Literacy issues in Indonesia are still a serious concern, especially among the younger generation. Based on the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report, Indonesia’s reading literacy score was recorded at only 359, placing the country in 71st place out of 81 countries. In this context, a student from Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program’s Media Production Study Program, Indira Fatihah Utomo, took the initiative to carry out a literacy program for the younger generation as part of her mission at the 2024 North Jakarta Abang None event.
Indira believes that literacy is not only limited to the ability to read and write, but is the key to understanding, analyzing, and using information wisely. “Through Abang None Jakarta, I want to mobilize young people to strengthen the culture of literacy, especially in Jakarta. With my background in media, I created a program that focuses on increasing literacy among young people,” said Indira.
The literacy program she carries out does not stop at the Abang None Jakarta event. Indira and her colleagues developed the Instagram platform @votemedia.id as a platform to campaign for the importance of digital literacy in the modern era. She hopes that this initiative can have a wider impact on the younger generation, while also supporting the preservation of culture and tourism in DKI Jakarta.
Indira’s struggle in the event paid off. She successfully won the title of Vice 2 None North Jakarta 2024 after going through a series of strict selections, including auditions, semifinalist screening, and quarantine, before appearing as a finalist at the event held at the Grand Auditorium, Universitas Bunda Mulia, Ancol. Now, Indira and two other pairs of Abang None North Jakarta will advance to the provincial level at the Abang None Jakarta 2024 event.
Regarding her success, Indira stated, “I use this opportunity as best I can to support the preservation of Jakarta’s culture. With the skills I have gained during my studies and following the selection process, I am ready to make a real contribution to society.”
Deputy Director of Education, Research, and Student Affairs of Universitas Indonesia, Deni Danial Kesa, Ph.D, also provided his support. He emphasized, “Indira carries a noble task as a young generation who plays a role as an agent of change. Universitas Indonesia fully supports positive student activities that not only bring honor to the nation, but also play a role in preserving Indonesian culture.”
With optimistic steps and a strong vision, Indira Fatihah Utomo continues to move forward, inspiring the young generation to advance literacy while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
