Speaking Batik: A Language with Many Accents
Every Friday in Java, the streets fill with people dressed in batik. Office workers, teachers, students, and civil servants wear shirts, dresses, skirts, and blouses alive with lines, dots, and intricate motifs. Today, the phrase pakai batik—or in Javanese, batikan—simply means putting on clothing adorned with batik patterns. But look closely at any two pieces
HANDEP and Wilsen Willim Weave a Future Worth Wearing
No one can deny that batik, songket and other forms of wastra – traditional Indonesian textiles – hold a particular place in how Indonesians dress for important occasions. We keep them carefully, bring them out for weddings, formal galas and other important occasions, then fold them away again until the next one comes along. Some
Kebaya: The Very Untraditional Traditional Dress
It is surprisingly difficult to answer a seemingly simple question: ‘What is a kebaya?‘ Every few years, the internet erupts with familiar debates: “The kebaya has changed too much.” “That’s not a real kebaya.” “This isn’t pakem (according to custom).” Behind these arguments lies an assumption that somewhere in history there existed a single, original
Gramedia Keeps the Pages Turning
At a time when brick-and-mortar bookstores are compelled to redefine themselves, Indonesia’s longstanding bookstore chain Gramedia draws on its legacy—and its instinct for reinvention—to shape meaningful spaces for the reading public in Indonesia. Early this February 2026, Gramedia celebrated 56 years in the business at the newly-renovated Gramedia Jalma in the lively Blok M neighbourhood.
The Indonesian Vegetarian Table: Petty Pandean-Elliott Celebrates Indonesia’s Plant-Led Heritage
At a time when plant-led cooking is reshaping the global table, Indonesia’s long-standing vegetarian traditions feel both prescient and profoundly relevant. In ‘The Indonesian Vegetarian Table’, published by Phaidon in April 2026, acclaimed Indonesian chef Petty Pandean-Elliott presents a refined and deeply personal exploration of her homeland’s diverse, vegetable-forward cuisine. Stretching from Sumatra to Papua,
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
Pusparagam Marks the Opening of Cikini 82 as a New Cultural Hub in Jakarta
For decades, Cikini 82 was closed to the public. However, its historical significance and architectural heritage remained intact. Now, after a meticulous restoration process, the building has been revitalised and returned to its role as a public space. Located in Menteng, Cikini 82 is a historic building that has witnessed many important milestones in Indonesia’s
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
A Creative’s Guide to Bandung: Art, Design, and Inspiration in the City of Ideas
Bandung has long been a city of innovation. Once the playground of Dutch architects during the colonial era, this West Javanese capital remains an architectural treasure trove of Art Deco buildings. But Bandung isn’t just about its past—it’s a living, breathing hub of creativity, where students, artists, and designers shape its future. Home to some
Why Jakarta Needs Literature, with Laura Prinsloo of Pulau Imaji
What does Jakarta need to do in order to be recognised as a cultural city? In this opinion series, NOW! Jakarta hears from the leaders of the city’s artistic institutions to gain insight into fosteringand developing specific areas of culture. Laura Prinsloo of Pulau Imaji talks to us about literature. Did you know that Jakarta
Preserving Traditional Indonesian Food
Indonesia is a mosaic of thousands of islands, and each island has its own culinary traditions, thus creating a huge mosaic of culinary diversity, possibly unmatched anywhere. And in Indonesia, food is not just the physical consumption of those unique flavours, but a window into the soul of its people. Food offers an immersive experience
Gudskul: Jakarta’s Evolving Art Ecosystem Nurtures a Thriving Creative Community
Jakarta is a fusion of rich ethnic diversity from across the archipelago, merging local Indonesian distinctions with international cultures and ideas. At the grassroots levels, there is a flourishing creative community, with abundant human potential, a dynamic and evolving infrastructure, and increasingly diverse opportunities. A healthy art and creative scene is essential to any modern megacity
History and Importance of Rice in Indonesia
Rice holds a special place in the heart of Indonesia. It is a staple in the Indonesian diet, making up half the calories in the average diet and contributes significantly to the livelihoods of millions of Indonesians. Indonesia is the third largest producer of rice in the world. From ancient agricultural practices to modern-day culinary
