Relima, Activator and Catalyst of the Literacy Movement

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Library of Indonesia launched the Community Literacy Volunteers (Relima) 2026 as part of its strengthening of the Quality Reading Materials Program. Relima's presence is aimed at activating and catalyzing the literacy movement through various mentoring activities and developing a reading culture in the community.

The Director of the National Library, E. Aminudin Aziz, said that books offer no benefit until they are read and inspire their readers. This is where Relima comes in as an activator and catalyst for the literacy movement.

He made the statement at the Launch of the Community Literacy Volunteers (Relima) 2026: Collaboration for an Impactful Literacy Movement, which was held online on Monday, May 18, 2026. By 2026, there will be 360 volunteers, comprising 154 volunteers who were already involved in the Relima program the previous year and 206 new volunteers who have passed.

These 360 Relima volunteers will be spread across 322 Relima work areas, across 251 districts and 71 cities. Aminudin Aziz also said that the decision to increase the number of volunteers is a strategic choice amidst budget cuts of up to 48 percent in 2026. The previous year, the number of volunteers was 180, but this year it has increased to 360.

The Director of the National Library also expressed his appreciation to all Relima who have shown commitment to the literacy movement. On that occasion, the National Library also launched the Sir5 application, or Relima Information System.

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Monday, May 18, 2026 in Jakarta that this web-based application serves as a means of information, reporting, and evaluating Relima activities.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Data and Information Center (Pusdatin), Wiratna Tritawirasta, explained that this application was developed to monitor Relima's performance.

On the same occasion, Andri Gunawan, a Relima 2026 representative from Tangerang Regency, stated that being a Relima member carries a heavy responsibility, representing the National Library.

However, he is also proud of himself on being able to advocate and provide support for libraries and Community Reading Parks (TBM). Relima does not work alone, but is part of a large network involving various parties, including regional library services which also recommend volunteers.

Since the arrival of Relima, he continued, many village libraries have now implemented service innovations.