Commission X urges National Library to forge multi-sector collaborations to expand literacy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chair of Commission X of the House of Representatives, Kurniasih Mufidayati, has urged the National Library (Perpusnas) to forge cross-sector collaborations to expand the literacy ecosystem, thereby ensuring more equitable access to reading materials throughout Indonesia. According to her, such cross-sector collaborations are crucially important to guarantee that society, especially in areas with limited literacy facilities, still obtains fair access to sources of knowledge. “We want to ensure that even amidst limitations, the spirit of providing inclusive and high-quality literacy services remains upheld. Perpusnas must serve as the driving force capable of adapting and innovating,” she stated in Jakarta on Tuesday. She expressed support for Perpusnas in continuing to deliver the best literacy services to the public despite facing budget efficiency challenges. “In conditions of efficiency, the most important thing is how services to the public continue to operate optimally. Access to literacy must not be disrupted because this concerns the quality of education and the future of our human resources,” Kurniasih remarked. She stressed that digital services such as iPusnas have become an essential need for society, particularly for students, university students, and communities in remote areas with limited access to physical reading materials. She encouraged Perpusnas to pursue various breakthroughs to keep services top-notch even with limited resources. One strategic step she advocated is the utilisation of corporate social responsibility programmes specifically directed towards library development, both at the national and regional levels. Such collaborations, she said, must remain within the framework of prevailing laws and regulations. Additionally, she underscored the importance of the role of information technology companies in bolstering digital library services, such as enhancing server capacity, strengthening security systems, and developing more adaptive service features. Previously, Perpusnas had affirmed that the 2026 budget efficiency policy would not impact the quality of public services, whether on-site or digital, including the iPusnas application, which continues to be strengthened. Perpusnas Chief Secretary Joko Santoso stated that his institution is committed to providing the best services to the public in response to the emerging energy efficiency issues in society amid the global crisis.