(Short Conversation) Indonesia Has Many Writers but Only Few Readers?

A: Is it true that Indonesia has more writers than readers? Take Kompasiana.com as an example. It has thousands --maybe millions-- bloggers registered, but each blog is only read by hundreds people on average... even much fewer than that.

B: Maybe. But, let's not have overthinking about it. I mean, most readers are students or employees who have routine daily activities in their schools, campuses, or offices. Maybe our blog show up when most people still busy doing their study or work. 

A: Paper-books are also printed in a small number recently. About 10-15 years ago, a book can be printed until 3000-5000 copies on the first print. Now, I heard it's much lower than that... at around 1000-2000 copies only. In many bookstores, it seems there're more books on the shelves than the visitors. It's sad.

B: Agree. What can I say? Many observers assume it's due to the coming up of digital era. There're many other entertainment objects which can be access easily through our gadget now. Most of them are free. It's hard to compete, don't you think?

A: Isn't there any strategy can be applied to overcome this classical problem? Do Indonesian people really dislike reading?

B: Don't be pessimistic, bro. Some researches show positive signals about Indonesian reading habit. See this one from Litbang Frekuensi? It says around 54% people like reading, 39% maybe like or no, while 7% dislike reading. It also shows that respondent read 1-2 books a week up to 60 minute reading time. I think it's not bad. 

A: Let me see. But the intensity of reading is still low... only 32% read often and 64% not read often. It doesn't look good to me.

B: Well, reading and writing is a kind of hobby, bro... just like fishing or gardening. So, it can't be forced to anyone. If you don't like fishing, you will turn down any invitation to do fishing, right? It will be against human rights if we force anyone to like reading.

A: You're not helping. You seem to pick a side in "dislike reading" position. It's weird... because you're a writer. Well?

B: What do you want me to do? Shouting to people to stop writing and begin to read? Telling every one that being a writer is not good, but being a reader is better? It's impossible, man. Let's face reality. No country is perfect. If we want to be rich as a writer, maybe we should move to other country. That's all... I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat.