Manga and Libraries: Bridging Popular Culture and Literacy Institutions in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest manga and anime fan communities. For decades, titles such as Doraemon, Detective Conan, Naruto, and One Piece have shaped youth reading culture and fandom in different ways. Yet Indonesian libraries and cultural institutions have not fully recognized manga culture as part of contemporary literacy practices. This paper examines how libraries respond to manga fandom and youth readership in Indonesia, highlighting gaps in collections, access, and engagement programs, while exploring opportunities for libraries to connect with young readers through popular culture.