Our Work in Indonesia

In Indonesia, The Library Project provides Reading Rooms, Reading Corners, Book Donations, and Literacy Programs to rural elementary schools. These programs support children and youth living in rural communities by expanding access to books, strengthening classroom reading opportunities, and helping students build the literacy skills they need to continue learning.

Our Reading Rooms help rural schools create dedicated spaces where students can read, explore books, and develop stronger reading habits. Our Reading Corners place age-appropriate books directly into classrooms, giving students regular access to reading materials where they learn each day. Our Book Donations provide additional resources for rural schools, helping expand access to books in communities where reading materials may be limited.

The Library Project also provides Capacity Building for local literacy nonprofit organizations in Indonesia. This support is free of charge and may include one-on-one mentoring, planning tools, fundraising guidance, program development support, and access to practical resources. By strengthening local organizations, we help build long-term, community-led literacy impact.

Literacy in Indonesia

Indonesia has made important progress in expanding access to education, but many students continue to face challenges in developing strong reading skills. According to the World Bank and UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 53 percent of children in Indonesia at a late primary age are not proficient in reading, after adjusting for children who are out of school. The same brief reports that 49 percent of students do not reach the minimum level of reading proficiency by the end of primary school.

International learning assessments also show the need for continued literacy support. In PISA 2022, students in Indonesia scored below the OECD average in reading, mathematics, and science. These results point to the importance of strengthening foundational literacy so that students can continue learning across subjects.

Children in rural and remote communities can face additional barriers to education. UNICEF Indonesia notes that rural children often face significant obstacles to accessing effective education services, including gaps related to geography, household income, and access to learning support. In remote areas, improving foundational literacy and numeracy remains an important priority.

Reading is the foundation for learning across all subjects. When students struggle to read, they are more likely to fall behind, lose confidence, and face greater barriers to continuing their education. The Library Project’s work in Indonesia responds to this need by supporting rural elementary schools with Reading Rooms, Reading Corners, Book Donations, and Literacy Programs, while also strengthening local literacy nonprofit organizations through Capacity Building.