RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Head of the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI), Dr. Mego Pinandito, affirmed that libraries and archives are essential pillars in preserving the nation's intellectual heritage and strengthening cultural knowledge. He delivered the remarks during the inauguration of the Ranggawarsita Library at Indonesia's Ministry of Culture in Jakarta on Monday, July 20, 2026.

The inauguration forms part of the Ministry of Culture's broader effort to strengthen knowledge management while expanding public access to cultural documentation and historical resources. The initiative also reinforces the government's commitment to preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage through integrated library and archival services.

Congratulating the Ministry of Culture on the establishment of the Ranggawarsita Library, Mego said libraries play a vital role in advancing national literacy and intellectual development. He noted that, beyond housing books and manuscripts, libraries provide an important gateway for the public to access the nation's documentary heritage.

According to him, archives should not remain merely as preserved records but must be transformed into accessible sources of knowledge that benefit researchers, historians, academics, and the wider community. Historical archives, he added, offer valuable insights into Indonesia's political, cultural, and social development across different periods.

He also expressed ANRI's readiness to support the development of the Ranggawarsita Library by helping trace and provide archival materials relevant to Indonesia's cultural and historical legacy. Such collaboration, he said, will enrich the library's collections and strengthen its role as a comprehensive center for cultural knowledge.

The Head of ANRI explained that archives and libraries have long complemented one another in preserving the nation's documentary memory. Together, they safeguard evidence of Indonesia's historical journey, civilizational development, and socio-cultural transformation, while making those resources more accessible for future generations.

He added that improving public access to archival collections would enable Indonesians not only to understand their past but also to draw lessons that help shape the nation's future. By preserving documentary heritage, libraries and archives contribute to building a more informed and culturally aware society.