Indonesia, a diverse archipelago nation, has long story with the challenge of providing access to quality education in its remote and underprivileged areas. Limited access to electricity and the internet has obstructed educational opportunities, particularly for the young generation. Research reveals that interest in reading among young people in these remote areas is significantly lower compared to the urban ones, primarily due to the lack of access to educational materials.

In response to this issue, a groundbreaking solution has emerged – the Offline Digital Library powered by Raspberry Pi, a technology that is changing the education activity in remote areas.

Offline Digital Library: Revolutionizing the Education through Non-Internet Based Technology

Driven by BINUS’ vision to fostering and empowering the society, the creators – Rinda Hedwig, the Photonics and Computer Systems Research Interest Group Leader at Bina Nusantara University, along with her students majoring in Computer Engineering Department, Edward Evannov Santo Wiguna and Hendry Lie – have ignited the spark of learning and equitable education to countless lives. BINUS University aims to deliver quality education – one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) – through this innovative offline digital library.

Developed using Raspberry Pi technology, this library is tailor-made for areas with limited or no internet access and unstable electricity. It has the capability to store an impressive 2,000 to 5,000 digital educational resources, including videos and e-books, providing them to students from pre-school to grade 12. Its portability, dustproof design, and lightweight structure make it a flexible tool for educational empowerment.

Imagine a digital library that exceeds geographical boundaries, this technology includes several utilities, such as:

1. No Internet Requirement: It functions seamlessly without the need for an internet connection.

2. Vast Capacity: With up to 5,000 educational contents, it covers a broad spectrum of subjects and levels.

3. Resilience: Even in areas with unstable electricity, this library continues to provide access to knowledge.

4. Cost-Effective: An economical investment, with a server and four clients available for just 15 million rupiah.

5. Portability: Compact and lightweight, it can be easily transported to different locations.

Impacting Indonesia, From Sabang to Merauke

The Offline Digital Library has left a profound mark on numerous Indonesian communities. From 2018 – 2021, this library has contributed to five provinces, such as North Sumatera, Bali, West Kalimantan, North Maluku, and Papua. Then in 2022 – 2023, the digital library has reached broader scope, including Aceh, North Sumatera, West Sumatera, Jakarta Raya, East Java, West Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi, and Southwest Papua. In total, this library has made education accessible to 21 villages through this non-internet based technology. Mrs. Rinda and her team also planned to introduce the offline digital library to more places in West Sumatera and West Kalimantan by 2023.

"I hope the Offline Digital Library can be the source of knowledge and happiness to improve interest in reading among people, significantly in the remote areas," said Mrs. Rinda Hedwig.

The Offline Digital Library manifests that technology can be a resolution to bridge educational gaps. This technology is also recorded as one of the “111 Indonesia’s Innovations” in 2019. With its unique features and far-reaching impact, it continues to write a brighter future for Indonesia.

AMT

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RTT BINUS

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