Jakarta, August 19, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Indonesian National Library (Perpusnas) is participating in the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2025, organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), to further strengthen the country’s knowledge diplomacy initiatives.
The 89th edition of the congress is being held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from August 18 to 22. Ahead of the forum, a Perpusnas delegation attended a ceremony marking Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day at the Indonesian Embassy in Astana on Sunday (August 17).
In a statement released Tuesday, Perpusnas’ Principal Secretary Joko Santoso emphasized that the institution’s participation demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing literacy and advancing knowledge across the nation.
“Our visit is aimed not only at reinforcing Indonesia’s role in global cooperation networks but also at demonstrating that literacy is central to our national development agenda,” Santoso said.
He further revealed that five Perpusnas officials are scheduled to deliver presentations on critical topics, including the preservation of ancient manuscripts, inclusive bibliographic data, digital library innovations, and ensuring equitable access to information, including content on sensitive issues.
Santoso noted that WLIC 2025 provides Indonesia with an important platform to reaffirm its leadership in literacy promotion, knowledge advancement, and cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Fadjroel Rachman, highlighted the role of cultural and knowledge diplomacy in fostering bilateral ties.
“Perpusnas’ involvement in international forums such as IFLA not only enhances Indonesia’s profile in global librarianship but also showcases our rich literary and cultural heritage to the world,” he said.
