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
Senyawa+: Bridging Creativity and Commerce for Indonesian Creators
In an era where creativity offers great value in business, Senyawa+ enables young and independent creators to make something for themselves. Founded by Yansen Kamto, the platform supports and elevates young innovators and local brands, providing them with know-how, tools and opportunities required to navigate the market and grow a business. Kamto’s experience in building
A Birthday Wish for DKI Jakarta
How should cities “develop”? And what can we do to ensure it is done correctly? Those are probably the questions that many people inside – and outside – the city government are asking. What do we have to do to ensure a good future for the citizens of the city of Jakarta, especially when it
Vox Populi: What Are Your Hopes for a Non-Capital Jakarta?
In losing its title as Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta must spread its many feathers to show the world what it has to offer. So, NOW! Jakarta asks prominent figures what their hopes are for a Jakarta without its title, asking them to answer about their field, industry or community. Here’s what they had to say:
75 Years of UK-Indonesia Relations, with H.E. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to Indonesia
NOW! Jakarta Founder, Alistair Speirs, sits down with H.E. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste. The topic at hand: the 75th Anniversary of the relationship between Britain and Indonesia, a milestone moment in diplomatic relations. His excellency shares on historic royal visits of the past, including of Her Late Majesty the Queen,
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
Can Surabaya Become a Sustainable City?
Surabaya is probably not the first place you would have chosen as the preferred model for sustainability – its hot, busy, industrial and very developed… but as you will see when we examine all the reasons and criteria, it has an excellent chance of indeed becoming the first Indonesian city to be at least on
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
Kartini Day Commemoration: Beyond the Ritual
Based on a Presidential Decision issued by President Sukarno in May 1964, 21st April is celebrated as Kartini Day in Indonesia, to honour the national heroine recognised as a pioneer for female emancipation in the country. School girls and sometimes female office workers would dress up in kebayas, to go to school or work, similar
Moores Rowland: Profit from Tax Consulting and Auditing Services
The Ides of March are near and that can only mean one thing. It’s time to prepare your taxes. It’s the time of year when a trusted tax advisor is needed to navigate through Indonesia’s intricate fiscal frameworks. Enter Moores Rowland Indonesia’s expert team of tax consultants and auditors with their tailored solutions designed for
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: Reflections on Spirituality, Community, and Gratitude
For Muslims around the world Ramadan is a special moment provided by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT). It marks a month of virtue, more so than any other month. Muslims who sincerely take part in Ramadan worship commit to be pious behaviour and firm religious practice, and when the moment of Eid al-Fitr 1445 Hijriyah arrives
East Meets Wines: Pairing with Asian Cuisine
Leading up to this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations I received many questions about what wines pair best with Chinese food. As you can imagine, many dishes from this rich and flavourful cuisine won’t find a good pairing, but a handful result in some surprisingly delicious combinations! Firstly, let’s get to back to the fundamentals
