The Reasons and Practical Remedies for Indonesian Students' Reading Crisis

The Current Level of Indonesian Students’ Interest in Reading

One of the key indicators of a country’s educational excellence is reading interest.

It will be simpler to create a generation that is critical, imaginative, and prepared to take on global concerns if pupils have strong reading habits.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that we live in a digital age with limitless access to information, reading interest among Indonesian students is still very low.

Reading helpful books or articles is not as appealing to many pupils as social media or digital pleasure.

The capacity to read and comprehend information is actually a fundamental talent that is crucial for both daily life and schooling.

This lack of enthusiasm for reading is a severe problem that requires proactive measures from the government, families, and schools, among others.

Evidence of Indonesia’s Poor Reading Culture

Only 0.001 percent of Indonesians are interested in reading, according to a UNESCO survey.

This indicates that only one person out of every 1,000 is genuinely excited about reading-related activities.

Furthermore, Indonesia is placed 65th out of 81 nations in terms of student reading proficiency according to the 2022 PISA assessment.

This stands in sharp contrast to highly ranked Asian nations like South Korea, Japan, and Singapore.

This disparity demonstrates that Indonesia’s educational system has not been successful in creating a fair and long-lasting reading culture.

In light of this, it is imperative to look into the primary causes of kids’ lack of enthusiasm for reading.

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Important Elements of Children’s Poor Interest in Reading

The low interest in reading among Indonesian children does not occur without a cause. There are various factors that are interrelated and worsen this condition.

Some Of the Main Factors That Cause Low Interest in Reading in Children Include:

1. The Impact of Social Media and Devices

Nearly every student has an internet and mobile phone connection.

They are used more for pleasure than for literacy, though.

Playing games and viewing movies takes up time that could be spent reading.

Time that could be spent reading books or insightful articles is thus lost.

2. Absence of Facilities and Availability of High-Quality Books

There are still extremely few libraries in many places, particularly in rural areas, both in terms of the quantity of collections and the state of the facilities.

The provided books are occasionally out of date, dull, or inappropriate for the pupils’ age and interests. Children become less interested in reading as a result.

3. Memorization is still the foundation of education culture

Instead of fostering critical thinking abilities and language comprehension, our educational system continues to place more emphasis on memorization examinations.

As a result, pupils just read to learn material for tests rather than to comprehend it.

4. Absence of family support and role models

Reading is not a habit that many parents have instilled in their kids.

Students’ attitudes that do not view reading as significant or pleasurable are also shaped by the absence of a reading culture in the faXmily.

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Holistic Approaches to Cultivate Reading Engagement and Literacy Among Indonesian Youth

The solutions must directly address the issues that exist in the area. Among the tactical actions that can be performed are:

1. Enhancing Literacy Programs in Schools

Enhancing School Literacy Programs: Initiatives like the School Literacy Movement (GLS) must be broadened by tailoring reading assignments to students’ interests.

Examples of such activities include:

a. A dedicated 15–30 minute reading period each day at school
b. Contests for creative writing
c. Constructing a welcoming and practical reading nook

2. Utilizing Technology for Digital Literacy

Instead of banning the use of gadgets, it is better to direct them for literacy activities.

Many applications and sites provide e-books, educational comics, and popular articles that can be used to foster digital-based reading interest.

1. Availability of Interesting and Relevant Books

To supply reading materials that fit the interests, ages, and fashions of today’s youth, local governments, national libraries, and the private sector must collaborate.

Examples of these materials include picture books, teen novels, biographies of inspirational people, and more.

2. Strengthening the Family’s Role

Parents need to set an example. Little routines like reading to kids before bed, purchasing books as presents, or taking them to bookstores can make a great difference in helping them develop a love of reading.

3. Reforming the Curriculum

There are chances to develop project-based learning and comprehension through the currently being adopted Merdeka Curriculum.

This can be used to motivate pupils to read as a learning activity rather than only as a required academic task.

Baca juga: Causes of Low Education Quality in Indonesia

Conclusion

Since Indonesian kids’ lack of interest in reading is a persistent problem with many facets, it needs careful consideration from a number of stakeholders.

The causes are numerous and include the powerful influence of social media and digital devices, the lack of access to high-quality reading materials, and an educational system that still prioritizes memorization over comprehension and critical thinking.

Furthermore, the family and the surroundings play a significant influence in influencing how kids feel about reading activities.

On the other hand, this situation is not unchangeable.

Significant changes are feasible through improving school literacy programs, promoting digital-based reading habits, expanding the selection of books that are both relevant and engaging, changing the curriculum, and enlisting families as role models in a culture of reading.

The current technology advancements and the Merdeka Curriculum present a fantastic chance to raise a generation of young people who are literate and tolerant.

Building a culture of reading is a long-term investment in the country’s moral and intellectual underpinnings rather than a quick fix.

As a result, we need to get started right away with practical measures and collaboration across sectors.

Indonesia can only produce a generation of readers who are not just smart but also prepared to face and contribute meaningfully in a world that is always changing if everyone works together and consistently.

This is a national development issue rather than just an educational one.

We run the danger of leaving future generations unprepared to compete on a global scale if we don’t foster reading habits now.

Penulis: Shofwah

Mahasiswa Jurusan Arabic Education Department, Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka

Aktif juga di Hima PBA dan IMM

Supervisor: Dr. Muhammad Iman Sastra Mihajat, Ph.D