Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. UNESCO has praised Indonesia’s achievement in tackling illiteracy, highlighting major progress in adult and youth literacy rates.

“I applaud the leadership of the Indonesian government and thank you all for your dedication to advancing literacy,” said UNESCO Jakarta Director Maki Katsuno-Hayashikawa on Friday (26/9/2025) during International Literacy Day celebrations in Jakarta, as reported by antaranews.com.

She cited data from UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics showing adult literacy in Indonesia has reached around 96 percent, while youth literacy is near 100 percent. Katsuno-Hayashikawa credited decades of government leadership, teacher dedication, learner persistence, and community engagement.

Still, Katsuna-Hayashikawa underlined challenges ahead, urging Indonesia to expand digital access, empower teachers, create inclusive curricula, and strengthen lifelong learning opportunities. 

Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat added Indonesia has reduced illiteracy to just 0.92 percent in the last five years, but warned that some regions need urgent attention.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)