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OTABARU: Kotabaru regency administration in South Kalimantan is planning to increase the number of public library facilities in its effort to reduce the soaring illiteracy rate in the district.

Slamet Riyadi, the administration’s non-formal education agency head, stated that the 7-percent illiteracy rate of Kotabaru citizens had pushed the local government to mull several strategic plans to trim the number.

Among the initiatives would be the establishment of libraries in several subdistricts at Kotabaru, and distribute storybooks and inspiring reading material, depending on the subdistricts’ needs and conditions.

In addition to the reading material, religious-themed books would also be sent to the subdistricts in need.

The local government would also create study groups or a Center of Education for Society (PKPBM) in villages along coastlines and on isolated islands, especially where illiteracy rates remain obdurately high.

“Kotabaru has at least 25 PKPBM units, which are scattered across our subdistricts,” Slamet said.

Slamet added that the PKBM and libraries had created learning activities for citizens who were illiterate. They also arranged an equality test for those who have not graduated.

“We hope in 2015 the illiteracy rate at Kotabaru can decrease by 50 percent or more,” Slamet said.