Inisiasi Lantara: Sparking Reading Interest Since Childhood Through Literacy Events

Reading is a fundamental part of learning. Through reading, we can begin to understand how others live, discover old and new things, and learn so much from them. For children, this aspect of literacy is crucial for their intellectual and emotional development. Unfortunately, about 250 million children worldwide are lacking basic literacy skills.

In Indonesia, the Ministry of Education data on reading literacy reveals that the national average of reading activity is low. There are many reasons for this, ranging from personal interest to the structural issue that includes poverty and unequal access to quality books.

Inisiasi Lantara

Inisiasi Lantara is a literacy outreach initiative launched by an online book community I am a part of, the TIKII Bookstore. The initiative was established to bridge the gap in book accessibility across underserved areas in Indonesia. Essentially, we aim to enhance reading access for children who face limited exposure to quality books and literacy resources.

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Inisiasi Lantara partnered with Taman Baca Akademia to host a children’s literacy event in Depok. By organizing in-person events like this one, the initiative seeks to make reading a positive, hands-on experience, and to reinforce reading habits from an early age.

The event brought together seven dedicated volunteers and approximately thirty local children around Depok. Over the span of three hours, participants engaged in three structured sessions: reading aloud, collaborative storytelling, and creative crafting. The volunteers designed the program to build literacy skills progressively.

Children Literacy Event

The first session was called “My Favorite Childhood Book”. In this session, volunteers were sharing their beloved childhood books, from Indonesian folktales to illustrated stories and classic adventure novels. The reading was interactive; the children read aloud in turns, guessed what might happen next, asked questions about new words, and discussed characters and storylines. Afterward, the children were encouraged to select their own books from the reading corner and read on their own. The volunteers made sure the reading material was suitable for their ages and discussion was comfortable for all.

Then, in “Once Upon a Story”, participants took turns adding sentences or paragraphs, weaving together creative stories. The stories varied from fanciful animal tales to everyday adventures. This activity stimulated imaginative thinking, narrative structuring, and teamwork.

Finally, the third session was “Book Pouch Painting”. Each child decorated a blank canvas book pouch with colorful paints. Through this activity, children exercise their creativity and fine motor development. Beyond that, this activity helped children form a personal connection to their reading material by customizing their book pouch.

Looking Ahead

This event is part of an ongoing program focused on expanding literacy access across diverse regions. Inisiasi Lantara plans to replicate similar programs regularly, tailoring themes and delivery to local needs. With the support of volunteers and local community partners, the program aims to create long-lasting impacts on children’s literacy development and foster a sustainable culture of reading.

Grassroots initiatives like Inisiasi Lantara exist to inspire changes on the ground. After all, reading is a key part of education, and all children have a right to education, come rain or shine.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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