From Cikini to the Corners of TIM: A Day Exploring the Jakarta Library
Who would have thought that today I would finally make the trip to the library that tops my list of favourite libraries. How is that possible? Even though it’s my favourite, I’ve only visited once this year.
So, how did it become my favourite library? Don’t worry, be patient. During my university years, especially from the fifth semester onwards, I often visited Taman Ismail Marzuki, or TIM. Then I would stop by the library and fall in love with it because it has so many great literary books.
Especially after the revitalisation, it’s amazing, the place is comfortable, there are more co-working spaces, and there are plenty of reading areas with a view. Even the opening hours are longer. And the other supporting facilities are also excellent.
The address of the Jakarta Library and PDS H.B. Jassin is: Jl. Cikini Raya No. 73, Taman Ismail Marzuki Complex, Central Jakarta.
Finally, this morning I made time to explore the Jakarta Library PDS H.B. Jassin. I left from Bogor station around 10:00 am and arrived at Cikini station around 11:15 am, and then I continued walking to the Jakarta Library.
Actually, I could have taken Jaklingko. Get off at Gondangdia station. But, in order to relive my university days when I often walked, I chose to walk.
Unfortunately, the atmosphere in Cikini is different this time. In the past, walking in that area was quite pleasant. Now? Hmm, I had to take a few deep breaths because several online motorcycle taxis were driving through the pedestrian area, and I witnessed it with my own eyes. I felt like shouting, “Hey, this is a road for pedestrians.”
Has anyone else experienced the same thing? I asked a few friends, and they had similar opinions. Pedestrians in that area are indeed often disturbed by drivers who insist on driving through the pedestrian area. Hopefully, there will be strict action soon, because it is dangerous and uncomfortable for pedestrians.
I stopped in front of SegoTu. Then I looked at the menu and ordered a portion of Cumi Madura. The squid is black in the picture on the menu. It looks delicious, I thought.
Then, I waited for a few minutes. And the complete menu arrived. It contains: white rice, tempeh with red chili sauce, black squid, sambal, and vegetables. The portion is very filling, thank goodness.
I ate it with pleasure and devotion. Soon, many people sat at the tables around and ordered. This stall became the busiest.
After finishing eating, I decided to go to the mosque because the Zuhur prayer was about to begin. The mosque was already quite crowded with worshippers.
After finishing, I continued walking to the Jakarta Library PDS H.B. Jassin building. On the way, I looked around the area again. When I was in university, I often made time to watch theatre at TIM.
Yes, when I was in junior and senior high school, one of the extracurricular activities I participated in was theatre, hehehe. Surprisingly, I always got the antagonist role. So I learned about vocal training, gestures, etc. My first theatre teacher in junior high school was named Pak Mukhlis, and he often taught us about dubbing.
It’s really nostalgic, hahaha. Creative art spaces are always interesting to look at and immerse yourself in for a while. It’s like there’s a world that can be explored.