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APP Sinar Mas presents 5K charity run for literacy
The Kompas daily newspaper and world’s leading paper firm Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas recently worked together to present "Paperun, Charity Fun Run 5K", a charity marathon designed to increase literacy rates in Indonesia.
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Runners at the starting line. (Photo: Courtesy of Asia Pulp & Paper Sinar Mas)
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he Kompas daily newspaper and world’s leading paper firm Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas recently worked together to present "Paperun, Charity Fun Run 5K", a charity marathon designed to increase literacy rates in Indonesia. This event, held on Oct. 22 at QBIG BSD City in Tangerang, proved to be an exciting challenge for participants.
Back in 2016, a study by Central Connecticut State University titled "Most Literate Nations in the World" placed Indonesia at the 60th place among 61 nations when it came to literacy rates. As the data suggests, the desire to read among Indonesians is very lacking, even though reading has the benefit of improving one's status and knowledge.
By hosting this event, the Kompas and APP Sinar Mas invited participants to donate their favorite books for use in regions with low literacy rates.
"Through this activity, we hope there will be momentum for increasing public desire to read and write in society, especially in places where literacy rates are still low," Sinar Mas managing director G. Sulistyanto said at the event.
The event saw 1,200 registered participants running for five kilometers throughout this marathon event. Despite the short distance, participants were still given numerous surprises throughout the running route in the form of exciting obstacles runners had to overcome in order to reach the finish line.
One participant, 33-year-old Aulia, said that this Paperun was unique for its way of mixing charity with activism for raising awareness on literacy rates in the country.
"We all know that we as a nation are still lacking in our desire to read books, even among the educated classes. That is why I think events like this are very important. The fun elements are there, as are the charity parts," Aulia said.
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Nuni was of the opinion that the act of running while campaigning the importance of reading and writing was a very educational experience. "Especially for the younger generation, so that they can be smart and make progress," Nuni said.
Aulia and Nuni participated in the Paperun wearing novelty outfits. Aulia came in dressed like a sanitation working, complete with a giant plastic bag, while Nuni dressed like a peacock, with a costume composed of old newspapers and feather ornaments.
Adding to the Paperun was an Instagram photo contest at a Wishing Wall display, where participants were required to share their ideas on how to increase literacy. Another contest was for the best participant costume.
All proceeds from registration fees went to the buying of books for Reading Houses in various regions throughout the country. In all, the Paperun managed to collect more than Rp 120 million in donations. Participants also collected new and used books.
