Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto has called on regional governments to strengthen literacy culture through programs aimed at improving the public literacy development index.

“We want the public literacy development index and reading interest levels to receive serious attention from all regional governments in collaboration with literacy communities,” he said in an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He stressed that six strategic measures should become part of a collective movement involving literacy activists, communities, and regional libraries.

The measures include strengthening regional policies and regulations, transforming regional libraries, improving digital literacy, enhancing the capacity of library personnel, expanding village-based and community-based literacy movements, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration and synergy.

Sugiarto emphasized that regional governments must formulate concrete policies to promote a reading culture and strengthen the community literacy ecosystem.

He also encouraged regional libraries to transform into modern and comfortable public spaces capable of attracting younger generations, while serving as centers for learning, discussion, and creativity.

As an example, he highlighted the transformation of the library in Bogor City, which has significantly increased visitor numbers to as many as 800 people per day.

The deputy minister underlined the importance of strengthening librarians’ capacity so that libraries can develop into active literacy hubs.

“Capacity building is not merely about increasing book collections, but also about strengthening the ability to build networks and maximize literacy initiatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Library (Perpusnas) Head E. Aminudin Aziz said that low literacy levels must be addressed through cross-sector collaboration involving communities and the private sector.

He noted that changes in technology, public perceptions, and community expectations require a transformation in literacy development approaches so programs can remain relevant and responsive to current challenges.

In this regard, Perpusnas is committed to strengthening coordination with stakeholders at both the central and regional levels to turn literacy improvement into a collective movement with broad societal impact.

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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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