Ruang Bercerita #3 : Going to National Library of Republic of Indonesia Alone? Why Not? Yogyakarta - Jakarta Short Trip.
Jakarta, October 5-8th 2022.
Hello everyone! How are you guys? Okay, right? Anyway, I'll tell you something - from 2021 I should have carried out one of the targets for that year. There are many details of the targets that I must achieve before college graduation - must alone. One of them is the decision to visit the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia (it is called Perpusnas RI) in Central Jakarta. In fact, I've been watching YouTube for a long time to feel myself doing a virtual tour of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia HIKS HIKS HIKS. ***feel sad*** Okay, Next!
Why should I be alone?
Well, I'm basically a girl who likes things where I can do them by myself. It's not about that I don't have friends or I want to stay away from socializing with others. It's just that, I want to measure my abilities and know myself better - when traveling the cities over a long distance. So, I went to the library with my savings in October, 5-8th 2022. One of them I got from freelance work, competition prizes, and scholarships when I was still participating in the KKN program (see the previous blog - The 47 Days). The trip was quite short. On the other hand, I had to return immediately before the internship at UNISA Library in Yogyakarta. Thank God~
Why did I choose the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia?
Knowing the background that I am a library science undergraduate student at an Islamic state university in Yogyakarta triggered me to visit it. I considered the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia is the center of library institutions in Indonesia. There are many library rules or policies in Indonesia that are under the auspices of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia. In Yogyakarta itself, there is a regional library. However, I'll feel excited and challenged myself - which is quite far away from where I live a.k.a Yogyakarta to Jakarta :)
From the 1st time as a new student at college, I had a strong desire to explore every floor of the building. Anyway, some of the uniqueness of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia made me want to go there. One of them is having the tallest library building in the world. Wow, cool isn't it? Just imagine how many thousands of collections are available to users. Not only that, comfortable and easy facilities helped me when I wanted to borrow or just read a book on the spot. This library uses digital library services and is also served through an application called iPusnas. Here, I can read and borrow books without having to come directly to the related location. I can download it on Play Store and Apple Store.
So, How was the story of that short trip?
I chose to take the train (KAI - Kereta Api Indonesia) starting from Lempuyangan station in Yogyakarta and arriving at Pasar Senen Station in Jakarta. This short trip only took three days. I enjoyed quality time with myself at the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia for almost one day. Talk about sleep? I didn't stay at the hotel because my return date had to arrive before the librarian assistant internship (in Bahasa, we say PPL or Field Experience Practice). I slept on the train, at the family house at Alam Pesanggrahan Cinere, and was quite comfortable throughout the journey. My mobility while there using the Go-Ride service. So, thank you KAI and GOJEK :)) What a tiring trip but memorable a lot! :)
What was my first impression of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia?
Of course, it was incredibly COOL. Magnificent buildings along with other beautiful ornaments. There were various collections. At the initial stage, visitors were asked to scan the Peduli Lindungi barcode. Then entered the front hall like an exhibition hall display. I looked through the collections on display one by one. Next, I walked down the building and arrived in front of the main library building. That was great! At the same time, I took a photo there. Then I went in to leave my luggage in the storage locker. After that, because I was a new visitor - I was required to make a library membership card.
From that membership card, I walked floor by floor. I visited the floors and one of my favorite spots was the 24th floor. Besides the highest floor, visitors can see the vast city of Jakarta with its tall buildings. Of course not only that but on the outside I saw the National Monument. Talking about library services was kind and friendly. It was really helpful to users. Every room was very clean. Inside the library, there was also the main canteen with delicious dishes that were worth to try, guys! Oh yes, on the 24th floor there was a study or discussion spot called the executive lounge. So, because the library is closed every Monday to Friday at 9 pm. If users want to use it, they can see the beauty of Jakarta from the afternoon until the evening.
What experiences did I get during my short trip to Jakarta?
It was definitely a lot of fun. I'll visit it again one day. However, I used to live in this city as a child with my dad for certain reasons. After all this time, I finally returned to Jakarta again, even if only for a short time. My impression was full of joy. I like the night atmosphere there! Even though it was very jammed (the traffic), and hot, it took extra patience, but still I'm happy to have been here again. Not only the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia, but I also passed several destinations such as watching movies at the Depok Mall and also going to the University of Indonesia --- with my ex-boyfriend :) And another exciting time was when I returned to Yogyakarta by train from morning to night. Because of that, along the way, I was spoiled by the amazing natural beauty. Truly an experience in my 20 years that is memorable and won't be forgotten. Thank you, Jakarta! See you later!
Best Regards,
Yustina Permatasari.