Tana Grogot, December 18, 2025 — The Translation Team of the Regional Agency for Language in East Kalimantan Province held a follow-up meeting to discuss the utilization of translation products through the reprinting of bilingual Paser-Indonesian children’s picturebooks at the Education and Culture Office of Paser Regency on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Yunus Syam, Head of Education and Culture Office; Surpiani, Head of Cultural Affairs; Vera, Head of Education Affairs; and Muhammad Erwin Darma and Matius Patimang, members of the Translation Team.
Four of 12 bilingual Paser-Indonesian children’s picturebook titles have been reprinted under the Office’s 2025 budget, with 200 copies produced for distribution. Surpiani said “the books will be distributed to 23 schools—two copies per title per school—with an additional five copies of each title allocated to the regional library for public access.” The remaining eight titles are slated for reprinting under the 2026 budget.
Following the meeting, officials from the Education and Culture Office and the Translation Team visited State Elementary School (SDN) 031 Tana Grogot to observe students using bilingual Paser-Indonesian childrean’s picturebooks firsthand. Twenty-nine students read all 12 digital bilingual titles on Chromebooks provided by the translation team. Afterward, they shared their impressions and experiences engaging with the digital materials.
Students said the stories were engaging, entertaining, and helpful for expanding their knowledge of Paser language. Yunus Syam announced plans to develop similar books by drawing on the region’s cultural heritage to introduce students to local traditions.
“The development of these books will involve teachers, cultural communities, local residents, and regional illustrators,” Yunus said. (Ed)
Translated by Muhammad Erwin Darma