Jakarta Strives to Provide Library Services Based on Citizens' Needs

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Provincial Government is continuously providing public library services in Child-Friendly Integrated Public Spaces (RPTRA) based on community needs as one of the efforts to realise libraries as inclusive spaces.

“We want public libraries, including those in RPTRA, to be socially present with relevant collections, contextual programs, inclusive services, and community involvement as partners,” said the Head of the Jakarta Provincial Library and Archives Service (Dispusip), Nasruddin Djoko Surjono, in Jakarta, Thursday.

In a seminar themed “Thematic Collection Development Based on Needs,” Nasruddin stated that services based on community needs are the foundation of quality library services. He explained that collections should not just be a list of titles or procurement figures, but rather a reflection of the library’s commitment to the community.

“If collections are arranged based on needs and impact, then the library will be present as a solution. Public libraries must be a catalyst for community progress,” said Nasruddin, who also serves as the Chairman of the Indonesian Public Library Forum (FPUI).

This effort is being carried out through seminars involving RPTRA administrators, librarians, and library development experts.

He said that synergy with the National Library is also an important foundation to ensure that local initiatives are in line with national policies. This policy should not stop at the document level but must be implemented as a real practice at the local level.

“Ramadan is a moment for reflection and improvement. Let us make this holy month a starting point for the renewal of public library services throughout Indonesia, libraries that are adaptive, professional, and impactful,” he said.

Meanwhile, the results of a survey conducted by the Jakarta Provincial Library and Archives Service in collaboration with academics from the University of Indonesia in 2025 showed that the literacy culture index of Jakarta residents reached 78.76, an increase of 6.67 points compared to the previous year.

This increase was supported by a surge in library visits, reaching 58.55 percent, a significant increase from 44.7 percent in 2024, as well as high levels of community reading activity, recorded at 82.49 percent.

The Reading Interest Level (TKM) of Jakarta residents in 2025 reached a score of 73.26 and is in the moderate category. This TKM value indicates an improving quality of the community’s reading process, along with the implementation of a new measurement method that emphasises the ability to understand and reflect on information.

Based on this, the Jakarta Provincial Government will continue to strengthen data-based literacy policies and expand cross-sectoral collaboration.