TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Reading should be a collective awareness, especially among the youth, for a better and more meaningful future. Libraries offer a comfortable space for reading and access to various types of literature. In Jakarta, libraries are easily accessible, and recently, Jakarta's Governor Pramono Anung proposed extending library hours to foster literacy.
Here are five libraries in Jakarta that are worth a visit:
1. National Library of Indonesia
Established in 1980, Perpusnas has deep historical roots dating back to 1778 with its connection to the Bataviaasch Genootschap. In early 2025, Perpusnas received the MURI award as the world’s tallest library at 27 stories. The library offers a range of services, including multimedia, audiovisual collections, and reading rooms, with over 7 million items cataloged as of 2022. Visitors can borrow books by presenting an active membership card and ID. For residents of Jabodetabek, a valid ID is sufficient, while visitors from outside this area must provide an RT/RW domicile letter. The maximum borrowing limit is three books for seven days.
Operating hours: Monday-Friday: 08:00-19:00 WIB, weekends: 09:00-16:00 WIB.
Address: Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No.11, Jakarta (Main office at Jl. Salemba Raya No. 28A).
2. Jakarta Library (Cikini)
Located in the Taman Ismail Marzuki complex, this library opened in 1970 and was revitalized in 2022. It features a cozy and comfortable interior dominated by light brown tones. The library offers a wide variety of books, from fiction to non-fiction, and regularly adds new titles to its collection. Registered members can borrow up to two books for a period of 14 days. The library also has a digital collection for online access.
Operating hours: Monday-Thursday: 09:00-17:00 WIB, Friday: 09:00-20:00 WIB, weekends: 09:00-22:00 WIB.
Address: Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya No.73, Jakarta Pusat.
3. Erasmus Huis Library
Established in 1970 and renovated in 2018, the Erasmus Huis Library offers a modern, Instagram-worthy space. With a collection of 15,000 books, it specializes in Indonesian and Dutch literature, including subjects like history, linguistics, social sciences, and dictionaries. To borrow books, visitors must have a membership card, which costs Rp 30,000 for the general public and Rp 15,000 for students. Borrowing is allowed for up to three weeks with a limit of three books.
Operating hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00-16:00 WIB.
Address: Jl. Haji R. Rasuna Said Kav. S3, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan.
4. Ministry of Education Library
Founded in 2004, this library serves as a center for information and reference within the Ministry of Education and Culture, but it is also open to the public. It holds around 200,000 items in conventional and digital formats, including books, journals, and audio materials. Borrowing limits vary: students and lecturers preparing theses can borrow up to ten books, while others may borrow a maximum of five books. Visitors need to register for a membership before borrowing materials.
Operating hours: Monday-Friday: 08:00-16:00 WIB, Saturday: 09:00-14:00 WIB.
Address: Ministry of Education and Culture, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Senayan, Jakarta.
5. Baca Di Tebet
Founded by Kanti W. Janis and Wien Muldian, Baca Di Tebet offers a unique alternative to the more commercialized public spaces in Jakarta. This library emphasizes the process of learning and reading over results. With 20,000-25,000 books spanning various genres, from novels to coffee-table books, the library provides various rooms, such as the "Thinking Room" lined with bookshelves and the "Temu Roy B.B. Janis Room," which offers a cozy, retro vibe. The space encourages people to focus on the act of reading in a quiet, reflective environment.
Operating hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00-18:00 WIB.
Address: Jl. Tebet Barat Dalam Raya No.29, Jakarta Selatan.
MUHAMMAD RIFAN PRIANTO
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