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February 7, 2025 | 03:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - E. Aminudin Aziz, chief of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (Perpusnas), said the library was forced to adjust its operational hours due to budget cuts. This reduction aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s Circular Letter Number S-37/MK.02/2025, dated January 24, 2025, on the efficiency of state agency spending under the 2025 state budget (APBN).
“We are certainly really regretful about having to shorten our service hours to the public, as we have been actively campaigning for a culture of reading and literacy skills,” he told Tempo on Friday, February 7.
Aminudin said that starting February 10, the National Library will only be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, the library will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will remain closed on Sundays, national holidays, and shared holidays.
Before the budget cut, the library had longer operating hours, opening from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, closing only on national holidays and joint holidays.
“Obviously, having the library open for longer hours is instrumental. But when the budget is tight, what else can we do? This is something we are forced to do. We apologize to the public who rely on our services,” he said.
The budget reduction, outlined in the Ministry of Finance’s circular, is a follow-up to Presidential Instruction (Inpres) Number 1 of 2025 on the efficiency of spending and implementation of the 2025 state budget and regional budgets (APBD). The instruction was issued by President Prabowo Subianto on January 22.
President Prabowo aims to save up to Rp256.1 trillion in the 2025 budget by reducing ministry and agency expenses. Office supplies are to be cut by 90%, printing and souvenirs by 75.9%, and costs for building, vehicle, and equipment rentals by 73.3%. Additionally, savings will come from training, studies, and analysis expenses, as well as technical assistance programs.
The government also targets saving Rp50.5 trillion from regional transfers (TKD), bringing the total expected savings from the state budget to Rp306.6 trillion.
Ilona Estherina contributed to this article.
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