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,
The Readers’ Dispatch Vol. 2: Favourite Neighbourhoods
NOW! Jakarta’s community column opens up the magazine’s pages to the readers, allowing them to share their own insights and experiences of the city with other readers. Through ‘The Reader’s Dispatch,’ our audience can widen their perspective on how others experience Jakarta. What’s your favourite Jakarta ‘area’ or ‘neighbourhood’ and why? Dharmawangsa I love Dharmawangsa,
Sustainability Matters: Wasted Opportunities
Who can blame President Prabowo for getting upset and angry, as he did recently, when he was embarrassed by foreign leaders about the state of Bali’s all too visible garbage problem? But hold on, why didn’t he know before? Is no one brave enough to tell him the truth since the rest of us have
Culture: The Living Intelligence that Translates Nature into Taste
Across the Indonesian archipelago, biodiversity offers abundance: tubers, grains, spices, leaves, fruits, resins, roots, forest harvests, and marine bounty. Yet nature alone does not create cuisine. Between what grows on the land, what is gathered from the sea, and what finally arrives on the table lies something far more powerful: culture. Culture is the collective
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
