A bookstore within a bookstore—that’s catchy enough on its own. But when it’s Gramedia Matraman at the helm—one of Jakarta’s well-known and cherished bookstores—the concept takes on deeper curiosity and meaning.
First opened 33 years ago, Gramedia Matraman is not only the largest branch among the long-standing chain’s 120 locations nationwide but arguably the most beloved. Anchored on the busy stretch of Matraman Raya Street, it’s long served as a destination for readers seeking familiarity, from its comprehensive selection of books and stationery to the comforting aisles many may have grown up wandering.
Now, a new chapter unfolds inside its very walls: Makarya, a bookstore-meets-coffee shop concept nestled on the building’s first floor, brought to life in collaboration with Smiljan Space.
“Makarya is one of the ways Gramedia is evolving—it’s our response to the times,” said Immaculata Adhista, who is in charge of business development at Gramedia. “We began asking ourselves, what’s the missing link between bookstores and readers today?” In realising this, Gramedia Matraman partnered with Tomi Wibisono, founder of independent bookstore Buku Akik in Yogyakarta, to spearhead and curate the space.
“It’s not a new phenomenon—you see it in Europe and America where big bookstore chains collaborate with independent bookstores,” said Tomi, who named the example of UK’s giant book chain, Waterstones, teaming up with independent bookshop and publisher, Daunt Books. “There’s a growing recognition that bookstores need to feel more human—Makarya was born from this spirit. We’re putting the focus back on the browsing experience, creating a space that invites people to not only stay and read, but engage beyond just buying a book.”
Compared to the three sprawling floors of Gramedia Matraman, Makarya feels intentionally compact and intimate. It fits a curated selection of books, merchandise, communal tables, and a coffee bar, all within a cosy nook-like corner of the building. Even the way books are displayed reflects a more personalised and current approach—like having a friend recommend what to read next. “For example, instead of labeling a shelf ‘Self-Improvement’ we call it ‘Get to Know Yourself’,” explained Adhista. “It’s a simple shift in approach that invites people in, makes them curious. Books should feel less intimidating—because at the end of the day, they are inclusive and are for everyone.”
Across the shelves, visitors will find an eclectic mix of local titles and English-language books from fiction, non-fiction, literature, history, and art to poetry—but a defining element of Makarya’s curation is its rotating themed sections. One current highlight is a section dedicated to important Palestinian writers, featuring titles like A Diary of Genocide by Atef Abu Saif and The Sea Cloak by Nayrouz Qarmout. Back in March, one shelf was filled with books that amplify women’s voices and stories in celebration of Women’s History Month. Other displays take on a lighter tone, honouring Indonesian poets like Sapardi Djoko Damono and Joko Pinurbo, or spotlighting books about bookstores themselves.
“At its core, Makarya is run by people who love books,” said Tomi. “Even the shelves are designed to ‘talk’—we leave notes and messages on them. It’s our way of sparking conversation, of letting the books speak to the readers.”
True to its spirit of collaboration, Makarya is made complete with the presence of Smiljan Coffee. For Smiljan’s founder Rahmat ‘Kibo’ Indrani, it’s important to instil a culture of hospitality that shapes how people engage with the space and experience it at their own pace. “Traditionally, bookstores and coffee shops were seen as separate public spaces. But these days, they overlap more and more,” said Kibo. “So when you combine the two with the right intention, it becomes something meaningful.” Kibo added, “Moreover, we don’t police how people use the space. If someone wants to bring their own book and read, they’re welcome to do so.”
To further enrich the experience at Makarya, the team regularly hosts programmes that merge literary and creative culture, with book clubs, author talks, and publisher meet-and-greets already in motion. A recent highlight explored the works of seminal Indonesian writer Pramoedya Ananta Toer, focusing on the role of women in his novels—one of their events held in celebration of #SeabadPram (100 years of Pramoedya). Another occasion welcomed Indonesian indie band The Upstairs for a Tiny Desk-style performance.
“At first, it was hard to imagine that kind of event happening in a bookstore—but as it turns out, it was possible,” Adhista recalled gleefully, hinting that more of these cross-cultural gatherings may be on the horizon.
Backed by a shared vision to evolve Gramedia—and, ultimately, a broader hope for greater literacy in Indonesia—Makarya joins a quiet wave of bookstores rethinking their role. It opens up a space that feels less commercial and more grounded in connection, designed to be inhabited rather than just visited. As Adhista puts it, “It’s not the lack of interest in books, but how we introduce and bring books closer to people again. It’s about rekindling the habit of visiting bookstores in a more meaningful, personal way.”
