Publications and National Library

Publications and National Library

From Sinar Pagi

Before World War II, when the Dutch still ruled Indonesia, a
law was enforced to the effect that a copy of all publications
and printed matters, such as newspapers, periodicals, micro films
etc. had to be submitted to the Dutch government. And then the
publications were kept in the Museum's Library.

Through this regulation, a great and complete collection of
printed materials was available at that time. At the same time
the Dutch could anticipate any movement which might take place in
the society.

However, for the first 35 years of independence the Indonesian
government had no control over the publications in Indonesia.
This was because the country had no law which obliged producers
to submit samples of their publications to the government. Thus
the National Museum had virtually no additional copies during
that period.

Taking this condition into account, the Indonesian government
deemed it necessary to establish an institution which would
accommodate and manage copies of all publications throughout the
country.

Under the Decree of the Ministry of Education and Culture No
0161/0/1980, a National Library was set up and officially
dedicated by President Soeharto on May, 17, 1980.

As a follow-up implementation of the law, another law, No
4/1990, was decreed and put into force on Aug. 9, 1990. This law
requires that at least two copies of every publication must be
sent to and kept in the National Library, which is situated at
Jl. Salemba Raya, Central Jakarta. And also one copy to
provincial libraries all over the country.

Sanctions are imposed to any publishers who fail to abide by
the regulation.

SABAM BANJARNAHOR

Jakarta