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