Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Faith, Compassion, and Community
Muslims around the world will observe Eid al-Fitr on the first of Shawwal 1447 Hijri, which is expected to fall on 20 March 2026 in Indonesia. This occasion marks the joyful and meaningful conclusion of Ramadan, a sacred month dedicated to worship, reflection, and self-discipline. Eid al-Fitr begins with sincere gratitude to Allah SWT, as
Erasmus Huis Bridges Netherlands-Indonesian Relations Through Culture
Looking ahead at the cultural institution’s programmes this 2026. Erasmus Huis was originally founded in 1970 on Jl Menteng Raya, Jakarta, with a strong emphasis on promoting Dutch language and culture, later relocating to the Dutch Embassy complex in Kuningan in 1981. Over the years, it has evolved into a dynamic, multi-disciplinary cultural centre presenting
Sustainability Matters: The Big Screen Dilemma
Welcome to our new column exploring sustainability issues in our lives, and in the context of Jakarta. Almost everything we do has an impact on the environmental, social or cultural sustainability of a city, even the seemingly mundane, and so this column brings these less obvious factors to light. We start with an area that
Archipelagic Landscapes of Taste: Indonesia’s Culinary Advantage
‘Nusantara Gastronomy’ is a series by Helianti Hilman that explores Indonesia’s food biodiversity and the cultural wisdom that sustains it, from forest to farm, heritage to haute cuisine. New article in every edition of NOW! Jakarta Magazine | Subscribe Now What if Indonesia’s greatest advantage in global gastronomy is not a dish—but a landscape? At
Are You Ready to File Your Taxes via Coretax?
Starting this year, those filing taxes in Indonesia must submit their Annual Tax Return (SPT) through a new system called Coretax. Are you ready? “Indonesia’s Coretax system streamlines tax administration, making compliance faster, simpler, and more transparent for taxpayers”, says Dicky Darmawi, head of the tax division at Moores-Rowland Indonesia. “By integrating data and automating
Why We Need It to Take It Slow (and How) Part 1
In this two-part feature, Edward Speirs (Part 1) and Widia Arianti (Part 2) explain why our efforts to keep pace with our fast-moving world are counter-productive, and how we can integrate slow living practices into everyday life in Jakarta. Read: Part 1 | Part 2 Part 1: Fast is good – right? Think back to
Why We Need It to Take It Slow (and How) Part 2
In this two-part feature, Edward Speirs (Part 1) and Widia Arianti (Part 2) explain why our efforts to keep pace with our fast-moving world are counter-productive, and how we can integrate slow living practices into everyday life in Jakarta. Read: Part 1 | Part 2 Part 2: Choosing to Pause From meditation apps to wellness
Looking Ahead with the French Embassy-Institut français d’Indonésie
2025 was an important milestone for the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI), coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Indonesia. This celebration was complemented by strengthened political engagement and the adoption of a new Joint Cultural Strategy that deepens cultural collaboration between the two countries. The visit of President Emmanuel Macron to
Goethe-Institut’s Upcoming Plans for 2026
For more than six decades, Goethe-Institut in Indonesia has actively fostered understanding of German culture and language across Indonesia. Beyond language courses and examinations, the institute provides teacher training, cultural programming, and a library that offers both physical and digital resources. Director Constanze Michel outlines the areas shaping the institution’s mission today and the initiatives
There’s No Lack of Talent, Only Access: Be Sharp Indonesia Makes Classical Music Accessible for All
Sadly, in this day and age, classical music is still widely perceived as a privilege, most often accessed by those who can afford private lessons, personal instruments, and uninterrupted time to practise. However, in a country where still 11.8 percent of children still live below the national poverty line (Bappenas, UNICEF, 2023), classical music education
A Christmas Message: God’s Favourite Animal
Message by Reverend Rowan, Vicar of All Saints Anglican Church Jakarta Many years ago, I was given a plastic nativity scene. As a young child, I thought it was perfect – Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus were all there, along with some shepherds and a few sheep, as well as three kings and their
WIC Jakarta’s 56th Annual Charity Bazaar: A Global Gathering of Giving
The Women’s International Club (WIC) Jakarta successfully hosted its 56th Annual Charity Bazaar on 19-20 November 2025, at Hall B of the Jakarta International Convention Center. The event once again brought together cultures, communities, and goodwill under one roof. This year’s bazaar was officially opened by the second lady, Selvi Gibran Rakabuming. Also in attendance
The Ambassadors Round Table: Edition 8
This is the eighth in the Ambassadors Round Table Series with NOW! Jakarta Founder Alistair Speirs meeting and interviewing ambassadors from all over the world to find out the breadth and depth of their country’s relationship with Indonesia. Having covered much of North, South America, and many countries in Europe it was time to come
