Forget beaches: Here are 5 smart books for your summer reading list

Read on The Weekender

5 shows not from Hollywood that you can relate to

Read on The Weekender

Culture

Convening and celebrating on the Island of the Gods

Every year, Bali welcomes millions of travelers, drawing them in with picturesque vistas, rich cultural heritage and the island’s signature hospitality.

4 days ago

Culture

Ready, set, snooze: Sleep-deprived Japanese compete for best-rested

In diligent, exhausted Japan, self-described elite "competitive sleepers" vied to lie down, relax and nap the fastest and deepest in a contest organized by a mattress company. ...

2 weeks ago

Culture

Keith Haring finds new canvas in Louis Vuitton Artycapucines Collection

Highlighting themes of innocence, love and unity, merged with social justice and public health, Keith Haring cemented his reputation as the pioneer of action painting in the 1980s, becoming synonymous with his recognizable art that emphasizes thick outlines, vibrant colors, energetic movement and cartoon-like simplicity. ...

2 weeks ago

The Latest

Culture

APR, K.A.L.A Studio collaborate for 'Philo Garden' eco-friendly clothing collection

Sustainable viscose-rayon fiber producer Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) collaborated with Indonesian ready-to-wear fashion label K.A.L.A Studio for an eco-friendly clothing collection, inspired by the contemporary woman who is tough, independent, and strong.

3 years ago

At Dogs Ministry's dog lounge, visitors can play with the in-house puppies of various breeds.

Culture premium

Dogs Ministry ready to make your dog the perfect companion

Located in the Pluit ward of North Jakarta, the dog-friendly premise aims to be a locus of care, knowledge and joy for all dog lovers in the city.

3 years ago

Release: Catharsis uses emotional release techniques such as crying and yelling. (Courtesy of Dr. Darmika)

Culture

Shout it out loud: These Indonesians scream to heal trauma

A growing number of Indonesian are finding relief in catharsis therapy

3 years ago

Careful: Yusuf, a legal aid from Migrant Care, explains that people need to be more cautious while applying for jobs through social media. (Pexels/Magnus Mueller)

Culture

When an online job search becomes a trap for the unwary

Enticing promises ultimately lead to many workers falling victim to human trafficking

3 years ago

Culture

Beauty brand Lush unveils new Green Hub but business comes first

The facility at Lush's Poole headquarters in southern England sees its signature black plastic pots granulated into plastic pellets before being remoulded, while a special unit treats wastewater.

3 years ago

Emotional: Ayu R. Yolandasari explains that society's treatment and access to menstrual care has intensified the complex feelings of transgender and non-binary people towards their periods (Pexels/Cliff Booth)

Culture

Trans and non-binary individuals talk the pain of periods

From the emotional to physiological sides, trans and non-binary individuals share their experiences about "that time of the month."

3 years ago

Should couples separate their wealth before marriage?

Culture premium

Prenuptial agreement in Indonesia: Yay or Nay?

Should married couples maintain or divide their riches for better money management and a happier marriage? Experts and couples weigh in.

3 years ago

Proud: Anugrah Fadly stands between his paintings 'Pendidikan Robot' (left) and 'Abstraksi Gempa Turki' (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)

Culture

How to discover artistic talent in children with autism

Children with autism often have hidden artistic talents that can be uncovered with the right approach

3 years ago

Inclusive: Koes Adiati said people with disabilities should be able to experience art like everyone else. (Courtesy of Koes Adiati)

Culture

Sign language interpreters describe their experience with music

Indonesian sign language interpreters talk about their practice and how it feels to “perform” for the hard of hearing and deaf to create a more inclusive performance.

3 years ago

Getting by: A photograph of Endang at his house, on May 1. Shown in the background are the sewing machines that his son uses as a clothing vendor when he is not out taking food orders.(JP/Anindito Ariwandono)

Culture

Dying light: Indonesian neon sign makers refuse to call it quits for now

A look into the life of one of Bandung’s last generation of neon sign makers

3 years ago

Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California, the United States. Adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership: adidas + KANYE WEST.

Culture

Adidas posts Q1 loss as Kanye split weighs

The company booked a net loss of 39 million euros ($43 million) from January to March, compared to a profit of 482 million euros in the period a year earlier.

3 years ago

In this photograph taken on April 24, 2023, Afghan boys travel in a Toyota Corolla taxi in Kabul. Little is certain in Afghanistan -- armies invade and retreat, governments rise and fall -- but when the key of a Toyota Corolla turns in the ignition, the engine can be relied upon to roar to life.

Culture

'Beautiful Corolla': Afghan love affair with Toyota endures the ages

A humble Japanese runabout with a reliable albeit unglamorous reputation, the Toyota Corolla is said to be the world's most popular car, with over 50 million trundling off production lines since 1966.

