Improve the current book distribution: VP

Jakarta. Government expected that book publishers united in the Indonesian Book Publishers ’Association (Ikapi) could make a synergy to improve book distribution in the country using integrated information technology among the publishers.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this when receiving executive board members of IKAPI led by its chairwoman Ms. Rosidayati Rozalina at his office in Jakarta, Wednesday (Mar 2).

“Less people now go to bookstores now as book publishers come to schools (offering their books), since this is deemed more profit promising,” said the Vice President, adding that there is no unity among the publishers yet.

He then underscored the importance of building understanding among book publishers to create a more effective and efficient network and system of book distribution.

The Vice President also highlighted Ikapi’s high dependence on book purchasing through government’s procurement.

In fact, he continued, such procurement would only involve certain big publishers.

“Government can only provide a stimulus, for instance in the form of tax credit or the people’s business loan (KUR) program,” he said.

Mr Kalla also urged the book industry to be more innovative in managing their business.

“You can combine a book store with a coffee shop or open up a book store in a shopping mall,” he said.

Previously, Ikapi’s chairwoman Ms. Rosidayati Rozalina reported to the Vice President that the newly elected executive board of Ikapi for the period 2015 to 2020 is now focusing on promoting the issuance of Law on books, the draft of which is already in the National Legislation Program (Prolegnas) of the House of Representatives.

Ikapi, she continued, is also committed to increase the public reading interest by improving book distribution to all over the country.

In response, the Vice President said government is open for any idea from Ikapi for the advance of book and literacy in Indonesia.

Concluding the meeting, Ms. Rozalina wishes for government’s support for the coming Indonesia Internasional Book Fair which will be held in October to November this year, one of which is by easing books from foreign countries to take part in the event.