Jakarta, October 7, 2025 - In order to strengthen the family literacy culture that is also built on synergy between home and school, the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) in collaboration with the Center for Books, the Agency for Standards, Curriculum, and Education Assessment (BSKAP) held a Literacy Talk Show from Home to School with the theme "Synergy between Parents and Books Through the Indonesian Book Information System (SIBI)" in Jakarta, Tuesday (7/10).

Nurul Mazidah Fajar, Advisor to the Ministry of Education and Culture's Directorate General of Reading (DWP), emphasized the importance of fostering a reading culture from an early age. She stated that the habit of reading should be introduced before children enter school age, starting within the family environment. "We strive to build a reading culture in children from an early age. This means introducing them to books before they start school. At home, we provide a reading corner, and we even place books in various places, such as next to the sofa and on the bed, so that children become accustomed to seeing and are interested in reading books," Nurul explained during the event, which featured several speakers from family and education practitioners and was attended by all members of the Ministry of Education and Culture's Directorate General of Reading (DWP).

Nurul further explained that the Indonesian Book Information System (SIBI) is an important tool for parents to provide quality reading materials for their children. Through SIBI, parents can easily access books appropriate to their children's age and needs. "SIBI provides a wide variety of quality books that are age-appropriate. Parents and children can access them anytime and anywhere. Parents can also select age-appropriate reading materials. This is very helpful in fostering a reading habit at home," she said.

She also encouraged mothers to be role models in fostering a love of reading at home. She believes that a culture of literacy cannot be fostered through guidance alone, but must be accompanied by concrete examples from parents. Nurul said that mothers play a strategic role in guiding children and families to utilize existing resources and media positively, making the home the primary and primary center for character education. "Let's improve education from home, starting with small things like reading books. Let's work together, schools and parents, to make this program a success. Because through books, a window to the world will open," she concluded.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Ministry of Education and Culture's Women's Association (DWP), Marlinah Hafidz Muksin, stated that the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) is committed to strengthening family literacy culture as part of efforts to improve human resource quality. She emphasized the importance of initiating change from the smallest possible context, namely within the family. "DWP is committed to synergizing and collaborating in every activity that can improve human resources by fostering a love of reading among the community, women, and children. Of course, it starts with our own families," Marlinah stated.

On the same occasion, the Head of BSKAP, Toni Toharudin, emphasized that literacy is the primary foundation for developing superior human resources. He explained that literacy skills extend beyond reading and writing to include critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

"Literacy isn't just about reading and writing; it's also about understanding, analyzing, and using information critically. Through literacy, children can engage in learning that trains them to think critically and solve real-world problems," Toni explained.

Toni also illustrated the importance of literacy in opening access to knowledge and children's futures through an analogy. "Literacy is like the key to a house. Without the key, children will have difficulty entering a broader space of knowledge. But with literacy, the door opens wide and leads them to a brighter future," he said.

He added that strong literacy can only be achieved through synergy between three main pillars: government, schools, and families. The government, through the Indonesian Book Center, has introduced the Indonesian Book Information System (SIBI) as a facility to provide quality reading materials that are easily accessible to the public. "The collaboration between the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (Women's Association), BSKAP (Indonesian Women's Student Association), and all stakeholders will continue to strengthen the culture of literacy from home to school, from family to nation," he concluded.

Through this activity, the DWP Kemendikdasmen together with the BSKAP Book Center hope that a culture of literacy can grow into a part of the daily lives of Indonesian families, so that the home truly becomes the first and foremost place in instilling character, fostering reading interest, and forming a smart and competitive generation. For information, the public can also access various quality digital books for free through the Indonesian Book Information System (SIBI) on the page buku.kemendikdasmen.go.id.

(Writer: Destya/Editor: Denty A., Seno H./Photographer: Irfan)