The National Library
The National Library, situated in Jakarta, has recently been established.
At the time of writing, it has no building of its own, though plans are
envisaged.
The main bulk of the National Library’s collection consists of the
contents of the former library of the National Museum, the basis of which
was founded by the Batavian Society of Arts and Sciences in 1778, at the
same time as the museum.
As heir to the former library of the National Museum, which the United
Nations suggested should become Indonesia’s deposit library, the National
Library is at the moment fulfilling this role. Therefore, a larger area has
been allocated for its building.
The National Library enjoys international co-operation between many
of the most important libraries in South-East Asia as well as in other areas.
It it also a member of various international associations of libraries.
For administrative purposes the Centres for Library and Language
Development and the National Centre for Archaeological Research come
under the Secretariat-General. However, to all intents and purposes they
are co-ordinated by the Directorate-General of Culture.