Pusip Agency Supports Book Access in Places of Worship

Head of Jakarta Library and Archives (Pusip) Agency, Nasruddin Djoko S. welcomes the idea of developing libraries in places of worships as part of efforts to improve public literacy.

"We want to bring these reading corners to life,"

According to him, this intiative is a result of collaboration between Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) and National Library (Perpusnas) which has begun conducting guidance activities through online meetings.

"We fully support libraries in places of worship. This is a collaboration between Kemenag and Perpusnas," he mentioned, Friday (7/25)

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He added that Kemenag already has certain standards for libraries in places of worship. Pusip Agency will also support the development of library's contents and functions to help educate the public.

Currently, several places of worship in Jakarta already have reading corners. In the near future, his side will ensure to revitalize these reading corners and meet standards in terms of both the number and quality of books.

"We want to bring these reading corners to life, with the hope that they can improve public literacy and support a deeper understanding in worship," he said.

Nasruddin emphasized that there are no significant obstacles in implementing this program, and that it has actually received strong support. He highlighted the importance of transforming places of worship into not only places of ritual but also centers of learning.

"When people read religious books more deeply, they often develop a more tolerant attitude. So they're not just coming to the mosque to pray, but also to read and gain a better understanding of their faith," he explained.