Books: A resource for all

Books: A resource for all

From Neraca

Books are said to be storehouses of knowledge, windows on the world, torches in the darkness and other names. The truth is that books are useful for mankind. No one will ever deny that books can widen their readers insights, and that they will endlessly talk to their users.

But as far as Indonesia is concerned, there are conflicting policies concerning the publication of books. On the one hand, the government rigorously talks about the need to enhance the reading habits of the community. On the other hand, production of books as a means of promoting knowledge does not get sufficient support from related parties.

The prices of books are relatively high, especially for people with low incomes. Even fictitious books may cost a few thousand rupiah, not to mention scientific books. With that amount, you could buy ten meals at traditional food stalls.

So how could we expect people with low incomes to have easy access to books? Books are in fact still regarded as a luxury in this country. Only a few people can really spend their money on books freely.

In this case, why shouldn't we learn from India? That country intentionally encourages publication of cheap books using cheap quality newsprint. For us, it is the content of the book that matters, and not its physical condition.

I call on book collectors to share their reading resources with other people.

DWIPANTARA

Bandung, West Java