National Library of Indonesia
Indonesia's tallest library, offering vast collections, city views, and a vibrant public space for reading and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access
National Library of Indonesia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Indonesia's tallest library, offering vast collections, city views, and a vibrant public space for reading and art.
"A great spot to visit if you're looking for a chill and inspiring place to read in the middle of Jakarta."
Bag Storage Hassle
Lockers are mandatory for bags. Their placement can cause congestion, so be prepared for a slight inconvenience. :handbag:
Elevator Wait Times
Expect long waits for elevators, especially during peak hours. Consider using stairs if comfortable. :arrowupdown:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top Floors
Ascend to the upper levels for breathtaking views of Monas and Jakarta's skyline. A perfect backdrop for quiet contemplation.
Children's Educational Haven
Kids' Section
A well-equipped and spacious area offering numerous educational books and activities for young minds.
Art Installations
Ground Floor
Discover diverse and engaging art installations that add a cultural flair to the library's entrance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better Visit
Membership & Access Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Decent public library in Jakarta?
Bag Storage Hassle
Lockers are mandatory for bags. Their placement can cause congestion, so be prepared for a slight inconvenience. :handbag:
Elevator Wait Times
Expect long waits for elevators, especially during peak hours. Consider using stairs if comfortable. :arrowupdown:
Toko buku di jakarta yang bukan di mall?
Borrowing Books
A Jakarta ID is needed to borrow books. Non-residents require specific documentation. :books:
Co-working & Reading Zones
Levels are dedicated to co-working and reading; some areas are better suited for focused work than quiet reading. :computer:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bag Storage Hassle
Lockers are mandatory for bags. Their placement can cause congestion, so be prepared for a slight inconvenience. :handbag:
Elevator Wait Times
Expect long waits for elevators, especially during peak hours. Consider using stairs if comfortable. :arrowupdown:
Borrowing Books
A Jakarta ID is needed to borrow books. Non-residents require specific documentation. :books:
Co-working & Reading Zones
Levels are dedicated to co-working and reading; some areas are better suited for focused work than quiet reading. :computer:
Comfortable AC
The air conditioning is consistently cool, making it a pleasant place to read even on hot days. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Library of Indonesia as a spacious, clean, and inspiring public space with a great children's section and impressive city views from its upper floors. However, some find the elevator management inefficient, the canteen offerings limited, and the book borrowing requirements inconvenient for non-residents.
"One of the libraries right in the heart of Jakarta, easy to find and open to public. They’ve got a wide range of books, and the kids' section is pretty complete with lots of educational options. The reading area is clean, spacious, and comfy, perfect for spending time reading with kids. You can also go up to the top floor and enjoy a nice view of Monas and city skyline.
Definitely a great spot to visit if you're looking for a chill and inspiring place to read in the middle of Jakarta."
naya dayana
"public space yg oke. except the escalator only reach the 4th floor and the elevator much more crowded bcs of that. kantinnya pun jual makanan yg krg variatif. we don't need to have membership to enter this library.
on the ground floor, they show many great art installations.."
Fadhilla S.
"It's located in the heart of Jakarta which can be accessed through TJ. I personally recommend to visit the place other than Sunday to avoid crowds.
Once you get there, you need to put your bag in a locker. The room layout is weird, since they put locker room on the front and back side. They should've put the room on the right and left side to reduce the crowd on 1 side.
You need to take the elevators to go to all levels, but their elevator management is bad. They should've separated the elevator by low, mid and high corridor (like in office buildings). Also, they need to add more elevators or at least stairs option. People are tired of waiting, so many people go through emergency stairs.
It has 24 levels, but only some levels (I think around 3 levels) have book collections. Other levels are for co-working space, reading spaces and digital stuffs. Reading area in those 3 levels is limited. I think they should separate between fiction and non-fiction level. Since on 21th level, some people read novel while the other are working on school project/work. This makes reading levels that has many desks are almost unused (like on 16th).
The prayer room is clean, but I wish there's more coverage for woman's wudhu area. Since, many women are wearing hijab.
The ACs in all levels are cold enough for reading, I like it.
I think they should've increased the quota for member registration. It's weird for a national library to have registration daily quota, since random stores (like: pharmacy, minimarket, saloon, etc.) have no quota limit. I understand they have limited blank card member, but I think it's weird.
To borrow the book, you need to have Jakarta ID. If you don't have Jakarta ID, then you need to prepare domicile letter, or student letter or certificate of employment. I think it's inconvenient, since when we already a member, we put our address. Furthermore, now the ID doesn't have expiration date and it's digitaly recorded. It's also integrated with NPWP which record our current work place. I understand that they want to prevent people from stealing the book, but I just think it's weird. However, you can read there even without membership.
