Aceh – Indonesia, Coffee shops in Aceh have long been known as gathering places for discussions. However, these spaces are seen as having potential for further development into venues that foster a reading culture and facilitate book discussions.
The idea was expressed by a member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) from Aceh, Dr. H.M. Nasir Djamil, M.Si., during a friendly meeting and discussion with the author of the book “Perang dan Damai” (War and Peace), Yunidar ZA, on Thursday (10/8) at the Senayan Parliamentary Complex, Nusantara 1 Building, 4th floor, Jakarta.
During the meeting, Yunidar ZA presented his book, published by Bandar Publishing, to Nasir Djamil. The handover was part of a broader discussion on the development of literacy, publishing, and the future of Aceh’s development.
Nasir Djamil stated that building Aceh requires the joint efforts of all components of society. According to him, developing Aceh goes beyond physical and economic growth; it also necessitates human development through education, knowledge, and a strong literacy culture.
“Aceh needs to be built together, and all components must unite for the people of Aceh,” Nasir Djamil said.
He emphasized that the culture of reading and the tradition of discussion must be continuously strengthened. Aceh, he noted, possesses social capital in the form of a habit of gathering and debating in coffee shops, which can be channeled into a collective intellectual asset.
“Coffee shops can serve as spaces for book discussions,” he said.
According to Nasir, if this culture flourishes, it will provide broader opportunities for authors, publishers, and literacy communities to grow. Books would no longer be mere reading materials, but entry points for addressing various societal issues.
Nasir Djamil also highlighted the importance of engaging youth and college students in building a robust literacy ecosystem. He urged that young people and students be encouraged to read books, write reviews, discuss ideas, and expand their perspectives based on various reading materials.
This tradition is essential so that universities do not merely serve as institutions for obtaining academic degrees, but also as spaces for fostering intellectual traditions and critical thinking.
“Youth and students should be encouraged to write reviews and discuss ideas stemming from what they read,” he said.
He expressed hope that publishers and literacy advocates in Aceh would continue to strengthen the book ecosystem, bringing books closer to the community.
For Nasir, the presence of writers and intellectuals plays a vital role in Aceh’s progress. They do not merely create works, but also help prepare future generations and leadership for Aceh.
Nasir Djamil praised the authors and intellectuals who consistently produce works and contribute to Aceh’s advancement.
He views literacy as deeply intertwined with sustainable peacebuilding. A society nurtured on reading, dialogue, and exchanging ideas is better equipped to understand differences and find solutions through knowledge and constructive engagement.
Therefore, developing literacy must be positioned as a long-term investment in Aceh’s future.
Peace in Aceh, Nasir added, must be continuously nurtured and translated into development efforts that bring prosperity to the public.
In this context, writers, intellectuals, students, publishers, and literacy communities play a pivotal role in raising awareness among the younger generation.
The meeting between Yunidar ZA and Nasir Djamil went beyond a casual gathering and book presentation. It served as a forum for exchanging ideas on how books, literacy, and intellectual traditions can actively contribute to Aceh’s journey toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
As widely noted, the book “Perang dan Damai” written by Yunidar ZA will be discussed online via Zoom on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 20:00 WIB.