From Unhas to Jeneponto: Indonesian Literature Lecturer Strengthens Youth Literacy
MAKASSAR — An Indonesian Literature lecturer from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Hasanuddin, St Nursa’adah, was one of the speakers at the 2026 Literacy Festival organized by the Balai Bahasa Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan in collaboration with the Pemerintah Kabupaten Jeneponto.
During the event, the literature scholar provided guidance and mentoring to 200 elementary school students to enhance their literacy skills, particularly in reviewing books. The event was officially opened by Alamsyah, Head of the Jeneponto Education and Culture Office. Also in attendance were Toha Machsum, Head of the South Sulawesi Language Office, and Wahidah, Head of the General Affairs Subdivision.
The lecturer, born on August 20, 1968, emphasized that the festival plays an important role in improving students’ abilities in reading, writing, appreciating, and creatively presenting works of fiction. According to her, strengthening literacy from an early age significantly influences students’ critical and creative thinking skills.
The 2026 Literacy Festival features a range of programs targeting various educational levels. For elementary school students, activities include technical guidance on smart book reviewing. Meanwhile, junior high school students focus on speed-reading skills, and senior high school students receive training in critical-analytical reading to deepen their understanding of texts.
In addition, the festival includes socialization programs on writing and translating bilingual children’s stories that combine local languages and Indonesian. This initiative is expected to enrich the literary landscape while preserving regional languages amid globalization.
The festival also extends beyond students by introducing programs such as “Dictionary Goes to School” and Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers (BIPA). Furthermore, coordination meetings on regional language preservation and technical training on school library digitalization are conducted as part of efforts to adapt to technological advancements.
She expressed hope that the 2026 Literacy Festival in Jeneponto will serve as a momentum to strengthen literacy culture and foster collaboration among educators, the government, and the community in shaping a literate and competitive generation. (*/)