Against All Odds: Indonesian Christian Publishers Thrive Amid Literacy Crisis

Indonesia faces a daunting literacy challenge. According to UNESCO’s 2012 reading interest index, only 1 out of every 1,000 Indonesians is an avid reader. The country ranks second to last in a list of the world’s most literate nations, a ranking based on various factors such as the number of libraries, newspapers, computers, and years of schooling available. In such a challenging climate, one might wonder if local Christian publishing can survive. Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding “yes,” although the landscape has drastically changed since the golden years of the early 2000s.

The Cultural and Economic Hurdles

Indonesia’s low reading interest can be traced back to its strong oral tradition, where stories and knowledge have been historically passed down through spoken word. Additionally, underfunded libraries, high book costs, and an education system that does not promote reading outside the classroom contribute to the problem. Casthelia Kartika, president of Amanat Agung Theological Seminary in Jakarta, points out that economic struggles in the past deprioritized education, although recent improvements have shifted focus back to literacy. However, the rise of smartphones has shifted interests towards videos and games instead of books​.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, leading to the closure of many bookstores and a significant drop in book sales. In 2010, Indonesia had approximately 600 bookstores, but today, only about 100 remain. The economic impact of the pandemic forced publishers to cut back on production and adjust their strategies to maintain relevance​.

Strategies for Survival

Despite these challenges, Indonesian Christian publishers are finding innovative ways to survive and even thrive. One strategy involves collecting donations to distribute books to impoverished communities, thus fostering a culture of reading among those who might otherwise not have access to books. Another approach is leveraging technology; online book discussions and Zoom talks about new releases have become popular ways to engage readers.

Susanto, chairman of Gloria Foundation, which oversees two Christian publishing companies, emphasizes the importance of quality books in spiritual development. He notes that congregations should not rely solely on weekly sermons but should also engage with literature to deepen their faith​​.

Learning from Success Stories

One beacon of hope in Indonesian Christian publishing is Andar Ismail, whose 33-book “Selamat” series has sold tens of thousands of copies since the late 1990s. Ismail’s ability to present complex theological topics in an accessible manner has made his books popular across different educational backgrounds. His work demonstrates that even in a declining reading culture, there is still a significant demand for well-crafted, meaningful Christian literature​.

The Future of Christian Publishing

Kartika remains cautiously optimistic about the future of Christian publishing in Indonesia. While the industry may not return to its former glory, the demand for books persists. Publishers like Literatur Perkantas Jatim have adapted by selling books online and focusing on translating popular foreign titles into Bahasa Indonesia. They also engage directly with seminaries and churches to determine which books are most needed, ensuring their publications are relevant and useful​​.

Community Engagement and Support

Yoel M. Indrasmoro, a pastor and former director of Literatur Perkantas Nasional, has taken a grassroots approach by distributing books to pastors, teachers, and prisoners in remote areas. His initiative, Tangan Terbuka Media, highlights the importance of building close community ties to sustain the publishing industry. By mobilizing financial support from his network, Indrasmoro has successfully sent thousands of books to those in need, demonstrating the power of community engagement in promoting literacy and spiritual growth​.

Conclusion

While Indonesia’s Christian publishing industry faces significant challenges, it is far from defeated. Through innovative strategies, community support, and a focus on relevant and accessible content, publishers are finding ways to navigate the difficult landscape. As they continue to adapt and evolve, there remains hope that Christian literature will continue to play a crucial role in the spiritual and intellectual lives of Indonesians.

Culled From:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2024/july-web-only/indonesia-publishing-christian-books-andar-ismail-perkantas.html