Libraries Face Modern Challenges, MPR Deputy Urges Collaboration

The Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie), attended the commemoration of Library Visit Day today. She noted that this annual occasion should serve as an important reminder of the need to build a culture of literacy within society.

“Experience in various regions shows that revitalisation involving communities, local governments, and stakeholders is capable of accelerating the transformation of reading spaces into sought-after destinations,” Rerie stated in a written release on Monday (14/09/2026).

Library Visit Day was first established by President Soeharto on 14 September 1995. The designation aimed to increase reading interest while simultaneously strengthening the literacy culture of the Indonesian people.

“The rapid conversion of the Jepara Regent’s official residence into part of the Kartini Museum is a form of strong collaboration between all relevant parties in making it happen,” said Rerie.

Rerie expressed hope that such collaboration could be applied consistently in the development of the national cultural sector. This effort is deemed crucial as libraries and museums face similar challenges in attracting public visits.

National Library data for 202<0xC2>5 records that the number of libraries in Indonesia has reached 219,415 units. This figure consists of 155,904 library units within primary to upper secondary schools, and 54,344 public libraries (at provincial, regency/city, district, and village/sub-district levels).

Additionally, there are 5,833 specialised libraries (within government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and places of worship), as well as 3,335 libraries within higher education environments. According to the same source, the number of accredited libraries stands at 14,774 (6.73%), while unaccredited libraries reach 204,641 (93.27%).

These challenges must be addressed through strengthening efforts across several sectors and cannot be achieved in isolation. According to Rerie, cross-sector commitment is required to ensure that these spaces of knowledge remain vibrant and accessible to the wider public.

“Strong collaboration between all relevant parties is greatly needed to realise this as part of the effort to bring prosperity to the community through the broad improvement of literacy,” concluded Rerie.