VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Head of the Library Information Services Center and Archipelago Manuscript Management Agus Sutoyo - 

Being smart and wise in using social media is very important in today's digital era. This was discussed in The Leader's talkshow with the theme "Indonesian Children are Smart Literacy and Use Social Media" by sindonews and MNC Trijaya FM, Thursday (3/8/2023).

The event, which was hosted by Nick Wardi, presented presenters from the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI). Namely the Head of the Library Information Services Center and Archipelago Manuscript Management Agus Sutoyo, and Children's Service Librarian Fitriana Ramadhani.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Thursday, Agus explained that in the current era of technological development, the role of books is increasingly being forgotten. Even though its existence is very important in the growth and development of the nation's generation. Children start to forget interesting reading, because they are engrossed in their gadgets.

In fact, the literacy campaign had previously been echoed by the National Library of Indonesia. What is the role of parents in responding to the rapid development of technology. In 2003, the national reading ambassador at that time, Tantowi Yahya, had started. With the tagline "My First Library Mother". This means that parents have an important role at home, before socializing out of the house.

“Mothers or fathers accompany their children to introduce literacy. Research proves that aged 0-5 years in children, their development is controlled through reading books," said Agus.

Currently, he continued, the literacy campaign is still ongoing. With changing national reading ambassadors. The role remains the same, inviting to be close to the book. But in today's era, combining with technology.

“We are already there. In the new National Library of Indonesia building which has 24 floors, technology has been applied. How to be able to make a major contribution to society. We take that role. By preparing containers and facilities. Among them is the Special Services for Children. Visits on Saturday and Sunday are always overloaded, especially from children."

“We have to please the children when they play in the library. This is where the role of National Library of Indonesia librarians helps how to play while reading. Because the world of children cannot be separated from playing," added Agus.

Agus revealed, Children's Special Services are made more fun. There are toys and so on. The pleasure that was initially obtained through gadgets, can be transferred to the library. “We did not abandon technology, but instead started to use it. Namely making the I-Pusnas application. So if people want to read books, they don't have to come to National Library. Just open the app on your mobile phone."

"For schools there is the Pusnas Edu application, making it easier for libraries in schools to find books for teaching and learning needs," said Agus.

So, for children to like literacy, the role of parents is needed. For example, turning off the television from 18.00-19.00 WIB to give reading time. “This is indeed the biggest challenge. From an early age, familiarize yourself with reading material. When they want to sleep too, children like to read fairy tales the most, "he said.

Meanwhile, Fitriana Ramadhani added, being a special librarian for children is required to have high creativity. So that they can be directed to carry out literacy activities. When reading for example, but not like reading.

“For example, children are asked about their goals. They read first, then write what they want to be when they grow up. In this way, the book comes alive. No longer finish reading, then close the book. So create something from reading, “he said//VOI