Apa kata Najwa Sihab Sebagai Duta Baca Indonesia tahun 2016-2020

Summary

The speaker reflects on the current state of reading culture in Indonesia, expressing concerns about the low reading interest and literacy levels, citing troubling data from OECD and UNESCO. They emphasize the importance of reading and literacy for national growth and warn against the consequences of a country without a strong reading tradition. Despite these challenges, the speaker shares their personal journey of falling in love with books from a young age and highlights the transformative power of even a single book. The speaker encourages the role of Duta Baca Indonesia (Ambassador for Reading) in promoting reading among children.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker greets the audience and acknowledges the leadership of the Indonesian National Library (Perpusnas), highlighting the presence of female leaders.
• 😀 The speaker expresses mixed feelings of concern and joy regarding the state of reading culture in Indonesia.
• 😀 The speaker shares alarming data about Indonesia's low reading culture, with Indonesia ranked lowest in reading among 52 countries according to OECD.
• 😀 Data from UNESCO (2015) indicates that children in Europe read an average of 25 books a year, while children in Indonesia read almost no books, with only one out of every 1,000 children showing interest in reading.
• 😀 The speaker highlights that in most countries, high school students are required to read literary works, except in Indonesia, where it is not mandatory.
• 😀 The speaker refers to the lack of a reading culture as a tragedy that has persisted for 63 years, which harms the nation’s potential.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of literacy, stating that a country without a reading culture risks becoming uneducated, easily provoked, and narrow-minded.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for the importance of books, describing them as loyal companions that provide wisdom, laughter, and even comfort in times of sadness.
• 😀 The speaker shares personal experiences of growing up in a family that valued reading, with books being a constant presence in the home.
• 😀 The speaker believes that love for reading can be nurtured from an early age, as it happened in their own life, and stresses the importance of introducing children to books.
• 😀 The speaker reveals that only one book is needed to spark a lifelong love for reading, and the task of the Ambassador of Reading is to encourage this love among the people of Indonesia.

Q & A

What is the speaker's general feeling about the reading culture in Indonesia?

The speaker expresses a mix of concern and hope. They are worried about Indonesia's low reading culture, as indicated by various statistics, but they also feel hopeful about the potential to improve it through initiatives like the Duta Baca (Ambassador of Reading).

What alarming statistics did the speaker mention about Indonesia's reading culture?

The speaker mentions that Indonesia ranks lowest in reading culture among 52 countries according to OECD data. Additionally, a UNESCO study revealed that children in Europe read 25 books a year, while children in Japan and Singapore read 15-17 books. In contrast, Indonesian children read an average of zero books a year, with only one in a thousand children having an interest in reading.

What does the speaker say about the reading habits of high school students in Indonesia?

The speaker highlights that in most countries, high school students are required to read a certain number of literary books, but this is not the case in Indonesia. Indonesian high school students are not obligated to read literary books, except in a few elite private schools.

What does the speaker believe is the consequence of Indonesia's lack of reading culture?

The speaker believes that a lack of reading culture in Indonesia results in a nation without intellectual depth, easily influenced by negative emotions, and lacking broad-mindedness. They view this as a national tragedy.

How does the speaker view books in relation to personal development?

The speaker views books as the best companions that offer wisdom, entertainment, and guidance. They emphasize how books can comfort, teach, and even provoke deep emotions like laughter and tears. Books are seen as loyal, wise, and unchanging companions.

How did the speaker's early exposure to books influence their passion for reading?

The speaker attributes their love for reading to being introduced to books at an early age, particularly through their family. They recall how their parents read to them when they were young and how their home was filled with books. This environment fostered their interest in reading.

What personal initiative did the speaker take to encourage reading among their peers?

The speaker mentions creating a small library at home with 25 books that they would lend to their family members, including their siblings. This personal initiative reflects their commitment to spreading the love of reading.

What does the speaker believe is the key to developing a love for reading?

The speaker believes that it only takes one book to spark a love for reading and that building a reading habit doesn't require many books. They emphasize the importance of fostering a reading culture from a young age.

What role does the speaker believe the Duta Baca (Reading Ambassador) can play in improving Indonesia's reading culture?

The speaker views the role of Duta Baca as a significant opportunity to inspire a broader love for reading across Indonesia. They describe it as a chance to connect people to books and foster a nationwide habit of reading.

What is the speaker's final message about books and reading?

The speaker concludes with a hopeful message that with the support of all parties, books can become the best companions for all Indonesian children. They urge everyone to help make reading a widespread habit.