Hatta library

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