Aceh – Indonesia, Lecturer at the Takengon State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN), Alsabarni, AMD., M.Pd., handed over two of his books to the Central Aceh Regency Library and Archives Office on Wednesday (30/9/2026).
Citing LintasGayo.com, the handover took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Literacy Festival. During the three-day festival held from September 29 to October 1, 2026, Alsabarni served as a speaker on the topic “Literacy Culture in the Digital Era.”
The two books handed over are titled Moral dan Sosial Budaya Gayo (Gayo Morals and Socio-Culture) and Struktur Fonologi dan Kajian Bentuk Sastra Lisan Gayo Melengkan (Phonological Structure and Study of Forms of Gayo Melengkan Oral Literature).
The books were received by the Head of the Central Aceh Regency Library and Archives Office, Zulfan Diara Gayo, ST., represented by the Head of Library Material Processing and Preservation Services, Ir. Ummu Hanik, ST.
Alsabarni said both books were published in 2025 and are the results of a study on Gayo oral literature and the phonology of the melengkan tradition.
“These books discuss the writing system in the Gayo language, particularly within the melengkan custom, and explain the moral values embedded in Gayo culture,” he stated.
According to Alsabarni, documenting Gayo oral literature and moral values is essential to ensure that this knowledge remains accessible to the younger generation while serving as a reference for preserving Gayo culture.
“Melengkan, as a form of Gayo oral literature, has its own structure and rules that need to be studied scientifically so that it is not lost over time,” Alsabarni added.
Meanwhile, Ir. Ummu Hanik, ST., welcomed the donation of the two books. She noted that scholarly works play a vital role in expanding the local library’s collection and strengthening literacy rooted in local wisdom.
“Hopefully, these books by an academic can enrich the region’s literary wealth and support efforts to increase the public literacy index in Central Aceh, particularly regarding Gayo culture,” she concluded.
The 2026 Literacy Festival organized by the Central Aceh Regency Library and Archives Office serves as an initiative to foster public interest in reading while raising awareness about the importance of cultural preservation through written works.