If we don’t step in to help, underprivileged university libraries will continue to struggle with limited funding and a lack of trained, passionate staff. Without support, they’ll never be able to truly advocate for the joy of reading. In this kind of environment, when students feel overwhelmed or exhausted, it’s much easier for them to turn to social media or streaming platforms for comfort—rather than picking up a book for inspiration or escape.
About READ TO LEAD
Hi, it’s Ratri here. I’m leading SEALNet Project Indonesia 2025 (PI25): Read to Lead with my Co-Project Leader, Xera. We both share a deep concern about the lack of a strong “literacy spirit” in university libraries—spaces that should inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of reading.
Back in 2024, our initial plan was to focus on supporting the university where we both work. But when SEALNet selected our small initiative as its 2025 summer project, it opened up a much bigger opportunity. Now, with the support of diverse Mentors from across Southeast Asia, we’re able to bring this mission to more universities across Indonesia.
Over the course of eight months, we’ll bring SEALNet’s core pillars—service and leadership—to life. Mentors and Mentees will learn side by side, collaborate across borders, and work hand in hand to design and implement sustainable literacy initiatives that respond to real needs in under-resourced university communities.
Virtual training to equip Mentees with knowledge and skills needed to develop a sustainable and resilient literacy initiative.
Held in Jakarta, we’ll visit libraries, engage in inspiring talks, participate in SEALNet leadership activities, and more.
Mentees will implement their proposed literacy activities under the supervision of the Mentors and SEALNet PI25 Team.
Core Team Members
From best friends and former teammates to people we connected with online, our team comes from all kinds of backgrounds and joined SEALNet PI25 for different reasons. But one thing unites us: a shared desire to help others and create meaningful change. It might sound cliché, but it’s real, and it’s powerful.
From the blog
© 2025 | SEALNet | INDONESIA
