Jakarta is not on the global map for arts and culture events, but it should be. With its mix of historical and modern venues, its immensely talented people, and a rich history of performing arts, music, dance and cultural expression, it could easily rival its Asian competitors. But where to go to witness it all?
There are dedicated Jakarta event venues, some owned and operated by the state government, whilst others are independently run by passionate groups and individuals. Each of these venues enriches the city’s cultural tapestry, offering something unique to art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike —sadly, few Jakarta events attract overseas visitors, due to lack of promotion and as a result of Jakarta’s poor reputation as a tourism destination.
Here we have curated a list of some of the best arts and cultural spaces, and we urge you to get ready to experience the best Jakarta events. And hopefully one day word will spread to the art lovers of the world!
Ciputra Artpreneur
Indonesia’s premier multi-disciplinary art centre, Ciputra Artpreneur, stands out as a hub for cultural and creative events encompassing a theatre, an art museum, gallery spaces, and multifunction rooms. The theatre, widely regarded as one of Jakarta’s finest, meets world-class standards with cutting-edge features such as a modular stage, an orchestra pit, and a fly tower. Its oval-shaped design guarantees every seat offers a perfect viewing angle and paired with expertly engineered acoustic design, the theatre ensures remarkable audio experience.
Since its inception in 2014, the theatre hosted a wide range of high-profile Jakarta events, including the first-ever Broadway’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Hairspray’, I La Galigo’, a theatrical and musical performance based on the Sureq Galigo epic directed by Robert Wilson, and a theatre performance of W.S. Rendra’s masterpiece ‘Panembahan Reso’.
Located at south Jakarta’s golden triangle, next to Mega Kuningan, it’s an ideal destination for arts and culture enthusiasts, offering a one-stop lifestyle and entertainment experience that is surrounded by luxury accommodations (Raffles Jakarta and Ascott Kuningan Jakarta) and renowned Lotte Shopping Avenue.
Jalan Prof. DR. Satrio Kav. 3-5, Ciputra World 1, Retail Podium Level 11-13, Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
+62 21 29889889, +62 81990535251
ciputraartpreneur.com
Galeri Indonesia Kaya
Located in the dynamic Grand Indonesia shopping mall, Galeri Indonesia Kaya provides a fun, easy, and free way for visitors to learn about Indonesia’s cultural traditions in a modern and interactive way, emphasized though its innovative digital format. Calling itself a “cultural edutainment” hub, Galeri Indonesia Kaya offers visitors the opportunity to explore various facets of Indonesian culture, from traditional musical instruments, toys, and clothing to culinary delights, tourism, local traditions and arts.
This gallery is presented by Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation and also features an auditorium with a capacity of 150 people, serving as a lively arts and cultural performance venue, including theatre, music, film screenings and musical performances, all offered free of charge (registration through online). Artists are encouraged to use the auditorium as a performance hall or venue, fostering creative expression and collaboration without financial barriers.
Every weekend, this gallery becomes a cultural stage, showcasing performances by both emerging and seasoned Indonesian artists, making it a platform for talent and a celebration of the nation’s diverse artistic traditions.
Grand Indonesia, West Mall 8th Floor, Jalan M.H. Thamrin No. 1, Jakarta 10230
+62 21 23580679
indonesiakaya.com
Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
An historic landmark from the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia, the venue remains a vigorous spot for performing arts and is protected as a cultural heritage site. In the early 1970s, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Building) saw a decline in usage due to the opening of a new performance venue within the Taman Ismail Marzuki complex, which became the focal point for the arts. However, in 1987, the building underwent extensive renovations, restoring its function and while retaining its historical charm.
On the 6th anniversary of its renovation in 1993, the Bandung Theater Study Club marked the occasion by staging the play ‘Karina Adinda’ by Victor Ido, reaffirming the venue’s cultural significance and holding the Jakarta Anniversary Festival, a performing arts forum for urban arts to commemorate the anniversary of Jakarta.
Today, it continues as a cherished cultural landmark that preserves Indonesia’s artistic heritage by hosting a wide range of performances and embracing both modern and traditional art forms, such as piano recitals held by many cultural centers, classic music concerts, and ballet performances.
Jalan Gedung Kesenian No. 1, Pasar Baru, Jakarta 10710
+62 21 3441892, +62 87772316805 (Cultural Arts Performance Building, Department of Culture of Jakarta).
Aula Simfonia Jakarta
Aula Simfonia Jakarta is a prestigious concert hall in Jakarta, officially opened in 2009 to fulfill the city’s need for a grand and world-class venue for classical and orchestral music performances. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Stephen Tong, who also serves as the Music Director of the Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra, Aula Simfonia Jakarta provides a world-class venue with impeccable acoustics and a renaissance-inspired architectural style.
Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, elegant architecture, and a commitment to high-quality programs, this hall has hosted well-known conductors, such as Jahja Ling and Tong himself has frequently conducted symphonies of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvorak together with Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra and Jakarta Oratorio Society, in addition to a wide range of performances including symphonies, operas and choral works.
The concert hall refrains from using audio amplification during live music performances, focusing on natural sound projection. This design ensures the audience experiences the music in its purest and highest quality. Microphones installed above the stage serve solely for recording purposes. The highlight of the entire concert hall is the Pipe Organ of 3,217 pipes, built by Casavant Freres in 1962, weighing over 10 tons, which brings forth a magnificent sound to climax any performance in this exceptional music hall.
Jalan Industri Blok B 14, Kav. 1, Jakarta 10610
+62 87771002009
aulasimfoniajakarta.com
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)
TIM is a prominent arts and culture centre, known for its comprehensive facilities and diverse Jakarta events, such as drama, dance, puppetry, music, poetry readings, painting exhibitions, and film screenings. After its renovation, TIM’s updated facilities reaffirm its status as Jakarta’s cultural hub, providing a series of lively platforms for traditional and contemporary art forms while supporting a wide audience spectrum.
As a destination to experience wide-ranging performances, TIM boasts six modern theatres and venues, starting from Teater Besar, the largest theatre with a 1,200-seat capacity, acoustics, and a hydraulic stage for grand performances and orchestral music. Graha Bhakti Budaya is a versatile space for cultural performances, accommodating medium to large-scale events, Teater Kecil is a more intimate venue for smaller-scale performances such as experimental theatre, readings, or niche art events. Teater Halaman is an open-air venue perfect for community gatherings, outdoor plays, and informal performances. Kineforum is a cinema space dedicated to showcasing films, including independent and experimental works from both Indonesian and international filmmakers. And Teater Arena is a flexible, multi-purpose venue suited for diverse performance and cultural showcases.
TIM has truly been a beacon for artistic innovation and a stage for creative exploration, hosting a diverse array of pioneering artists and visionaries. Renowned figures such as W.S. Rendra, celebrated for his poetic prowess, and legendary choreographers Sardono W. Kusumo and Bagong Kusudiardjo have graced the stage. The elegant ballerina Farida Oetojo, along with theatre stalwarts, Arifin C. Noer and Teguh Karya, have all contributed to its rich theatrical legacy. TIM’s embrace of visual arts is equally impressive, with masterpieces from senior painters such as Affandi, Trisno Soemardjo, Hendra Gunawan, Agus Djaya, Oesman Effendi, S. Sudjojono, Rusli, Rustamadji, and Mustika.
Jalan Cikini Raya No. 73, Jakarta 10330
+62 81212491349
pkjtim.com
