About Us
NOW! Jakarta started publishing in January 2009 with a clear mission: to support the international community in Jakarta with positive, insightful, experienced and well-written stories about life in the capital.
We understood that we were not hard news nor glossy “lifestyle” magazine, but something unique, a blend of culture and good living, of community and education, of eating, drinking, having fun and doing sport. We take no political stance or support any party, but champion good governance and improvements to the living conditions and standards of the people. We try to introduce culture at every opportunity and support all the charities that we can. We hope that you can join us in this constant challenge to uphold standards, do “the right thing” wherever possible – but still have fun!
Our Storytellers
NOW! Jakarta has a diverse range of full-time writers and contributors whose expertise and excellence are what make our media platform something to be proud of. We wouldn’t be who we are without those who share their stories through us.
Alistair Speirs, Founder
Alistair has been in the publishing, advertising and PR business for 25 years. He started NOW! Magazines as the region’s preferred community magazine.
Refa Koetin
A full-time, dream-powered writer constantly defeating his nemesis, the notorious writer’s block, Refa handles any and all editorial affairs within the company, including NOW! Jakarta publication and other projects. When not writing in his second home (the office), he can be found roaming the city hunting happy hours or exploring its diverse culinary scene. He is also a sci-fi addict, ex-gamer, fitness junkie, beer lover and burger fan, among other things. Hit up +62 856 188 0336 for nerd talk or happy hour info.
Asyariefah, R.A.
Born into a nature-loving family, Asyariefah enjoys the outdoors. Now! Jakarta provides her favourite collection of narratives with a sense of helping establish her identity. Some of her key areas of expertise include human interest, arts & culture, travel and features.
Sari Widiati
Sari has been an arts and culture enthusiast for many years. She has written extensively on the arts, travel, and social issues as Features Writer at NOW! Jakarta.
Rintang Azhar
Rintang has experience in hard news and lifestyle journalism. He specialises in art, design, culture, fashion, digital, and environmental issues.
David Metcalf
David Metcalf is a resident of Bali, an author, film producer, professional photographer and specialises in taking people on cultural/photography tours. He supports educational, literacy projects in Kalimantan and creates large indigenous gatherings in Indonesia www.davidmetcalfphotography.com.
Susanna Tjokro
Susanna has written articles for various magazines and newspapers. She writes about up and coming retail brands in her column “Made in Indonesia” at NOW! Jakarta.
Stephanie Brookes
Stephanie is an author and travel writer who lives in Bali and covers the cultural Hidden Heritage section monthly. Traveling to far reaches of Indonesia, Stephanie finds stories of myths and legends and covers cultural festivals. From Aceh to Timor her stories feature remote places across the archipelago. See more of her stories on www.travelwriter.ws
Erza S.T.
Erza S.T. is the founder of Indonesia Opera Society and has helped contribute to the city’s classical music scene. An avid traveller, he writes about his forays around the world for NOW! Jakarta’s travel section.
Amir Sidharta
Amir Sidharta leads Sidharta Auctioneer, an auction house specialising in fine arts that he founded in 2005. He is also co-founder and chairman of Yayasan Mitra Museum Jakarta. A writer and photographer, he has published several books and his work has appeared across several media outlets.
John Paul
John Paul studied music in Germany and Italy. He founded an annual charity concert in 2011, helping over 200 children stay in and or return to school.