Social Minister Ensures MoSA is Part of Efforts to Educate the Nation through Strengthening the Role of Libraries

JAKARTA (22 March 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs encourages the strengthening of public literacy through strengthening the role of libraries, especially in providing quality reading materials. Through books provided by the library, they make an important contribution in building the quality of competitive human resources (HR).

Therefore, the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini has instructed her staff at the head office and in the Technical Service Unit (UPT) in various parts of the country, to provide and utilize the limited space available to provide a library.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs is part of a joint effort to make the library a repository of knowledge for anyone who wants to change their future. Back in Surabaya, while taking the children to school, mothers could read books. Over time, they can acquire skills, make cakes, handicrafts, fish farming, and others," said the Social Minister as a resource person at the 2021 National Coordination Meeting for Libraries in Jakarta (22/03).

Internally, the Minister of Social Affairs stated that she had encouraged her staff to ensure that beneficiaries received references that were not only good but also supported the development of their human resources. As a reference for people with visual disabilities, the Minister of Social Affairs encourages her staff to not only provide braille for beneficiaries.

"Don't just braille. But I want to develop a story based on sound as well. With attractive packaging, I'm sure they will grow even more. And I believe, behind their limitations, there are advantages," said the Minister of Social Affairs who brought the theme "Synergy of Skills Improvement Program for Social Assistance Recipients of National Library Cooperation through Social Inclusion-Based Library Service Program".

The Minister of Social Affairs does not want people with visual disabilities to only be identified with the massage profession. She believes that they have a lot of potentials that are no less great than those who are physically perfect.

“This is where the role of the library becomes important. Don't hesitate. I am a great product of reading. My books are more than 1 meter long. Book is one of my closest friends. Many people ask me and I can answer anything. You can talk about livestock, finance, plantations, and so on. It's because of the book," she said.

So she invites all elements of society, to encourage children to read books. By reading books, she said, children can develop their imagination. “If we want our children to be creative, innovative, read more books. If they read it, they will be imagined. This can encourage creativity and innovation,” she said.

To the librarians, and all those who are active in advancing the library, the Minister of Social Affairs provides support and motivation. "Don't worry and doubt. Keep the spirit because the efforts of the parents are very noble. That is to educate the nation's children and help build the quality of Indonesian human resources that are more advanced," she said.