Reading allows us to obtain more accurate information than we obtain through other activities. We may not gain deeper insights into a topic without reading. Information from experience, observation, or the reality of a phenomenon may provide additional insights. However, the experience of reading can provide even more information.
The knowledge of reading literacy that we possess stems from the activation of our five senses. Everyone understands this and cannot deny it. Reading has always been a primary source of knowledge for humans, as beings endowed with reason or intellect.
In simple terms, a community's tradition of literacy is the heart of a civilization. However, the reality is that literacy traditions have not yet become addictive to those who practice them. This habit is commonplace in communities, and it's not even taboo in society. In fact, a tradition of literacy is a necessity. A necessity that cannot be negotiated.
I'm not judging or evaluating our society's low level of literacy, particularly reading literacy. However, this is a judgment based on several data sources about our society's low interest in and level of reading literacy.
Citing the data in release by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (although specific sources vary, often referring to old surveys or PISA), Indonesia's reading interest is very low, with figures state that only 1 in 1,000 people (0.001%) are diligent readers, placing Indonesia at the bottom of the global rankings in literacy (60th out of 61 countries)).
Ironically, however, Indonesians spend a significant amount of time on their devices. Other data from the 2022 PISA (Public Activity Assessment) shows Indonesia's literacy score was 359 (the OECD average is 476), ranking 62nd out of 70 countries, far below other ASEAN countries like Singapore and Vietnam, indicating significant challenges in reading and comprehension skills. (Source google.com)
The interesting thing is, the data that is realize UNESCO was denied by a curator of JILF 2025, Evi Mariani, in an interview with Wisnu Nugroho (Editor-in-Chief of Kompas.com) at a podcast, Evi Mariani said that the data used by UNESCO was not sourced from valid data.
‘"Indonesians' interest in reading is low. The problem is, firstly, the data used is flawed. UNESCO often cites the statement that, out of every 1,000 Indonesians, only one person is interested in reading.").There's no such thing. There's no such thing. There's no research. Ironically, the data is distributed by people with low literacy.'’ That was Evi Mariani's objection.[1]
In this regard, it's important to investigate further whether Indonesian literacy is truly low. Furthermore, where does the data on our society's low literacy interest come from, or which sources does ENESCO refer to? This concludes that Indonesian literacy is low.
On this point, I believe Evi Mariani's criticism is valid. Paradoxically, if examined in a balanced way, the reading literacy of this nation's founders is very high. For example, take Ir. Soekarno, Indonesia's first president, BJ. Habibie, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and Prabowo Subianto. These freedom fighters and figures were all literate.
Not to mention literary figures, authors of novels, novelists, literary critics, and so on. They have contributed significantly to literacy knowledge, especially to Indonesian society. And here's the data: these Indonesian literary figures have produced works recognized internationally.
The question is, why doesn't UNESCO draw on research sources from these figures? Instead, it highlights the realities of people living in places that lack, or even have limited, access to the world of literacy. Or does UNESCO refer to trend The lives of people who are generally more interested in using their cell phones than holding books. This seems like a research imbalance.
If so, it could be argued that UNESCO's research findings are questionable and should improve research indicators and assessments of literacy objects. On the one hand, Indonesian society is still not very friendly to the world of literacy. However, that is not a holistic measure to judge this unfavorable phenomenon in general.
For your information, the literacy movement in Indonesia is currently underway. trend-namely, inviting the public to consciously become literate. The literacy movement is currently being widely promoted, perhaps due to UNESCO's sarcasm, so it is considered an almost accepted truth.
From a different perspective, our society truly needs to improve its literacy skills. This will enable us to become a nation capable of competing with developed nations like other nations. Hopefully, the literacy movement will become even more widespread amidst the literacy crisis plaguing Indonesia's current generation.
The Indonesian public's literacy level is high. This isn't just a denial of UNESCO's reference, but rather a fact. real The truth is undeniable: our literacy rate is progressing, not regressing or declining.
Hopefully it will be useful reading material. Amen
And Allah knows best
[1] Please access; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M0661VTBCo&t=611s
