Jakarta Library and HB Jassin Literary Document Center| Cikini — Attraction in Jakarta

Probably one of the worst libraries I’ve ever visited. I went on a Sunday, which I expected to be crowded. As I arrived, I immediately parked my car in B2. I thought getting to the library wouldn’t be much of a problem since I saw elevators on each floor on my way to the second level of the basement—however, I thought wrong.

After parking my car, I walked toward the door that would lead me to the elevator, but it was locked. I then saw another door for the lift, but again, it was also locked. I decided to walk up to the first level, where I met a security guard. I asked where the entrance was because all the doors were locked down in B2. He then gave me directions toward the entrance and also told me there was an event going on in the building, which explained why all the doors were locked.

I then had to walk for about five minutes to get to the entrance. I guess since there was probably only one lift available, it was PACKED. I wanted to take the stairs, but I didn’t see any sign saying I could use them—there were only emergency stairs, and I wasn’t sure where they would lead me. So, eventually, I forcefully squeezed myself into the lift and went up to level 3.

AGAIN, the lack of signs confused me. I didn’t know whether to go left or right, so I decided to just follow the crowd. The people in front of me were also confused about where the library might be located. They turned out to be correct, and now I had to queue again to get inside the library, which took about 10 minutes.

When they finally let me in, I had to put my bag in the lockers they provided for free and transfer all my belongings into a transparent bag—which I thought was a bit weird for a library to require, but maybe it was for safety reasons (still not quite sure why?). As expected, the library was packed, and it was a bit hot, I’d say.

I eventually found a seat after wandering around the building. I sat near what I think was a prayer room, so it smelled a bit musty, which I tend to encounter a lot in Indonesia, specifically. I spent a good three hours reading there. After that, I made my way out of the library and headed back to the lift.

As I mentioned before, due to the event, there was only one lift available, and it was hella packed—there wasn’t even room for me to squeeze in. I was scared at first, but I decided to take the emergency stairs to make my way back to the basement. These stairs only led me to the ground floor; I couldn’t go any further down. Thankfully, the lift was finally not that packed, so I got down to the basement and AGAIN walked for 5 minutes back to B2.

DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE EXIT. It took me a solid 30 minutes just to get out of the premises. It was 6 pm by then, and you could only pay for parking with either QR or cash, which is probably why the line was so long.

Sorry for the very long rant, but I totally do not recommend this library at all. Until they fix all of these problems, I would not suggest coming here if you want to read and have a good time. What a stressful day I had in...

Although the library is aesthetically pleasing, my experience there was quite disappointing. The space is extremely noisy and crowded, which undermines the quiet atmosphere that should be ideal for reading or studying. Moreover, the service was exceptionally poor and unprofessional. I am unsure if this problem is related to the library being a government facility.

During one visit, while I was trying to check in, a staff member was eating at the check-in desk. He casually gestured with his mouth to direct me to his colleague’s seat for check-in. This behavior was highly unprofessional and demonstrated a lack of proper work etiquette.

Furthermore, when I needed help understanding the borrowing system, the staff member's explanation was confusing and poorly communicated. I simply asked for clear instructions on what to do, but was met with impatience and condescension. Her tone and volume made me feel as though I had made a mistake, and her behavior attracted unwanted attention from other visitors, making the situation even more uncomfortable. To clarify, I am not the type of person who feels comfortable confronting others directly. I did not approach the staff member aggressively or rudely; I merely asked a question and was met with a harsh response.

I had borrowed a book online and was instructed to pick it up at the library, as stated on the library’s website. However, the staff member asked me to cancel my online reservation. When I asked for an explanation, the response was delivered in a rude and dismissive manner. The staff member's approach was unnecessarily harsh.

I understand that staff may face personal challenges, but it is unacceptable for such issues to affect their professional conduct. I hope the library addresses these problems and improves the professionalism of its staff to create a more welcoming and respectful environment for its...

The Pusat Dokumentasi Sastra (PDS) H.B. Jassin, nestled in the artistic heart of Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, is a haven for literature lovers. Its roots trace back to 1976 when it was established by H.B. Jassin with an aim to curate and preserve the rich tapestry of national and international literature. Over the years, it has amassed a comprehensive collection of literary works gathered meticulously from diverse sources, standing today as an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

The location's design eloquently communicates a blend of modernity and functionality. Its relatively recent construction is apparent in its sleek design - open, bright, and welcoming. Natural light floods in, illuminating the space and the treasure trove of knowledge it houses, creating an atmosphere that invites exploration and deep thought.

One of the standout features is the strong Wi-Fi connection. In this digital age, easy and quick access to online resources can significantly enhance the learning experience, and PDS H.B. Jassin has ensured this is a primary feature. This makes it an ideal place for studying, researching, and delving into extensive reading sessions.

Moreover, the environment radiates tranquility, which is perfectly conducive to intellectual pursuits. Whether you are a student working on an assignment, a researcher seeking reference material, or a literature enthusiast wanting to satiate your literary appetite, the PDS H.B. Jassin caters to all your needs.

In essence, the PDS H.B. Jassin is not just a documentation center. It is a sanctuary for knowledge, a beacon that continues to illuminate the path for literary exploration. Its commitment to fostering an environment conducive to study, paired with its rich and extensive collection, makes it an indispensable asset to Jakarta's...