Tanjidor is a traditional Betawi musical orchestra largely composed of brass and wind instruments and drums. This modest ensemble was played by the slaves during the Dutch colonial era.  From its name, the most common theory says that tanjidor derived from the Portuguese words, tanger (to play music) and tangedor (playing music outdoors). In Portugal, the

The Glodok Pancoran area in West Jakarta is a window into the Chinese culture beyond its homeland. Against a vibrant backdrop of cultural diversity, this bustling area offers a paradise of luscious food, heritage sites, colourful temples filled with incense, encounters with intriguing personalities, and enticing bargain hunts. Delving into the old buildings reveals the

Gigi balang is a traditional Betawi pattern often used in vernacular architecture. Beyond simple decoration, this ornamental pattern is symbolic of a Betawi philosophy on life. The term gigi balang comes from gigi belalang, or ‘grasshopper teeth’. This comes from the idea that grasshoppers, on their pursuit to bite their way through wood, can only do

It was a long journey for Indonesia to declare its independence from colonial rule on 17 August 1945,  when the Proclamation of Independence was read by Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta on behalf of the Indonesian people. That moment was a clear mark that the nation of Indonesia was established and indeed sovereign. Commemorating this historic

At the beginning of the 20th century, bubur ase was a popular food among Batavia residences and was a mainstay for Betawi society. A bowl of this special rice porridge, full of nutritious condiments, warmed stomachs and provided sustenance for the day. Other than being a favourite breakfast meal, the dish is an example of

Specifically built by the Dutch Colonial government to accommodate the shopping cravings of European and Dutch elites in Batavia, Pasar Baru — or Passer Baroe, as it was called then — became a melting pot of communities and ethnicities, from Chinese, Indians, Europeans, and even Malays. Considered the city’s oldest shopping arcade, Pasar Baru continues

A merging of a Javanese and Sundanese gamelan orchestra, Gambang Kromong has a unique sound and distinct timbre. This comes from the various music instruments originating from the acculturation of Indonesian and Chinese traditional music. A synergistic relationship between ethnicities will produce a beautiful harmony in life. That’s the moral that can be taken from

Pekojan is a historic district or kecamatan in West Jakarta. Considered the city’s original Arab village, it is a prime example of the rich ethnic diversity found in Jakarta and how different communities created their own landmarks and cultural treasures over time. Back when Jakarta was still under Dutch colonial rule, known at the time

Despite the name bir (pronounced: beer), this drink contains no alcohol at all. It’s made from a mixture of spices and the Betawi people consider it a wellness drink, even though it was created under the influence of the Dutch culture of drinking alcohol during the colonial era. Bir Pletok is the star of Betawi

After a long period of closure, Toko Merah is now open with its new name Rode Winkel, providing a vibrant way to stroll through its rich history while savouring good drinks and sumptuous food. Since its construction in 1730, the historic building named Toko Merah has changed ownership several times, from the VOC, Chinese civilians,

Jakarta is widely known as a multi-ethnic city. Yet, not many people know that on the east of Tanjung Priok harbour lies a village inhabited by people of Portuguese descent who still preserve their culture and heritage. It is from this old village where keroncong music and gado-gado originated. On my way to Rumah Tugu

‘Belanda Depok’ was once a pejorative, or mocking name, given to the old communities of Depok, a region found between Jakarta and Bogor, now best known as the home of The University of Indonesia. The origin of this term, meaning ‘Depok Dutch’, spans back to the early days of the Dutch colonisation of Indonesia and is an