VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Deputy for Library Resources Development at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI), Adin Bondar at an interview  -

Voinews, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo is committed to realizing an advanced and competitive Indonesian society through the 2020-2024 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN), and the issue of literacy was specifically mentioned.

Deputy for Library Resources Development at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI), Adin Bondar, said that we should be grateful if the government's commitment has provided a very strong legacy in improving human resources (HR). It can be seen that the 2020-2024 RPJMN is a national priority.

"In the concept of strengthening literacy culture, a knowledgeable, innovative, creative and characterful society will be created. If you look closely at the RPJMN, this is achieved through developing a love of reading culture, strengthening literacy book content and increasing access," said the deputy in a talk show with the theme Libraries, Literacy, and Inclusion at the Antara news agency, Tuesday (19/12/2023).

Adin explained that the love of reading in educational units has developed through schools and universities. Then in the community there is the Social Inclusion Based Library Transformation (TPBIS) program, where the library becomes an open space for the community. It has been carried out in 3,262 villages that have been transformed and involving 3 million marginalized residents. "So the concept of libraries reaching the community has been maximized, if you look at the loci that we have built," he said.

"As of December, 2,494 villages had been replicated through TPBIS. "Many residents were initially unemployed, but once this program was introduced, they gained new knowledge accompanied by the facilitators we trained," continued Adin.

Adin stated that there are several parameters of change, namely from an economic perspective. Marginal communities gain new abilities. Like initially selling food, but not knowing how to market the product well. Through the Social Inclusion Based Library Transformation (TPBIS) program, it has been upgraded and developed into a catering business. In terms of other aspects, social relations increase, because we both meet in the library.

Adin said the idea for creating TPBIS started from the principle of inclusive development. Because, all over the world it relies on strengthening human resources. Where everyone has the right to create, access and utilize sources of information and knowledge. “The dual impact of a literate person on a person and the welfare of the country. So, the higher the public literacy index, the more advanced and prosperous the country will be."

“It is very different from countries where literacy is low. "This also has an impact on high poverty, poor health and large unemployment," stressed Adin.

Therefore, in line with Law (UU) Number 43 of 2007 concerning Libraries, efforts to foster a reading culture have three pillars, namely family, educational unit and community,

"For the first pillar, it is clear that the family is the initial foundation for improving literacy culture in the digital era. Because, the family is the first madrasah for children. Then for educational units where the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology has developed books that support literacy skills. "There are 15 million books that have been distributed to schools. Then the third pillar is about community participation in taking part in the TPBIS program," explained Adin.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, this family-based digital literacy begins when we look at the weaknesses of students in achieving PISA scores carried out by Unesco, through the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology, which are not optimal. There is an increase of five points but in other literacies it is not yet profitable.

National Library sees this as not having properly prepared literacy in the family aspect. Thus developing expanded access to information and knowledge to build the three pillars of the family.

“The first is the pre-marriage group. Education will be provided to have good awareness, how to build harmonious family relationships, understand reproduction and so on. So that they become a happy family after marriage."

“Second are families who will have children. There needs to be education through accessible literacy content. And the third is the child stage at the golden age of 0-6 years. "Through the stimulation of various activities carried out by the family," he said.

The government through the National Library, continued Adin, will send chain messages via the WhatsApp application to the devices of all of Indonesia's young generation. The chain message contains access to reading channels. “For example, there is pre-marital literacy for those who want to get married. "Just click, so you can easily get reading materials. So you don't need to come to the library," he explained.

To support this, National Library has developed digital channels such as Bintang Pusnas Edu which is accessed via gadgets. 1.5 million copies of digital books have been prepared. Then there is i Pusnas which is a mobile digital platform that the public can enjoy with 1.2 million digital books.

"In the future, we will develop the Reading Point application, and will include reading books as needed. "Including collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Culture, Research and Technology, which produces quality books in order to improve literacy skills," he said.

The National Library's successes in the 2020-2024 RPJMN include developing the TPBIS program. Then expand library access through mobile library services.

Then develop digital reading corners in public spaces. With the concept of conventional and digital libraries. As well as coaching and development of literacy activists.

“We have 2,045 community reading park forum partners throughout Indonesia. Then there is a mobile library that reaches 3,000 points so that people have access to reading. For literacy activists in the community. "Everyone moves and becomes a social model to be close to the community," explained Adin.

Until December 2023, National Library has confirmed 535 literacy mothers in various regions. Starting from the provincial, district/city to sub-district level. “The National Library cannot move alone to develop a literacy culture. "The presence of these literate mothers is a kind of role model for how important literacy is to change lives for the better," said Adin//VOI