The National Library of Indonesia Officially Launches the 2026 Community Literacy Volunteer Program
Indramayu, Jaya News.Com –
The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI) continues to strengthen the national literacy movement by launching the 2026 Community Literacy Volunteer (Relima) program, held online via Zoom on Monday (May 18, 2026).
The activity was attended by hundreds of participants from various regions in Indonesia, including Relima volunteers from 322 regencies and cities.
The Head of the National Library of Indonesia, E. Aminudin Aziz, in his remarks emphasized that strengthening literacy is a crucial part of efforts to educate the nation. He stated that the intelligence of today’s society is not only measured by formal education, but also by the community’s literacy skills.
He revealed that the literacy rate of the Indonesian people remains a major challenge, hovering between 44 and 48. This situation is considered a matter of shared concern, especially in facing the challenges of future national development.
“Literacy is not just the ability to read, but how people are able to understand information, think critically, and utilize it for a better life,” said Aminudin at the launch of RELIMA 2026.
Despite facing budget cuts of nearly 48 percent, which have impacted several aid programs, the National Library continues to strive to optimize the community literacy movement through the active role of Relima volunteers in the regions. Volunteers are encouraged to become drivers of the utilization of book donations and literacy activities to have a greater impact on the community.
The number of Relima volunteers will increase to 360 in 2026, spread across various regions of Indonesia. Volunteers are expected to be more creative and active in implementing literacy programs in the field, with support from various parties, including local governments, schools, communities, and the private sector.
Ahmad Khoeri, a Relima volunteer from Indramayu Regency, believes that optimizing community literacy must be a serious concern for all policymakers. He believes that literacy development cannot occur alone without the support of policies that support strengthening a reading culture and community learning spaces.
“The movement to optimize literacy in society must receive significant attention from policymakers. Because when the public is literate, national development will be more advanced, society will become more critical, and the younger generation will be better prepared to become the Golden Generation of 2045,” said Ahmad Khoeri.
He also assessed that Relima’s role is not merely to implement reading programs, but also to build public awareness so that literacy becomes part of everyday life. He believes that strong literacy will impact the quality of education, social, and economic well-being of the community.
The launch of RELIMA 2026 also included the inauguration of the 2026 Indonesian Reading Ambassadors, the launch of the INLISLite application version 3.3, and a literacy talk show themed “Relima 2026: Collaboration for an Impactful Literacy Movement.” The event concluded with a group photo session and cheers from literacy volunteers from across Indonesia, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration in building a reading culture in the community.
(Wari)
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