Sari Widiati
Jazz Amidst Majestic Mountains: BRI Jazz Gunung Series 2025 Makes a Grand Return for Its 17th Edition
One of Indonesia’s most beloved jazz festivals, the annual Jazz Gunung (jazz concert amidst the mountains), returns in 2025 under a new name, BRI Jazz Gunung Series. Now in its 17th edition, the iconic event continues to offer music lovers an unforgettable experience: enjoying the soulful and invigorating rhythms of jazz amidst the cool mountain
Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village: An Oasis of Living Culture
Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village doesn’t merely display traditions, it brings them to life. Here, Jakarta residents and visiting tourists alike can witness the Betawi way of life, traditional performances, savour authentic cuisine, and experience the daily rhythm of Jakarta’s indigenous culture. Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village is found in Srengseng Sawah, set beside an
A Special Home for Special Children
Rumah Ceria Down Syndrome (RCDS) is more than a learning center, it is a sanctuary. Here, children and young adults with Down Syndrome are empowered to grow, express themselves, and take steps toward a more independent future. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, the cheerful sounds of laughter and purposeful activity spill out from a
Pangsi: The Traditional Betawi Men’s Attire
Pangsi is a traditional male attire that consists of a plain, loose-fitting shirt and oversized ankle-length pants. While similar garments are worn across various Indonesian cultural groups including the Sudanese and the Malay, the Betawi Pangsi stands out with its own diverse philosophy, heritage and symbolism that embodies the modest practicality of the Betawi people,
Jakarta’s Coastal Communities: Capturing Life at the Edge of Change
Indonesian photographers have turned their lenses toward the communities of Jakarta’s coastals, capturing powerful visual narratives that reveal the day-to-day realities of life on the frontlines. Their images portray a complex story of resilience, vulnerability, and the evolving relationship between people and their shifting environment. Indonesia’s coastline extends for over 54,716 km—making it the second
Goethe-Institut’s ‘Living at the Urban Seafront’ Exhibition Puts Coastal Communities in Frame
In collaboration with the Bremen Centre for Building Culture, Goethe-Institut Indonesien presents the photography exhibition ‘Living at the Urban Seafront’. Featuring 47 works by 17 Indonesian and German photographers, the exhibition explores the lives of those caught in the intersection of land and sea. On display from 6 May to 1 June 2025, the exhibition
A Peek Inside Glodok’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Shops
Despite its image as a thriving trading centre for affordable electronic goods and authentic Chinese cuisine, Glodok has long attracted visitors fascinated by its Chinese medicine shops situated along Jl. Pancoran. People come in search of herbal remedies traditionally prepared by Chinese healers that are believed to offer effective alternative treatments for various ailments. Recognised
Jakarta Skylines: An Open-Top Tour of Jakarta
Transjakarta presents the Open Top Tour of Jakarta, a captivating new way to explore the capital. This open-air, double-decker bus experience takes passengers along the iconic Sudirman–Bundaran HI corridor, offering panoramic views of Jakarta’s landmarks and a fresh take on urban sightseeing that blends culture, history, and modern city life. The bus offers an exhilarating
A Passionate Call For the Return of Indonesia’s Golden Age of Reading Books
“We Indonesians don’t read!” is a common trope, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Indonesia, in fact, has a rich history in reading and writing, a culture deeply rooted in the nation’s intellectual traditions. Books were the treasured tools of the country’s earliest intelligentsia, playing a fundamental role in the growth and evolution
Sweet Betawi Bites
The northern Javanese coastline that Jakarta calls home was once rich with coconut trees, which has become reflected in traditional Betawi cuisine. For centuries, the Betawi people used what was abundant in their surroundings for nourishment, finding many ways to use but a handful of ingredients in creative and resourceful ways. With simple ingredients like
Women’s International Club Jakarta Celebrates Successful Fundraising and Donations
The Women’s International Club (WIC) Jakarta successfully held its 55th Annual Charity Bazaar on 13–14 November 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center. In keeping with its long-standing tradition, all proceeds from the bazaar have been donated to initiatives that support social welfare and education through WIC’s Bazaar Proceeds Committee (BPC). The BPC, composed of WIC
6 Best Theatres in Jakarta: Beautiful Concert Halls and Performance Venues
Jakarta is not on the global map for arts and culture events, but it should be. With its mix of historical and modern venues, its immensely talented people, and a rich history of performing arts, music, dance and cultural expression, it could easily rival its Asian competitors. But where do you go to witness it
Kembang Kelapa: Betawi’s Token of Prosperity
Literally translating to “coconut flower,” kembang kelapa is a classic Betawi decorative element, a symbol of blessings, prosperity, and respect for tradition. Jakarta residents might frequently encounter this decorative item without knowing its name. Brightly coloured and crafted from paper or other lightweight materials, it is shaped to resemble the blossoming of a coconut flower.
