Hatta library

The Hatta library at the Gadjah Mada University campus in Bulak Sumur, Yogyakarta, was named after RI's first vice president Mohammad Hatta. It has a collection of some 40,000 books, including many old and rare books on social and political science.

It was the late Margono Djojohadikusumo who founded the library in 1950 when he was managing director of BNI 1946, one of the state banks. The funding of 30,000 guilders came from the bank. With the approval of Mohammad Hatta, the Hatta foundation was established. The foundation was also intended to grant scholarships to students to study technology and management abroad.

The library is now in a pitiable state due to lack of funds. Mr. Fauzie is in charge of its management and relies only on contributions from the small number of members. There is no fund to pay employees.

I would like to make the following proposal.

a. The government should take over the management of the Hatta library. If necessary, the books can be given to the National Library under the supervision of the education and culture ministry. They can also be given to the Gadjah Mada University.

b. BNI 1946 should provide adequate subsidies to organize and maintain the library which is a legacy to Margono Djojohadikusumo, the bank's founder.

c. As proposed by Mrs. Rahmi Hatta and Sri Edi Swasono, the management of the foundation should be given to Margono's descendants. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo and other relatives are financially well positioned to keep the foundation going. If desired the foundation's name can be changed into the Margono foundation.

d. There may be an Indonesian business tycoon interested in subsidizing the Hatta foundation.

It will be a pity if this invaluable legacy dissolves into oblivion.

Another thing deserving of the government's attention is the neglected condition of the Sukarno-Hatta monument and its park on Jl. Pegangsaan Timur, Central Jakarta, at the house where Indonesia's Independence was proclaimed.

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta