Cikini 82: Exploring the House Where the Republic Was Born

When passing the main road of Cikini, it is almost impossible to miss Cikini 82 with its tall trellis gate and the unmistakable facade of Dutch colonial architecture. With its expansive veranda, framed by wooden pillars exuding a style often found in many Betawi and Javanese houses, this property stands as a monumental anchor between

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

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

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

Oma Huis: A Return to Grandma’s House

Slip off Cikajang Street on an ordinary weekday morning and you could almost miss it, if not for the distinctive, chalky broken-white Indische colonial façade. A two-storey house in weathered limewash, wooden windows flung open, and a balcony running the full width of the upper floor. Step inside, follow the half-corridor, half-courtyard passage, and the

10 Best Spas in Jakarta: Top Massage & Wellness Centres

Looking for the best spas in Jakarta to melt away stress and recharge your energy? From luxury wellness retreats in South Jakarta to affordable massage spots in Central Jakarta and beyond, the city offers a rich mix of treatments to suit every preference. Whether you’re after a Balinese massage, a quick reflexology session, or a

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

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,

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

Uncovering the History of Jakarta’s Northern Coastline

It’s easy to think of Jakarta as a sprawling metropolis of traffic and skyscrapers, but step towards the northern coastline, and you’ll uncover a different story—one where history and folklore collide. To the northwest, sites like Museum Kebaharian Jakarta (Maritime Museum) and Kota Intan Bridge stand as remnants of a colonial past and the glory

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