Family Businesses at a Crossroads: Can the Next Generation Really Carry the Legacy?
Here is something that nobody in a wealthy Indonesian family will say at the dinner table: the business that made us rich might not survive us. They’ll say it in private, of course. Over a quiet coffee in Singapore with a wealth advisor. In a whispered aside to a trusted non-family executive. But never during
Benny Gratha, The Keeper of Indonesian Wastra
Sometimes, all it takes is a single encounter to change the course of a life. For Benny Gratha, it was a museum visit that first drew him into the world of Indonesia’s traditional fabrics. Curiosity became passion, and passion became a lifelong calling. Today, as a wastra curator, Benny safeguards not only remarkable fabrics, but
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
A New Beat for Betawi
Nyok Kite Kenal Betawi (Let’s Get to Know Betawi) is a creative community dedicated to keeping Betawi culture alive using an educational, collaborative and contemporary approach. Connecting cultural heritage with the realities of modern urban life, the community seeks to engage Millennials and Generation Z through enjoyable experiences that encourage active participation and a deeper
From East Indies to Indonesia: The Evolution of Architecture in the Archipelago
From vernacular houses and ancient temples to colonial landmarks and contemporary structures, Indonesia’s architecture reflects centuries of cultural exchange, adaptation and innovation. Shaped by traditions, environment, climate and, of course, social aspirations through the centuries, the nation’s built environment tells a story not only of architectural transformation, but also of Indonesia’s continuing search for identity
Bung Hatta’s Legacy of Leadership and Integrity
In honour of Indonesia’s Independence Day, NOW! Jakarta sits down with the former Vice President’s daughter, Halida Nuriah Hatta, to reflect on her father’s legacy. Alongside President Sukarno, Mohammad Hatta —affectionately known as Bung Hatta—played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. As its first vice-president, he championed diplomacy, economic development, and non-violent
Beyond the Plate: How Social Gastronomy Can Transform Communities
“Beyond every great meal lies the power to create livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and safeguard biodiversity. This is the power of Social Gastronomy.” When people hear the word gastronomy, they often think of fine dining restaurants, celebrated chefs, or beautifully presented dishes. Yet gastronomy is far more than what appears on a plate. At its
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
