RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas) and the Goethe-Institut Indonesia formalized a partnership in the library sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This collaboration is a strategic step in strengthening cultural exchange, literacy, and access to knowledge between Indonesia and Germany.

The Principal Secretary of the National Library, Joko Santoso, and the Director of the Goethe-Institut for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Constanze Michel, signed a memorandum of understanding at the National Library Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

The signing was witnessed by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, the Deputy for Library Materials Development and Information Services of the National Library, Suharyanto, and the Head of the Information Section for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, Eliphas Nyamogo.

Joko stated that this collaboration reflects the deep trust and commitment between the two institutions.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, the National Library continues to strive to expand access to knowledge and promote intercultural understanding, particularly between Indonesia and Germany.

"Libraries today are no longer just places to store books, but rather spaces for dialogue, cultural understanding, lifelong learning, and international collaboration. In an increasingly interconnected world, libraries play a crucial role in helping people understand each other through access to knowledge, literature, and culture," he explained.

Through this collaboration, the two parties plan to implement various collaborative programs, including the development and maintenance of German collections, joint seminars, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and cultural activities, as well as capacity building for librarians and library users through training and knowledge exchange.

Both institutions also agreed to explore various other mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities.

"In this spirit, the signing of today's memorandum of understanding is significant. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening library services, encouraging cultural exchange, and expanding access to global knowledge for the well-being of our communities," he said.

As part of the initial phase of the collaboration, the Goethe-Institut Indonesia donated 287 titles to enrich the German Corner on the 20th floor of the National Library.

The collection covers a variety of themes, such as children's literature, architecture, history, novels, travel writing, and sources of knowledge on migration.

This collection will continue to be updated over the next five years before being permanently added to the National Library's International Collections service.

Joko also expressed his appreciation for the collection's contribution as a key means of expanding Indonesian access to literature and information about Germany.

"This valuable collection will enrich the German Corner on the 20th floor of the National Library and provide broader opportunities for Indonesians to learn more about German history, literature, society, art, and contemporary developments," he explained.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, Ralf Beste, stated that the collaboration focuses not only on expanding the book collection but also on strengthening human resource capacity and developing professional competencies in the library sector.

"Through this collaboration, both parties strive to build a more inclusive and sustainable learning ecosystem through various human resource capacity-building programs, training, and knowledge exchange in the library sector," he explained.

According to him, this is an important step in supporting the progress of modern society because knowledge plays a strategic role in national development.

"Knowledge is power; knowledge brings wealth and prosperity to a nation," he said.

Meanwhile, Constanze Michel explained that one of the Goethe-Institut's main missions worldwide is to provide up-to-date, diverse, and comprehensive information about Germany to the international community.

Through this collaboration, the National Library and the Goethe-Institut Indonesia hope to strengthen the cross-cultural learning ecosystem, expand public access to global knowledge, and foster closer relations between the Indonesian and German communities through libraries as spaces for collaboration and cultural diplomacy.