Look at You from The Highest Library, The National Library of Republic Indonesia, Jakarta

Hello traveler in the whole world...mappin...

Wow, finally I have time to create a story about my travel journal in Jakarta, specifically in Central Jakarta. On another day, when I confuse about where I should go on my off time, I’ve chosen around Central Jakarta, a place that I have never been before. But deciding where place that I should stop by first is never easy, as you know. Grateful, nowadays social media is a part of your decision, and it goes to the National Library of the Republic Indonesia.

Let's get it!

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The National Library of Republic Indonesia
_{Central Jakarta}

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It's been eight years since I've been in Jakarta, but I've never been to the National Library. My former workplace—my first job in Jakarta—was very close to this location. But why did I only recently discover its existence? Thanks, of course, to social media, for bringing me so many interesting videos about this library that I was finally drawn to visit.

First, when I saw the front of the National Library building, I felt a sense of déjà vu. I felt like I'd seen it somewhere. Perhaps it was the "welcome" sign in various languages that made me feel like I'd seen it long before social media showed it.
Even though it was a weekday, the National Library was packed with visitors. I don't know what event was going on, but it was quite busy. I suspect they were victims of social media like me. Since I'd already set foot in the National Library, I didn't care how crowded it was; I still had to see the National Monument (Monas) from the library's best vantage point.

No, I don't just want to see Monas; I also want to see what the National Library is like. Are there any books I can borrow? If so, do I have to be a member to read them? As you know, just reading them in the library isn't enough, so I prefer taking them home.

So, follow me for more story...

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Presidents of Indonesia Gallery

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Okay, let’s start with this section. When you enter the building, at least at that time, there is an exhibition featuring some influential figures in my country—which are the presidents who have served since Indonesia’s independence starting from 1945.

I won’t explain who they are because I’m afraid it will detect this post as AI, which is would be hurtful when you write down it by yourself. What I want to say about the mini exhibition is about what these seven presidents have achieved, such as what books you can read to get to know more about all these important figures.

And this is the thing that I love to see in three or ten minutes... A big globe...

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Welcome to 24th Floors...

When you see this carved wooden statue, it means you're on the 24th floor. This is the most visited floor because it has a balcony with a skyline view. But before I go to that balcony, I'll show you what the library is like on the 24th floor.

This floor is where many people come to read history books, books closely related to the culture of each Indonesian province, and a collection of various knick-knacks typical of each province. There's also a lounge on this floor where workers—not necessarily those who work in the building—can use their laptops while enjoying the view of the city's bustling skyline.

In the corner of the room, before entering the executive lounge, you'll find shelves filled with books on history, culture, and religion. I browsed through the shelves but couldn't find anything I wanted to read. It seems the book collection on this floor needs updating so that people who come here aren't just working or relaxing on the balcony, but also reading. But never mind, maybe I'm just on the wrong floor...

By the way, I like how these shelves are arranged in a unique and smooth shape.

And this is a special shelf displaying cultural collections from each province. I can only share photos of the cultural collections on the ground floor. There's bamboo weaving and traditional houses. Very interesting, isn't it?

The Palawa handwriting is one of the type of writing used by the Indonesian people before the formation of the Nusantara archipelago. They typically wrote these handwriting on wooden for communication, before the invention of paper. Correct me if I'm wrong…

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The Balcony

Welcome to the balcony, the favorite spot...

This is the view you can see from one of the balconies. Yes, there are two balconies. One at the back and one at the front. This is the view from the back. I couldn't pass up the view from this back balcony, even though others prefer the front balcony. The view of the city from here is also beautiful, isn't it?

…and this is the most popular spot among visitors. The view of the National Monument. This is the front balcony overlooking the National Monument. Isn't it beautiful? This view went viral on social media, and it finally lured me to visit it too.

Libraries are a popular destination, and finding a unique, public library in Jakarta isn't difficult. You just have to open your social media. Library managers have successfully introduced new covers to attract visitors. However, they've forgotten to upgrade the books inside, ensuring that people come to the library solely for the purpose of reading.

What do you think?

Nowadays,

Hasta La Vista...

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Thanks in advance, to read my blog and hope you like my post!
See you on the next post...

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