KBRN, Jakarta: Indonesia has made significant progress in combating illiteracy, successfully reducing the national rate to just 0.92 percent over the past five years.

Deputy Minister of Elementary and Secondary Education (Wamendikdasmen), Atip Latipulhayat, announced the achievement while reaffirming the government’s commitment to continued improvement.

Speaking at the Non-formal and Informal Education Showcase and the 2025 International Literacy Day commemoration at the Ministry’s office in Jakarta on Friday, September 26, 2025, Atip praised the collective effort behind the milestone.

“Over the last five years, Indonesia has successfully reduced the illiteracy rate to just 0.92 percent. Let’s applaud this achievement,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

Despite the historic low, Atip emphasized that the work is not yet complete. Several regencies across the archipelago still require more intensive efforts to eradicate illiteracy fully. “The government is committed to leaving no citizen behind,” he affirmed.

This year’s International Literacy Day carries the global theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” while the national theme focuses on “Digital Literacy for Building Civilization.”

Atip noted that the theme serves as a reminder that literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write. It is the foundation for building a smart, independent, critical, productive, and inclusive society.

“This theme is highly relevant to technological advancement in the digital era. We all recognize how rapidly technology is evolving, so digital literacy must be paired with the ability to use it positively to build civilization,” he explained.

To address this, Atip confirmed that the Ministry will continue strengthening policies and programs aimed at enhancing literacy across the country, particularly in areas still facing challenges with illiteracy and limited access to education.

Among these efforts is the education digitalization initiative, which includes improving digital literacy competencies through the use of smart digital screens and interactive flat panel devices. ***