The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Children and adults alike are discovering the joy of reading at Jakarta's book fair, which started Saturday in Istora Senayan, Jakarta, and will continue until Sunday.
Books for and about children have been the hottest sellers in the first days of the event, which offers discounts of up to 70 percent.
""For the first two days, children's books, such as traditional Indonesian fairy tales, have sold quite well,"" Aan, a cashier, said Monday morning.
He added many buyers had also chosen books about children's development.
""I buy a lot of children's books here because I want to find more sources for my students and also for my teaching materials,"" said Rima, a playgroup teacher.
""These books will help my students enhance their vocabularies, and also help me with storytelling in class,"" she added.
Nela, a working mother who bought several picture books and posters for her children, said ""I love to read books with my children. They will ask me to read the same story over and over, until they get bored.""
Seto Mulyadi, chairman of the National Commission for Children, said children's books were in high demand mainly because young people have started to develop reading habits.
""This is a positive thing. By reading, children's abilities, including their general knowledge, will improve,"" he told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
""Ideally, by reading a lot, children will also develop their writing skills,"" he said.
Seto said picture books enhanced the bond between parents and small children.
""This can be a way for parents to build strong communication with their children, because children ask their parents about what's in the pictures.""
Lack of communication between parents and children often becomes a source of family problems, he added.
The annual book fair held by the Indonesian Publishers Association comprises 180 stands with 90 publishers selling local and imported books, fiction and non-fiction, textbooks and comics.
While most of the stands sell newly-released books, there is a seller catering to those who prefer older ones.
""I love books. I am hunting for books here to complete my collection and to donate books to those who need them,"" said Graito Usodo, a retired high-ranked officer in the Indonesian Military, who bought several classic books.
The stand sells books ranging from old comics, including wayang comics and those about local superheroes, to literature, Indonesian history, books about the world wars, autobiographies and more.
""I love classic books, but I can't afford to buy them here,"" said Fahmi, an activist who was looking for a copy of Doctor Zhivago.
""It is cheaper in Yogyakarta,"" he added.
Besides displaying new and old books, the fair also features book discussions, talk shows and competitions, such as futsal, funny storytelling and coloring contests. (13)
