Literacy in Indonesia
Literacy is a fundamental indicator of a nation’s educational progress and human development. In Indonesia, literacy has significantly improved over the years due to government initiatives, expanded access to education, and awareness programs. The country has made substantial progress in increasing literacy rates, particularly among younger generations, by implementing national education programs and policies that focus on both formal and non-formal education. Despite these advancements, some challenges remain, especially in rural areas where access to quality education and learning resources can be limited.
According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia, the literacy rate in Indonesia is 96.67% in 2025.
The Percentage of Illiteracy in Indonesia in 2025 is 3.33%.
The literacy rate in Indonesia varies by gender, region, and socioeconomic status. While urban areas enjoy higher literacy levels due to better infrastructure and resources, rural communities often face difficulties in achieving the same educational standards. The government continues to work towards narrowing this gap through programs aimed at improving adult literacy, digital literacy, and vocational training. As Indonesia progresses toward becoming a knowledge-based economy, strengthening literacy skills across all demographics remains a crucial priority for national development.
Indonesia Literacy Rate in 2025
| Category | Percentage (%) | No. of People |
|---|---|---|
| Literate | 96.67 | 272,154,198 |
| Illiterate | 3.33 | 9,408,267 |
According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia, the literacy rate in Indonesia for 2025 stands at 96.67%, meaning that out of a total population of 281,562,465, approximately 272.15 million people are literate. On the other hand, 3.33% of the population, or about 9.41 million people, remain illiterate.
| Year | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 96.53 |
| 2024 | 96.67 |
According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia, the literacy rate in Indonesia for 2024 stands at 96.67%, reflecting a slight improvement from 96.53% in 2023. This increase indicates continued progress in the country’s educational initiatives and efforts to enhance literacy across all regions. The rise, though marginal, suggests that Indonesia has been successful in maintaining a high literacy rate through various programs and policies aimed at improving access to education.
Indonesia Literacy Rate in 2025 by Gender
Literacy rate of Indonesia’s population aged 15 years and over, categorized by gender for the years 2023 and 2024. The data is sourced from BPS (Statistics Indonesia) – Susenas Maret 2011–2024.
| Year | Male (%) | Female (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 97.77 | 95.29 |
| 2024 | 97.69 | 95.66 |
Indonesia’s literacy rate remains high, with both male and female populations showing improvement from 2023 to 2024. In 2023, the literacy rate for males was 97.77%, while for females, it was 95.29%. By 2024, male literacy slightly decreased to 97.69%, whereas female literacy improved to 95.66%. This suggests that literacy programs have been effective in bridging the gender gap in education, as more women have gained access to educational resources.
Indonesia Literacy Rate in 2025 by Province
| Province | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Aceh | 99.59 |
| Sumatera Utara | 99.70 |
| Sumatera Barat | 99.93 |
| Riau | 99.96 |
| Jambi | 99.74 |
| Sumatera Selatan | 99.58 |
| Bengkulu | 99.85 |
| Lampung | 99.45 |
| Kep. Bangka Belitung | 99.31 |
| Kep. Riau | 99.89 |
| DKI Jakarta | 99.94 |
| Jawa Barat | 99.81 |
| Jawa Tengah | 98.84 |
| DI Yogyakarta | 99.11 |
| Jawa Timur | 98.86 |
| Banten | 99.96 |
| Bali | 99.48 |
| Nusa Tenggara Barat | 95.15 |
| Nusa Tenggara Timur | 97.87 |
| Kalimantan Barat | 98.46 |
| Kalimantan Tengah | 99.68 |
| Kalimantan Selatan | 99.94 |
| Kalimantan Timur | 99.83 |
| Kalimantan Utara | 98.74 |
| Sulawesi Utara | 99.96 |
| Sulawesi Tengah | 99.35 |
| Sulawesi Selatan | 97.77 |
| Sulawesi Tenggara | 98.90 |
| Gorontalo | 99.30 |
| Sulawesi Barat | 97.87 |
| Maluku | 99.86 |
| Maluku Utara | 99.92 |
| Papua Barat | 98.64 |
| Papua Barat Daya | 98.77 |
| Papua | 99.20 |
| Papua Selatan | 96.17 |
| Papua Tengah | 85.57 |
| Papua Pegunungan | 71.68 |
According to BPS-Statistics Indonesia (Susenas KOR), literacy rates across most provinces remain exceptionally high, with several regions reporting figures above 99%. Provinces like Riau, Banten, and Sulawesi Utara have achieved near-universal literacy, reflecting strong educational infrastructure and accessibility. Urbanized regions such as DKI Jakarta and Kalimantan Selatan also maintain high literacy levels, benefiting from better educational resources and facilities.
However, literacy rates vary significantly across provinces, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. While most regions report figures above 95%, provinces such as Papua Tengah (85.57%) and Papua Pegunungan (71.68%) lag behind due to geographical challenges, limited schooling infrastructure, and socio-economic factors. Addressing these disparities remains a key focus for policymakers, ensuring equal access to education across all regions.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
