20 Students Publish Lentera Mimpi Poetry Anthology

LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Literacy initiatives in the education sector of Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency are continuing to make positive progress. Twenty students from SMA Negeri 2 Kotapinang have jointly published a poetry anthology entitled Lentera Mimpi. The collection demonstrates how young people's creativity can develop into tangible literary works when they are given the right opportunities, encouragement and guidance. The achievement was announced on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.

The publication represents more than simply a collection of student-written poems. Lentera Mimpi reflects a learning process that encourages students to discover their potential, develop their imagination and gain the confidence to express their ideas through literature.

Behind this creative initiative is Budi Idris, S.Pd., M.Si., a civil servant teacher at SMA Negeri 2 Kotapinang, who also serves as Deputy Headteacher for Student Affairs and the school's Literacy Development Coordinator. He guided the students throughout the process, from developing their initial ideas and selecting words to composing poems and editing the manuscripts before bringing them together in a single publication.

Budi Idris, who is also known as a content creator for Klik Pendidikan, acted as both the students' mentor and the anthology's editor. Through his guidance, the students had the opportunity to transform their experiences, emotions and aspirations into literary works with artistic value.

Twenty Students Bring Their Dreams Together in One Book

The Lentera Mimpi anthology brings together poems written by 20 students, each reflecting different ideas and personal experiences. Every contributor offers an individual perspective, emotions, imagination and aspirations for the future. Together, these contributions form a collection with educational value that also enriches the literary experience within the school community.

The 20 students who contributed to the publication are Faiza Alifa Febrian, Juwita Khairani, Alhamdulillah Cahyu Syahrindu, Dina Ariani Siregar, Tiara Sintia Putri, Fitriani, Maulidya Az-Zahra, Duta Wijaya, Hidayah Aulia Sir and Riana.

The other contributors are Rani, Zahra Agustina Harahap, Rifky Pratama Harahap, Wahidah Salsabilah, Putri Rosita Sir, Aira Qisti Efendi Nst, Laylatul Salsa Ramadhany, Nur Akila Hsb, Safira and Anne Rambe.

The participation of all 20 students demonstrates that writing skills are not limited to those who have been interested in literature from an early age. Every student has the potential to produce original work when schools provide opportunities for creative expression, appropriate guidance and an environment that supports personal development.

Working together on an anthology also offers a different learning experience. Students do not simply practise writing independently; they learn to respect other people's ideas, understand the editorial process and collaborate to produce a shared literary achievement.

Literacy Develops Creativity and Builds Character

The publication of Lentera Mimpi forms part of wider efforts to strengthen literacy within the school environment. Writing poetry can help students recognise their emotions, develop sensitivity, expand their imagination and select words carefully to communicate messages with meaning and beauty.

These skills extend well beyond language and literature lessons. Through writing, students can develop confidence, perseverance and creativity while strengthening their critical thinking abilities. They also learn how to communicate their perspectives and experiences in a more structured way.

Amid the rapid development of digital technology and the growing flow of information, strengthening literacy has become increasingly important. Young people need more than the ability to access, read and consume information across digital platforms. They must also be able to process knowledge, assess information critically, communicate their thoughts and produce work that benefits society.

For this reason, school publishing projects involving students can provide an effective way to strengthen literacy culture in educational institutions. The experience of producing a book helps students understand that reading and writing do not have to end in the classroom. They can lead to published works that other people can read, appreciate and learn from.

Budi Idris Continues to Promote the World of Writing

Budi Idris is no newcomer to literature and literacy development. Despite his responsibilities as an educator at SMA Negeri 2 Kotapinang, he remains actively involved in promoting literacy and has published several books, both as an individual author and as a contributor to collaborative anthologies.

His experience provides a valuable foundation for guiding students through the creative process and introducing them to the world of publishing. His role goes beyond teaching the technical aspects of poetry writing. He also encourages students to believe in their abilities and find the confidence to express their thoughts through written work.

For him, literacy is not simply about reading and writing. It is a pathway to broadening knowledge, building character and developing a generation capable of thinking critically and creatively.

Through the publication of Lentera Mimpi, he hopes more students in Kotapinang and across Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency will become interested in developing their writing skills. The book is expected to inspire other young people to begin their own writing journeys and feel confident about sharing their work with the wider community.

Every child has ideas, experiences and dreams worth putting into words. However, this potential needs a supportive environment, opportunities to learn and proper guidance so that those aspirations do not remain merely dreams.

The spirit behind this literacy initiative is captured in the message: "Membaca buku membuka jendela dunia, menulis buku bisa keliling dunia."

In English, this means: "Reading books opens a window to the world; writing a book can take you around the world."

The message serves as a reminder that reading broadens our understanding of the world, while writing gives people the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences with a wider audience. Even a simple piece of writing can mark the beginning of a much longer journey in education, knowledge and literature.

Twenty students, one book and dozens of dreams brought together through poetry: this represents the positive step taken at SMA Negeri 2 Kotapinang. Through their collective achievement, the students have demonstrated that schools can be more than places of academic learning. They can also provide an environment where creativity flourishes and meaningful ideas take shape.

More than just a collection of poems, Lentera Mimpi symbolises the wider responsibility of education. Schools are not solely tasked with developing academic achievement. They also play an important role in creating opportunities for creativity, building character and encouraging a generation of young people to leave a lasting mark through their own work. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala