National Library: Rahmi Hatta's Centenary a Moment to Preserve the Nation's Collective Memory

The Deputy for Collection Development and Information Services at the National Library (Perpusnas), Suharyanto, stated that the centenary of Rahmi Hatta, wife of the Nation’s Proclaimer, is a moment to nurture the collective memory of the Nusantara. “The commemoration of Rahmi Hatta’s centenary is an important effort to preserve the collective memory of a national figure. Remembering the figure of Rahmi Hatta is not merely historical romanticism, but an endeavour to connect the narrative of the nation’s culture,” he said at the Perpusnas Building in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. Through the celebration of Rahmi Hatta’s centenary, the public is invited to change their perspective on libraries, viewing them not as cold or boring archives, but as living public spaces and centres for various community activities. “The library becomes a space of civilisation, a birthplace and developer of the collective memory of the Indonesian nation. Its presence is an epicentre of knowledge as well as a repository of historical sources for the nation’s journey. Perpusnas currently manages more than nine million copies of collections spread across its 27-storey building,” he explained. Siti Rahmiati Hatta (16 February 1926 – 13 April 1999) was the wife of Indonesia’s First Vice President, Mohammad Hatta. The centenary talk show featured her daughter, Meutia Farida Hatta, who recalled her mother as a lover of culture and the arts, known for her simplicity and consistent involvement in humanitarian activities. “As someone who loved culture and the arts, my mother always taught her children the meaning of simplicity. We grew up in that environment, always nurturing humility and care for others,” Meutia said.