David Headley reflects on his visit to Indonesia, the wonderful people he met and why Goldsboro Books is bringing signed first editions closer to Indonesian readers.
I've just returned from Jakarta, and what an incredible experience it was!
I went to Indonesia to celebrate the launch of Goldsboro Books with our partners at Big Bad Wolf Books, but I really wasn't prepared for quite how much I would enjoy my time there.
Jakarta is a fascinating city. Vibrant, busy, chaotic and full of life. But what made the trip so special were the people. I was overwhelmed by the warmth, friendliness and generosity of everyone I met. The hospitality was quite exceptional, and I honestly couldn't have been looked after better.
And the food! I ate far too much, but how could I not? There was so much variety, and I seemed to discover something new at every meal. I loved it, and I suspect there's still an awful lot more Indonesian food I need to try.
Of course, I was there for the books, and that made the experience even more special.
When Daniel and I started Goldsboro Books in Cecil Court in 1999, we had no idea where it might lead. We were two friends who loved books, particularly signed first editions, and wanted to share that enthusiasm with others.
Twenty-seven years later, Goldsboro is growing internationally, and Indonesia is an exciting part of that expansion.
We have been sending books to customers around the world for many years, including Indonesia, but the cost of international shipping has often been a barrier. By establishing a presence in these countries, we can bring Goldsboro closer to readers and collectors, making it easier and more affordable for them to enjoy our books.
Having recently opened our Malaysian bookshop in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia seemed the natural next step.
Our partnership with Big Bad Wolf Books has made this possible. Its founder, Andrew Yap, shares my passion for books and my belief that everyone should have the opportunity to discover the pleasure of reading. We both understand how books can enrich lives, and how discovering a book you love can be an experience you never forget.
I'm enormously grateful to Andrew for believing in Goldsboro and for giving us this opportunity. It's a pleasure to work with someone who shares my enthusiasm for books and what they can mean to people.
I must also thank Wandi Budianto and his extraordinary team in Indonesia. They went above and beyond to make my visit such a wonderful experience. Nothing was too much trouble, and their kindness, hard work and attention to detail meant I didn't have to worry about a thing. I really couldn't have wished for a better welcome.
One of the highlights of my visit was the official launch of Goldsboro Books at Wisma Habibie Ainun, the former home of Indonesia's third president, B. J. Habibie.
For those unfamiliar with him, President Habibie was a remarkable man. An engineer and intellectual as well as a national leader, he played an important role in Indonesia's history, particularly during its transition towards democracy. His former home, with its wonderful library, was a fitting place to celebrate books and introduce Goldsboro to a wider Indonesian audience.
I also had the enormous privilege of visiting the H. B. Jassin literary collection, an extraordinary archive preserving Indonesia's literary heritage. I was fortunate enough to see some remarkable books, including signed first editions that had belonged to H. B. Jassin himself.
But what I remember most about that visit was the young people who showed me around. Their excitement was infectious. They were so knowledgeable, so enthusiastic and clearly proud of the collection they were helping to preserve. I loved seeing that passion for books, particularly among a younger generation.
During my time in Jakarta, I also had the opportunity to speak with Indonesian journalists and television presenters about Goldsboro and the appeal of signed first editions. It was a pleasure to share our story and explain why these books mean so much to me.
I've spent much of my life surrounded by books, but I never tire of talking about why signed first editions are so special. For me, there's something wonderful about owning a copy of a book from its very first printing, particularly one signed by the person who wrote it. It creates a tangible connection with the author and a little piece of literary history that you can hold in your hands.
Indonesia has a population of more than 280 million people and a rich literary culture. There is a wonderful opportunity here to introduce more readers to the pleasure of owning and collecting these special books. Some will already know Goldsboro, but for many others, I hope this will be their first encounter with us.
Our first major opportunity to meet Indonesian readers and collectors will be at Big Bad Wolf's international book event later this month, where we'll be offering a selection of signed first editions, limited editions and other special books.
I particularly love the thought that someone might discover Goldsboro there and buy their very first signed first edition. Perhaps it will be the start of a lifelong passion for collecting. After all, that's how it began for me, with a book that captured my imagination and started an obsession that has never really gone away!
One of the great pleasures of working with books is discovering how much they bring people together. It doesn't matter where you live or what language you speak. The excitement of finding a book you love, meeting an author or adding something special to your collection is something readers everywhere understand.
And that's what I hope we can share with more people in Indonesia.
I came home from Jakarta feeling incredibly grateful. Not just for the opportunity to introduce Goldsboro to a wider audience, but for the friendships I've made, the people I've met and the generosity I've experienced.
I'm immensely proud of what Daniel and I have built over the past twenty-seven years, and I'm excited about what lies ahead for Goldsboro in Indonesia.
And I very much hope it won't be too long before I'm back in Indonesia. There are still far too many things I want to see, people I want to meet and, of course, dishes I haven't tried!
