President Jokowi Tells Minister to Popularize Indonesian Folktales

President Jokowi tells a story to the children in the National Book Day on Wednesday (17/5), in the Central Courtyard of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Indonesia is rich in stories and folktales, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo asserted.

According to the President, every region with their variety of ethnicities, religions, and cultures, have their own tales, such as the tales of Lutung Kasarung, Malin Kundang, Sangkuriang, Raja Ampat, and others.

“Those tales need to be read to the children, so they will have high interest in reading,” President Jokowi said after reading a tale to children at the event commemorating National Book Day on Wednesday (17/5), in the Central Courtyard of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

On that occasion, the President told Minister of Education and Culture to popularize Indonesian folktales to children since young age.

“Thus, the tales will bring the values of moral, ethics, courtesy, honesty, bravery to the children,” the President added.

Also on that occasion, President Jokowi asserted that as a follow up of his promise to literacy activists, the Government would send books to regions across Indonesia every month via post office for free and it will be done every month on the 17^th. However, this month it will be done on the 20^th, coinciding with the Indonesian National Awakening Day.

President Jokowi also hopes that the monthly event will strengthen the interest in reading for the children, because people in remote areas could get books at a cheaper price.

The President also admitted that he has many favorite books since he was a kid, including several comics such as Gundala Putera Petir and Kopingho.

“There are also many stories about traditional puppet figures. I used to read the funny one, such as Petruk Gareng. I remember reading it,” the President stated.

Asked about his opinion after reading the tale to the children, the President admitted that he never did a storytelling before.

“I was never did it, but I used to hear tales from my grandfather. He read me the tales that I had mentioned earlier,” President Jokowi said, adding that he always has time to read, be it when he is on flight, or on car. (DNA/FID/JAY/ES)  (RA/ EP/YM/Naster)