Indonesia’s Literacy Rate Remains Low, What’s the Problem?
Casal dels Infants – Literacy is not just the ability to read and write, but also the skill to comprehend, analyze, and use information effectively. Unfortunately, Indonesia still lags behind many countries in terms of literacy. This presents a significant challenge in building a society that is critical, productive, and competitive in today’s global landscape.
According to data from UNESCO and international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Indonesia’s literacy level is still below the global average. In the 2018 PISA report, Indonesia ranked 62nd out of 70 countries in reading ability. This indicates that many Indonesian students struggle with reading comprehension and text analysis.
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In another study conducted by Central Connecticut State University in 2016, Indonesia was ranked 60th out of 61 countries in literacy. This is a strong signal that Indonesians need broader access to educational resources. Literacy programs also need to be more evenly distributed across regions.
Low reading interest and limited access to books are two major reasons behind the country’s poor literacy rate. In many areas, public libraries are scarce, and where they do exist, book collections are often outdated. Additionally, the rise of instant digital lifestyles has shifted people’s preferences—especially among the younger generation—toward visual content and light entertainment rather than reading informative books or articles.
Another critical issue is the lack of parental involvement in fostering a reading habit from an early age. Many parents have yet to realize the importance of cultivating literacy culture at home.
Despite the challenges, there have been positive steps toward improving reading habits and access to educational resources in Indonesia. The government, through the Ministry of Education and Culture, has launched the National Movement for Reading (Gerakan Literasi Nasional). In addition, reading communities, grassroots libraries, and mobile libraries show that the spirit of encouraging a love for books is still alive.
In the digital age, technology can also become a powerful tool to support learning and engagement with reading. Digital books, educational podcasts, and reading apps for children offer modern alternatives to strengthen reading culture. These tools also help make knowledge more accessible for everyone.
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