Kampung Ismail Marzuki: A Cultural Heritage in the Modern City of JakartaRazi Faruqi PashaMay 26, 2026May 26, 2026 by Razi Faruqi PashaMay 26, 2026May 26, 20260 Get to know Kampung Ismail Marzuki, a hidden cultural enclave in Setu Babakan where visitors can explore the traditional homes...
The Story of Coffee in Indonesia: From Colonial Commodity to Global Speciality IconIndonesia ExpatApril 9, 2026 by Indonesia ExpatApril 9, 20260 Few countries are as deeply intertwined with coffee as Indonesia. Spread across more than 17,000 islands, the archipelago offers one...
Weaving Belonging: BSJ’s New Tradition Celebrates the Javanese Spirit of GuyubIndonesia ExpatNovember 18, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatNovember 18, 20250 In a celebration of culture and community, The British School Jakarta (BSJ) has introduced a new tradition that embodies one...
A Mentawai LorePramod KanakathNovember 12, 2025 by Pramod KanakathNovember 12, 20250 Contributing writer Pramod Kanakath chronicles his experience getting to know Mentawai culture (and wisdom) for the first time. I woke...
The Philosophy of Javanese Gamelan: Harmony in Every NoteSimran IshwarNovember 11, 2025 by Simran IshwarNovember 11, 20250 Pramoedya Ananta Toer, an icon of Indonesian literacy, in his book The Earth of Mankind, described gamelan’s melody as “the...
10 Indonesian Horror Stories, From Urban Legends to Viral TalesIndonesia ExpatOctober 22, 2025October 22, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatOctober 22, 2025October 22, 20250 Indonesia, among many things, is also known for its horror stories. Some are urban legends that have persisted for decades...
10 Fun Facts About Batik That Expats Need to KnowIndonesia ExpatOctober 14, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatOctober 14, 20250 There are many fascinating things that you may not know about batik just yet. (For example: turns out, the word...
How Indonesia’s Spices Unrolled the Map of the WorldDavid E. ParryAugust 14, 2025August 14, 2025 by David E. ParryAugust 14, 2025August 14, 20251 As Indonesia prepares to celebrate 80 years of independence, it is an appropriate moment to turn the clock back 575...
Highlights at Sarinah: A Celebration of Culture, Innovation and IdentityIndonesia ExpatJuly 23, 2025July 23, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatJuly 23, 2025July 23, 20250 As Indonesia’s first modern retail store and a trailblazer in retail transformation, Sarinah has grown into something far more meaningful:...
Solo: The City of Living HeritageAnnisa Ika RahmawatiJuly 23, 2025July 25, 2025 by Annisa Ika RahmawatiJuly 23, 2025July 25, 20250 Simply put, Solo offers a journey into the soul of Javanese civilisation. Solo, situated in the centre of Java known...
Muaro Port and Padang Old Town: A Colonial Legacy Reimagined for the 21st CenturyDonny SyofyanJuly 16, 2025 by Donny SyofyanJuly 16, 20250 The upcoming revitalisation of Muaro Port and Padang Old Town may reaffirm their significance as West Sumatra’s pivotal cultural symbols....
The Modern Reinvention of JamuAnastasia NareswariJune 12, 2025 by Anastasia NareswariJune 12, 20250 What was once an ancient herbal tradition, lovingly prepared by jamu gendong women in Indonesia’s villages, is now making its...
Randai: Unveiling the Sporting Elements in a Traditional Minangkabau Art FormDonny SyofyanJune 11, 2025 by Donny SyofyanJune 11, 20250 Throughout a Randai performance, participants engage in highly dynamic movements that frequently demand considerable physical exertion, testifying to its athletic...
Top 10 Balinese Cultural Experiences You Can’t MissIndonesia ExpatMarch 17, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatMarch 17, 20250 Bali is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, but its true magic lies in its vibrant culture, seamlessly woven into everyday...
Hotel Tentrem Jakarta Presents “Tentrem Rona Jawi”: A Celebration of Javanese Arts, Music & FashionIndonesia ExpatFebruary 24, 2025 by Indonesia ExpatFebruary 24, 20250 Hotel Tentrem Jakarta is proud to introduce Tentrem Rona Jawi, a cultural initiative celebrating the rich heritage of Javanese artistry...
Aphrodite: The Goddess of Love and Beauty – and Also, WarStephanie BrookesFebruary 11, 2025 by Stephanie BrookesFebruary 11, 20250 Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, was also the goddess of war. Even today, she remains one...
Exploring Bali’s Spiritual Heart: 10 Must-Visit TemplesIndonesia ExpatDecember 6, 2024 by Indonesia ExpatDecember 6, 20240 Bali, often called the Island of a Thousand Temples, is a land where spirituality and everyday life intertwine seamlessly. The...
Interesting Rain-Calling Rituals and Traditions Across IndonesiaFelix MartuaNovember 11, 2024 by Felix MartuaNovember 11, 20240 From whipping bodies to bathing cats, the Indonesian culture is rich in various rituals and traditions to summon the much-cherished...
The Language of Indonesian Pop Culture: A Modern Blend of Slang, Social Media, and Regional IdentityAnastasia NareswariNovember 8, 2024 by Anastasia NareswariNovember 8, 20240 Indonesian pop culture is marked by a dynamic and evolving language, fueled by the rapid spread of social media, the...
Various Funeral Rituals and Traditions Across IndonesiaFelix MartuaOctober 25, 2024 by Felix MartuaOctober 25, 20240 In many regions and communities in Indonesia, death is as important as life itself. Death never ceases to fascinate us....
Two Foreigners Participate in Colossal Dance “Metamorphosis of East Java”Indonesia ExpatOctober 14, 2024 by Indonesia ExpatOctober 14, 20240 As part of the celebration of the 79th anniversary of East Java province, two foreign nationals had the opportunity to...