Is providing access to books really all a library needs to do? Is it necessary to explore other aspects that enhance the library’s intrinsic value? These questions were addressed during a Sharing Session and book discussion on Mengusahakan Pertolongan Ilahi, held at CollabHub by Paragon in the UGM Innovation and Creativity Building (GIK) on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The event directly explored the values firmly upheld by Nurhayati Subakat and the long-standing contributions of Paragon Corporation through the book Mengusahakan Pertolongan Ilahi by Susana Nur Kusumaningsih of PT Paragon Technology and Innovation (Paragon Corp).It also celebrated a heartwarming moment for retired staff of the UGM Library and Archives by presenting them with mementos.
In his opening remarks, the Head of the UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachman, SIP., MBA., expressed the UGM Library and Archives’ enthusiasm for this collaboration. “We greatly appreciate the warm collaboration with Paragon Corp, which has brought a new dimension to UGM’s library services. This synergy proves that a library can be a holistic space for growth, integrating intellectual literacy, entrepreneurship, and even spiritual tranquility,” said Arif. Next, the session continued with the presentation of commemorative gifts to the retiring employees: Joko Kristianto, Peni Bektiningsih, Ngesti Gandini, Sri Utami, and Ismulyana
During the session, keynote speaker Susana Nur Kusumaningsih from PT Paragon Technology and Innovation (Paragon Corp) explained that a modern library is no longer merely a space for borrowing books, but can also serve as a dynamic space for growth that integrates entrepreneurship education, spirituality, and personal well-being. This idea emerged in conjunction with the celebration of Paragon Corp’s 40-year journey, which was immortalized in a novel by A. Fuadi and adapted for the big screen by Wahana Kreator under the direction of Gina S. Noer and Kurnia Cahya Putra. Through the life story of Nurhayati Subakat in Mengusahakan Pertolongan Ilahi, libraries can demonstrate their role as spaces that instill leadership values and strengthen the spirit of the community.
This discussion sheds light on the humble beginnings of Paragon’s founder, who started on a small-scale, home-based industrial level. Starting with just two employees marketing products door-to-door, the business’s early days were marked by limited capital and human resources. However, courage and an unyielding determination proved capable of overcoming material obstacles. This account of the company’s history enriches the library’s role as a venue for fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and sparking resilience among learners.
Aspects of spirituality and personal well-being shone through strongly during discussions of the company’s turning point amid a major crisis that nearly brought business operations to a halt. Faith in divine assistance through prayer and sincere surrender became the key determinant of the business’s survival. The integration of this value of sincerity adds a new dimension to the library space: that an entrepreneur’s spiritual well-being is supported not only by commercial strategies but also by spiritual peace when facing life’s pressures.
“This book, Mengusahakan Pertolongan Ilahi, is not merely a record of a business journey, but a reminder that our best efforts will always go hand in hand with the power of prayer,” said Susana briefly.
That courage to transform has now given rise to a broad portfolio of national products, including Wardah, Make Over, Emina, Kahf, Putri, Crystallure, Instaperfect, Laboré, Biodef, Tavi, Wonderly, Beyondly, Earth Love Life, and Oh My Glam (OMG). Beyond mere commercial success, Nurhayati Subakat has instilled a philosophy of “endless goodness” that aligns with the library’s social mission to empower the community through four pillars of sustainability: Education, Health, Women’s Empowerment, and Environmental Conservation.
Through this philosophy of “endless goodness,” Nurhayati Subakat instills a philosophy aligned with the library’s social mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various tangible contributions, namely quality education (SDG 4: Quality Education)—which involves investing in educational programs, providing scholarships, strengthening library literacy, and developing community learning centers. Furthermore, in line with the philosophy of women’s empowerment, the library implements inclusive capacity-building and job-skill enhancement programs to help Indonesian women become more independent and empowered, in alignment with Gender Equality (SDG 5: Gender Equality). The philosophy of health is also aligned with Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) because it promotes healthy lifestyles, expands access to healthcare services for underprivileged communities, and strengthens personal well-being and mental resilience.
Through this series of discussions, the library demonstrated that its function has transformed into an inclusive space that nurtures the community’s spirituality, entrepreneurship, and personal well-being, far beyond the confines of conventional bookshelves. This inspiring event concluded with a warm and educational Q&A session, reaffirming a shared commitment to continue spreading the values of kindness and a never-give-up spirit in every sphere of service.
Contributor: Zulfanisa Nur Isnaini