at their institutions. "The management is carried out by each institution to nurture literacy in workplaces," he said.
Regional authorities were also instructed to ensure adequate and proper book collection at every school beyond study books as required for their class programmes.
Governor Duka further announced that schools are allowed to use the School Operational Fund (BOS) to support the initiative.
"The initiative is part of West Sulawesi provincial authority's mission to develop literacy capability as a foundation for regional development to achieve an advanced and prosperous West Sulawesi," he remarked.
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Translator: Amirullah, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Primayanti
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