Reading is a key towards civilization progress. Since the invention of alphabet as a means of written communications, reading ability has becomes essential for character building and national development. However, illiteracy remains a problem in many countries. In Indonesia about 10.5% peoples are illiterate, whether in less-developed countries (research shows that the average of 60% of African peoples are illiterate), or in well developed countries (even USA still faces 5% illiteracy among its people). Furthermore, the eradication of illiteracy is not the ultimate battle because another important task is waiting socializing reading habit.

FDC

Reading habit in Indonesia is still something to improve. In Indonesia, for instance, only 200 persons in average visit local library. This contrasts with its highly dense population which reaches more than 10 million. Nation Library data show the similar condition. Amongst a few library visitors, less than 20% borrows books. Assumed that reading habit resides in those who borrow the books, it is fair to conclude that reading habit statistics stay at a level of 20%. However, in developed countries statistics of book reading reach a level of 80%.

The indication of low interest in reading reveals in the consumption level of newspaper within the society. Ideally, one paper is consumed by ten people. Nonetheless, in Indonesia one paper is printed for 45 people. This ratio is still below those of The Philippines and Sri Langka at a level of 1:30 and 1:38.

When it comes to providing books and developing interest in reading Indonesia is still left behind compared to several countries. According to International Publisher Association, Canada, the highest level of book production belongs to UK with nearly 1000,000 books a year. Subsequently, Germany and Japan with 80,000 and 65,000 titles respectively whereas Indonesia produces only 5,000 titles per year.

Improving reading habit becomes more challenging because nowadays it is gradually super sided by watching habit. Generally, reading culture goes through pre-literary, literary and post-literary phases. In fact, in many societies, a leap occurs from pre-literary to post-literary.

Fullsheet

Aiming at raising interest on reading and writing in the occasion of National Education Day, The Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications issues a stamp series called "Love Reading and Writing". Stamp designs depict two winning works of National stamp Design Competition 2006, First winner Elizabeth Christine Yuwono (Surabaya) and second winner Suroso (Yogyakarta). Complementing it, PT Pos Indonesia issues First Day Cover (FDC) for the stamp series. FDC design features artwork of the third winner by Djoko Soejanto (Bandung).

Leaflet

These are some statements of prominent peoples about reading :
• "Books are the windows of the world" (Anonymous)
• "You are what you read" (Anonymous)
• "The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who will get me a book I have not read." (Abraham Lincon)
• "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island…and best of all you can enjoy these riches every day of your life."(Walt Disney)

Technical Specification

Source: Love Reading And Writing 2007 FDC's leaflet