Ali Alatas Library was originally known as the BPPK Library, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Library initially meant only for internal purposes in the Foreign Ministry, the day shows its importance as one of the source of data for the general public, especially among students, academics and researchers to find relevant references on Indonesian foreign policy and international issues. To answer the need for the development, the BPPK Library adding the number of collections of books, applying online catalog systems, developing e-library by using the open source program called "Senayan", completing facilities and infrastructure by providing computer space and Ali Alatas Memorabilia featuring a collection of books donated by the former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas , desk and chair that he used every day and other private collections.  Ali Alatas Library until today has a collection of 16,000 books, of which 9000 have been input into the system of OPAC on-line in the library. In addition to the library to make management more effective and efficient, the library will facilitate the search for sources of information you want online at the address www.e-library.deplu.go.id

The BPPK Library changed the name into Ali Alatas Library as a form of credit to the Late Ali Alatas as the first career diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as an honour to his service and dedication to the development of Indonesian diplomacy. As a contribution to the progress of the library, Former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas through his wife, Mrs. Junisa Alatas, has donated his personal collection of books, desks, cabinets, a set of guest chairs and a rug to the Library. Hassan Wirajuda, Monday, October 19, 2009, expected to be the focal point for other libraries in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and as a source of reference and related information on Indonesian foreign policy and international issues among others for the internal purposes in the Foreign Ministry in particular, as well as academics and the public in general.