Buku

Buku is the Indonesian and Malay term for a bound collection of pages, usually written or printed, intended to convey information or tell a story. A book can be a novel, a scholarly monograph, a textbook, a reference work, a diary, or any other assembled written material. The word buku denotes the physical object rather than a specific content, and is used across Indonesian and Malay-speaking communities.

The linguistic origin of the word buku is not definitively established, but it has become the standard term for a printed or written volume in these languages. Historically, before the widespread use of printing, people in the region produced palm-leaf manuscripts and handwritten codices. The introduction of the printing press in Asia through colonial networks in the 17th century facilitated mass production of books. The modern publishing industry expanded alongside education systems in the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to evolve with digital formats such as e-books and audiobooks.

Books vary in form, length, and purpose. They may include novels, textbooks, reference works, religious texts, or non-fiction. They typically feature elements such as a title, table of contents, chapters, and an index, and are bound in a cover with typography and illustrations. Book distribution relies on libraries, bookstores, and online platforms, with cataloging systems and identifiers like the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) to aid recognition and access.

Culturally, books play a key role in education, literacy, and cultural transmission in Indonesian- and Malay-speaking communities. They contribute to learning, research, and personal or professional development.