Reviving Batik in Jakarta: Preserving The City’s Textile Artisans
Unlike Solo, Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, Cirebon or Lasem, Jakarta is not on the radar when we think of batik producing regions. At least, it’s no longer on the radar, as Jakarta was once one of the main hubs for batik-making, complete with its own motifs and styles. So, what happened? Here we explore the history of
Barnyard Jakarta: An Urban Nature Reserve in the Heart of Kemang
Experience the perfect harmony of nature and creativity at Barnyard Jakarta, an Urban Nature Reserve nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kemang, South Jakarta. Once a bustling hub of activity, Kemang has lacked engagement in recent years, but the newly opened Barnyard aims to revitalise the area’s sense of community and creativity by offering a
Preserving Traditional Indonesian Food
Indonesia is a mosaic of thousands of islands, and each island has its own culinary traditions, thus creating a huge mosaic of culinary diversity, possibly unmatched anywhere. And in Indonesia, food is not just the physical consumption of those unique flavours, but a window into the soul of its people. Food offers an immersive experience
LIXIL Indonesia Revives Its Initiative to Shape the Future of Indonesian Architecture
LIXIL Indonesia, a leading name in bathroom and kitchen solutions and the parent company of distinguished brands such as American Standard, GROHE, and INAX, proudly reintroduces two major initiatives designed to shape the future of architecture and design in Indonesia: the LIXIL Architectural Design Competition (LADC) and the LIXIL Day of Architecture and Design (LDAD).
A Window into the Art, History & Culture of Kota Tua Jakarta
“The Art, History & Culture of Kota Tua of Jakarta” was an outstanding event hosted by the Indonesian Heritage Society on 21 August 2024. The event took place in the soon-to-be-opened House of Tugu, Kota Tua, granting participants a sneak peak into an extraordinary destination found in the historic heart of the city. With a
Sitting Down with Sudamala Resorts’ Ben Subrata
Sudamala Resorts on Bali, Lombok and Flores-Komodo are locally-owned and managed and achieve standards of style, service and luxury which have gained international respect and admiration. To find out how this all came about, Publisher Alistair Speirs speaks to an old friend, passionate CEO and Founder of this boutique hospitality group, Ben Subrata, whose vision
Jakarta Needs a Project Manager, Not a Politician
As Jakarta approaches its 2024 gubernatorial election, the stakes have never been higher. The city, soon to be stripped of its title as the capital of Indonesia, will transition into a financial powerhouse, shaping the future of its nearly 11 million residents (not including Greater Jakarta). Yet, instead of focusing on what the city truly
Senyawa+: Bridging Creativity and Commerce for Indonesian Creators
In an era where creativity offers great value in business, Senyawa+ enables young and independent creators to make something for themselves. Founded by Yansen Kamto, the platform supports and elevates young innovators and local brands, providing them with know-how, tools and opportunities required to navigate the market and grow a business. Kamto’s experience in building
A Birthday Wish for DKI Jakarta
How should cities “develop”? And what can we do to ensure it is done correctly? Those are probably the questions that many people inside – and outside – the city government are asking. What do we have to do to ensure a good future for the citizens of the city of Jakarta, especially when it
Vox Populi: What Are Your Hopes for a Non-Capital Jakarta?
In losing its title as Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta must spread its many feathers to show the world what it has to offer. So, NOW! Jakarta asks prominent figures what their hopes are for a Jakarta without its title, asking them to answer about their field, industry or community. Here’s what they had to say:
75 Years of UK-Indonesia Relations, with H.E. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to Indonesia
NOW! Jakarta Founder, Alistair Speirs, sits down with H.E. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste. The topic at hand: the 75th Anniversary of the relationship between Britain and Indonesia, a milestone moment in diplomatic relations. His excellency shares on historic royal visits of the past, including of Her Late Majesty the Queen,
Growing Naturally: Meet Michael Lorenti, Founder of Sensatia Botanicals
Photography graduate turned adventurous surf-traveller turned skincare entrepreneur, Michael Lorenti’s previous life offers a glimpse as to why he runs Sensatia Botanicals the way he does, i.e. full of heart. As CEO and Founder of this wildly successful, Bali-born skincare brand, Michael Lorenti has imbued his love for nature and community into the very fibre of
Room to Read: Scaling Access to Libraries and Storybooks in Indonesia
Founded in 2000, global non-profit organisation ‘Room to Read’ has brought the magic of reading to children in marginalised regions across the world. The organisation’s core belief is that by designing and providing reading materials and programmes, educational outcomes will significantly improve. They continue this mission here in Indonesia. Working in 24 countries, since its
