Without access to a public library, we have no choice but to buy our own children books. Big mall bookstores such as Kinokuniya are convenient but expensive, but I know just the place.
Bybooks and friends run small stalls located in various malls around the city (Epicentrum Walk, Bellagio, FX Sudirman…), where most of the books are second hand (some are new), mostly in good condition, and more importantly very very cheap (from Rp5,000 to 45,000 per book). I try to visit once every 2-3 months and have bought at least 30 books over the past year, including this book, this book and this book.
The locations of the bookstalls change regularly and the best way to keep up is Instagram, where they publish their monthly calendar.
And if you go to the stall at Epicentrum Walk, cross the street and walk over to Lucky Cat for coffee and a nice lunch.
And if I need to buy a book for a gift and don’t have the time to go to a bookstore, I usually order online from Cloud and Books, which has a good selection and reliable service (mostly for babies and small children).
Bybooks at Epicentrum Walk (or Epiwalk)
Jalan Haji R. Rasuna Said, Setiabudi, Karet Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan.