Edward Speirs
A Creative’s Guide to Bandung: Art, Design, and Inspiration in the City of Ideas
Bandung has long been a city of innovation. Once the playground of Dutch architects during the colonial era, this West Javanese capital remains an architectural treasure trove of Art Deco buildings. But Bandung isn’t just about its past—it’s a living, breathing hub of creativity, where students, artists, and designers shape its future. Home to some
Melati Wijsen’s Lessons from a Full-Time Changemaker
In her newly published book, ‘Change Starts Now,’ Melati Wijsen reflects on more than a decade as an environmental activist, and shares her valuable ‘100 lessons’ for any aspiring changemaker, young and old. At the age of 12, Melati and her younger sister Isabel began campaigning against single-use plastic bags in Bali, calling for an
Why Jakarta Needs Literature, with Laura Prinsloo of Pulau Imaji
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 fosteringand developing specific areas of culture. Laura Prinsloo of Pulau Imaji talks to us about literature. Did you know that Jakarta
Why Jakarta Needs Contemporary Art, with Venus Lau of Museum MACAN
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 fosteringand developing specific areas of culture. Venus Lau of Museum MACAN talks to us about art. London has the Tate Modern,
What is an SPK School? Understanding Indonesia’s Sekolah SPK Categorisation
Since 2014, private schools in Indonesia that once labelled themselves as ‘international’ were subjected to new regulations from the Indonesian Government’s Ministry of Education and Culture. This resulted in the new category of SPK schools, or Sekolah SPK, under which these academic institutions must also abide by specific requirements and education. In early years, international
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
Plataran Indonesia on Embracing ‘Hospitality with Impact’ and Developing Eco Tourism
With an impressive network of hotels, resorts and restaurants across Indonesia, often in the most exotic locations, homegrown hospitality group Plataran Indonesia has certainly made its mark on the country’s tourism industry. Since its establishment in 2009, the group has made it their mission to celebrate Indonesian culture and nature wherever possible, and that certainly
Ascott Orchard Singapore: A Second Home in Singapore
For the frequent Singapore traveller, Ascott Orchard Singapore has become the accommodation choice. Connected to one of the most popular shopping centres, these premium serviced apartments with hotel license present a tranquil oasis in the city’s retail and lifestyle heart. A visit to the Lion City is almost routine for Jakarta residents, a welcome reprieve
For the People of the Forest: Supporting Orangutan Survival at Samboja Lodge
The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation invites explorers into the heart of Kalimantan, to stay in the depths of the Indonesian rainforest, and make a direct contribution to the protection of the gentle orangutan, the ‘people of the forest.’ In the depths of East Kalimantan, Samboja Lodge sits at the centre of 1,800 hectares of Bornean
Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa Opens, Bringing Five-Star Hospitality to South Sumatra
Opening on a stunning coastline of South Sumatra, Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa invites travellers to explore this up-and-coming destination filled with natural wonders, exotic wildlife and its own unique culture. The new resort is set to entice visitors to the region, promising comfort and five-star services during their stay. Lampung, on the southern most
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
The Menteng Heritage Society and the Fight to Preserve Jakarta’s Historic Homes
On Saturday, 20 April 2024, the Menteng Heritage Society, Indonesian Heritage Society and Tugu Kunstkring hosted the first ‘Menteng Open’, a walking tour and lecture event focused on the heritage houses of one of Jakarta’s oldest districts, Menteng. ‘Minting’, as it was then called, was already scribbled onto old Dutch maps back in 1695. What
