Academic Discussion on Bajo Tribe
Until today, there’s still so much left unknown about Indonesia’s sea nomads, the Bajo Tribe. What we know is that this tribe is scattered in numerous areas, from eastern Indonesia to northern parts of Kalimantan (Sabah, Malaysia) and southern Philippines (Sulu Archipelago). That said, no written documents or ruins of ancient monuments or villages were
Explore Experience and Express at @america
@america, the U.S. Embassy’s American cultural center located on the 3rd floor of Pacific Place mall in Jakarta, is a place that builds bridges between Indonesia and America. The cultural center aims to provide a space specifically for young Indonesians to learn more about the culture and values of the United States and promotes an
The Beauty of Japanese Language and Culture
The Japanese culture and language has long fascinated people all over the world – it is no different in Indonesia. The Japan Foundation in Jakarta, which was first established in 1974, fosters international exchange in both fields. According to Tsukamoto Norihisa, Director General of the Japan Foundation, Jakarta, Indonesia is the second largest country when
Engage and Inspire at the Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut needs no introduction: one of the busiest and most thriving cultural centres in the country, it has attracted German language students and aficionados of German culture for several decades. With institutes in Jakarta and Bandung as well as the “Wisma Jerman” in Surabaya, the Goethe-Institut Indonesien has served as major focus point on
Museum Tekstil Jakarta: Showcases Lives of Women Weavers
On November 18, Sole Oha, a special exhibition demonstrating the lives of women weavers in Sulawesi and Flores, will open at Jakarta’s Museum Tekstil in Tanah Abang. Several exhibition rooms will be turned into homes of weavers from the islands of Adonara and Lembata, as well as homes of Torajanese weavers from Sa’dan and Mamasa
Erasmus Huis Showcases Treasures of the Asian Library in Leiden
The exhibition, which runs through 5 January, was opened by the Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Rob Swartbol, and Prof. Dr. Wardiman Djojonegoro, the former Indonesian Minister for Education and Culture. In his speech, the Ambassador reminded guests of the importance to make the collection accessible to a wider audience through digitalisation. Photo courtesy of
Wayang Potehi on Preserving Hybrid Culture and Endorsing Tolerance
Blessed with vast cultural influences, Indonesia has long been a melting pot. One local performance art that’s heavily influenced by the Chinese culture is now growing in popularity. Wayang Potehi is Chinese-Indonesian tradition which famous in Eastern Java. Photo courtesy of Wayang Potehi/NOW!JAKARTA Known as Wayang Potehi, the hand-puppet performance first graced Chinese temples in Java
Fostering Cultural Dialogue Between the Netherlands and Indonesia
The exhibit hall currently displays the work of Indonesian painter Fendry Ekel. The words and numbers—and the paintings themselves —set the mind abuzz almost immediately. Just past the library, the walls curve around, holding more artwork, a recognition of his talent. The space, of course, is the Erasmus Huis, Jakarta. Michael Rauner, the Director of
Starbucks and IKAT Collaborate to Promote Indonesian Culture in its Latest Merchandise
In celebration of its 16 years in the country, Starbucks Indonesia has collaborated with IKAT Indonesia to create an exclusive anniversary collection representing unity and culture. Anthony Cottan, Director of Starbucks Indonesia (left) andDidiet Maulana, Creative Director of IKAT Indonesia lauch the exclusive Starbucsk 16th Anniversary merchandise featuring Indonesian culture. Photo courtesy of Starbucks Indonesia/NOW!JAKARTA Didiet
International Gamelan Festival Sounds in August in Surakarta
Solo is preparing to welcome more than 50 gamelan groups from Indonesia and overseas for the International Gamelan Festival (IGF) 2018 to be held in the city between 9-16 August. Aroudn 50 gamelan groups from Indonesia and overseas are scheduled to perform at the International Gamelan Festival (IGF) 2018 on August in Solo, Surakarta. Photo courtesy
The Japan Foundation, A Repository of Culture
The Japan Foundation was established in October, 1972 as a specialised, core agency responsible for Japanese international cultural exchange. Japan Foundation frequently invites Japanese artists to hold an exhibition in Jakarta. Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation/NOW!JAKARTA The agency was transformed into the independent administrative institution (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) on 1
The Dancing Masks of the Babukung
Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan is a long way from anywhere. However, as soon as I heard about the Babukung Mask Festival held there every year, I went on the hunt to find out more. Babukung Traditional Mask Festival was held on 17 to 19 July 2018 at Hinang Golloa Stadium, Nanga Bulik, Lamandau Regency, Central
Inside the Recently Renovated Erasmus Huis
There is only one Dutch Cultural Centre: the Erasmus Huis worldwide, and it’s in Jakarta. Named after the great philosopher and thinker Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536), the Dutch heritage house recently underwent a facelift and reopened to the public on 23 November. Launching party for re-opening Dutch cultural centre Erasmus Huis in Jakarta after the building
