Polish Diplomat Brings Treasure Trove of Books to UGM Library and Archives: See What’s Given!

The Polish Embassy for Indonesia gifts valuable books to UGM Library and Archives, enriching collections and bolstering global literacy.

Yogyakarta, July 8, 2024 - In a meeting brimming with literary spirit and international friendship, the Library and Archives of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) received an honorable visit from Piotr Firlus, Counsellor, Head of Political and Economic Section of the Polish Embassy for Indonesia. In a warmly welcoming atmosphere, Arif Surachman, S.IP., M.B.A., Head of UGM Library and Archives, along with Safirotu Khoir, Ph.D., Coordinator of Public Relations and International Affairs, and Erna Widayati, S.E., M.M. as the Head of the Archives Department, warmly welcomed the Polish diplomat. This wasn’t just an ordinary visit, Piotr Firlus came to present a valuable donation of books that will enrich UGM Library’s collection and provide new insights into Poland for readers.

The donated books include:

  1. Polish Language for Beginners: A practical guide for those eager to learn Polish from scratch.
  2. Poland for Beginners: An introductory book detailing the history, culture, and modern life in Poland.
  3. Jozef Zwierzycki: Expert Geologist of the Indonesian Archipelago and Poland: A work depicting the contributions of a Polish geologist to the study of the Indonesian archipelago.
  4. Solaris: A science fiction masterpiece by Stanisław Lem that offers profound reflections on humanity and the universe.

The books were written by Polish authors in Indonesian, making them invaluable resources for the library and archives patrons at UGM to better understand the culture and knowledge of Poland directly in their own language. Piotr Firlus expressed his great hope that this book donation could serve as a bridge of knowledge, encouraging many UGM students to continue their studies in Poland, thereby fostering a closer and mutually beneficial academic exchange between the two countries.

Arif Surachman expressed deep appreciation, stating, "This donation not only enriches our library’s collection but also opens new horizons for readers. It’s a concrete step towards strengthening bilateral relations and expanding global knowledge."

This visit exemplifies Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals. International cooperation like this is key to achieving progress and common goals. With this book donation, UGM Library and Archives reaffirm their commitment to becoming an inclusive knowledge hub that supports cultural and academic exchanges globally. May the relationship with the Polish Embassy continue to thrive and benefit both sides.

Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh

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