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.

The Papandayan International Jazz Online Competition: TPJC 2025 Calls All Jazz Musicians
After 4 successful editions since 2021, The Papandayan International Jazz Online Competition (TPJC) returns in 2025, ready to offer a 5th chance for jazz musicians worldwide to showcase their talents. This event adopts a hybrid concept, combining virtual platforms and social media, making it accessible to participants and audiences from various parts of the globe.

ARTOTEL Gelora Senayan – Jakarta Holds ‘Emerging Echoes’ Art Exhibition
Entering 2025, ARTOTEL Gelora Senayan – Jakarta presents its second art exhibition in collaboration with local artists. Titled ‘Emerging Echoes’, it features the works of two contemporary Indonesian artists, Firma Summa and Agustan. Emerging Echoes seeks to capture the rhythms and stories of everyday life through each artist’s unique perspective. Beyond just a display of

Kassian Cephas: The First Indonesian Photographer
Often recognised as Indonesia’s first photographer, Kassian Cephas has played an important role in capturing the essence of Indonesian culture, landscape, and society through his lens.Born in 1845 in Yogyakarta, Java, Cephas’s impact on Indonesian photography extends beyond his individual work. He was the first Indonesian to become a professional photographer, laying a foundation for

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

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.

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,

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

SukkhaCitta: Securing the Roots of Fashion
The proverb “it takes a village” rings true for more things than just raising a child. In the case of Indonesia’s most sustainable fashion brand, SukkhaCitta, it is in the villages where real positive impact can be made. Here is how a ‘farm-to-closet’ philosophy changed fashion’s relationship with nature, culture and community.The modern fashion industry

Sing Dance Cry Breathe: Korakrit Arunanondchai Externalises Human Emotion in Museum MACAN’S Latest Exhibition
One of Jakarta’s most significant conduits to the global art scene, Museum MACAN’s latest exhibition presents the works of Thai-born, New York and Bangkok-based artist, Korakrit Arunanondchai. The exhibition, titled ‘Sing Dance Cry Breathe | as their worlds collide on screen’ invites the audience into a vibrant theatre of ‘non-human actors’, where voice, song and