Whether revisiting somewhere ‘old but gold,’ or sharing an update of the recently opened, NOW! Jakarta’s editorial desk presents a curated selection of news and suggestions from the city and beyond. Here’s January’s round-up of the new and noteworthy
Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace Expands to Bandung
After fifteen years in Jakarta, the Kemang institution Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace expands to Bandung through a collaboration with dotHub Space. Their shared venue, located in East Bandung, was created to developed a larger creative network and broaden access to cultural activities that reflect the city’s dynamic creative spirit.
This new arts hub brings together art, design, and culture within an integrated ecosystem. By blending popular culture, tradition, and contemporary ideas, the space encourages experimentation, connection, and creative growth among artists, creators, and communities.
The initiative is led by Hermawan Tanzil (LeBoYe Design & Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace) and Tan Tik Lam (Tan Tik Lam Architect / Local Architecture Bureau), two Bandung-based figures with long-standing contributions to Indonesia’s creative landscape.
The opening is enlivened by Ngariung (Gathering), a group exhibition showcasing 69 artworks by artists and designers from Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Japan—many of whom have been part of Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace’s journey since its establishment in 2010. Celebrating diverse perspectives and local creative energy, the exhibition reflects a sustained commitment to accelerating Bandung’s creative ecosystem. Exhibition dates: 29 November 2025 – 28 February 2026.
Jl. Bulevar Teknopolis No. 1, Gedebage, Summarecon Bandung
@dothub_space
Sip and Savour at Karu Menteng
Distilled deep in the forests of Mount Batukaru, Tabanan Regency, Karusotju is a locally-produced premium spirit made from honey sweet potato (yam). The brand’s vision is to reimagine arak, in a way that would elevate its perception and reputation amongst discerning drinkers.
Jakarta residents can savour this refined, Bali-born spirit right here in the city at Karu Menteng, a retail-bar space designed to share the story and feeling of the brand. This marks Karusotju’s second venue in Jakarta – following their first outlet in Indonesia Design District, PIK 2 – which invites visitors to both shop and sip one destination. The space’s design is minimalist and calm, inviting drinkers to savour flavours slowly over quiet conversations; or enjoy Karu Tasting experiences. Open daily from 12pm to 7pm.
Jl. RP. Soeroso No.6, Cikini, Kec. Menteng
@karusotju
The opening of NODE by ISA Art and Design
ISA Art and Design marks a new chapter with the opening of NODE, a space conceived as a meeting point for people, ideas, and creative disciplines. Founded in 2013 by Deborah Iskandar, after more than a decade of building Indonesia’s contemporary art ecosystem, NODE transforms a private home into an intimate, inclusive art space.
The location is in fact where the ISA story began, and now the venue opens anew, with rooms refurbished to meet the tastes of today’s collectors. The space reflects ISA Art and Design’s vision of integrating contemporary art into architectural and interior environments. Opened alongside the launch of the venue was the aptly-named exhibition, ‘In the First Tender Place,’ featuring ISA Art Gallery artists, including: A. Sebastianus, Arahmaiani, Ardi Gunawan, Dabi Arnasa, Ines Katamso, Ida Lawrence, Jumaadi, Luh’De Gita, Rose Cameron, Sillyndris, Sinta Tantra, Vanessa Jones, Yuki Nakayama,andZikry Rediansyah, accompanied by the presence of a Gamelatron.
Together, these works inhabit the space, breathe new air, and mark the beginning of many stories to come. NODE marks a full-circle evolution of ISA’s on-going efforts in the art world, finding them in the same space, but with a renewed vision and experience.
Jl. Wijaya Timur Raya No.12, Kebayoran Baru
isaartanddesign.com
Night Walks at Grand Waterfront Sedayu City Kelapa Gading
If you are looking for slow, peaceful afternoon walks to end the day, Grand Waterfront Sedayu City Kelapa Gading makes a great place for a lakeside promenade overlooking a dancing fountain framed by Mediterranean-esque architecture.
Though this new North Jakarta destination may come across as a bit artificial at first glance, we commend this public space approach to a lifestyle and retail area, encouraging pedestrian experiences through open walkways and picturesque urban design.
Open from 10am to 10pm (extended to 11pm on weekends and public holidays), Grand Waterfront really comes to life at night, when the skies darken and the area warms up with ambient lighting and colourful water fountains. This sets the scene for a charming dinner experience with restaurant options ranging from grills and steaks to familiar Asian dishes. Live music, markets, and community events appear regularly to brighten up the space.
Follow @grandwaterfront.id for more details.
