The New Literary Oasis: How UIII’s Jusuf Kalla Library is Transforming Learning in Depok

DEPOK, Indonesia — On a quiet stretch in the city’s suburban Cimanggis district, the new Jusuf Kalla Library is breathing fresh life into Depok’s cultural landscape, merging modern learning spaces with traditional aesthetics to create an inviting sanctuary for book lovers, students, and young professionals alike.

Since opening its doors at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Jusuf Kalla Library has been a magnet for Depok’s curious minds, providing a destination that melds both recreation and reflection. As Alonesia reporter Herwin notes, “it’s a destination where reading is made not just accessible but enjoyable, for just Rp 10,000.”

The library has been praised for its inclusive design and approachability. But what makes Jusuf Kalla Library at UIII campus truly exceptional is its versatility. Featuring bean bags and flexible seating arrangements, a spacious working area, and a podcast studio, this isn’t a traditional library — it’s a multi-use educational hub, drawing hundreds of visitors daily, particularly among Gen Z and millennials, who appreciate the library’s flexible work-from-anywhere setup. It has become a favorite spot for those seeking an affordable, relaxing workspace, complete with complimentary Wi-Fi and open seating.

In a time when public libraries often find themselves struggling for relevance, Jusuf Kalla Library is creating an educational model that resonates profoundly with the digital generation. Its design captures a balance of structure and freedom: the building’s open concept and tranquil gardens allow for both scholarly focus and casual relaxation.

Besides academic resources, the library includes an on-site mosque, whose serene, contemporary architecture complements the quiet study areas. These features, locals say, are making Jusuf Kalla Library not just a learning center but a true “oasis” of reflection and personal growth — a sentiment now resonating far beyond Depok as TikTok videos of the space have gone viral, pushing daily foot traffic as high as 1,000 visitors.

As Wahyuning Kurniawati of Info Mase aptly observes, the library is designed not only for seasoned scholars but also for young people who seek “a fresh and inspiring place to create.” Such spaces, though rare in Indonesia, set Jusuf Kalla Library apart as a forward-thinking institution bridging the traditional and modern, a project of UIII Depok has long awaited. []

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