Many expatriates continue to enjoy reading during their stay in Indonesia. While the way people access books has changed dramatically over the past decade, there are still a number of options available for finding English-language books, Indonesian titles, e-books, audiobooks, and specialty publications.
Although online shopping and digital reading platforms have reduced the demand for physical bookstores worldwide, Indonesia still maintains a number of well-stocked book retailers in major cities.
Local Bookstores and Stationers
The largest bookstore chain in Indonesia is Gramedia. With branches in most major cities, Gramedia remains the easiest place to purchase books, stationery, office supplies, school materials, and educational resources.
Most books are in Bahasa Indonesia, though larger branches typically carry a limited selection of English-language titles, particularly popular fiction, children’s books, business books, and educational materials.
In addition to books, Gramedia remains one of the best sources for office supplies, school supplies, art materials, planners, and stationery products.
International and English-Language Bookstores
Finding English-language books is easier in Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and a few other major cities.
Periplus
Periplus remains Indonesia’s leading retailer of imported English-language books. It operates stores in major shopping malls, airports, and tourist destinations throughout Indonesia.
Periplus stocks:
- Fiction and non-fiction
- Children’s books
- Travel guides
- Business and professional titles
- Cookbooks
- Indonesian culture and history books
- Educational materials
Periplus also operates a well-developed online store that ships throughout Indonesia.
Kinokuniya
Kinokuniya continues to operate in Jakarta but on a much smaller scale than in previous decades. The flagship store at Grand Indonesia remains one of the better sources for imported English and Japanese books, though its selection is no longer as extensive as it once was.
Books & Beyond
Books & Beyond continues to offer English-language books in selected locations and remains a useful alternative when searching for popular titles and bestsellers.
Ordering Books Online
For many readers, online ordering has become the preferred option.
Popular sources include:
- Tokopedia
- Shopee
- Blibli
- Periplus Online
- Amazon Kindle Store
- Google Play Books
- Apple Books
Many expatriates now choose digital editions whenever possible due to lower costs, immediate delivery, and the elimination of shipping delays.
Imported physical books purchased from overseas may still be subject to import taxes, customs processing, and shipping charges.
E-books and Audiobooks
The growth of e-books and audiobooks has transformed reading habits in Indonesia.
Many expatriates maintain subscriptions to:
- Kindle
- Audible
- Kobo
- Everand (formerly Scribd)
- Apple Books
- Google Play Books
These services provide access to thousands of titles without concerns about shipping, customs duties, or limited bookstore inventories.
Specialty Bookstores
Several specialty bookstores continue to serve niche markets, including:
- Christian bookstores
- Islamic bookstores
- Educational bookstores
- Professional and technical book suppliers
- Art and design bookstores
If you are looking for highly specialized publications, these stores may be able to order titles not readily available through mainstream retailers.
Used Books and Book Exchanges
Used bookstores still exist in some cities, although they are less common than in the past.
Many expatriates now find second-hand books through:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Facebook groups
- Community swap groups
- Book exchange clubs
- Charity sales and bazaars
In Bali, local Facebook groups and community marketplaces often provide good opportunities to buy and sell used English-language books.
Libraries
Indonesia’s public library system has expanded considerably in recent years, although usage remains lower than in many Western countries.
The most notable public facility is the National Library of Indonesia in Jakarta, which offers extensive collections, research materials, and digital resources.
Many international schools maintain excellent libraries for students and parents, while some community organizations maintain member libraries focused on Indonesian culture and history.
The Indonesian Heritage Society continues to offer one of the most respected collections of books on Indonesian history, culture, art, and society for its members.
Many expatriates also maintain memberships with public libraries in their home countries, allowing them continued access to extensive digital collections while living overseas. Through services such as Libby, OverDrive, BorrowBox, Hoopla, or their local library’s digital platform, members can often borrow e-books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and research materials from anywhere in the world. This can be especially valuable for expatriates whose native language is not widely represented in Indonesian bookstores, as it provides ongoing access to reading materials for both adults and children without the need to purchase imported books. Before relocating, it may be worth checking whether your local library offers digital lending services and whether overseas access is permitted under your membership.
International Magazines
The availability of imported magazines has declined significantly as publishers have shifted toward digital subscriptions.
While some international magazines can still be found at airports, bookstores, and selected newsstands, most readers now access publications through digital subscriptions and apps.
Digital versions are usually cheaper, more current, and easier to access than imported print editions.
Books on Indonesia
For readers interested in learning more about Indonesia, Periplus remains one of the country’s most important publishers and booksellers.
Popular subjects include:
- Indonesian history
- Culture and customs
- Travel
- Textiles and batik
- Architecture
- Flora and fauna
- Religion
- Language learning
Large Periplus and Kinokuniya branches often carry the best selection of English-language books on Indonesia.
Buying Books Before You Move
Many expatriates still bring favorite books with their household shipment, particularly specialized professional references, academic texts, or books in languages that may be difficult to find in Indonesia.
However, the growth of digital reading platforms has made it far easier to access books from overseas than it was in previous decades.
Preserving Books in Indonesia’s Tropical Climate
Indonesia’s high humidity can quickly damage books through mold, mildew, and paper deterioration.
To protect your collection:
- Store books in an air-conditioned room whenever possible.
- Avoid placing books directly against exterior walls.
- Keep books out of direct sunlight.
- Allow air circulation around bookshelves.
- Use silica gel packets to reduce moisture.
- Regularly inspect books for signs of mold or insects.
Collectors with large libraries often use dehumidifiers in addition to air conditioning to protect valuable books.
Final Thoughts
While Indonesia may not offer the same range of physical bookstores found in North America, Europe, or Singapore, finding reading material is easier than ever. Between Periplus, Gramedia, online retailers, e-books, audiobooks, and digital library subscriptions, most expatriates can maintain their reading habits with relatively little difficulty during their stay in Indonesia.
