Nadiem Makarim Talks on the Importance of Telling Fairy Tales

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Nadiem Makarim calls for parents to commit more time in reading fairy tales to their children. The GoJek founder argues that it would significantly help children’s interest in reading, improve storytelling skills, spark creativity and imagination. 

“What’s the purpose of telling fairy tales and reading in general? It is mainly to help children find love with stories and reading. From that tale we spark imagination, which is where we practice our imaginations,” said Nadiem at the Ministry’s library during the national fairy tale day, Tuesday, November 26. 

In terms of imagination, he argues that everything in the world would fail to exist if people did not have imaginations. He also says that the ability to think and imagine things are the key to the future. 

“So please, parents, read your children's fairy tales. Do it each night, and this is not just for mothers’ participation but also fathers',” said the Minister. 

Nadiem Makarim argues that the role of parenting must be shared by both sides of parenthood. “At home, once the night sets, we tell our children stories too,” said the minister while he pointed at his two daughters who were present at the event. 

MITRA TARIGAN