Coinciding with International Literacy Day, on September 8, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan together with the President Director of PT MRT Jakarta, William Sabandar launched Ruang Baca Jakarta at Lebak Bulus MRT Station in South Jakarta. He hoped that this program could spread to public spaces or other public facilities in Jakarta, to make reading as a habit, including when people are using public transportation. 

For now, there are only two MRT stations that have reading room, Lebak Bulus Grab Station and Hotel Indonesia (HI) Roundabout Station. The location is in a corner of the station where there’s a small shelf containing light books. Later, all MRT stations will also be equipped with Ruang Baca Jakarta. According to William, the MRT Jakarta is also preparing a micro library that will be placed in Dukuh Atas Station.

The books available at Ruang Baca Jakarta are the result of collaboration with Yayasan Baca Buku Jakarta. The books can be borrowed from departure and returned at the destination station. The books provided are in the tap area, so only passengers who have tap-in can borrow the book. Because duration of MRT Jakarta trip is only a short time, books provided are light books so passengers can finish reading while on the trip with a reading duration around 30 minutes.

In addition to borrowing books, people can also donate books to add book collection in Ruang Baca Jakarta. At each MRT station there is a drop box where passengers can store books they want to donate. The drop box size is indeed not big because it’s only for light sized books.

Top Photo Source: Instagram @williamsabandar