@america
Pacific Place Mall, SCBD · Open Daily Until 21.00 · Free entry
If you're looking for a modern space with books, events, and games about the United States, @america is an exciting place to visit.
By Meysa Khadizah
@america Jakarta is the U.S. Embassy’s American Center in Indonesia. It is an American cultural center where visitors can learn about the United States through programs, discussions, exhibitions, education information, and cultural activities.
The center opened in December 2010 as part of the American Spaces network. Since then, @america has become one of the most active cultural centers in Jakarta, hosting nearly 10,000 events, welcoming around two million visitors, and building a community of nearly 70,000 members.
Although @america is not a traditional library, it still has a learning and information role. Its small reading section, BookHive, gives visitors access to books and learning materials, while the larger space is mainly used for public programs, talks, performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchange.
With free programs and an open public space, @america offers a different kind of library related experience in Jakarta. Whether you are interested in American culture, education, public discussions and events, @america id worth to visit,
WHAT VISITORS SAY
"A typical American fun place, which often holds many events for young people, free of charge and open to the public, covering various topics such as education, the environment, music and art, science and technology, and entrepreneurship."
- Samuel Gan, Local Guide, Google Reviews
"For jazz lovers, @america is a comfortable place to enjoy jazz, usually held once a month for free. Performances typically run from 18.30 to 20.30. The room is fully air-conditioned, comfortable, with good acoustics — truly guaranteeing a pleasant experience listening to live music."
- Titik Asa, Local Guide, Google Reviews.
"This place is cool. They hold lots of events and do a great job with every single one. You are very welcome to make events here. They were very welcoming to visitors. They have awesome technology, lots of iPads, a very big map, PlayStation for free to use, and an auditorium with musical performance standards."
- Khairul Umam, Local Guide, Google Reviews
COLLECTIONS
Main Collection Categories
Fiction
Children’s books
Comics
TOEFL preparation books
Languages
English
Indonesian
Membership at @america is free and open to all visitors. You can register at the Membership Counter on your first visit. Members can receive updates about upcoming programs and invitations to special events. However, the facilities and programs are also still free to access even without membership.
FREE MEMBERSHIP
Tiered Seating Gallery
Performance and event space with tiered seating for talks, concerts, and screenings.
Exhibition Area
Large projection displays presenting rotating themes about American culture and global issues.
FACILITIES
Interactive Technology
Touchscreens, webchat stations, and multimedia displays for exploring digital resources.
Classroom Spaces
Multipurpose rooms for workshops, training sessions, and small group activities with prior booking.
Other Facilities
-
Accessibility Support
-
Free WiFi
-
Webchat Stations
-
Security Assistance
Main Stage
Live event stage for cultural performances, debates, webcasts, and community programs.
EducationUSA Corner
Free consultation space for students seeking information about studying in the United States.
iPad Loan Service
Borrow iPads inside the center for learning and accessing digital educational materials.
Locker System
Secure storage for personal belongings during your visit to the center.
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Regular Programs
EducationUSA Advising
EducationUSA Advising is a free service for visitors who are interested in studying in the United States. 51 Visitors can ask about university choices, application requirements, scholarships, financial aid, visa preparation, and student life in the U.S. No appointment is needed.
Digital Exhibitions
The projection displays in the exhibition area are updated regularly with new themes. The topics may include American history and culture, innovation, technology, the environment, and global issues. Because the exhibitions change from time to time, the space can feel fresh for both new and returning visitors.
English Discussion Groups
@america also holds English discussion groups where participants can practice speaking in a relaxed setting. These sessions help visitors improve their English, share ideas, and meet other learners.
Toastmasters Chapter
A Toastmasters chapter is also held at @america for visitors who want to improve their public speaking and leadership skills. The program is structured, but still supportive for beginners.
MOOCs
@america provides access to online courses from U.S. universities through its Massive Open Online Course program. This allows visitors to learn from American academic resources while staying in Jakarta.
Special & Featured Programs
Music & Arts Performances
Live music and art performances are often held on the main stage. The performances may feature Indonesian and American artists from different genres, such as classical, jazz, indie, and pop.
Film Screenings
@america also holds film screenings throughout the year. The films may include American independent films, documentaries, or feature films. Some screenings are followed by discussions or Q&A sessions.
Webchats with Experts and Public Figures
@america also holds film screenings throughout the year. The films may include American independent films, documentaries, or feature films. Some screenings are followed by discussions or Q&A sessions.
Workshops and Talks
Workshops and public talks are also part of @america’s activities. The topics can include technology, 52 entrepreneurship, the environment, arts, education, and social issues. These sessions may be held in the main gallery or in the classroom spaces, depending on the format.
Collaborate With Us
@america also allows individuals, schools, organizations, and community groups to propose programs or events. This open collaboration makes the programs more diverse and connected to the community.
