{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1698459,
        "msgid": "problems-with-jakartas-mini-libraries-locked-poor-maintenance-and-few-visitors-1777031489",
        "date": "2026-04-24 14:47:59",
        "title": "Problems with Jakarta's Mini Libraries: Locked, Poor Maintenance, and Few Visitors",
        "author": "Tri Susanto Setiawan",
        "source": "KOMPAS",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "Mini libraries in Jakarta's city parks, intended as open reading spaces to promote public literacy, are frequently locked and inaccessible, limiting their educational potential for residents. Visitors like Annes and Rianti express disappointment over the inability to access the facilities, the poorly maintained and damaged books visible from outside, and suggest simple systems for on-site reading to encourage usage. This highlights broader challenges in managing public open-space amenities, including weather-related damage and book loss, underscoring the need for better maintenance and regular access to boost community engagement, especially on weekends.",
        "content": "<p>JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com \u2013 The presence of mini libraries in several city\nparks in Jakarta has yet to be fully utilised by residents. The literacy\nfacilities, expected to serve as open reading spaces, are often locked\nand inaccessible, thereby limiting their function as public education\ntools. One visitor, Annes (28), admitted to being initially intrigued\nupon first seeing the mini library. However, that curiosity turned to\ndisappointment upon realising the facility could not be accessed.\nAccording to Annes, if the concept is indeed intended for the public,\nthe library should be freely accessible to visitors. She suggested\nimplementing a simple system, such as reading on-site and returning\nbooks to the shelves afterwards. \u201cIf the concept is for the public, it\nshould be freely accessible. At the very least, people should be able to\nopen it, read briefly, and then return it to its place,\u201d said Annes. She\nalso highlighted the condition of the books, which appeared poorly\nmaintained. From outside, several collections looked crumpled and not\nproperly arranged, which she believed could reduce visitors\u2019 interest in\nreading. She hopes the mini libraries can be opened regularly and their\ncollections updated with engaging light reads, particularly on weekends\nwhen the parks are bustling with visitors. Similar complaints were\nvoiced by Rianti (21), a student encountered at Suropati Park. She\nadmitted to trying to open the mini library but failing because it was\nlocked. \u201cI\u2019m actually quite interested in the concept of mini libraries\nlike this. For students or pupils, this could be a helpful free reading\nspot,\u201d she said. However, limited access remains the main obstacle\npreventing the facility from being utilised. Additionally, the condition\nof the books, which appeared damaged from outside, is also a concern.\n\u201cJust now I tried to open it, but it turned out I couldn\u2019t. From that\nalone, it\u2019s clear the access is limited,\u201d said Rianti. \u201cIf the books\naren\u2019t maintained, people become less interested in reading. Especially\nif they already look damaged,\u201d added Rianti. According to her, managing\nsuch facilities in open spaces is not easy, particularly regarding the\nrisk of damage due to weather or book loss.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/problems-with-jakartas-mini-libraries-locked-poor-maintenance-and-few-visitors-1777031489",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}