Breaking the stereotype that young Indonesians are not interested in reading, our recent study reveals fascinating insights into the reading habits and preferences of young people in Indonesia.
This survey, conducted in October 2024 with over 1,267 respondents, shows that only 12% of young Indonesians say they don’t enjoy reading, highlighting a strong interest in books among the nation’s youth. Most of our respondents even said they read almost every day.
In this study, our respondents also said their habit in reading;
- Afternoons or Nights (38%): Most young Indonesians prefer reading after school or work, usually in the comfort of their homes.
- During Work or School Breaks (23%): A significant portion utilizes breaks for reading.
- While Commuting (15%): Public transportation provides a convenient time for some to catch up on reading.
- Weekends (13%) and Holidays (10%): Some prefer reading during their leisure time on weekends or vacations.
These findings suggest that young Indonesians integrate reading into their daily lives, either as part of a routine or as a way to relax during free time.
Top Book Types and Genres Among Young Indonesians
The study also explores young Indonesians’ favorite types of books, showing distinct preferences across different age groups:
- Favorite Book Types:
- Gen Z (18–25 years old): 51% prefer novels, followed by 12% each for comics and motivational books.
- Millennials (26–39 years old): 32% prefer novels, with higher interest in comics (19%) and motivational books (16%).
- Favorite Fiction Genres:
- Romance leads among Gen Z (41%) and Millennials (24%).
- Comedy appeals more to Millennials (22%) than Gen Z (16%).
- Fantasy is preferred by 13% of Gen Z and 18% of Millennials.
This data indicates that young Indonesians primarily lean toward fiction, with romance as a popular genre among both age groups. However, preferences vary, with Millennials showing a higher interest in motivational and educational content than Gen Z.
Challenges to Reading for Young Indonesians
While there’s a strong interest in reading, young Indonesians face several challenges that can hinder their reading activities:
- High Book Prices (40%): Many respondents cited the cost of books in Indonesia as a significant barrier.
- Busy Schedules (35%): Finding time to read amid busy schedules is challenging for many young Indonesians.
- Difficulty Finding Specific Books (25%): Some struggle to find the books they want, which can affect their reading habits.
These barriers highlight areas where improvements, like access to affordable books or more accessible libraries, could further boost reading rates among Indonesian youth.
By addressing the barriers identified, such as book affordability and accessibility, Indonesia could see even higher engagement in reading, fostering a more literate and knowledgeable younger generation.
Contact us at partners@snapcart.global for more information.
Source:
[1] https://snapcart.global/young-indonesians-interest-in-reading-part-1/
