Sari Widiati
Gigi Balang: A Classic Betawi Ornament
Gigi balang is a traditional Betawi pattern often used in vernacular architecture. Beyond simple decoration, this ornamental pattern is symbolic of a Betawi philosophy on life. The term gigi balang comes from gigi belalang, or ‘grasshopper teeth’. This comes from the idea that grasshoppers, on their pursuit to bite their way through wood, can only do
GBK: Jakarta’s Legendary Landmark Undergoing Transformation
The Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex (GBK) is currently undergoing a transformation in land use, adopting a multifunctional and inclusive approach to elevate its status as a leading sports hub and a world-class venue for cultural, entertainment, and tourism events in Southeast Asia. Born from the visionary thoughts of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, GBK was
Bubur Ase: A Special Betawi Porridge
At the beginning of the 20th century, bubur ase was a popular food among Batavia residences and was a mainstay for Betawi society. A bowl of this special rice porridge, full of nutritious condiments, warmed stomachs and provided sustenance for the day. Other than being a favourite breakfast meal, the dish is an example of
Doha: Honouring History in an Ultra-Modern City
Qatar, powered by the great wealth of their natural resources, have since channeled their endowments into growing its cities and experiences, transforming this Middle-east nation into something of the future. Now, old desert forts contrast the hyper-modern cityscapes, especially that of Doha, the capital and hub of Qatar’s evolution. TouchIng down at the Hamad International
Pasar Baru: Jakarta’s Historic Shopping Arcade
Specifically built by the Dutch Colonial government to accommodate the shopping cravings of European and Dutch elites in Batavia, Pasar Baru — or Passer Baroe, as it was called then — became a melting pot of communities and ethnicities, from Chinese, Indians, Europeans, and even Malays. Considered the city’s oldest shopping arcade, Pasar Baru continues
BASAibu Wiki: Conserving Indonesia’s Local Dialects through Digitisation
There are 718 identified native languages in this multi-tribal country of Indonesia, making it the second most linguistically diverse country in the world, after Papua New Guinea. The diversity of languages reflects the incontestable wealth of differing ways of life, and thus cultures and identity. But the nation’s big concern is that these native languages,
Buku Betawi: Palang Pintu, A Unique Betawi Proposal Tradition
Palang Pintu is one of the unique Betawi wedding traditions, seen as the test of ‘approval’ that the groom must receive from the bride and indeed her family. It is imbued with symbolism and is a tradition that showcases the different facets of Betawi culture. For Betawi men, there are a series of ‘tests’ that must
Episode Gading Serpong Hosts a Two-Day Wedding Open House
Experience a 2-day wedding open house at Hotel Episode Gading Serpong and don’t miss out the chance to discover a range of exclusive offers from curated wedding vendors, exciting activities, special offers, and benefits for beloved couples. Wedding Open House returns at the Hotel Episode Gading Serpong with the theme Love Around the World. This
Celebrating Earth Month, Starbucks Focuses on Sustainability in “A Team Effort”
April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate our planet and take actions to protect it. Through “A Team Effort”, Starbucks invites its customers across Indonesia to be mindful of ways to help planet earth by focusing on individual use of recycled, or reusable, items, to a celebration of the small things to do together
Gambang Kromong: Cultural Acculturation in Traditional Betawi Music
A merging of a Javanese and Sundanese gamelan orchestra, Gambang Kromong has a unique sound and distinct timbre. This comes from the various music instruments originating from the acculturation of Indonesian and Chinese traditional music. A synergistic relationship between ethnicities will produce a beautiful harmony in life. That’s the moral that can be taken from
Discover Peranakan and Malay Cuisines this Ramadan at Novotel & ibis Styles Jakarta Mangga Dua Square
Located in the surroundings of thick Oriental culture, Novotel & ibis Styles Jakarta Mangga Dua Square celebrates this Ramadan with Peranakan and Malacca cuisine by presenting the special collaboration of celebrity chef, Chef Theo Setya and Nusadrasa. The unique Peranakan and Malacca (Malay) cuisines are the stars for this year’s Ramadan at the Novotel &
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: Reflections on Spirituality, Community, and Gratitude
For Muslims around the world Ramadan is a special moment provided by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT). It marks a month of virtue, more so than any other month. Muslims who sincerely take part in Ramadan worship commit to be pious behaviour and firm religious practice, and when the moment of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijriyah arrives
Pekojan: Jakarta’s Historic Arab Village
Pekojan is a historic district or kecamatan in West Jakarta. Considered the city’s original Arab village, it is a prime example of the rich ethnic diversity found in Jakarta and how different communities created their own landmarks and cultural treasures over time. Back when Jakarta was still under Dutch colonial rule, known at the time
