PUBLIC LIBRARY · SOUTH JAKARTA
JAPAN FOUNDATION LIBRARY
Senayan, South Jakarta · 10.00 – 16.00 (Tue – Sat) · Free entry
If you are interested in the Japanese language, literature, and culture, the Japan Foundation Library Jakarta is one of the most interesting cultural libraries to visit in the SCBD area.
By Meysa Khadizah • April 24, 2023
Japan Foundation Library, also known as Koryu Space, is part of The Japan Foundation Jakarta. It offers books, cultural displays, exhibitions, and community activities in a comfortable space.
PDS H.B. Jassin has been an important part of Indonesian literary history for a long time. It started from the literary collection of H.B. Jassin, a well-known Indonesian literary figure, and later became a documentation center from many Indonesian writers.
Inside the library, visitors can find books, manga, language learning materials, films, magazines, and cultural displays. Some people come to study Japanese, while others visit to read quietly, browse manga collections, or explore Japanese culture in a more relaxed environment.
The space is spacious, and comfortable, and has many seating areas across several floors. Whether you are a student, a worker, a parent with children, or just someone who wants to spend time around books, this library is an easy and enjoyable place to visit.
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Monthly Programs
Bioskoop Erasmus / Family Film Screening
Mass reading program with rewards. Participants register via JAKLITERA and record the books they read.
Music Concerts
Monthly live concerts featuring genres such as classical, jazz, folk, indie rock, and more.
Pesta Cerita Anak (TaCita)
Talks, artist discussions, and symposiums on literature, history, and social-cultural topics.
Public Lectures & Discussions
Regular read-aloud, storytelling, and fun activities for children.
Rethinking Waste / Bukan Tentang Sampah
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February – May 2026
Exploring circular design and sustainable living.
LABBAYK: Here I Am
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May – August 2026
Photographic journey of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Clogs, Tulips and Video Games
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June – August 2026
Exploring Dutch creativity in video game design.
Jejak Batik
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March – April 2026
Women, craftsmanship, and the story of batik.
Major Exhibitions (Changing Every 2–3 Months)
Annual Events
World Press Photo Exhibition
Showcasing the best photojournalism in the world. Held every year (Nov–Dec).
Pasar Belanda
The biggest annual event celebrating the Dutch–Indonesian relationship with market, performances, and films.
Erasmus Huis Club Night
A lively DJ event featuring artists from both countries, including the first silent disco ever held in a library in Indonesia.
For the latest updates, schedules, and registrations, it’s best to check:
Website: netherlandsandyou.nl/web/indonesia/erasmushuis
Instagram: @erasmushuis_jakart
A comfortable place, even if it's just for resting and reading. Even though it's located on the edge of a busy courtyard, it's very quiet inside, and the atmosphere is also very comfortable.
— Fazri El, Google Reviews
WHAT VISITORS SAY
Great quiet spot to relax and read for a while, and a small cozy cafe with some classic Dutch treats on offer! Policy (new?) is that you can't use a laptop in this space, as the priority is for library goers to read.
— Robbert, Google Reviews
This place is really cool. The moment you walk in, it doesn't feel like you're in Indonesia anymore. Everyone is very friendly, from the security at the front to the security inside. It was also fun when there was a Dutch children's film screening. There's no parking here so it can be tricky if you bring a vehicle. The nearest TransJakarta stop is Halte Underpass Kuningan.
— Ka Vina, Google Reviews
EXPLORE MORE LIBRARIES IN JAKARTA
Discover other unique public libraries with their own charm.
Space Area
Reception & Locker Area
Before entering the library area, you will find the reception desk and locker area. This is where the attendance QR is scanned, and belongings are stored before going inside. The locker system helps keep the reading space neat, clean, and comfortable.
Stepping into the Japan Foundation Library feels like entering a quiet clearing in the middle of a busy city. The interior combines modern minimalist design with elements commonly associated with Japanese aesthetics.
Main Reading & Co-working Area
The main reading area is one of the central parts of the library. It features bookshelves, long communal tables, comfortable seating, power outlets, and a calm atmosphere. This area is suitable for reading books, studying Japanese, working on a laptop, or doing personal tasks.
Individual Study Area
Several quieter corners are designed for individual study sessions. Small tables are usually placed near windows or in less crowded parts of the library, giving you a more personal space for focused reading.
Japanese Language Corner
The Japanese Language Corner is dedicated to dictionaries, language-learning books, JLPT preparation materials, and other resources for studying Japanese. This section is helpful for anyone learning Japanese at different levels, from beginners to more advanced learners. The corner also includes study tables and comfortable seating, so the books can be used directly while studying.
Manga & Casual Reading Corner
The library also has a manga and casual reading corner filled with manga, graphic novels, illustrated books, and light reading materials. For those who do not come specifically to study, this corner can be an easy and enjoyable way to spend time in the library.
Free Corner
Another interesting part of the library is the Free Corner. This section provides books, magazines, brochures, flyers, and information materials that can be taken home for free. Some of the materials include information about Japanese language classes, cultural programs, and Japan-related activities.
Cultural Display Area
The Japanese Language Corner is dedicated to dictionaries, language-learning books, JLPT preparation materials, and other resources for studying Japanese. This section is helpful for anyone learning Japanese at different levels, from beginners to more advanced learners. The corner also includes study tables and comfortable seating, so the books can be used directly while studying.
Sakura Room (Exhibition Space)
This room is open during exhibition periods and closed when there is no event. When Sakura Room hosts an exhibition, the atmosphere around the library becomes livelier because people often move between the gallery and the library area. The exhibitions usually introduce different themes related to Japanese art, design, culture, or creativity.
HOW IT FEELS TO SPEND TIME HERE
Spending time inside the Japan Foundation Library feels like time slows down just enough for you to notice things properly. Even though it is located inside an office building in one of Jakarta’s busy areas, the library feels separated from the noise outside.
Mornings and Afternoons
In the morning and early afternoon, the library is usually quiet with only a few people around. This makes the space feel calm and easy to settle into. Large windows bring sunlight into the room during the day, making the interior feel brighter and warmer. The low crowd level also makes it easier to focus, especially if you come to study or do personal work. You can sit with Japanese language materials, browse the manga collection, read quietly, or work on a laptop without feeling disturbed.
During Exhibition Periods
The exhibition adds another layer to the experience because you can enjoy books, cultural displays, and temporary art programs in one visit. This makes the library feel more dynamic and livelier.
Manga
Collection
COLLECTIONS
15,000
Titles
Japanese & English
Downloaded
Main Collection Categories
Japanese Literature
Learning
Culture
Children's Books
Newspapers & Magazines
Languages
Collection Focus
Japanese
English
Indonesian
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Japanese, English, and literature
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JLPT preparation books
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Manga and graphic materials
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Japanese culture & history
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Art, design, and crafts
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Children's and youth materials
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Rule
To borrow books from the Japan Foundation Library, become a member.
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Price
Rp 50,000 (Annual Membership) (Cash only)
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Benefits
1. Borrow up to 3 books
2. Loan period: 3 weeks
MEMBERSHIP
Available
Reading Area
Comfortable tables, couch seating, and natural lighting throughout the space for focused study and relaxation.
Member Only
Free Corner
Take-home collection of books, magazines, brochures, and educational materials available for all visitors.
Available
Stamp Center
Commemorative stamp collection station featuring limited-edition designs celebrating Japanese culture and library milestones.
Available
Other Facilities
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Musala (Prayer Room)
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Free WiFi
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Toilets
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Café & Food Tenants
FACILITIES
Available
Lockers
Secured storage facilities with individual lockers and reception assistance for your personal belongings.
Available
Origami Corner
Interactive creative space with supplies and instructions for traditional Japanese paper folding activities.
Available
Sakura Room
Professional exhibition space for temporary cultural displays, art installations, and community showcases.
Location & Access
How to Enter
Address
Summitmas II Lt. 1
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61–62
Senayan, South Jakarta
Nearest Transit
- MRT Senayan Mastercard
- (Exit D – 3–5 min walk)
- TransJakarta Bundaran Senayan
Opening Hours
Tue – Sat, 10.00 – 16.00
01
02
03
04
Arrive at Summitmas II
Scan the attendance QR
Store belongings in lockers
Enter Koryu Space
Tip:
The registration process is simple and usually takes only a few minutes.