Culture Columns

Due to its sheer vastness Indonesia contains a rich variety of cultures. Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city and the center of national politics and economics, is the melting pot of many such cultures. Starting from the colonial era - when the city was known as Batavia - people came from all corners of the archipelago to this developing megacity in search of a livelihood. As a consequence Jakarta currently has a population of almost ten million people (official figure). The distance from the area of cultural origin, however, has resulted in a fading of some cultural features (especially for those families that have been living in Jakarta for multiple generations), but it has been 'enriched' by a distinct urban culture.

  • Opinion Piece: the Potential of Resource Development in Yogyakarta

    In order to boost overall economic expansion as well as growth of several local industries, it is important for the city of Yogyakarta - located in the center of Java island - to see more infrastructure development. The local government has the crucial task to either invest directly in infrastructure development or to encourage private investment in infrastructure development by safeguarding a conducive regulatory environment and attractive investment environment.

    Read column ›

  • Music Events in Indonesia: Indihome Prambanan & Ubud Village Jazz

    For the third time Indihome Prambanan Jazz will be held this year on 18-19 August 2017. A line up of international musicians, including Shane Filan and Sarah Brightman, are scheduled to entertain thousands of music lovers in a charming setting in front of the Prambanan Temple complex near the city of Yogyakarta (Java).

    Read column ›

  • Indonesian Art: Chance to See the Presidential Palace's Paintings

    With the 72nd anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia approaching (on 17 August 2017), those who love art have a chance to enjoy the collection of paintings owned by the Indonesian state that normally decorates the walls within the Presidential Palace. In the National Gallery of Indonesia (located in Central Jakarta) a total of 48 paintings - created by famous Indonesian and foreign painters including Raden Saleh, Dullah, Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, Trubus Soedarsono and Lee Man Fong - are displayed to the general public throughout the month of August.

    Read column ›

  • Indonesians Love Instagram, Which Star Has the Largest Following?

    Indonesians love the Internet and love sharing their daily experiences or thoughts with their online friends. Photo-sharing application Instagram draws a huge audience from Indonesia. Reportedly, more then 45 million active users log on to Instagram every month in Indonesia, implying a more than 100 percent year-on-year (y/y) growth pace compared to the number of Indonesian Instagrammers one year ago. What explains this growth? Indonesia's huge population as well as steadily rising Internet and Smartphone penetration.

    Read column ›

Today's Headlines