Reading is a key towards civilization progress. Since the invention of alphabet as a means of written communications, reading ability has becomes essentials for character building and national development. However, illiteracy remains a problem in many countries, in Indonesia about 10,5% people are illiterate, whether in less-developed countries ( research shows that the average of 60% of African peoples are illiterate ). Furthermore, the eradication of illiteracy is not the ultimate battle because another important task is waiting : socializing reading habit.
Reading habit in Indonesia is still something to improve. In Jakarta, for instance, only 200 persons in average visit local library. This contrasts with its highly dense population which reaches more than 10 millions. National library data show the similiar condition. Amongst a few library visitors, less than 20% borrows books. Assumed that reading habit resides in those who borrow the books, it is fair to conclude that reading habit statistics of book reading reach a level of 80%.
The indications of low interest in reading reveals in the consumptions level of newspaper within the society. Ideally, one paper is consumed by ten people. Nonetheless, in Indonesia one paper is printed for 45 people. This ratio is still below those of The Philippines and Sri Lanka at a level of 1 : 30 and 1 : 38. When it comes to proving books and developing interest in reading, Indonesia is still left behind compared to several countries. According to International Publisher Association, Canada, the highest level of book productions belongs to UK with nearly 100,000 book a year. Subsequently, Germany and Japan with 80,000 and 65,000 titles respectively, whereas Indonesia produces only 5,000 titles per year. Improving reading habit more challenging because nowadays it is gradually super sided by watching habit. Generally, reading culture goes through pre literary, literary and post-literary phases. In fact, in many societies, a leap occurs from pre-literary to post-literary.
Aiming at raising interest on reading and writing in the occasion of National Education Day, The Directorate general of Post and Telecommunications of Indonesia issues stamps series called “Love Reading and Writing”. Stamp designs depict two winning works of National Stamp Design Competition 2006, First Winner Elizabeth Christine Yuwono ( Surabaya) and second winner Suroso ( Yogyakarta ). Complementing it, Pos Indonesia PT issues First Day Cover ( FDC ) for stamp series. FDC design features artwork of the third winner by Djoko Soejanto ( Bandung ).
There are some statements of prominent peoples about reading : “Books are the windows of the world ( anonymous ) ; “You are what are your reading “ (anonymous) ; “The things I want to know are in books ;my best friends is the man who will get me a book I have not read” (Abraham Lincoln ); “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates loot on Treasure Island…and best of all you can enjoy these riches day of your life (Walt Disney )
