Preservation of Indonesian Archipelagic Manuscripts Enhances National Literacy Skills
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Library (Perpusnas) continues to enhance services for preserving Nusantara manuscripts as an effort to improve the nation’s literacy skills, in commitment to successfully implementing national strategic policies.
Deputy for Library Resource Development at Perpusnas, Adin Bondar, stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday that they are committed to continuously maintaining the Nusantara manuscript collection amid efficiency policies.
“Maintaining the library is a derivative of national strategic policies. In the Medium-Term National Development Plan (RPJMN), there are priority programmes for strengthening reading culture and literacy skills as part of human resource development, as well as programmes for advancing culture through manuscript revitalisation. Both programmes form the basis for compiling the National Library’s strategic plan for 2025–2029,” he said.
Adin explained that the strategic plan includes three main policy directions. First, strengthening reading culture and literacy skills through various programmes such as community literacy volunteers; quality reading assistance up to the village level; and transforming libraries based on social inclusion.
Second, standardisation and accreditation of libraries to meet national standards, including through collection assistance, library staff training, and construction and renovation of facilities; and third, mainstreaming Nusantara manuscripts through library material preservation efforts as part of the nation’s intellectual heritage.
Therefore, Perpusnas continues community-based preservation through conservation training and digitisation of manuscripts to ensure sustainable access and protection of their informational value.
Perpusnas also records several manuscripts as part of the national collective memory. To date, around 20 manuscripts have been registered, and this number will continue to increase. This effort is undertaken because these manuscripts are deemed to have important historical and literacy value as evidence of the nation’s intellectual tradition.
In commemoration of its 24th Anniversary (HUT) to be celebrated on 17 May 2026, Perpusnas adopts the theme “Preserving the Library, Upholding the Nation,” chosen because a great nation is one that values its history.
“Ancient manuscripts are viewed as sources of wisdom values that need to be protected, preserved, and utilised for future development. Thus, the focus on library preservation is expected to strengthen national identity and dignity through literacy,” Adin stated.
Perpusnas also continues to promote literacy ecosystem strengthening through collaboration with local governments, communities, the education sector, and various other stakeholders.