PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Head of the Library and Archives Service (Dispusip) of Garut Regency, Totong, emphasized the importance of literacy culture in the progress of the nation.

He explained that an advanced nation is a knowledgeable nation.

Despite having natural resources, the quality of a society that is knowledgeable and loves to read remains the main foundation.

This was stated by Totong in the Socialization of the Enthusiasm for Reading Culture activity at the Kassiti Fave Hotel Ballroom, Tarogong Kidul, Garut, on Friday (11/9/2024).

This event was initiated by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas RI).

Totong also acknowledged that the reading interest of the Garut community is still low, but hopes that collaboration with Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives and the National Library can help overcome this.

"Alhamdulillah, there is a collaborative program with Commission X, the National Library and us in the field, so that we can intensify the reading and literacy culture strategy in Garut Regency," said Totong.

Totong said, thanks to the support of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Garut Regency will receive assistance from the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia amounting to IDR 5.2 billion to expand the library building next year.

"This is a great form of appreciation, also a form of pride for all of us. The new building will even be equipped with an elevator," he added.

According to Totong, literature provides understanding and aspects of usefulness. In addition, literacy also has an empowering function, where literacy skills can empower and improve the quality of individuals, families, and communities.

"Literacy is of course closely related to education in empowerment patterns in schools, namely the availability of reading materials, and the growth of a society that loves reading," he continued.

Member of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ferdiansyah, emphasized that literacy is not only limited to reading texts, but also understanding the surrounding environment.

"Reading is learning, learning is worship, worship is the act of sharing knowledge, sharing knowledge through writing, intelligent writing builds character, strong character for a strong nation, a strong nation for independence and glory, (so) literacy must be cultivated," said Ferdiansyah.

Representative of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, Nurhadi, said that this socialization is a routine agenda of the National Library to develop public interest in reading.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches in advancing literacy at the local and national levels.

"Library services are a public right that must be guaranteed by the government, both central, provincial, and district/city," Nurhadi emphasized.

This activity was marked by the donation of a thousand quality reading books to support literacy in Garut Regency. (Garut Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)