Visit by the Australian Ambassador to the National Library of Indonesia, CDNLAO Newsletter 44

No. 44, July 2002

(News from the National Library of Indonesia )

Visit by the Australian Ambassador to the National Library of Indonesia

The Australian Ambassador for Indonesia, H. E. Mr. Richard S. Smith Ao and Mrs. Smith visited the National Library of Indonesia to meet the head of National Library of Indonesia and to see the 5 ancient books from the National Library of Indonesia which were exhibited in the National Library of Australia in Canberra.

Photograph in the office of Director-General, National Library of Australia Canberra were seen from the left: Mr. Budi (Education and Culture Attache; Indonesian Ambassador); Ms. Anya Dettman (Asian Collection Staff - NLA); Ms. Tika Atikah (Asian Collection Staff - NLA); Mr. Paul Permadi (Deputy, National Library of Indonesia); Mr. David Tol (Deputy Director General NLA); H.E. Mr. Sudjadman Pamohadiningrat (Indonesian Ambassador); Ms. Marie Sexton (Head, Asian Collection); Ms. Jan Fullerton (Director General, National Library of Australia); Ms. Pam Gathenby (Deputy Director General NLA), Mr. Andrew Gosling (Vice Head, Asian Collection).

His Excellency also enquired about the collaboration between the National Library of Australia and the National Library of Indonesia, especially in the field of human resources development.

As already know 5 ancient books which are:

1. Musical Wadana (from Pakem Wirama)
2. Usada Kacacar (Balinese Medical Lontar)
3. Acehnese Al-Quranul Kariem
4. Sureq Baweng (Bugis Manuscript)
5. La Galigo Manuscript

Were shown in the exhibition to participate in the 100 years commemoration of Australia (1901-2001).

Around 50 great world libraries participated in this grand exhibition, which was opened by the Governor General of Australia.

Photograph in the manuscript room of the National Library of Indonesia showing from left: Mr. Dady Rachmananta (Head of the National Library); Mr. Nindyo Nugroho (Head of manuscript division pointing toward Sureq Baweng); Mrs. Smith; H.E. Mr. Richard S. Smith Ao (Australian Ambassador was looking at Al-Quran L-Karim); Mr. Gardjito (Head, Center for Preservation); Mr. Paul Permadi and Mr. Oliver Mann (Regional Officer - Australian Embassy).