by Xinhua writers Zhang Yisheng, Cao Kai and Cheng Yiheng
JAKARTA, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's fast economic development and stronger role in the world will attract more Indonesian readers to learn what lies behind its rapid development, said E. Aminudin Aziz, director of the National Library of Indonesia.
Expressing gratitude to Chinese publishers and organizers for arranging a donation of 100 books, including the English edition of the first volume of "China's Governance Under Xi Jinping's Leadership," to the National Library of Indonesia on Saturday, Aziz highlighted the important role of cultural exchanges in deepening mutual understanding between Indonesia and China.
"As the country's central library, we offer a variety of collections from other countries," Aziz said in an interview with Xinhua, noting that the donation goes far beyond merely expanding the library's inventory, representing a meaningful exchange of knowledge, civilization and contemporary experiences between the two sides.
Indonesia and China share a long history of friendship and collaboration, Aziz said, adding that China's rapid economic development and growing international influence have generated strong interest among the Indonesian public in recent years.
Spanning a wide array of disciplines, including philosophy, language, culture, economics and politics, the newly donated collection offers Indonesian readers a valuable opportunity to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of China, he said.
As a linguist by training, Aziz expressed particular enthusiasm for exploring China's linguistic dynamics, society and philosophy. His interest is rooted in earlier academic experiences in Shanghai, China's financial hub, where he spent six months as a postdoctoral researcher at Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS).
During his stay in Shanghai, Aziz frequently conducted research at the SASS library and visited various academic institutions. One of his most memorable experiences was conducting field research in Chinese villages.
"I think this is one of the most interesting experiences that I have had in my life," he recalled.
Looking ahead, Aziz viewed the book donation as a promising step toward broader and more structured collaboration between the National Library of Indonesia and Chinese institutions.
Outlining prospective areas for partnership, Aziz noted that the National Library of Indonesia holds a vast repository of rare and historical manuscripts requiring specialized conservation. "China has advanced technology in preserving old manuscripts, and I think this is one area that we can explore more," he said.
Aziz also highlighted the importance of skills exchange among librarians from the two countries, as well as the sharing of library collections.
"China is quite advanced in new collections of books. Indonesia also needs to acquire these collections from China," he said, adding that more intensive discussions between the National Library of Indonesia and Chinese partners will be "advantageous" for the future.
Aziz said closer dialogue and more structured exchanges between the National Library of Indonesia and Chinese partners would deliver mutual benefits and further consolidate ties between the two countries. ■