Reading is a key towards civilization progress Since the invention of alphabet as a means of written communications, reading ability has becomes essential for character building and national development. However, illiteracy  remains a problem in many countries, In Indonesia about 10.5 % peoples are illiterate, whether in less-developed countries (research shows that the average of 60% of African peoples are illitererate), or in well developed countries (even USA still faces 5% illiteracy among its people). Furthermore, the eradication of illiteracy is not the ultimate battle because another important task is waiting: socializing reading habit.

Reading habit in Indoneia is still something to improve. in Jakarta, for instance, only 200 persons in average visit local libary. This contrast with its highly dense population which reaches more than 10 million. National libary data show the similar condition. Amongst a few library visitors, less than 20% borrows books. Assumed that reading habit resides in those who borrow the books, it is fair to conclude that reading habit statistics stay at a level of 20%. However, in developed countries, statistics of book reading reach a level of 80%.

The indication of low interest in reading reveals in the consumptions level of newspaper within the society. Ideally, one paper is consumed by ten people. Nonetheless, in Indonesia one paper is printed for 45 people. This ratio is still below of The Philippines and Sri Langka at a level of 1:30 and 1:38.

When it comes to proving books and developing interest in reading, Indonesia is still left behind compared to several countries. According to International Publisher Association, Canada, the highest level of book production belongs to UK with nearly 1,000,000 books a year. Subsequently, Germany and Japan with 80,000 and 65,000 titles respectively, whereas Indonesia produces only 5,000 titles per year.

Improving reading habit becomes more challenging because nowadays it is gradually super sided by watching habit. Generally, reading culture goes through pre-literary, literary and post-literary phases. in fact, in many societies, a leap occurs from pre-literary to post-literary.

Aiming at raising on reading and writing in the occasion of National education Day, The Directorate General of Posts and Telecommunications issues a stamp seies called "Love Reading and Writing". Stamps designs depict two winning works of national Stamp Design Competition 2006, First winner Elizabeth Christine Yuwono (Surabaya) and second winner Suroso (Yogyakarta). Complementing it, PT Pos Indonesia issues First day Cover (FDC) for the stamp series. FDC design features artworks of the third winner by Djoko Soejanto (Bandung).

These are some statements of prominent peoples about reading:

"Books are the window of the world" (Anonymous)

"You are what you read" (Anonymous)

"The things I want to know are in books; my best friend is the man who will get me a book I have not read." (Abraham Lincoln)

 "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island... and best of all you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." (Walt Disney)

TECHNICAL DETAIL

STAMPS

Classification of issuance : Special Stamps

Product code        : 071103

Issue Date            : 2 May 2007

Designs & Denominations : 1/2 Love Reading and Writing #1 Rp 1.500,00

                                          2/2 Love Reading and Writing #2 Rp 1.500,00

Size                      : 25,31 mm x 41,06 mm 

Perforations          : 12.75 x 13.50

Sheet composition : 20 pieces (5x4) 

Price per-Sheet      : Rp 30,000.00 

Colour                  : 5 colours 

Paper                    : Tullis Russel 

Gum                      : PVA

Printing Process     : Offset

Printing quantity     : 100,000 sets

Designers                : Winner of National Stamp Design Contest 2006

                                  1/2 : Elisabeth Christine Yuwono (1st winner)

                                   2/2 : Suroso (2nd winner)

Printer                   : Perum PERURI  

FIRST DAY COVER (FDC)

Product code     : 072103 

Price    : Rp 5,000.00,-

Printing quantity : 5,000 pcs

Designer           : Tata Sugiarta

STAMP SALES PERIOD: 2 May 2007 - 31 December 2010

Period of Validity for Postage : 2 May  2007 - 31 December 2012