NOW! Jakarta
6 Best Art Galleries in Jakarta: Art Spaces, Museums and Galleries
Jakarta’s art scene, contrary to popular belief, is thriving. Over the last decade or so, galleries in Jakarta have been democratised, with art spaces and art fairs encouraging a wider audience to enjoy, appreciate and engage with a diverse array of artists and their works. Annual art events like Art Moments and ART Jakarta have
Prominent Women’s Communities in Jakarta
As the world marks International Women’s Day on 8 March and Indonesia celebrates Kartini Day on 21 April this year, it is only fitting that for this edition’s community section we turn the spotlight to these remarkable women’s communities in Jakarta. These communities, many of which were established decades ago, not only provide a valuable
ASEAN-India Spring Bazaar: A Celebration of Art, Culture & Food
Taking place on Thursday, 1 May 2025, the ASEAN-India Spring Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace at The Westin Jakarta, Kuningan that brings together the best of art, culture, shopping, and food. Art-lovers are free to explore stunning artwork throughout the art exhibitions from talented artists celebrating ASEAN-India heritage. Discover handcrafted jewelry, ethnic fashion, home décor,
Bacha Coffee Gives a Toast to Ramadan Tradition and Gratitude
Bacha Coffee welcomes renewed beginnings with a celebration of senses and scents for Ramadan this year. The legendary Moroccan coffeehouse creates memories throughout the season with moments of coffee-led Iftar gatherings, through various tastes, aromas and experiences where flavour and ceremony intertwine. Founded in Marrakech, Morocco in 1910 in the Dar el Bacha palace, the
Where the Sidewalks End: ISA Gallery’s Ode to the In-Between
Have you ever wondered what exists beyond the edges of certainty—the spaces between destinations, the pauses between decisions, the thresholds where one world blurs into another? Well, Where the Sidewalks End, the latest exhibition at ISA Gallery, invites you to step into these liminal spaces, where the familiar dissolves and the unknown hums with possibility.
Raising Resilient Minds: Redea Institute Hosts Children’s Mental Health Workshop Series
In an era where discussions around mental health are gaining momentum, concerns about children’s emotional well-being have become increasingly pressing. Terms like “healing” are now commonplace, yet reports of anxiety disorders, depression, and behavioural challenges continue to rise. This raises an important question: Is today’s generation more vulnerable to mental health issues? According to the
Istiqlal Mosque: A Symbol of Pluralism in Jakarta
A stone’s throw from Jakarta Cathedral, deliberately placed as a symbol of pluralism, the colossal Istiqlal Mosque (Masjid Istiqlal) matches the magnificence of its predecessors. Built by the post-colonial government, the ‘fervour of independence’ certainly comes through in the design of mosque, much as it did with Monas: visions of buildings exuding symbolism and monumentalism.
Jakarta Cathedral: A Neo-Gothic Masterpiece in Indonesia
A vision of towering spires and intricate stonework, the Jakarta Cathedral, officially named Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga (The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption), is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. Completed in 1901, its construction followed almost 70 years after Willemskerk (Immanuel Jakarta), owing to the Netherlands’ allegiance to Protestantism prior
Immanuel Church Jakarta: One of Indonesia’s Oldest Churches
Standing opposite Gambir train station is one of Indonesia’s oldest churches, Immanuel Church Jakarta, built in 1839 during Dutch occupation. Originally it was named Willemskerk, after then-monarch King Willem I of Netherlands, and was thus aptly placed beside what was then called Koningsplein, King’s Square, or Merdeka Square today. The construction of the church was
Monumental Places of Worship: Religious Diversity in Jakarta
A trio of unique but equally astounding places of worship stand on the borders surrounding Merdeka Square, their shared presence symbolic of Indonesia’s mission to uphold religious diversity. The Immanuel Church, Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque are destinations in their own rights; even for non-worshipping guests, the architecture and history of each of these
Guide to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: Jakarta’s Cultural Theme Park
Located in East Jakarta, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a cultural theme park that encapsulates the rich diversity of Indonesia’s heritage. Envisioned by the wife of Suharto, Siti Hartinah (better known as Ibu Tien Suharto), it was inaugurated in April 1975. Taman Mini certainly followed the ethos of President Suharto’s government, one focused on
Guide to Museum Nasional Indonesia: Jakarta’s Institution of Culture & History
Standing regally on the western edge of Jakarta’s Merdeka Square, Museum Nasional Indonesia is an institution of immense cultural and historical significance. Established in 1868, it is the country’s oldest and largest museum, often referred to as “Museum Gajah” or the “Elephant Building” due to the bronze elephant statue gifted by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand
Guide to Istana Merdeka: Indonesia’s Presidential Palace in Jakarta
Driving down Jalan Merdeka Utama, it is impossible not to catch a glimpse of Indonesia’s presidential palace, Istana Merdeka, commanding and elegant. All in white, with its grand colonnaded façade and towering archway wings, it is a marvellous display of neoclassical architecture, boasting 30 rooms and halls. As such, it makes for a fitting residence
