New public library aims to elevate digital literacy and lifelong learning in Bunda Tanah Melayu
The Lingga Regency Government has officially inaugurated a grand new public library, signaling a transformative step toward improving literacy, digital access, and human capital development in the region.
Library Inauguration Marks Milestone in Education
On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Lingga Regency Government inaugurated its long-awaited Gedung Layanan Perpustakaan Umum, or Public Library Services Building, located at the government office complex. With a total budget of Rp9.9 billion (approx. SGD 797,000) from the 2024 Dana Alokasi Khusus (DAK), the project represents a milestone in advancing literacy across Bunda Tanah Melayu.
Deputy Regent Novrizal, who once served as Head of Public Works, expressed deep appreciation to Head of the Library and Archives Department, Sumiarsih, for overseeing the successful completion of the project. He emphasized the library’s broader role beyond its architecture. “We cannot be mesmerized only by the grandeur of the building. We must ensure it functions in line with the needs of a digital society,” he said.
Six Modern Services Offered
Sumiarsih detailed the library’s six core services, which aim to provide inclusive access and engagement for all age groups:
- Circulation Services
- Reference Services
- Mobile Library Unit
- Inter-Library Loan (Silang Layan)
- Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC)
- Public Computer Services
These features position the library as more than just a book repository—it is a center for learning, exploration, and digital readiness.
Digital Transformation on the Agenda
Recognizing the rise of digital consumption, Novrizal called for innovation in library services. He urged the expansion of traditional offerings to include digital books (e-books), aligning with changing reading habits and improving accessibility. “We must align with the digital era,” he stressed, encouraging the Library Department to embrace technological progress.
This forward-looking approach aims to provide easier remote access to learning materials, especially for youth and residents in remote communities.
Literacy as a Strategic Pillar
The library directly supports the first pillar of Lingga’s regional vision: enhancing human resource quality. It is designed to become a central hub for discussion forums, reading groups, and academic development. Officials hope it will nurture a generation that is not only literate but also intellectually empowered and digitally fluent.
The inauguration was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries including the Regent, TP-PKK Chairperson, local legislators, religious leaders, traditional community figures, and Lingga’s Student and Reading Ambassadors, reflecting widespread community backing.
Investing in Lingga’s Future
The launch of the Public Library Services Building is more than a ribbon-cutting, it reflects a commitment to building an educated, future-ready society. Through state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern services, the government has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development rooted in literacy.
By integrating technology with traditional learning methods, Lingga is setting a precedent for other regencies across Indonesia seeking to merge cultural heritage with digital progress.
Lingga’s new library stands as a symbol of how education infrastructure can evolve to meet modern needs. This initiative enhances access to knowledge and technology for local communities, serving as a valuable model for other regions across Indonesia and even neighboring Singapore, where education innovation is a shared priority.
Sources: Batam News Online (2025) , Batam Pos (2025)
Keywords: Lingga Public Library, Novrizal Lingga, Sumiarsih Library, Library Services Indonesia, Digital Books, Dana Alokasi Khusus
