VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The head of the National Library of Indonesia, Muhammad Syarif Bando open the speaking competition 2021; Perpusnas - 

A total of 34 elementary/MI students took part in a national level speaking competition organized by the National Library of Indonesia (NLI). They were the first winners from each province that passed after going through a selection at the district/city level.

The speaking competition is expected to foster a culture of reading fondness from an early age for elementary and MI students. In a press release received by Voice of Indonesia on Monday (06/09/21), The head of the National Library of Indonesia, Muhammad Syarif Bando, stated that the speaking competition is the foundation to build the nation's awareness that children are the future of the country. Children as the nation's next generation are future leaders. Through this competition, they gain knowledge about Indonesia's wealth and potential.

“I want to hand over this relay of national leadership to you in the next 25 years. How to? So that you can lead Indonesia, read Indonesia from now on. So that 20-30 years from now, you know Indonesia is like that, its natural resources are the richest in the world. The location is very strategic," he said at the opening of the Grand Final of the 2021 National Speaking Contest which was held virtually, on Monday (6/9/2021).

Syarif Bando added, even though it was held virtually, the actual contestants were already present at the National Library. Therefore, libraries and literacy should be a part of their lives. By reading, they get education. This can be a provision to be a leader in various professional fields in the future.

In the future, the participants are expected to be able to become the pride of Indonesia by increasing their literacy level. Where at the highest level of literacy is the ability to create goods and services that are used in global competition.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Center for Library Analysis and Reading Culture Development of the National Library of Indonesia, Adin Bondar, said that the speaking competition is a supporting activity for the National Priority Activities of the Government's 2021 Work Plan, namely the love of reading culture and literacy. According to him, referring to the opinion of experts, elementary school age is an intellectual period. Knowledge of children will develop very rapidly with increasing age.

"This speaking competition is very strategic in building our children's cognitive and building reading habits which later when they are adults, will become knowledgeable, creative, and innovative individuals," he said.

According to the schedule, the winner announcement will be made on Thursday, September 9th. The participants appear virtually in front of the jury. The competition selects three champions, three hopeful winners, and the favorite winner who will receive coaching money. Not only that, the finalists will also receive coaching money as an appreciation//VOI-NK