The Decline of Reading Interest Among School Children in the West Java

Literacy is a fundamental skill possessed by individuals to read, write, speak, calculate, and solve everyday problems. Literacy also includes critical abilities to understand and analyze data in various forms, such as images, numbers, and symbols. However, many countries still face literacy issues, including Indonesia. Out of 61 countries, Indonesia ranks 60th in terms of low literacy rates, according to UNESCO statistics. The data shows a low reading interest in Indonesia. Singapore and Malaysia are far ahead of our country. The education level, based on the Human Development Index (HDI) in Indonesia, remains low at 14.6%, far below Malaysia (28%) and Singapore (33%).

In recent years, school children's reading literacy in West Java has seen a significant decline. According to data from PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), the reading scores of Indonesian students, including those in West Java, have continued to drop. This indicates fundamental issues in the education system that require serious attention.

Several factors contribute to the decline in students' reading interest and ability:

1. The advancement of technology and social media has led children to be more attracted to visual content rather than reading. Children are more likely to play online games or surf social media than read books.

2. The lack of access to high-quality literature, especially in rural and remote areas of West Java. Many schools lack adequate libraries, so students are not accustomed to reading from a young age.

3. The monotonous and non-interactive teaching methods in schools are another factor contributing to the decline in students' reading interest. Teachers often focus on completing the curriculum without giving students time to explore literature they are interested in.

Reading literacy is not just the technical ability to read, but also fostering an interest in books and knowledge. The decline in literacy, of course, has wide-ranging effects. Children with low literacy skills will struggle to comprehend other subjects, which will ultimately affect their academic performance. In the long run, this could result in the low competitiveness of West Java's younger generation in an increasingly competitive job market.

The decline in school children's reading literacy in West Java is a serious issue that must be addressed immediately. If we do not act now, we risk losing a generation capable of thinking critically and creatively, which will ultimately hinder the progress of the region and the nation. The government, schools, and parents must work together to create a strong reading culture among children. One way is by providing access to interesting and high-quality books, either through school libraries or book donation programs. Additionally, teachers need specialized training to develop creative and interactive teaching methods to foster students' reading interest. Parents should also play an active role by setting aside time to read with their children at home and setting a good example in terms of literacy.