
Best Animal Parks in Jakarta: Wildlife Adventures in the Concrete Jungle
Jakarta may be a concrete jungle, but the city has no lack of opportunities for its residents to engage with the wonders of nature, especially children and families. NOW! Jakarta has come up with a list of immersive attractions that connect visitors with a range of flora and fauna. From exploring five distinct ecosystems to
Made by Margaret Yap: Shaping Stories and Purpose with Clay
6th-century Chinese philosopher Laozi, in his book Tao Te Ching, once said, “The potter shapes clay into vessels; on the wheel of life, we too are formed, bearing both beauty and purpose.” For Margaret Yap and Steven The – founders of Made by Margaret Yap Pottery-Ceramic Art Studio – like humans, pottery should be valued not
Searching for Indonesia’s Forgotten Kingdoms with Randall Rutledge’s New Book
For many Indonesians, our history is often divided into two distinct periods: pre-independence; marked by countless bloody battles to resist occupation by Dutch and Japanese colonial forces, and post-independence; the era of political turmoil foretold by Sukarno, who correctly predicted that the struggle against our own nation would be far harder than fighting external enemies.
Why Jakarta Needs Art Communities, with Ayu Utami of Salihara Art Centre
What does Jakarta need to do in order to be recognised as a cultural city? In this opinion series, NOW! Jakarta hears from the leaders of the city’s artistic institutions to gain insight into fostering and developing specific areas of culture. Ayu Utami of Salihara Art Centre talks to us about art communities and festivals.
Jakarta’s Cultural Communities: Seeking the Artistic Connection
Jakarta’s cultural communities know that the very essence of art is community: it can only thrive on human connection and inter-activity. It can also bridge divides and unite differences. And in a world where rapidly evolving technologies are in fact isolating us further from each other, we must find ways to connect and engage in

Best Jakarta Workshops: Create Your Own Bespoke Gifts
If you’re looking for something unique to do over the weekend, why not join one of the many Jakarta workshops available in the city? From working with ceramics to learning the ins and outs of scents and smells, there are many opportunities to learn new skills and discover a unique hobby. Whether you’re looking to
The Seven Beaches of Kanigoro: A Journey Through Yogyakarta’s Mystic Coastline
It is not difficult to find breathtaking destinations in Indonesia. From the serene shores of the far west to the majestic mountain landscapes of the east, one might easily wonder if God devoted extra attention to crafting this exotic archipelago. Yet beauty alone does not suffice; the allure of Indonesia’s tourist destinations is often deepened
Fermenting, an Industry
Indonesia has a deep-rooted tradition in fermentation, a culinary process that is found across a range of local food and beverage items. Whilst nations like France and South Korea have been able to showcase their own ‘fermented products’, be it wine or kimchi, on the global stage, Indonesia is yet to proudly champion their own.
A Local Brand’s Global Surge: Fuguku Makes Waves with Its “Way of Water” at Coterie New York
Jakarta-based brand Fuguku is set to make waves with their collection “Way of Water” at the prestigious Coterie fashion trade show in New York City from 22-24 September 2024. This avant-garde fashion brand will showcase their unique blend of sustainability, artistry and bold design, proving that there is more to Indonesia’s fashion than just batik
5 Best Omakase in Jakarta: Japanese Tasting Menus at Their Finest
We’re lucky to have dining destinations offering exquisite experiences of omakase in Jakarta, who have successfully channeled the authentic culture of this culinary style. Top chefs and fresh, premium ingredients come together for an unforgettable multi-course journey. For true Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, an omakase menu is the way to go. Meaning “I leave it up
Indonesia’s Upcycling Artisans: Turning Trash Into Treasure
The quote “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” perfectly captures the essence of these artisan shops. Transforming waste into sophisticated, high-quality goods is no easy feat, yet these shops have embraced the challenge by repurposing what was considered waste materials and establishing businesses that are not only environmentally-friendly but also purposefully sustainable. Popsiklus Popsiklus

Exploring the Rhythms of Defiance and Order in Lucy Guerin’s One Single Action
Australia-based Lucy Guerin Inc brought their latest work, One Single Action, to the Salihara International Performing Arts Festival (SIPFest) 2024 on 17 and 18 August 2024, at the Salihara Community Art Centre. This 45-minute performance, while concise in its runtime, left the audience with plenty to contemplate. If there are two words that could sum
Time, The Forgotten Ingredient
Taking inspiration from traditional kitchen processes, artisanal food company Crafted With Time brings back the magic of fermentation, harnessing the power of time to create restaurant-grade flavour-makers that pack a punch. Most Indonesians are aware that tempeh is made through fermentation, but many are less familiar with the widespread use of this ancient method in