National Library Brings Ideas to the IFLA WLIC 2026 Global Library Forum

RRI.CO.ID, Busan - The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas) brings an Indonesian perspective to the global conversation on the future of libraries. It took place through the participation of four staff members in the 90th IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 in Busan and the IFLA Satellite Meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

The four representatives presented ideas covering topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), open knowledge, popular culture and the younger generation, community literacy volunteers, and the strengthening of critical thinking skills and originality in the AI era.

IFLA WLIC 2026 was held from August 10–13, 2026, under the theme “Libraries Powering Transformation.” The 90th Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) featured over 200 sessions and meetings addressing various issues, including AI, intellectual freedom, climate literacy, knowledge sharing, cultural memory, and library transformation. WLIC 2026 brought together 3,191 delegates from 111 countries and territories; half of these were first-time attendees of the congress.

The Head of the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas), E. Aminudin Aziz, commended the participation of Perpusnas staff, who brought Indonesian ideas and experiences to this international library forum. He noted that engagement in global forums should not merely serve to enhance individual capacity, but must also yield benefits for the institution and the public.

“We encouraged Perpusnas staff to continue enhancing their capabilities, building networks, and participating in international forums. The knowledge, experience, and networks gained must be brought back and translated into relevant ideas and practices to strengthen libraries and the culture of literacy in Indonesia,” Aminudin conveyed.

He believes that Indonesia possesses experiences and best practices worthy of inclusion in global knowledge exchange. He hopes that an increasing number of librarians and professionals from the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) will conduct research, document best practices, and share them through international forums.

"While we certainly need to learn from the world, the world also needs to hear about Indonesia's experiences," he stated.

One such contribution was made by Sadariyah Ariningrum Wijiastuti, a Perpusnas librarian selected as one of the 16 participants in the IFLA Emerging Leaders 2026 program. Ariningrum presented in three sessions, addressing topics such as using popular culture as a gateway to literacy, the impact of libraries on the community, and the Community Literacy Volunteer (RELIMA) model.

In the paper "Manga and Libraries: Bridging Popular Culture and Literacy Institutions in Indonesia"—co-authored with Mohammad Bagus Yodha—Ariningrum highlighted the potential of manga to connect the younger generation with libraries. In another session, she challenged the "Big is Better" assumption by demonstrating that a library's impact is not determined solely by the size of its building or its budget.

Ariningrum also introduced RELIMA through the paper “Building Connections, Powering Transformation: Indonesia’s Community Literacy Volunteer Model (RELIMA).” The program expanded from 180 volunteers across 177 regencies/cities in 35 provinces in 2025 to 360 volunteers across 321 regencies/cities in 2026.

“At WLIC 2026, I tried to absorb as many experiences and ideas as possible—not just from the official sessions, but also from discussions and conversations with colleagues from various countries. There is much we can bring home for library development in Indonesia. I also have a dream: that one day, Indonesia will not only attend WLIC but also host it,” Ariningrum said.

A perspective on literacy amidst the rise of AI was presented by Yaya Ofia Mabruri, recipient of the Angela Bersekowski Grant at IFLA WLIC 2026. During the ARL Hot Topics session, Yaya presented the paper “Centering Collaboration to Strengthen Critical Thinking and Safeguard Originality in the Age of AI: A Case Study of the Sepekan 1 Buku Initiative.”

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the WLIC program also offered participants the opportunity to observe library practices in the Republic of Korea through a library tour on August 13. These visits demonstrated how libraries connect with educational, cultural, artistic, and community spaces, while also providing valuable insights for the development of library services in Indonesia.

The four perspectives highlighted by the National Library (Perpusnas) staff, demonstrated that library transformation is not solely about digitalization and AI. It also encompasses people, communities, reading culture, open access to knowledge, data management, governance, and the library's ability to respond to community needs.

Through research, presentations, discussions, and networking, this participation positioned the National Library as more than just a participant in the global conversation on the future of libraries. The institution shared Indonesia's experiences with the world while bringing back knowledge, best practices, and global networks to strengthen library transformation and literacy efforts in Indonesia.