Jakarta Representatives Council (DPRD) Commission E Secretary, Justin Adrian responded to the result of Level of Interest in Reading (TGM) of Jakarta Province in 2024 that reached score of 72.93 and categorized as high. 

"...as Jakarta is becoming a more competitive city over time,"

He said that high literacy level has an impact on enhancing competitiveness of human resources in Jakarta.

"We see the importance of all efforts to improve the quality of human resources in Jakarta as Jakarta is becoming a more competitive city over time," he expressed, Friday (2/7).

According to him, technology development brings its own challenges in maintaining public interest in reading, especially in the current digital era.

He highlighted the decline in attention span or ability to concentrate due to internet use. Therefore, teachers need to innovate in delivering lessons.

"The reduced attention span can be improved by developing interest and habit of reading, such as reading books, magazines, novels, newspapers, and so on," he conveyed.

He mentioned that DPRD also pays special attention to community groups with low literacy levels, such as children from underprivileged families or people with disabilities.

"We want Jakarta Government to use the budget of Rp 18.5 trillion in Education Agency, one of which is to build special schools for children with certain conditions," 

He said, improving the quality of human resources through relevant education and training is also the key to overcoming the unemployment issue.

"Jakarta Provincial Government needs to carry out external and internal development," he added.

He explained, external development includes school renovation, additional supporting facilities such as libraries and books, sports facilities, and healthy cafetarias. Meanwhile, internal development is through literacy campaign, fitness, and healthy diet.

"We believe that Jakarta, with Education Agency's budget Rp 18.5 trillion and Library and Archive Agency's budget Rp 321 billion can do it all," he closed.