Space Area
Walking into @america feels different from most places in the mall. The screens light up the walls, and the space feels modern, while the exposed ceiling gives it an industrial touch that feels like a creative stage. The space is organized into several connected zones; the Main Event Space and Gaming Zone are placed at the center of the experience, while the Book Hive functions as a supporting literacy corner.
In one corner of @america, there is a small BookHive mini library. The corner is marked by a white grid bookshelf, which makes it stand out among the digital screens, open seating, and modern event space around it.
The bookshelf is filled with donated books from visitors and the community. BookHive uses a simple sharing system: visitors can take a book to read, and they can also leave a book for someone else.
BookHive Corner
The books are arranged on the shelves, with a mix of English and Indonesian titles. Visitors may find young adult fiction, children’s books, comics, TOEFL preparation books, and other light reading materials in the same corner.
Although BookHive is small, it gives @america a quieter reading spot inside its bright and high-tech cultural space. The white shelf, donated books, and simple sharing concept make the corner feel warm and quiet.
One of the most noticeable areas in @america is the performance stage and tiered seating gallery. This area is placed in front of the large projection screens, making it the main visual and activity point inside the center.
The tiered seating is arranged like wide steps, so visitors can sit at different levels while facing the stage and screens. When there is no event, the area can still be used casually for sitting, reading, playing board games, or spending time with friends.
Performance Stage & Tiered Seating Gallery
The large screens in this area display projected exhibitions about the United States, global issues, innovation, technology, and culture. Since the exhibition changes every few months, the space can feel different on each visit.
During events, the stage becomes the center of activity. It is used for programs such as music performances, film screenings, public talks, debates, workshops, and webchats, turning the seating gallery into a lively audience area.
The Gaming Zone is one of the most unique areas in @america. It has a large central screen, seating placed in front of it, and brighter lighting that makes the space look more like a gaming arena.
The seating area faces the screen directly, so visitors can either play games or watch others play from a comfortable position. This layout makes the zone feel more open and social compared to a regular gaming corner.
Gaming Zone
Visitors can use the available consoles and gaming equipment during their visit. The area gives @america a more interactive side.
Compared to a regular reading space, the Gaming Zone feels more active and casual. It supports @america’s modern character by giving visitors another way to learn, play, and spend time inside the center.
Board games are available at the information desk inside @america. Visitors can borrow a game there and use it during their visit without joining a scheduled program.
The games can be played in different parts of the center, such as the lounge seating area, the tiered seating gallery, or other open seating spots inside @america. This makes the activity flexible and easy to fit into the visit.
Board Games
Because the space has an open layout, visitors can choose where they feel most comfortable to sit and play. Small groups can use the games to spend time together, take a short break between exploring other facilities.
Although board games are not placed in a separate room, they they balance the center’s digital screens, exhibitions, and events with a simple activity that feels friendly and easy to enjoy.
For visitors who are interested in studying in the United States, the EducationUSA provides a clear information point for anyone who wants to learn more about U.S. higher education.
The corner is staffed by EducationUSA advisors who can provide one-on-one guidance. Visitors can ask about university choices, scholarships, financial aid, visa preparation, and student life in the U.S.
EducationUSA
The consultation is open to different kinds of visitors, from high school students to those who are already preparing their applications. This makes the area helpful for both early exploration and more serious study planning.
As part of @america’s areas, the EducationUSA Corner feels more formal. It gives visitors a direct place to ask questions, get reliable information, and understand the study process more clearly.
HOW IT FEELS TO SPEND TIME HERE
@america is not the kind of place where you come in, sit quietly, and leave. It is a space that invites you to engage, depending on when you visit.
On a Regular Visit
On days without a scheduled event, the exhibition area usually feels calm but still interesting. Some visitors walk through the projection displays, while others go to the EducationUSA Corner to ask about studying in the United States. There are also visitors who borrow an iPad, explore digital resources, play board games, or sit in the tiered gallery area.
During Events
When a program is scheduled, the atmosphere changes completely. The gallery starts to fill up, the stage becomes more active, and the crowd becomes more varied. Students, professionals, young creatives, and first-time visitors can often be seen in the same space. Because the programs are varied, the space rarely feels the same every time.
In the Evening and on Weekends
Since @america stays open until 21.00, it is easier for people who work or study during the day to visit after their activities. On weekday evenings, the space can feel more relaxed, with fewer crowds and more room to explore the exhibition, sit in the gallery, or have a longer discussion at the EducationUSA Corner. On weekends, the space usually feels livelier, especially when families, students, and event visitors gather around the gallery and stage area.
Location & Access
How to Enter
Address
Pacific Place Mall, Level 3
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53, SCBD, Jakarta Selatan 12920
Nearest Transit
- MRT Bundaran HI Station
- Transjakarta Gatot Buang Karan
- Easily accessible via SCBD pedestrian area
01
02
03
Pass through a security screening at the entrance.
Scan the visitor registration QR code at the entrance.
Register as a member only if you want to receive program updates and special event invitations.
Tip:
Only handheld electronic devices are allowed inside. Food and drinks from outside are not permitted.