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Via Vallen sings Asian Games official theme song

Rising dangdut star Via Vallen has been chosen to sing “Meraih Bintang” (Reaching for the Stars), the official theme song of the 2018 Asian Games.

Created by producer Pay Siburian, “Meraih Bintang” is a modern dangdut song that aims to boost Indonesians’ spirits to cheer on their athletes at the upcoming sports event.

“We appointed Via Vallen as one of the Asian Games artists because of her outstanding talent and huge influence on the Indonesian music scene,” said Erick Thohir, head of the 2018 Asian Games executive committee, in a statement.

Unique coffee harvest ritual held in Blitar

A unique harvesting ritual was conducted at two coffee plantations in Wlingi district, Blitar regency, East Java, on Saturday.

The Kawisari and Sengon coffee plantations are said to be some of the oldest farms in Indonesia.

Interestingly, this ritual involved a Javanese marriage ceremony of Nyai Sri Gondel and Joko Gondel as the bride and groom. They became the main characters in the coffee-picking ritual, preserved since 1870.

Jakpost guide to alternative affordable eats

Jakarta has a buzzing city center with global culinary delights available in abundance. However, often internationally inspired food can mean reaching deep into your pockets, when you sometimes need to economize.

Here are some more affordable alternatives to try when you crave a bite to eat without taking a bigger bite out of your wallet.

Fish Streat

Originating in England, fish and chips have gained popularity in Indonesia, with popular franchises dominating malls and neighborhoods. Fish Streat is one of the affordable options that maintains the original dish of battered fish and hot potato chips, while also offering its own signature side pasta to accompany the fish.

Five places to explore in Indonesia according to Forbes Travel Guide CEO

Among the many attractive destinations in Indonesia, Forbes Travel Guide  CEO Gerard J. Inzerillo has picked five personal favorites that he recommends exploring when vacationing on the archipelago.

Borobudur temple

Describing it as “a spiritual UNESCO World Heritage Site”, Inzerillo mentioned Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java, as his first personal pick for the top destinations in Indonesia.

“It is home to the world’s largest Buddhist temple that dates back to the 8th century and was built with more than 2 million pieces of stone,” he said, adding that the sunrise at the place is particularly magical. 

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