Jakarta’s mobile library: Inspiring children one book at a time

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02:17

Sutino didn't realize that what started out as a hobby would inspire and encourage hundreds of young children along the way.

Sutino, commonly known as Kinong, worked as a bemo driver back in the 1980s. Bemos were a popular and iconic mode of transportation in Indonesia, until in 2017, the government decided to ban their operations around the streets of Jakarta. That immediately put Kinong out of a job.

Several years went by before a friend who worked as a university professor at the University of Indonesia encouraged him to transform one of his old bemos into a small mobile library. At first, he took the idea lightly and slowly turned his old vehicle around.

It wasn't until months later that his initiative caught the attention of many, including Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Today, he drives around his bemo in small villages around the city, hoping to attract children's attention along the way.

Sutino spends his afternoons driving around his bemo to spread awareness of reading in Jakarta. /CGTN Photo

The books were collected by Kinong through various donations from friends, families and acquaintances. President Joko Widodo even donated as many as 50 books after he met Kinong at the State Palace in 2017.

“When I first started, I never imagine I could inspire many children. But after a few years of driving around, I began to see the positive benefits. I thought I'm nearing retirement anyway, it should be my responsibility to be a good human being and be helpful,” Kinong said.

Research has repeatedly shown that Indonesia's literacy rate is not as high as its neighboring countries. When it comes to reading, the importance of it is not usually instilled in young children through their schools.

That's something Hikmat Hardono wishes to change. As the chairman of Indonesia Mengajar, which translates to Indonesia Teachers, his aim is to gather as many volunteers as he can to send to remote areas across the country and inspire young children.

Sutino's passion has taken him to places he never thought possible, including meeting the president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. /CGTN Photo

“Our challenge is how to instill the interest in reading in children in the age of technology. We believe it is important that our volunteers teach children to understand the importance of learning. From what we have seen, Indonesia's education system is moving in a positive direction and we are grateful for that,” said Hikmat.

The educated youth who volunteer for Indonesia Mengajar do not only focus on spreading education, but to make children realize that having the constant thirst for knowledge is crucial. By teaching them that, it forces the children to shift their mindset to understand that being in school and getting the education is something to be grateful for.

Kinong's interest in books is already beginning to transform the lives of the children he meets on a daily basis, providing them with a platform for the bright future they all deserve.