MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Muhammadiyah has taken a significant step toward strengthening literacy and preserving its historical legacy with the soft launch of Taman Pustaka Muhammadiyah (Muhammadiyah Library Park), a new public library and archival space in Yogyakarta.
The initiative led by the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Council for Publication and Information (MPI PP Muhammadiyah). It is located at the Muhammadiyah Headquarter on Ahmad Dahlan Street. It aims to serve as a reading space and an open and inclusive hub for knowledge and historical documentation.
Widyastuti, Vice Chairperson of MPI PP Muhammadiyah, emphasized that the facility is now officially open to public access. Moreover, she noted that access procedures have been simplified to encourage broader community engagement.
“Anyone can visit and access the available services,” she said on Monday (6/4), “The requirements are simple. Visitors only need to bring an identification card, such as Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah membership card, or a national ID.”
Expanding Access While Preserving History
Widyastuti explained that Taman Pustaka Muhammadiyah is designed to function beyond a conventional library. In addition, it serves as a central archive housing key documents and historical records of Muhammadiyah’s long-standing contributions.
Therefore, the facility is expected to play a vital role in safeguarding institutional memory while enriching the organization’s intellectual heritage for future generations.
Anam Sutopo, Secretary of MPI PP Muhammadiyah, added that development of the library will proceed in stages. He said the gradual expansion is intended to improve both visitor comfort and service capacity.
“This current space serves as the main collection room,” he said. “In the next phase, we will develop a second library area that will function as an additional reading space within the Muhammadiyah Headquarter complex.
Building a Modern Literacy Hub
The launch marks an important milestone in Muhammadiyah’s broader effort to promote literacy and intellectual engagement. At the same time, it reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining a strong connection between knowledge development and its historical roots.
Looking ahead, the management plans to continuously expand the facility’s collections and infrastructure. Consequently, Taman Pustaka Muhammadiyah is expected to evolve into a modern literacy center that remains grounded in the organization’s scholarly and cultural traditions.
Ultimately, the space is envisioned as more than just a library. It aims to become a public platform that fosters reading culture, supports academic inquiry, and serves as a key reference point for understanding Muhammadiyah’s ideas and historical journey. (Bhisma)
