National Library Raises Budget Proposal to IDR 357.77 Billion to Expand Reading Access
The National Library (Perpusnas) has revised its proposed indicative budget ceiling increase to the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN) and the Ministry of Finance, from the original IDR 204.04 billion to IDR 357.77 billion, for strengthening literacy services, digital transformation, and the literacy ecosystem.
"This proposed budget increase is primarily aimed at expanding reading access for communities in remote areas and highly vulnerable groups," said Head of Perpusnas E Aminudin Aziz in Jakarta on Wednesday.
He stated that the change in the budget proposal aligns with the results of discussions with House Commission X on 11 June 2026. The total budget required by Perpusnas is IDR 725.50 billion.
The targeted groups, he explained, are those who cannot directly access reading materials because they are not in schools, not in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and not in community reading gardens.
"Firstly, it is true that over the last two years, as a result of budget cuts, we have not been able to optimally carry out the tasks mandated by law, especially regarding manuscript preservation and expanding access for the public to read books they should have in their respective regions," he said.
On that occasion, he also responded to House Commission X’s suggestion regarding strengthening partnerships between Perpusnas and regional libraries.
"It is not just a matter of providing books and access, but also guidance for library operators in the regions. And this is what we are targeting through this budget increase," said Aminudin.
He explained that for 2026, the programme at the Librarian Development Centre still has zero rupiah, or no budget, meaning it cannot provide guidance to library operators in the regions.
He also clarified that the revitalisation of school libraries falls under the authority of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
"However, the matter of library guidance remains our responsibility, together with the regional libraries," he said.