The program, running since 2024, combines storytelling and digital writing competitions with educational facility support for SDN 02 Marunda Pagi.
PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA — Apical, through its operating unit PT Asianagro Agungjaya (AAJ), held another Literacy Festival (Gebyar Literasi) with SDN 02 Marunda Pagi in North Jakarta on August 27, 2026, as part of its efforts to strengthen reading and writing culture among the school community.
The program, which has been running since 2024, provides opportunities for students, teachers, education staff and parents to develop their creativity through reading and writing activities.
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This year’s Literacy Festival involved various members of the school community. First-grade students took part in a storytelling competition, while students from grades 2 to 6 participated in a digital story-writing competition. The digital writing competition was also open to teachers, education staff and students’ parents or guardians.
Apical CSR Manager Sugiantoro said reading, writing and the ability to express ideas have become increasingly important amid rapid digital development.
He said the Literacy Festival was designed to provide students, teachers and parents with opportunities to strengthen their skills and creativity through reading and writing.
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“Improving reading interest is important in the digitalization era to preserve space for freedom of thought and creativity,” Sugiantoro said in an official statement received by PalmOilMagazine on September 2, 2026.
Part of Apical’s Community Development Program
The Literacy Festival is part of Apical’s Community Development program in Marunda and has been held since 2024. SDN 02 Marunda Pagi was selected because of its proximity to the company’s operational area.
Through the ongoing program, Apical seeks to build collaboration with schools and communities surrounding its operations while supporting educational development at the local level.
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In addition to the literacy competitions, Apical this year provided SDN 02 Marunda Pagi with a laminating machine and supporting laminating materials.
The assistance complements facilities provided through previous programs, including school supplies and reading-corner facilities designed to support students’ access to educational resources.
The school welcomed the continuation of the program, saying the Literacy Festival not only gives students a platform to demonstrate their abilities and creativity but also encourages teachers, education staff and parents to participate in developing a stronger literacy environment at the school.
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Eight Categories Recognized
The event was attended by elementary school supervisor Agustina and Head of the Cilincing Subdistrict Education Implementation Unit, Sahri.
Their participation reflected collaboration among the company, school and local stakeholders in supporting educational development in the Marunda community.
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This year’s Literacy Festival recognized winners across eight categories covering first- through sixth-grade students, teachers and education staff, as well as parents and guardians.
The stories produced by participants covered a wide range of themes, including friendship, family, school life and everyday experiences.
Through the Literacy Festival, Apical aims to ensure that its support for education goes beyond providing facilities by creating activities that encourage participation, creativity and engagement across the school community.
The company plans to continue the program in 2027 as part of its commitment to growing alongside communities surrounding its operational areas. (P2)
