Six years ago, Edi Dimyati. 44, decided to quit his job for the sake of developing his library in Cibubur, Ciracas district, East Jakarta. He wanted to be at the library, Taman Baca Kampung Buku, the whole day.
By
z08
·5 minutes read
AGUSTINUS YOGA PRIMANTORO
Edi Dimyati (43) with a reading cargo bicycle that he often carries around town, in front of the Kampung Buku Reading Park, Cibubur Village, Ciracas District, East Jakarta, Sunday (29/1/2023).
Since he set up the library in 2009, Edi had craved spending his free time serving visitors. He was already keen about working with his peers at a library in the early 2000s. Within seven years, Edi had changed his library twice, but it did not last long due space constraints.
Like hitting the jackpot, a neighbor contributed a plot of 115 square meters after noticing the young librarian’s efforts to encourage intellectual development in the community. Edi had to build the library on his own. The vacant land was overgrown with weeds, so he took out a cooperative loan worth Rp 5 million to build a structure to shelter his collection of books.
“Whatever the circumstances, in my life there should be a library for an indefinite period of time. The main requirements are only books, shelves and shelter,” said Edi when Kompas visited Kampung Buku (Book kampung) on Sunday (29/1/2023).
Using the loan, he built a modest hut for Kampung Buku. Over time, the hut turned into a two-story cement building. Its evolution was inseparable from the unpredictable events Edi experienced. This time, a private bank offered its corporate social responsibility program to construct a building to house the library.
While talking about how the library was developed, a boy came in, carrying a book with a white cover. In a natural tone, the boy said he wanted to return the book. Edi allowed him to enter the room with around 4,500 books, neatly arranged on rows of shelves.
“There’s also a family, a mother and three children, that comes here by motorcycle. They visit once a week and each time, they borrow six books. I feel very happy, as the children look enthusiastic,” said Edi, sipping black coffee.
Edi developed an interest in books in elementary school. He began letting his friends borrow his books and magazines, such as the BoboKawanku (Bobo, My Friend) magazine, the illustrated children’s series Mimin and Tapak Sakti (Magic Palm) comics, for Rp 50 per title. Edi used the money he earned to expand his book collection.
They visit once a week and each time, they borrow six books. I feel very happy, as the children look enthusiastic.
He recalled one time around 30 years ago, when he wanted to visit the East Jakarta Regional Public Library. Wearing shorts and a pair of flip-flops, Edi wanted to wander the oasis of knowledge. Sadly, he was thwarted by the strict guards at the library, who forbid him from entering because they considered him unfitting.
So Edi decided to stand outside the building. Cupping his face with his small hands, Edi peered into the window and at the rows of books on the library shelves. From then on, Edi was determined to build his own library that would be open to everybody who wanted to read. For him, the various formal rules make a library look eerie, empty of visitors.
AGUSTINUS YOGA PRIMANTORO
Edi Dimyati (44) in the midst of his activities gave reading books to children who were gathered together in the Cibubur Village, Ciracas District, East Jakarta, Sunday (29/1/2023).
‘Kabaca’journey
When Taman Baca Kampung Buku was in its eighth year, Edi decided to leave Hai magazine, where he had worked for 15 years. The Sunda native wanted to always be at Kampung Buku, which also provides a playroom.
Edi also wanted his library to be present in all areas of Jakarta. He realized the idea by using a modified cargo bicycle with a capacity for holding 80 books in the black wagon attached to the front. The 50-by-70-centimeter wagon became the “shelf” for the books Edi transported.
Edi intended to draw the children’s attention with its unique and attractive appearance. Besides, the father of three also wanted to save on travel costs, get some exercise and enjoy the trip while teaching people about reducing air pollution. He said the capital city’s vehicle pollution inspired him to come up with the idea of using a bicycle.
While the impact may not have been immediate, Edi believes that something big has to start from small steps. Consequently, Edi has received an award from the Bike To Work community as an inspirational figure.
“In my experience, children as well as hoodlums are sure to smile when they see me and this bicycle. This bike has become a medium of communication towards dialogue. Every time I pause, people start asking, what on earth is this?” said Edi, pointing at the red bicycle parked in front of his library’s gates.
Edi named his bicycle “Kabaca”, a Sundanese word meaning “to be read”. With this name, he hopes that people will come to read the books in the wagon easily.
Before entering Jakarta, Edi started Kabacaas a mobile library, cycling to Kuningan, West Java, on International Literacy Day, 8 Sept. 2017. For 11 days, Edi and three friends traveled the 245 kilometers to and from Cibubur.
In my experience, children as well as hoodlums are sure to smile when they see me and this bicycle.
Like a pilgrimage, the four men took different routes along the northern and southern roads. During the tour, they took the opportunity to stop in public spaces in every regency where children gathered, such as public squares, schools, study group areas, settlements, villages, open fields and mosques.
After covering the long distance, every week Edi rode Kabaca to randomly visit the public parks in East Jakarta. Edi looked for places where children gathered, like open fields, reading parks and other public spaces.
“What must be optimized are our messages when we visit. We need to educate people and make them realize that their homes should have books and mini libraries, and that the children’s interest in reading should be cultivated,” added Edi. (Z08)
Edi Dimyati
Born:Tasikmalaya, 24 March 1978
Education:
- SDN 04 Cipinang Cempedak state elementary school, East Jakarta
- SMPN 36 East Jakarta state junior high school (2 years)
- SMPN 2 Tasikmalaya state junior high school
- sma 17 agustus 1945 senior High School
- Bachelor in library science, Faculty of Communication Science, Padjadjaran University, Bandung
