Sari Widiati
WIC Jakarta’s 56th Annual Charity Bazaar: A Global Gathering of Giving
The Women’s International Club (WIC) Jakarta successfully hosted its 56th Annual Charity Bazaar on 19-20 November 2025, at Hall B of the Jakarta International Convention Center. The event once again brought together cultures, communities, and goodwill under one roof. This year’s bazaar was officially opened by the second lady, Selvi Gibran Rakabuming. Also in attendance
Wonderwhy Magazine Documents the Pulse of Southeast Asia
After years of digitally documenting micro-cultures across Southeast Asia, in the last year Wonderwhy ventured into the printed media landscape, sharing their stories through modern and design-forward publications that invite readers to explore authentic editorial takes. In October 2025, Wonderwhy published their third edition of the year, Mindful Eater, following the success of their two
The Untold Story of Senayan: Sacrifice, Patriotism and Transformation
Senayan, a central district of Jakarta, stands as a reminder of the importance of appreciating local history when tracing the city’s development. Its transformation into a modern business hub reflects Jakarta’s broader socioeconomic changes, yet it was made possible through the sacrifices of the city’s native residents, the Betawi people who accepted displacement in the
Urban Climbers
As an adventure sport easily found within the city limits, wall climbing has been steadily growing in popularity in Jakarta. There’s no need to head to distant cliffs or mountains, or worry about the weather, with climbing destinations located even in major malls, this urban pastime is taking sports enthusiasts to new heights. “It’s a
WayKan Coffee: Brewing Change from A Rural Village of Lampung
From a rural village in Lampung, Sumatra, emerged WayKan Coffee, a brand that carries not only the flavour of its land but also the resilience of its people. More than just coffee, it is a story of women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, and community growth. In Gunung Katun village, Way Kanan Regency, four hours by land
Gabus Pucung: The Dish That Binds Betawi Families
This traditional Betawi dish takes its name from its two key ingredients: gabus (snakehead fish) and pucung, the seed of the kepayang tree. Once a common meal in the swamps and rice paddies of old Jakarta, gabus pucung today is often prepared for special occasions and cherished as a symbol of friendship and togetherness. The
The New Face of M Bloc Space
After six years of pioneering creative placemaking in Indonesia, M Bloc Space unveiled its refreshed look through the Grand Launching of the ‘New Face of M Bloc Space’ on 27 October 2025. First opened to the public in 2019, M Bloc Space transformed what was once an abandoned site belonging to Indonesia’s money printing company
A Feast of Threads: Mulyana’s Playful Bites at Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace
Bandung-based artist Mulyana, better known as Mang Moel, brings his signature modular knitting and crochet techniques to the theme of food in his exhibition Food Monster: Playful Bites at Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace, Jakarta, running from 1 October to 31 December 2025. For over a decade, Mang Moel has been transforming yarn into imaginative, tactile worlds through
A New French Corner Opens Inside Gramedia Makarya Matraman
A new chapter in literary and cultural exchange between France and Indonesia was marked when the French Embassy in Indonesia and Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI), in collaboration with Kompas Gramedia and Penerbit Erlangga, announced the recipient of the inaugural AYO BACA! program at Gramedia Makarya Matraman on 12 September 2025. Launched by French Minister of
Tracing Indonesia’s Banking Journey in Kota Tua Jakarta
The history of banking in Indonesia is deeply intertwined with its legacy of colonialism and journey towards independence. To explore this rich history, visitors can wander through Kota Tua, West Jakarta, where museums vividly portray the evolution of Indonesian banking,from the Dutch colonial era to post-Reformasi (reformation). When visiting Kota Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town, most
Ki.Basic: Carrying Culture, Weaving Meaning
From its indigenous roots to its transformation into a contemporary fashion statement, the noken is more than just a bag. In the hands of Ki.Basic, this traditional woven bag from Papua has evolved into a stylish and meaningful fashion item that invites modern consumers to experience the cultural journey and philosophy behind each piece. Photos
Tari Cokek: A Cultural Fusion of Dance and Heritage
Tari cokek (cokek dance) represents a rich cultural journey rooted in the traditions of the Peranakan Chinese community in Tangerang, Banten province, and Jakarta. Once a sacred ritual performed in temples, this dance has evolved into a vibrant social and artistic expression that continues to reflect Indonesia’s dynamic multicultural spirit. Tari cokek evolved from a
Rediscovering Borobudur’s Hidden Narratives
Borobudur Temple is often seen as a grand symbol of Indonesia’s cultural heritage—a majestic structure crowned with stupas and decorated with Ramayana reliefs. Yet for painter Sohieb Toyaroja, its true essence lies hidden in plain sight. By thoughtfully studying 1,460 narrative reliefs, Sohieb distilled their ancient wisdom into just nine personal and intimate paintings. His
