UNS — The Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta launched the 2nd National Essay Writing Contest (LMEN) 2022 hosted by UPT UNS Library. The competition was held at the UPT UNS Library Building on Thursday (21/4/2022).
In his remarks, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, SH, M.Hum., said that the reading and writing culture among Indonesian is still relatively low. In fact, in 2019, the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemdikbud) conducted research and surveys on reading literacy indexes throughout the provinces in Indonesia. The result suggested that Indonesia’s literacy level can be categorized as low to moderate. This condition is concerning, especially if it happens in the academic institution environment. The academic members’ enthusiasm for reading and writing is a characteristic that must be nurtured and maintained by an academic expert and intellectual because it aims to express a person’s ideas, insight, and effort to devote the mastered knowledge.
“In this regard, I appreciate the initiatives taken by UNS Library for organizing the National Essay Writing Competition in 2022. In today’s era of rapid transformation, education institutions such as campuses and schools must master and be familiar with high literacy, ranging from reading, dialectics, discussion, debate, and writing. Through fellowship, we can significantly improve our insight, sharpen analysis, and systematic critical thinking,” explained Prof. Jamal.
Additionally, Prof. Jamal also appreciates the public response to participating in this LMEN. “To the 15 finalists in the student, teachers, and general public category; 7 finalists in high school/vocational school/MA category; and 7 (seven) finalists of the junior high school/MTS category, I would like to congratulate you and to wish you a happy competition, as well as for the best achievements,” added Prof. Jamal.
Hopefully, the LMEN initiated by UPT UNS Library can motivate reading and writing spirit among students, the community, and university students. The love for reading and writing, which could be part of the main academicians’ characteristics, at the same time can become a part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education implementation.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the 2022 LMEN II Committee, Achmad Nur Chamdi, S.Pt., M.Si., reveals that to support the effort to transform UNS Library into a world-class university library, one of the promotional actions taken is through LMEN Competition. Additionally, this championship is also part of the 46th UNS Anniversary celebration. “This competition is expected to promote UNS Library and community literacy, thus increasing visitors’ visitation rate and satisfaction,” said Achmad Nur Chamdi.
By taking the theme of Future Library Development, this championship involves numerous assessment criteria such as manuscripts assessment and essay presentation assessment. The essay manuscripts assessment includes the theme-written work suitability, originality and creativity of written work ideas, specific essay sections (introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references), the use of Bahasa Indonesia according to PUEBI, and the systematics and details of the presentation. As for the assessment of the presentation includes the level of material understanding, systematics and material presentation detail, explanation confidence, punctuality and media implementation, and material delivery style and appearance.
“The registration and essay manuscripts submission was open from March7-15 April 2022, where participants must submit their essay before the initial assessment. The script was selected based on the predetermined assessment criteria, and the finalists were announced on April 17th. The selected finalists from Jakarta, Semarang, Makassar, and Soloraya, were invited to make a presentation at UNS Library Building,” said Achmad Nur Chamdi. Humas UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti