In need of a good read to go with your coffee? From independent booksellers to the Indonesia-wide retailers, here's our roundup of the best book stores in Jakarta - yep, they stock up on school supplies and stationery too!
There really is nothing quite like the look, feel and smell of holding a brand new book, or even a perfectly aged used book when you’ve found the right one. Yes, we’ve heard the argument about the convenience of the Amazons and the Kindles of the world numerous times, but let’s be real, we need a heavy duty book whenever we’re feeling nostalgic. In honour of our fellow bookworms in the city, we’re giving you a round up of the best book stores in Jakarta – from fiction and non-fiction, to cute stationery and school supplies too!
THE BEST BOOK STORES IN JAKARTA – SHOPPING FOR GOOD READS, STATIONERY & BEYOND
1. Art & Science
Art & Science is a concept store that stocks a coveted selection of local home brands, hard-to-find travel magazines, quirky coffee table books, cookbooks and the latest on-trend sneakers and urban wear. Wander in to find awesome gift ideas, unique knick-knacks and all kinds of other curiosities… you’re bound to leave with a much lighter wallet.
Art & Science, ASHTA District 8 GF-21, SCBD Lot 28, Jl Jendral Sudirman, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, p. +62 812 181 8707, e. [email protected]
2. POST Bookshop
One of the most unique book stores in Jakarta, POST is a modest shop that occupies a teeny space in Pasar Santa. With a reading list that is lovingly curated by fellow bookworms, this shop is indeed a literary haven. To top it off, POST also regularly hosts book clubs, discussions, writers workshops, and has a highly affordable second-hand books corner where you can pick up titles for a wee fraction of the original price!
POST Bookshop, Pasar Santa, Upper Floor, Jl Cisanggiri II No. 6, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, e. [email protected]
3. Books & Beyond
Books & Beyond is great for educational gift ideas for the young ones and also carry a variety of bestsellers and magazines. There’s also a small selection of unique stationery. Get in early for great discounts leading up to Christmas.
Books & Beyond, multiple locations across Jakarta, p. +62 819 9977 5588
4. Seumpama Books
Seumpama is an independent publisher and a concept book-studio based in Jakarta that grew out of a project between two friends. Browse through to find treasured Penguin Classic paperbacks with titles by H.G. Wells and Aldous Huxley amongst others, and keep your eyes on their socials as Seumpama also hosts reader events from time to time.
Seumpama, shop online, e. [email protected]
5. Periplus
Periplus has a comprehensive range of quality books and specialises in local and imported cookbooks, and interior design books. The magazine racks will keep you up to scratch with the latest Hollywood gossip, fitness craze, and fast cars. For an extra cost, your fave magazines can be delivered to your door. Purchase your book, take a seat at in a quiet cafe with a cup of coffee and cake. Thinking of taking a trip? Pick up their travel brochures and maps before you head off and learn all about your destination before boarding the flight.
Periplus, multiple stores across Jakarta and Indonesia, p. +62 21 4682 1089, e. [email protected]
6. Kinokuniya
Kinokuniya stock lots of Japanese odds and sods, and manga comics galore. There’s an extensive selection of cute stationery too. It’s easy to find the book you’re looking for as the bookshop is clearly divided into sections and has perhaps the biggest range of English books in town. Choose from business, health, travel, fiction, non-fiction and more.
Kinokuniya, Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall, Jl M. H. Thamrin No. 1, p. +62 21 2358 0106, e. [email protected]
7. Gramedia
Gramedia is Indonesia’s go-to megastore that sells stationery, sports equipment, musical instruments, and multimedia products. It’s the best source for local books, autobiographies, and biographies of prominent Indonesians. You’ll also find lots of arts and crafts items for home projects, office and school supplies, as well as a selection of English books too.
Gramedia, multiple stores across Jakarta and Indonesia, p. +62 811 1450 436, e. [email protected]
8. Gunung Agung
Gunung Agung offers a huge selection of school and office supplies and stationery. While they specialise in supplying school textbooks for the national curriculum, and they also carry some English books. Top tip: look out for their back-to-school specials to bag a bargain before school starts.
Gunung Agung, multiple stores across Jakarta, p. +62 21 391 2345, e. [email protected]
