National Library Affirms the Role of Libraries in Making Indonesia Dignified

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas) emphasized that its 46th anniversary is not merely a ceremony, but rather a moment for reflection on its responsibility to preserve the nation's knowledge. Through a National Seminar themed "46 Years of Perpusnas: Caring for Libraries, Dignifying the Nation," Perpusnas invites the public to reexamine the position of libraries as the foundation of civilization and the nation's dignity.

The Director of Perpusnas, E. Aminudin Aziz, stated that the institution's long journey should be a space for continuous self-evaluation. According to him, the library needs to continually ask whether the services it provides are truly reaching the public and remaining relevant amidst changing times.

In his remarks, he emphasized that Perpusnas was born out of an awareness of the importance of preserving the nation's knowledge heritage. He stated that what is preserved, cared for, and passed on to future generations will determine Indonesia's place in history.

Amin also added that preserving libraries means ensuring that knowledge remains alive, accessible, readable, debated, and inspiring. "Knowledge that doesn't move is knowledge waiting to be forgotten. This is where the nation's dignity is built, emerging from a literate society that isn't easily swayed by wild information, and capable of critical thinking amidst a variety of sometimes confusing information," he said.

The national seminar featured four speakers from various backgrounds to discuss the challenges and future of libraries and literacy. These speakers included Bagus P. Muljadi, Director of the Indonesia Doctoral Training Partnership from the University of Nottingham; Chaerul Umam, President of the ASEAN Public Libraries Information Network (APLiN); Arys Hilman Nugraha, Chairman of the Indonesian Publishers Association (IKAPI); and Rieke Diah Pitaloka, Member of Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI).

Meanwhile, Rieke Diah Pitaloka, Member of Commission XIII of the DPR RI, stated that since the beginning of national development, libraries have been positioned as a vital part of the educational revolution and the eradication of illiteracy. She believes that libraries remain relevant even though society now lives in the digital age.

"Libraries are constantly being repeated in books. Even though digital libraries exist now, we still can't abandon old books," she said. Rieke believes that library development needs to be expanded to the village level through strengthening village libraries, public schools, and community reading rooms. This step is considered crucial to ensure more equitable access to knowledge throughout Indonesia.

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, on that occasion, Rieke also highlighted the importance of books as sources that provide a foundation for thinking about literacy and libraries. She displayed several books on the GBHN (National Guidelines) that she and National Development Agency successfully championed for recognition as national collective memory by the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI).

Director of the Indonesia Doctoral Training Partnership from the University of Nottingham, Bagus P. Muljadi, emphasized that the National Library stores a rich and comprehensive knowledge system. According to him, this wealth of knowledge can be a crucial asset in moving Indonesia out of a post-colonial mindset.