RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Library (Perpusnas) is adjusting its programs and expanding collaborations to sustain national literacy development despite budget constraints. The institution aims to ensure literacy services continue, even though several programs will be scaled back in 2026.

National Library Head E. Aminudin Aziz said Perpusnas is working with the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) to maintain literacy targets.

“We are also strengthening assistance in preparing the Community Literacy Development Index and developing Community Literacy Volunteers in various regions,” he said during a hearing with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Friday, July 17, 2026.

To support program sustainability, Perpusnas is broadening funding collaborations with ministries, communities, philanthropic organizations, and international partners. These efforts are expected to ensure continuity of literacy services while strengthening manuscript preservation and library development.

However, the 2026 budget adjustments will affect several priority programs, including book distribution to village libraries, community reading parks, correctional institutions, and community health centers.

“With the drastic budget reduction, literacy-related work has indeed been disrupted,” Aminudin said.

He explained that from 2024 to 2025, Perpusnas distributed around 1,000 books to each community service location across Indonesia. The initiative was warmly received, expanding collections and supporting literacy activities.

“It was incredibly well-received and utilized, and the response was very positive,” he said.

The book distribution program, however, cannot continue in 2026 due to limited funds. Deliveries to various regions have been suspended until sufficient budget is available.

Aminudin noted that Perpusnas received more than IDR 721.6 billion in 2025, but IDR 132 billion was blocked. After adjustments, the usable budget was about IDR 589.5 billion. Of this, IDR 583.2 billion was realized, equivalent to 98.93 percent.

He emphasized that support from Commission X, literacy activists, and the public is crucial for sustaining the national reading culture.

“One of our strengths is the empathy shown by lawmakers in Commission X, alongside the growing enthusiasm of the public and National Library users, as well as the persistence of literacy activists,” he said.

Commission X Speaker Hetifah Sjaifudian assessed that Perpusnas has managed to maintain services despite budget cuts, commending its dedication and innovation in literacy development. She said the impact of reduced funding should be considered in future budget discussions.

Meanwhile, Commission VIII lawmaker Rieke Diah Pitaloka stressed that libraries play a strategic role as centers of knowledge and guardians of the nation’s collective memory by preserving books, archives, and historical documents.

She described the National Library as an important investment in strengthening literacy culture and improving the quality of Indonesia’s human resources. (Misni Parjiati)