VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Head of the National Library, Muhammad Syarif Bando, when he became the keynote speaker for Increasing the Community Literacy Index (PILM) for Banda Aceh City - 

The rapidly changing world demands changes in various fields. Humans are forced to adapt to change. Like it or not, intelligence capital is needed so as not to be eliminated in the disruption that occurs.

“A smart nation correlates with well-being. And the duty of the library is to educate the nation's children according to the mandate stated in the 1945 Law," said the Head of the National Library, Muhammad Syarif Bando, when he became the keynote speaker for Increasing the Community Literacy Index (PILM) for Banda Aceh City, Tuesday (21/03).

Why do we need an intelligent and literate society? The Head of National Library continued, because soon Indonesia will enter the democratic party.

This is where the potential for information disruption occurs which often leads to hoaxes, so literacy skills are needed to avoid misunderstandings or lack of understanding of information.

In fact, Indonesia still has literacy problems. Low literacy results in a low human development index, low income per capita, and lack of competitiveness.

In the social order it also has an impact on increasing crime rates, declining quality of health so that the poverty rate increases.

"Low literacy has a multiplier effect on development issues," added Syarif Bando.

According to a release received by Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, the presence of the library does not regulate the tasks of agriculture, the creative economy, nor the role of cooperatives and MSMEs. But the library presents books to educate people with knowledge because a lot of jobs are wasted and taken by other countries because they are braver to see opportunities and are smart.

"There must be awareness," said the Head of National Library

Therefore, the existence of the library must be utilized as widely as possible by the community. For centuries, libraries have been the foundation of education, knowledge, and provide access to information and knowledge needed according to the times.

One of the significant contributions made is the emphasis on social inclusion. Where the library acts as the epicenter of social interaction, where many people learn and grow to be successful.

"Libraries have a big role in helping MSMEs, encouraging economic growth in villages so they can compete in global business," said Regional Secretary of Banda Aceh City Amiruddin.

The active role of local government and all related institutions is needed. They must have new methods, new concepts and theories so that MSMEs are assisted in product dissemination or creativity.

"And that cannot be obtained except by reading," said the Deputy for Development of Library Resources of the National Library of Indonesia, Adin Bondar.

In line with Adin's statement, member of Commission X DPR RI Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal that humans cannot gain knowledge without reading. The shift in the meaning of literacy is now not limited to reading and writing, but literacy has penetrated technology, culture and other sectors.

"In 2023, Aceh will build a library building worth 10 billion in central aceh district, simelue and sabang city.
When we face the challenge of recognizing the value of our heritage, this has an impact on the difficulty of investing in skills and knowledge in producing quality local products. Local products have special attention, high quality, unique and definitely popular. We must work together to develop an awareness strategy by building networks and demonstrating the value of product diversity. Maximize the role of the library down to the villages"//VOI