DPAD DIY promotes reading culture through digital library "Titik Baca"
Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Library and Archives Service of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DPAD DIY) continues to promote the enhancement of literacy culture through the development of a digital-based library in the form of “Titik Baca”.
“The presence of Titik Baca is one strategy to increase public reading interest amid technological developments,” said the Head of the Library Materials Development and Information Division of DPAD DIY, Dewi Ambarwati, during the Titik Baca socialisation at TKIT Omah Lintang, Banguntapan, Bantul, on Monday.
According to her, the Titik Baca programme is part of efforts to facilitate public access to reading materials.
She hopes that the facility can be optimally utilised by the public and its reach expanded throughout the DIY region this year.
Deputy Chairman of Commission C of the DIY Regional People’s Representative Council, Amir Syarifudin, assessed the programme as a new innovation relevant to the times, particularly in directing mobile phone use towards more productive activities.
“This programme is a new initiative that we can provide to the younger generation to appreciate using mobile phones for reading,” he said.
Amir also urged the central government to pay more attention to the education sector, including considering policies to eliminate taxes on books for primary school to university students.
Coordinator of the Library Unit of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM, Sukirno, highlighted the still low literacy levels in Indonesian society compared to developed countries.
He mentioned several influencing factors, including limited book access, economic conditions, and digital distractions. “Book access is uneven in our society, limited only to big cities,” he said.
He stated that strengthening literacy needs support from various elements, from schools and communities to government policies.
Director of PT Enam Kubuku Indonesia, Ari Kustanto, as the developer of the digital library, said the Titik Baca innovation is one effort to address these challenges by providing easier access to digital reading for the public.
“By simply scanning a QR Code, the public can directly access various digital books, curated videos, and other literacy information,” he said.
According to him, the available content has undergone curation, making it safe and child-friendly, and users can also enjoy additional features such as streaming radio and literacy-based information.
“This latest innovation from DPAD DIY has the concept of bringing digital reading materials closer to the public. It is placed in various locations and will eventually be available at 46 points in Bantul,” he said.