Jakarta. A total of 1,870 books written by children from within and outside the country were exhibited this year.
The Jakarta Library and Archives Agency, in collaboration with Bookabook, is once again holding the Karya Raya event at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM). This year, 1,870 children’s books from Indonesia and abroad are on display. This event provides a space for expression and creativity for Indonesia’s young generation.
“This exhibition proves that Indonesian children love to create. Over 1,800 books is a remarkable achievement for us, and we hope to see even more next year,” said Bookabook founder Ernest Junius Wiyanto on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Of the thousands of works displayed, around 70 percent came from Indonesian children in various regions, while the other 30 percent were written by Indonesian children living abroad.
Since its inception in 2023, Karya Raya has collected over 3,000 original books written by children aged 5–14. Ernest emphasized that the uniqueness of this book exhibition lies in the authenticity of the works, as each book is printed without any editing. “What’s on display is purely the children’s handwriting. Many parents are moved that their scribbles, usually considered trivial, are now on display in a public space,” he said.
In addition to showcasing works, Karya Raya also awards the best books. Judging criteria include engaging use of color, a cohesive storyline, and a unique perspective—all of which are expected to motivate children to continue creating.
This year, the number of works exhibited broke the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) record for “The Largest Children’s Book Exhibition in a Single Province.” This surpassed the 2023 Karya Raya exhibition, which featured 1,000 books.
The Head of the Jakarta Provincial Library and Archives Office, Nasruddin Djoko Surjono, believes this achievement is not just about numbers. “This demonstrates the enthusiasm of the younger generation to write, dream, and express their ideas in books. We hope that Karya Raya will produce young writers who can enrich national literacy and stimulate the growth of Indonesia’s creative economy,” he said.
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