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