Libraries Serve as Positive Alternative Spaces During Ramadan

“It’s not just a place to read books, but also an alternative and positive space for residents to spend their time during this month of Ramadan,” said the Head of the Library Section of the East Jakarta Sub-district of Population and Civil Registration, Fauziyah, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Fauziah said that the library can be an option for people who want to spend time before breaking their fast with beneficial activities.

In addition to providing a collection of reading books, the library also offers a conducive and child-friendly learning space. “Instead of just spending time outside without clear activities, the library can be a more productive alternative for ‘ngabuburit’,” Fauziah said.

During Ramadan, the number of visitors, especially school-aged children, remains high. During Ramadan, library services are open from 09:00 to 17:00 WIB.

“This policy refers to the Decree of the Head of the Library and Archives Service of the DKI Jakarta Province, Number e-0012 of 2026, concerning the Library Service Hours during the Holy Month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri,” Fauziyah explained.

“Even though it’s the fasting month, the services remain open as usual. This includes Saturdays and Sundays, when we continue to serve visitors. We only close on national holidays,” she said.

Most visitors read books while waiting for the time to break their fast or ‘ngabuburit’. On average, the number of visitors each day ranges from 72 to 85 people from various age groups, from children to adults.

The reading room facilities are divided based on age category. The second floor is dedicated to children with a collection of fairy tales and light reading, while the third floor is for teenagers and adults with a more diverse selection of books.

“Visitors in the children’s category are provided with a reading space on the second floor, while teenagers and adults are on the third floor,” Fauziyah said.

One of the visitors, Zahra (28), said that she chose the library as a place to wait for the time to break her fast because of its comfortable and conducive atmosphere.

For her, reading books is an effective way to make time pass more quickly without having to engage in excessive activities while fasting.

“I just like to use this time during Ramadan to work on assignments and read books at the library, so I don’t get tired of having to go everywhere or do more activities,” said Zahra.