An Interview with H.E. Johanna Brismar Skoog Ambassador of Sweden to Indonesia
The charming Johanna Brismar Skoog recently took the time to meet NOW! Jakarta for an interview, during which she spoke about Sweden-Indonesia relations, her first 2 1/2 years in Jakarta, and what can be done in order to follow in Sweden’s footsteps when it comes to gender equality. Jakarta was your first post as Ambassador.
Toast The Macallan A Delight For Whisky Connoisseurs
“Whisky, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it’s time to drink,” bestselling Japanese author Haruki Murakami once said. Indonesian whisky connoisseurs rejoiced when the iconic event “Toast The Macallan” returned to Jakarta for the second time from October 18 to 21. Founded in 1824, The Macallan was one of the first
An Interview with H.E. Paivi Hiltunen-Toivio Ambassador of Finland to Indonesia
From enchanting winter wonderlands to never-ending summer days – Finland’s scenic beauty is beyond description all year around. The Finnish Embassy in Indonesia was established in 1974, but the relationship between the two countries can actually be traced back as far as the 1920s. We spoke with H.E. Päivi Hiltunen-Toivio, who is now entering her
Bringing French Flair to Jakarta
Saint Tropez conjures up many images: celebrities, summer, sunshine and sandy beaches. Swimwear brand Vilebrequin, which was born at the French Riviera, now brings a whiff of this art-de-vivre to Jakarta by opening its first store at Plaza Indonesia. The story of Vilebrequin starts in the early 1970s when Fred Prysquel, a French photographer and
An Education for Life
Montessori is an education for independence, preparing not just for school, but for life. – Maria Montessori Montessori is an approach to education based upon the principle that schooling should work with the nature of the child instead of against it. Therefore, education should be based upon scientific study of the child and a resulting
The Cultural Treasures of Solo
Once the royal city of the great Mataram kingdom, Solo is still deeply entrenched in its Javanese heritage. Solo may be lacking the hustle and bustle of big cities like Yogyakarta and Jakarta, but therein lays its biggest appeal; here, everything seems a little bit quieter, more peaceful, and almost sleepy. Travellers usually head straight
Alila Solo, Dare To Be Different
Alila Solo stands tall – and not just literally. The highest building in the Central Javanese city, the hotel has taken the hospitality industry in Solo to the next level. Though it is a stylish urban retreat with resort-inspired features, the hotel doesn’t forget the roots of Solo and its unique culture, entrenched in centuries-old traditions
Balik Jakarta: The Search of Home
In a world where living in and travelling to foreign countries and cities has long become a normality, fostering cultural understanding remains an important issue. How can we avoid cultural clashes and encourage mutual interest in one another? And if we manage to do so, will we be able to take roots and eventually call
Introducing New Ambassadors to Indonesia
President Joko Widodo recently welcomed 18 new Ambassadors to Jakarta as they presented their credential letters during an official ceremony at the State Palace. We have spoken to some of the Ambassador’s expectations of their time in Indonesia and the focus of their work in the years to come. H.E. Michael Freiherr von Ungern-Sternberg, Ambassador of
Memories of Christmas
Come December, the most magical time of the year begins. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the air is filled with anticipation, for children and adults alike. Every family usually follows their very own Christmas traditions. We asked a couple of Jakarta-based foreigners about their most beloved Christmas memories. General Manager Sari Pan Pacific
Quintessential Lowland Malt
Scottish people are known for their warmth and friendliness, their sense of humour, and most of all, their love of good whisky. Auchentoshan – pronounced “Ock-un-tosh-un” – is one of only three remaining malt distilleries in the Lowland whisky region of Scotland. Established in 1823, Auchentoshan is renowned for its smoothness and light body, which
The Power of Photography
In this day and age, everybody who owns a smartphone with an integrated camera can snap pictures at any given moment. In addition, popular and fast-growing social media networks like Instagram are providing a platform to post these photos online for the whole world to see, like and comment on. Photos By Edy Purnomo
Winter Highlight in France
Colourful lavender fields in Provence, wine tasting in the region of Bordeaux and sunbathing at the French Riviera – France attracts millions of tourists in summertime. But the country is just as mesmerizing in winter. Here are some travel ideas for those who would like to experience a different kind of France. Exploring the French