T

his is an interesting article (“Reading culture: The long journey to becoming a developed nation,” The Jakarta Post, Oct. 15, p. 6).

When I asked an Indonesian friend the same question last year, she mentioned the long working hours of Indonesians, the preference for community-based activities and the high cost of glasses.

Perhaps they also have a well-developed tradition of oral storytelling or storytelling through dance and batik? I personally enjoy hearing or telling a story rather than reading one.

On another note, the tone of the article I found to be surprisingly judgmental.

I was anticipating that the article would end with a story about how some individuals or groups were working to supply schools or communities with libraries, or preschools that teach English with English children’s books, or art grants to encourage Indonesian authors and artists to collaborate and publish children’s literature based on Indonesian culture and favorite stories or to collect recycled reading glasses for those who need glasses but can’t afford them.

Finally, staring at the small print on a page for a few hours a day for pleasure, after staring at small print on a computer screen all day at work, can’t be good for one’s eyes. Maybe this is an area of investigation for the reason why so many Indonesians don’t wear glasses! Perhaps they actually have better eyesight because they don’t stare for long hours at a printed page from the time they are six months old.

Brenda Wright
Jakarta