Edward Speirs
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
Getting Young People Ready for the World
How can we best prepare young people to feel like they are ready for the world? At a time when the world is at its most interconnected in history, and thus more daunting for those on the precipice of engaging with it, answering this question is more important than ever. Academia has been striving to
The Evolution of Chinese-Indonesian Rights and the Sign of a New Indonesia
In the Indonesia we see today, one might take for granted the freedoms and liberties we currently have. However, older generation Chinese-Indonesians are one group that certainly do not take this lightly, many of whom continue to live with the mental and emotional scars of the country’s darker, discriminatory past. The open cultural celebrations of
The Distillers Library: A Haven for Single Malt Whisky Connoisseurs
For lovers of fine and rare whiskies, The Distillers Library will be their newest sanctuary in the city. Opening its doors in the stylish compound space, Bumi Pakubuwono, this exclusive venue presents the most precious collection of single malts from William Grant & Sons, namely Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. Found on the second floor of
A Jamu Workshop with Suwe Ora: Discovering the Jamu Lifestyle
Delve into Indonesia’s traditional health concoctions, jamu, through an insightful workshop that shares not only the methods and recipes of these age-old remedies, but their philosophies as well. More than just a health drink, there is a culture and lifestyle associated with both the making and drinking of jamu, explains Nova Dewi, Founder of Suwe
