The 2024 Literacy Reading Material Writing Competition under GLN is organized by the Center for Language and Literature Development of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), aimed at providing literacy materials for early readers (children aged 5-15 years). This year, the competition featured five themes: child abuse prevention, financial literacy, civic literacy, disaster mitigation, and sanitation and health.

Participants from across Indonesia were free to choose their theme, and were required to follow the writing process as stipulated by the Center for Language and Literature Development. Selected works then underwent refinement to become suitable reading materials for publication.

In preparation, the students were guided by Dr. Riama Maslan Sihombing, M.Sn., who also teaches the DK3208 KIBA course. She encouraged students to participate in the competition as part of their learning experience.

One of the selected students, Anindita Putri, shared that they were encouraged by their lecturer to join the competition as part of the KIBA course.

“This is actually a program from Kemendikbud that organizes a competition for children's book authors. Coincidentally, DKV has a course on Children's Book Illustration and Design (KIBA). So, those of us taking this course were encouraged to join the competition since it aligns with the subject. Throughout the process, we received a lot of support from our lecturer, who provided us with valuable advice and guidance to perfect our work,” explained Dita.

Examples of the themes chosen by ITB students include civic literacy, with a focus on the role of fathers in the family, as highlighted by Dita. Another student, Nazwa Nurapriliani, chose disaster mitigation, focusing on earthquakes.

“I chose disaster mitigation, specifically on earthquakes. My book discusses how to deal with earthquakes in a way that children can understand, as it's presented in their language," said Nazwa.

"My main motivation is to help children understand what earthquakes are, what they should do, and what they should avoid, because there’s a lack of children’s books addressing natural disasters," she added.

Dita and Nazwa mentioned that the biggest challenge was managing their time amidst the demands of other classes, exams, and extracurricular activities. However, the encouragement from their lecturer and peers kept them motivated to complete their projects.

Despite the challenges, participating in the GLN provided them with new insights and learning experiences. The students had the opportunity to meet other authors and illustrators from across Indonesia and gained a deeper understanding of the world of children's book writing and illustration.

“When we were invited by Kemendikbudristek to the meeting of selected authors, most of those we met were senior authors with numerous published books. We learned a lot about the writing world, especially in the context of children’s books,” Dita shared.

They advised other students and young writers to create with passion and not to feel pressured, as this ensures that the message they want to convey is effectively communicated to readers. They also encouraged others not to fear starting just because their work might not be perfect. They believe it is better to try and possibly fail than not to try at all, as the refinement process occurs through the act of trying.

The 18 selected ITB DKV students and their works are as follows:
1. Anindita Putri (17421017) – "Siapa Ayah?"
2. Nazwa Nurapriliani (17421006) – "Bum Bum"
3. Nabila Putri Saraswati (17421069) – "Benang Rahasia Nara"
4. Saffanah Azka Adie (17421022) – "Di Mana Rumahku?"
5. Winda Kartika Laoli (17421026) – "Berkilauan!"
6. Sadira Nawwar (17421033) – "Ari Si Tangan Besar"
7. Kresna Maulana Baihaqi (17421075) – "Ayah dan Ibu Dinosaurus"
8. Patricia Febby Valerie (17421010) – "Bola dan Benang Kusut"
9. Rizkia Puji Pramayogi (17421044) – "Tas Ajaib Tari"
10. Rakhel Lentera Kalahari (17421001) – "Ayo Kita Jalani Hari Ini"
11. Fidelia Lovely Hosensyah (17421072) – "Roda Impian"
12. Qonita Mumtaz Gantari (17421032) – "Hal Kecil"
13. Maqrifal Fajar Arhef (17421097) – "Kare dan Pare-Makanan Sehat dari Kebun Sendiri"
14. Maefina Aisha Putri Tanjung (17421082) – "Lekukan yang Menguatkan"
15. Meydiandra Annisa Syafi (17421036) – "Awas, Nanti Kusut!"
16. Andrea Budyawan (17420073) – "Benang-Benang Koin"
17. Raddyn Afra Prameswari (17321035) – "Senang Bisa Membantu"
18. Mutia Tsabita (17421024) – "Benderang"

The students hope their works will have a positive impact on readers, particularly children, and foster a love for reading from an early age. This achievement serves as a strong motivation for them to continue creating and innovating in the field of literacy and illustration in the future.

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)