Feature: Independent bookstores thrive as cultural hubs in Indonesia's digital age

by Hayati Nupus

JAKARTA, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Amid the shifting landscape of literacy and the challenges of the digital era, independent bookstores in Indonesia continue not only to survive but also to thrive, evolving into much more than spaces for simple transactions.

These bookstores have become gathering places, forums for dialogue, and small cultural hubs where communities find connection and inspiration.

One such place is Post, a bookstore tucked inside a corridor on the second floor of Pasar Santa, South Jakarta. Modest in size, it nevertheless radiates the warmth of an old friend's living room.

When Xinhua visited recently, its wooden shelves were filled with indie books, while a few chairs and a corner table invited guests to read. Jazz music played softly in the background, accompanied by fresh flowers and the warm greetings of its hosts.

Some visitors were lost in the pages of their books, while others exchanged recommendations, compared synopses, or clutched their chosen titles close.

"This is more than a store that sells books. It is a third space where we meet fellow readers, stumble upon old friends, encounter authors, and interact with booksellers," said Waraney Rawung, a loyal visitor who comes almost every weekend and often leaves with more stories than shopping bags.

Founded in July 2014 by Teddy Kusuma and Maesy Angelina, Post began as a small 4-by-2 meter room with just a few shelves. Driven by a love of books and a desire for a more people-friendly city, the couple focused on works by independent authors and publishers, as well as rare titles absent from mainstream stores.

Today, Post's collection strikes a balance between Indonesian and English titles, all curated according to the owners' tastes and principles.

"We only sell books we genuinely love, books we can wholeheartedly recommend," Teddy said.

Post also regularly hosts intimate events, such as reading circles, discussion groups, and a silent reading café where guests enjoy coffee and snacks.

Meanwhile, the bookstore occasionally collaborates with other communities, though many events arise organically from conversations with visitors. Recently, for instance, it held a collective reading of Gaza Monologues by Palestinian writers.

Since 2016, Post has also ventured into publishing, releasing one title per year with ongoing reprints, while maintaining a balance between community engagement, financial sustainability, and its own identity.

Yet expansion is not on the horizon. "We want to do this until we grow old here at Pasar Santa. This is our home, and this is where Post's story will continue to grow," Teddy said.

In Malang, East Java, another independent bookstore, Griya Buku Pelangi (Rainbow Book House), grew out of Pelangi Sastra Malang (Malang Literary Rainbow), a community founded in 2010 by poets Ragil Supriyanto and Denny Mizhar.

"The bookstore and the community support each other. Part of the book sales also funds the community's operations," Denny explained.

Monthly book discussions are held at the store or nearby cafes, drawing dozens of participants who explore Indonesian and international works or discuss current issues in literature.

Their newest program, Rabu Nyastra (Literary Wednesday), launched last week as a weekly forum where members present their own stories or poems, receiving feedback, critique, and reading suggestions from fellow participants.

"For community members, each discussion leaves a unique impression, proving that literature remains alive even in the simplest of gatherings," Denny said.

The bookstore also organizes writing classes, covering short stories, poetry, and essays, eventually compiling participants' works into published volumes sold in the shop.

Since 2018, the bookstore has hosted the annual Malang Literary Festival, featuring discussions, film screenings, music, theater, and workshops. Last year's four-day festival attracted over 1,000 visitors from across the region.

Looking ahead, Denny hopes more independent bookstores will emerge across Indonesia, helping make books more accessible. He also envisions literary communities, writers, and discussion forums continuing to grow in order to expand readership and nurture quality works. ■