From vernacular houses and ancient temples to colonial landmarks and contemporary structures, Indonesia’s architecture reflects centuries of cultural exchange, adaptation and innovation. Shaped by traditions, environment, climate and, of course, social aspirations through the centuries, the nation’s built environment tells a story not only of architectural transformation, but also of Indonesia’s continuing search for identity In honour of Indonesia’s Independence Day, NOW! Jakarta sits down with the former Vice President’s daughter, Halida Nuriah Hatta, to reflect on her father’s legacy. Alongside President Sukarno, Mohammad Hatta —affectionately known as Bung Hatta—played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence. As its first vice-president, he championed diplomacy, economic development, and non-violent “Beyond every great meal lies the power to create livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and safeguard biodiversity. This is the power of Social Gastronomy.” When people hear the word gastronomy, they often think of fine dining restaurants, celebrated chefs, or beautifully presented dishes. Yet gastronomy is far more than what appears on a plate. At its In this thirteenth edition of our series of ambassador interviews, we again change track and head to Eastern Europe, where there is a wealth of history and an abundance of culture about which we perhaps do not know enough. To rectify that, NOW! Jakarta founder Alistair Speirs (AGS) sat down to uncover the history and Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973, South Korea and Indonesia have continued to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of fields. While the relationship was initially centred largely on economic and industrial collaboration, the past decade has seen a significant shift towards a more cultural and people-oriented partnership. Recognising this growing exchange, the Korean Cultural There’s something to look forward to every weekend in Jakarta – and, other sleeping in, its brunch! Yes, across the capital’s most prestigious addresses, the brunch ritual has been reimagined and reinvented many times over, promising something new and special at every location. From high-altitude dining rooms to quiet sanctuaries tucked within lush gardens, these Jakarta’s social scene welcomed one of its most anticipated gatherings on 9 May 2026. The British Women’s Association (BWA) Jakarta brought a touch of Royal Ascot to the city on that evening, as its annual Charity Ball returned with a race-day-inspired theme in support of Rachel House. The evening unfolded with plenty of memorable moments. A good breakfast spot has a specific atmosphere. They smell of coffee, or baked goods, and have a self-contained busyness to them, as if they are responsible for jumpstarting the entire day – and for many, that’s precisely what they do! So, where does one go for a caffeine and croissant fix in the city?

In the boardrooms of Jakarta’s SCBD, “Transformation” has become the corporate equivalent of a New Year’s resolution: spoken with immense passion in January, funded with a bloated consulting contract in February, and quietly abandoned by June in favour of the comforting embrace of the status quo. Statistically, about 70% of change initiatives fail globally. In “If landscape shapes flavour and culture gives it meaning, biodiversity is the source of Nusantara’s remarkable spectrum of flavours.” Indonesia as Edible Biodiversity Indonesia is often celebrated for its rich culinary traditions, yet the true foundation of ‘Nusantara gastronomy’ lies much deeper. In reality, it stems from the nation’s extraordinary biodiversity. Rather than attempting to The British Women’s Association (BWA) brought the energy of the British track to the heart of the city on 9 May 2026 with their “A Day at the Races” Charity Ball. Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, the event saw local and expat residents trade standard formal wear for the bold hats and sharp Across Indonesia’s vast and varied archipelago, there are those protecting and nurturing the nation’s natural environment. From rice paddies to coffee plantations, cacao groves, and the blue expanse of coastal waters, this protection is being led by farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and cultural advocates who understand that food is not simply sustenance. It is heritage, identity, Cerita Alam Nusantara, brings together a diverse group of organisations who all have a shared purpose: to raise awareness and educate the public about the Critically Endangered Javan Rhinoceros, an ancient species that still roams the island of Java. With its population now at an alarmingly low level, the survival of this rare rhino is PT. PHOENIX COMMUNICATIONS Jl. Kemang Utara VII No. 19, Lembong House Unit #C Kel. Bangka - Jakarta Selatan Tel: +62 719 9312 Fax: +6221 781 2476 Discover Jakarta