As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, public interest in religious reading materials and references continues to rise. People from various backgrounds are seeking reliable sources to support worship activities, academic studies, and the preparation of sermons. In response to this growing need, the Library of the Ministry of Religious Affairs has emerged as one of the main literacy spaces that can be widely utilized by the public.
Located inside the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia building on Jalan MH Thamrin, 2nd floor, Central Jakarta, the library offers a calm atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Its central location makes it easily accessible to people from diverse backgrounds, including civil servants, students, researchers, and members of the public who wish to deepen their understanding of religious studies.
The library no longer functions merely as a place to store books, but has evolved into a more inclusive literacy space. In addition to printed collections, a wide range of digital resources is also available to meet users’ information needs. Its comfortable and well-organized facilities make the library an ideal alternative place for studying, discussing, or simply reading during the month of Ramadan.
The Head of the Library, Public Relations, and Information Systems Team of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hariyah, emphasized that the library is directed to become a reference center that is open to everyone.
“We have positioned the Ministry of Religious Affairs Library as a reference center and a conducive learning space,” she said in Jakarta on Sunday (February 15, 2026), as quoted from the official website of the Ministry.
According to Hariyah, the Ramadan atmosphere encourages many visitors to look for quieter places to remain productive.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs Library also provides a comfortable reading room, and its location is strategic because it is in the city center,” she added.
The presence of a quiet reading area is believed to help visitors focus better on reading, searching for references, and preparing study materials. Many people use their daytime hours to read before breaking the fast, making their time more meaningful and productive.
Service Hours Adjusted During Ramadan
To support visitors’ comfort during the fasting month, the library has adjusted its operating hours. Throughout Ramadan, services are available from Monday to Thursday, from 08:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This adjustment ensures that visitors can still access the library’s collections without disrupting their worship activities.
The collections available at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Library cover a wide range of subjects, including religious literature, public policy, religious education, and socio-religious studies. All materials are provided in both printed and digital formats. With an integrated search system, visitors can browse the collections more quickly and efficiently according to their needs.
One of the featured services is digital reference searching. Through this service, users can request assistance in finding information without having to visit the library in person. This service is designed to reach people outside Jakarta or those who have limited time to come directly.
In addition to strengthening digital services, the library also actively develops more interactive literacy activities. Programs such as discussion forums, book reviews, and study sessions are regularly held as part of efforts to strengthen religious literacy while promoting values of religious moderation within society.
Literacy Goes Beyond Books
Not limited to collections and discussions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs Library also introduces a more creative literacy approach through its mini theater. This facility is used for movie screenings and film discussions, including short films with themes of literacy, tolerance, and religious moderation.
This approach is expected to reach a wider audience, especially younger generations who are more familiar with visual media. Through films, religious messages can be conveyed in a lighter yet meaningful way.
“Literacy does not always have to come from text. Sometimes it comes through film, and then it is discussed together. That is also an effective way to learn,” Hariyah said.
With the wide range of services, facilities, and approaches it offers, the Ministry of Religious Affairs Library continues to strive to be an inclusive literacy space during Ramadan. Its presence is expected to help people spend the holy month more productively by reading, discussing, and deepening their religious understanding.
