Sari Widiati
A Peek Inside Glodok’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Shops
Despite its image as a thriving trading centre for affordable electronic goods and authentic Chinese cuisine, Glodok has long attracted visitors fascinated by its Chinese medicine shops situated along Jl. Pancoran. People come in search of herbal remedies traditionally prepared by Chinese healers that are believed to offer effective alternative treatments for various ailments. Recognised
Jakarta Skylines: An Open-Top Tour of Jakarta
Transjakarta presents the Open Top Tour of Jakarta, a captivating new way to explore the capital. This open-air, double-decker bus experience takes passengers along the iconic Sudirman–Bundaran HI corridor, offering panoramic views of Jakarta’s landmarks and a fresh take on urban sightseeing that blends culture, history, and modern city life. The bus offers an exhilarating
A Passionate Call For the Return of Indonesia’s Golden Age of Reading Books
“We Indonesians don’t read!” is a common trope, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Indonesia, in fact, has a rich history in reading and writing, a culture deeply rooted in the nation’s intellectual traditions. Books were the treasured tools of the country’s earliest intelligentsia, playing a fundamental role in the growth and evolution
Sweet Betawi Bites
The northern Javanese coastline that Jakarta calls home was once rich with coconut trees, which has become reflected in traditional Betawi cuisine. For centuries, the Betawi people used what was abundant in their surroundings for nourishment, finding many ways to use but a handful of ingredients in creative and resourceful ways. With simple ingredients like
Women’s International Club Jakarta Celebrates Successful Fundraising and Donations
The Women’s International Club (WIC) Jakarta successfully held its 55th Annual Charity Bazaar on 13–14 November 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center. In keeping with its long-standing tradition, all proceeds from the bazaar have been donated to initiatives that support social welfare and education through WIC’s Bazaar Proceeds Committee (BPC). The BPC, composed of WIC
Best Theatres in Jakarta: 6 Beautiful Concert Halls and Performance Venues
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 do you go to witness it
Kembang Kelapa: Betawi’s Token of Prosperity
Literally translating to “coconut flower,” kembang kelapa is a classic Betawi decorative element, a symbol of blessings, prosperity, and respect for tradition. Jakarta residents might frequently encounter this decorative item without knowing its name. Brightly coloured and crafted from paper or other lightweight materials, it is shaped to resemble the blossoming of a coconut flower.
Books and Beyond: A Reader’s Guide to Jakarta’s Independent Bookstores
Jakarta is home to a diverse range of independent bookstores catering to readers with differing tastes and preferences — from foreign language titles and best sellers to second-hand books and niche genres. The result is a contrasting literary scene where legendary bookstores have stood against the test of time to thrive alongside their emerging peers
Celebrating Ramadan & Idul Fitri Indonesian Traditions
In 2025, the holy month of Ramadan will take place from 1 to 30 March, followed by the holiday season of Eid al-Fitr, better known as Lebaran here in Indonesia. Home to the largest Muslim population in the world, these are important religious observations for the majority of the country, where ritual fasting, communal fast-breaking,
United through Badminton: 75 Years of Denmark-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Denmark and Indonesia. To celebrate, the Embassy of Denmark in Jakarta, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and sponsorship from Danish and Indonesian companies, hosted a special badminton tournament. Badminton has long been a shared passion in both countries, symbolising friendship,
Celebrating Love, Intellectualism, and Democracy at Wisma Habibie and Ainun
The home of Indonesia’s third president, known affectionately as B.J. Habibie, is now open to the public. Named Wisma Habibie and Ainun (WHA), Jakarta’s newest historical landmark showcases the legacy of the former president and his wife Ainun, who immortalized the values of love, intellectualism, and democracy through their life’s journey together. NOW! Jakarta had
Why Jakarta Needs Cultural Collaboration, with Bambang Prihadi of Jakarta Arts Council
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. Bambang Prihadi of Jakarta Arts Council talks to us about cultural collaboration. For the past five decades,
Why Jakarta Needs Music, with Nathania Karina of TRUST
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. Nathania Karina of TRUST Orchestra talks to us about music. Nathania Karina and the Trinity Youth Symphony