I think people in Jakarta has high reading interest. This can be seen by the crowd in the library. This building has high potential to accomodate people's reading interest. It would be great if they can improve the service to support this interest. By doing this, maybe more people will have reading interest."
Permata Pe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Library of Indonesia is centrally located in Jakarta and easily accessible via public transport. TransJakarta buses are a convenient option, with several routes stopping nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Limited parking is available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. It's often recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
Several TransJakarta bus stops are within walking distance of the library, making it a convenient destination for public transport users.
While the library aims to be accessible, some reviews mention that escalators only reach the 4th floor, and elevators can be crowded. It's advisable to confirm specific accessibility features upon arrival.
Yes, the library is open to the public. However, to borrow books, you'll need a Jakarta ID or specific alternative documentation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a membership to enter and read within the library premises. It's a public space open to all.
Entry to the National Library of Indonesia is free of charge. You can enjoy the facilities and collections without any admission fee.
The library typically operates during standard business hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening and closing times, especially around public holidays.
To borrow books, a Jakarta ID is required. If you don't have one, you'll need to provide a domicile letter, student letter, or certificate of employment.
Yes, there is a daily quota for membership registration, which some visitors find unusual for a national library.
🎫 📖 Onsite Experience
The library boasts a wide range of books, including a comprehensive collection of Doraemon comics, as mentioned by a Reddit user. It also offers educational options for children and various reading materials.
Yes, there are dedicated reading spaces. However, some levels are also designated for co-working, which might affect the quietness of certain areas. It's recommended to explore different floors to find your ideal spot.
The library has clean prayer rooms, and the air conditioning is consistently cool. However, the canteen offers limited food variety, and elevators can be crowded.
Generally, you can use your phone and laptop in designated reading and co-working areas. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of others and maintain a quiet environment.
Absolutely! The children's section is well-equipped with educational options, and the overall atmosphere can be inspiring for kids. Visiting on a weekday is recommended to avoid crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While general photos of the architecture and public spaces might be allowed, it's best to check for specific restrictions, especially in reading areas or exhibition spaces.
The top floors offer stunning panoramic views of Jakarta, including Monas, making them excellent spots for photography. The ground floor often features interesting art installations as well.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's common for libraries to have rules against flash photography or extensive photo shoots in quiet reading zones. Be respectful of other visitors.
It's generally advisable not to photograph entire book collections due to copyright and privacy concerns. Focus on the architecture and general ambiance.
Drone photography is highly unlikely to be permitted within or around the library premises due to safety and privacy regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a more relaxed experience, it's highly recommended to visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. This will make it easier to navigate the library, access facilities, and enjoy the children's area without feeling rushed. The spacious reading areas can also accommodate families comfortably.
📚 Avid Readers & Students
Be prepared for potential elevator wait times, especially during peak hours. Some visitors find the separation of fiction and non-fiction levels helpful for focused study. The consistently cool air conditioning ensures comfort during long reading sessions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Additionally, the ground floor often features interesting art installations that can make for compelling shots. Remember to be mindful of library etiquette and check for any specific photography restrictions in certain areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tallest Library
Getting around this vertical expanse can be a challenge. Reviews frequently mention long wait times for the elevators, as only a few serve the entire building. Some visitors resort to using emergency stairs to save time, highlighting a potential bottleneck in the building's management. The layout, with locker rooms at both the front and back, can also contribute to congestion.
Despite these logistical hurdles, the library offers a unique experience. The upper floors provide stunning city views, and the children's section is a highlight for families. The cool air conditioning throughout the building ensures a comfortable reading environment, making it a worthwhile destination for book lovers and sightseers alike.
Membership and Borrowing Policies
For individuals without a Jakarta ID, alternative documentation such as a domicile letter, student letter, or certificate of employment is required. This policy, while intended to manage book lending and prevent loss, is noted by some as inconvenient for non-residents. The library also implements a daily quota for membership registration, which can be a point of frustration for those hoping to sign up on a specific day.
Despite these requirements, the library remains a valuable resource for reading and learning within its walls. The digital integration of membership records and the potential link with NPWP suggest a modern approach to library management, even if the initial access for borrowing feels a bit complex for some.
A Hub for Art and Culture
These art displays are frequently highlighted as a pleasant surprise for visitors, offering a creative contrast to the quiet atmosphere of the reading areas. They contribute to the library's role as a public space that fosters not just reading but also appreciation for the arts.
Whether you're there to delve into a book or simply explore the building, the art on display offers an added layer of cultural enrichment, making a visit to the National Library of Indonesia a more holistic experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit