Blitar, Indonesia — For years, progress in literacy has often been measured by one visible metric: the number of libraries. From village libraries to community reading centers, the expansion of these institutions is widely seen as a sign of growing public interest in reading.
But , a literacy activist from Blitar, is challenging that assumption.
According to Aziz, focusing solely on the growth of formal institutions like village libraries and community reading parks paints an incomplete picture. What matters just as much—if not more—is the rise of grassroots, community-driven literacy movements.
“Literacy progress shouldn’t always be judged by how many libraries are built,” Aziz said. “Community-based initiatives are just as important, because that’s where real literacy activism often begins.”
He pointed to informal spaces such as street reading stalls, writing communities, and small discussion groups that emerge organically within neighborhoods. These spaces, he argues, are where critical thinking and meaningful engagement are more likely to develop.
In fact, Aziz noted that some of the most critical and socially aware literacy activists rarely come from formal institutions like village libraries or community reading centers. “Those who think critically usually grow out of communities,” he said. “They’re used to questioning, discussing, and responding to social issues.”
For Aziz, literacy goes beyond the act of reading. It should cultivate awareness, analytical thinking, and the courage to challenge public policy when necessary. A truly literate generation, he argues, is one that can think dialectically—examining issues from multiple perspectives.
“If someone reads regularly, they should also develop sensitivity to what’s happening around them,” he added. “Critical thinking is part of being literate.”
Still, Aziz was careful not to dismiss the role of formal literacy infrastructure. He acknowledged the importance of village libraries and community reading centers as foundational spaces, especially for children.
“Most visitors to these libraries are kids. That’s a strong foundation,” he said.
He also highlighted a national book distribution program that has delivered around 1,000 copies to local communities. However, he noted that most of these books are aimed at children.
“Village libraries are good. Community reading centers are great. Keep them going,” he said.
But Aziz emphasized that success in literacy should not be measured solely by the number of buildings or books available. A more meaningful indicator, he argued, is the volume of ideas, narratives, and written works produced by literacy activists.
In his view, literacy is truly alive when it engages with real-world social issues. Without that, reading risks becoming a passive habit with little impact.
“Don’t just count institutions,” he said. “Look at how many ideas and narratives are being created.”
He ended with a pointed question—one that cuts to the heart of the issue.
“If reading doesn’t produce anything, then what’s the point? What do you actually gain?”
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