Inside Indonesia’s Upcycling Revolution
The design houses and material labs transforming waste for high-end living For the longest time in the furniture industry, the rarity of a material determined its value. From treasured hardwoods to full-grain leather and specialty metals, these highly-valued and often harder-to-acquire materials promised elegance, integrity and timelessness of the final form. However, the tide is
The 13th Ambassadors Round Table: Bulgaria
In this thirteenth edition of our series of ambassador interviews, we again change track and head to Eastern Europe, where there is a wealth of history and an abundance of culture about which we perhaps do not know enough. To rectify that, NOW! Jakarta founder Alistair Speirs (AGS) sat down to uncover the history and
Beyond K-Pop: KCCI Expands Cultural Exchange
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973, South Korea and Indonesia have continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of fields. While the relationship was initially centred largely on economic and industrial collaboration, the past decade has seen a significant shift towards a more cultural and people-oriented partnership. Recognising this growing exchange, the Korean Cultural
Brunch O’Clock: Weekend Indulgence across Jakarta
There’s something to look forward to every weekend in Jakarta – and, other sleeping in, its brunch! Yes, across the capital’s most prestigious addresses, the brunch ritual has been reimagined and reinvented many times over, promising something new and special at every location. From high-altitude dining rooms to quiet sanctuaries tucked within lush gardens, these
BWA Jakarta Charity Ball 2026 Highlights Community Support for Rachel House
Jakarta’s social scene welcomed one of its most anticipated gatherings on 9 May 2026. The British Women’s Association (BWA) Jakarta brought a touch of Royal Ascot to the city on that evening, as its annual Charity Ball returned with a race-day-inspired theme in support of Rachel House. The evening unfolded with plenty of memorable moments.
Breakfast in Jakarta: Coffee, Croissants and Cafés
A good breakfast spot has a specific atmosphere. They smell of coffee, or baked goods, and have a self-contained busyness to them, as if they are responsible for jumpstarting the entire day – and for many, that’s precisely what they do! So, where does one go for a caffeine and croissant fix in the city?
Why Indonesian Companies Keep Failing to Change (And What the Best Ones Do Differently)
In the boardrooms of Jakarta’s SCBD, “Transformation” has become the corporate equivalent of a New Year’s resolution: spoken with immense passion in January, funded with a bloated consulting contract in February, and quietly abandoned by June in favour of the comforting embrace of the status quo. Statistically, about 70% of change initiatives fail globally. In
The Flavour Biodiversity of the Archipelago: Building Blocks of Nusantara Gastronomy
“If landscape shapes flavour and culture gives it meaning, biodiversity is the source of Nusantara’s remarkable spectrum of flavours.” Indonesia as Edible Biodiversity Indonesia is often celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, yet the true foundation of ‘Nusantara gastronomy’ lies much deeper. In reality, it stems from the nation’s extraordinary biodiversity. Rather than attempting to
The BWA Jakarta Rallies Support for Pediatric Care at ‘A Day at the Races’
The British Women’s Association (BWA) brought the energy of the British track to the heart of the city on 9 May 2026 with their “A Day at the Races” Charity Ball. Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, the event saw local and expat residents trade standard formal wear for the bold hats and sharp
Six Important Indonesian Speakers You’ll Meet at Ubud Food Festival 2026
Across Indonesia’s vast and varied archipelago, there are those protecting and nurturing the nation’s natural environment. From rice paddies to coffee plantations, cacao groves, and the blue expanse of coastal waters, this protection is being led by farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates who understand that food is not simply sustenance. It is heritage, identity,
Saving the Last Guardian of Ujung Kulon
Cerita Alam Nusantara, brings together a diverse group of organisations who all have a shared purpose: to raise awareness and educate the public about the Critically Endangered Javan Rhinoceros, an ancient species that still roams the island of Java. With its population now at an alarmingly low level, the survival of this rare rhino is
‘Climate Action 101’: Turning Family Conversations Into an Environmental Journey
Have you noticed how children are increasingly complaining that “it’s too hot,” even before breakfast? This seemingly small grievance may not just be morning grumpiness, but a sign that the effects of climate change are creeping into family life. Think back to the last time rainfall turned Jakarta’s streets into urban rivers (which happened just
A City for Curious Learners: Inspiring Destinations For Young Minds
Every aspiration starts with inspiration, and for children, a single experience can shift how they see the world. With increasing appreciation for the early enrichment of young learners, Jakarta is offering more and more opportunities for them to be introduced to new ideas and interests; to immerse themselves in the engaging worlds of history, art,
