Lowokwaru (malangkota.go.id) – The Indonesian nation lags behind other countries, one of the reasons being the low literacy culture (reading and writing). Therefore, in order to become an advanced nation, the literacy culture must be further improved.
The Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture (Mendikbud) Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, MAP, when he was a keynote speaker in the Public Test of the 2017 Book System Bill at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Wednesday (22/3) revealed that Indonesia is ranked 60th out of 61 countries in the world in terms of reading interest.
"Indonesia's literacy skills are four years behind other countries. So the skills possessed by grade XII high school students should already be possessed by grade VIII junior high school students," explained Minister Muhadjir in the activity initiated by Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Wednesday (22/3).
He added that the problem of books and literacy is very urgent, because it also plays an important role in advancing the nation. This lag must be pursued with the Book System Bill that is adjusted to the conditions of all regions of Indonesia.
To support this, the Ministry of Education and Culture will build a culture of literacy starting from the outskirts by carrying out literacy movements, distributing books to the outermost, disadvantaged and remote areas (3T), and holding book endowments.
UMM Rector Drs. Fauzan, M.Pd on this occasion also expressed his appreciation for the holding of the Public Test of the 2017 Book System Bill at UMM. He said that UMM always supports and is always ready to be involved in all matters related to the interests of the nation and state.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Working Committee (Panja) for the Draft Law (RUU) on the Book System 2017 Commission X of the People's Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) Ir. HAR Sutan Adil Hendra, MM said that the drafting of the book system law was carried out by considering the diversity of society. This was done so that the available books have quality, both physically and in terms of content, are affordable, and are evenly distributed.
"Physical quality can be seen from the material, printing, binding and neatness, while the content is seen from the educational, informational and entertainment value," explained Sutan. (cah/yon)
