Education Minister: Literacy Is Essential for Navigating a Flood of Information

Indonesia’s education minister has called for the revival of Literacy Month as the country marks International Literacy Day on September 8. Abdul Mu’ti said the 2026 observance carries the theme “Literacy for Others, the Universe and Prosperity,” adapted from UNESCO’s global theme, “Literacy for the People, The Planet and Prosperity.”

Speaking online from Jakarta on Tuesday, Mu’ti said the commemoration should lead to practical activities in regions and communities. He urged organizers to design simple programs around local concerns and involve learners, families and communities so that literacy becomes a meaningful learning experience.

For Mu’ti, literacy no longer means only the ability to read and write. It should form part of daily life, helping people understand information, interpret circumstances and make more critical decisions. He called on the public not simply to accept information, but to examine, question and verify it.

That ability has become more important as digitalization and artificial intelligence accelerate the flow of information. People need to distinguish information that is accurate, relevant and accountable, while also understanding context, recognizing misleading claims, separating fact from opinion and using technology responsibly.

Mu’ti linked stronger literacy skills to Indonesia’s goal of preparing a capable younger generation for 2045. He praised literacy activists in Community Learning Activity Centers, Learning Activity Studios, Community Reading Parks, the PNFI Association Forum and other literacy groups, describing them as the front line of efforts to build a reading culture in remote areas despite limited resources and challenges.

“

The 2026 International Literacy Day commemoration is also an opportunity to revive Literacy Month through concrete activities in various regions and communities.