3 years ago

Seasonal surge: Prama Tirta Leksana prints a political T-shirt at his T-shirt printing company in Jakarta. Prama says that his orders at least triple during election season. (Courtesy of Prama Tirta Leksana)

Culture

Good money, tough clients: The business of political T-shirts

'Tis the season when campaign T-shirts become hot items among politically conscious voters.

3 years ago

Culture

Pokémon Justice: Japanese store bans adults from buying Pokémon cards

A Japanese store is enforcing a policy to block adult resellers and making new Pokemon cards more accessible to children.

3 years ago

Still waters: Boats are berthed in an Indonesian port (Pexels/Ahmad Syahrir)

Culture

Futuristic tourism: How Indonesian travelers are shaping new journeys

The future seems bright and exciting for the different varieties of Indonesian travelers as they look to hit the road in ways that suit them.

3 years ago

Culture

No such thing as “Crazy Kind” with Sasa’s Box of Kindness

Everything pre-loved has a story to tell, and it is worth remembering that the things we no longer need can be someone else’s treasure.

3 years ago

Wed in style: Henri Winata poses beside his bespoke double-breasted jacket from Bridestory at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD city, on March 3. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)

Culture

Are post-pandemic weddings returning to lavish extravagance?

Designers and experts in the industry talk about emerging wedding trends in post-pandemic Indonesia.

3 years ago

Healthy habits: Gamers and other people who spend long hours looking at a computer screen can develop a variety of health issues, many of which stem from bad posture, not taking breaks looking away from the screen and a lack of regular exercise. (Unsplash/Oppo)

Culture

Gaming can destroy your body: Here's how gamers stay fit and well

People often lose track of time when playing video games, which can lead to health problems. Indonesian doctors are looking at ways to help them avoid developing illness or injury while pursuing their passion.

3 years ago

Character: Celebrating Indonesia's identity by wearing a sarong (Courtesy of IFC)

Culture premium

Sarongs are 2023's must-have fashion item

These days, many people proudly wear sarongs in their daily lives.

3 years ago

Serene shore: Likupang Beach is located in North Minahasa regency in North Sulawesi province. (Courtesy of Indonesia Travel)

Culture

Four of Indonesia's best vacation spots for 2023

For anyone who wishes to have joyous memories, wider horizons and a better appreciation for nature and history, 2023 is the perfect time, especially after nearly three years of the excruciatingly restricting pandemic, to go all-out with their upcoming vacations.

3 years ago

Leading lady: Model-turned-actor Lutesha made waves with films such as 'The Big Four' and 'Dear David'. (Courtesy of Persona Management)

Culture

Female rising stars celebrate R.A. Kartini's legacy and define 'emancipation'

Four rising public figures pay tribute to the enduring original female icon.

3 years ago

Powderkeg: Firecrackers sets are presented for sale at the Asemka Morning Market in Tambora, West Jakarta, on Dec. 12, 2019. (Kompas.com/M Lukman Pabriyanto)

Culture

Firecrackers bring smiles but also hazards on Lebaran

As Idul Fitri approaches, more and more fireworks will start blasting off in the country, a diversion that can have a dark side.

3 years ago

Iconic: Stuffed toys depicting Bacuya, who was to be the mascot for the ill-fated U-20 World Cup in Indonesia, are displayed for sale. (JP/Tunggul Wirajuda)

Culture

Canceled: What to do with all this U-20 World Cup merchandise?

Indonesia’s licensed vendor for FIFA U-20 World Cup merchandise is scrambling to sell off its wares after the country lost its license to host the tournament in an act of political self-sabotage.

3 years ago

Breaking down: Rayhan Noor has experienced how fear and fatigue can deteriorate mental health. (Courtesy of Sun Eater)

Culture premium

"Lots of stress": Are musicians today sacrificing mental health to write songs?

At the end of the day, all musicians are bound to ask themselves: Is the passion worth the pain?

3 years ago

Starting young: Ilham was introduced to trading in 2012 while in second grade vocational high school. (JP/OHMG)

Culture

Get rich quick?: Young Indonesians dream of prosperity by becoming traders

For many Indonesians just out of university, trading feels like an avenue into quick prosperity. But is it a pipe dream?

3 years ago

Culture premium

Discord, a prime ground for online 'rebels'... and leaks?

While the authenticity of the material has yet to be confirmed by officials, The Washington Post reported the embarrassing leak of secrets about the war in Ukraine came from a Discord user nicknamed "OG", a gun enthusiast who works on a US military base.

3 years ago

Unique: Ayu and her business partner, Natasha, provides an upcycling service and offers special custom beads embroidery to make the finished piece stand out (Courtesy of Ayu Ananto)

Culture

Why upcycling services are essential for sustainable fashion

As consumerism grows, reparation and alteration become options to decrease fashion waste.

3 years ago

Brain fog: Psychiatrist Lidya Heryanto noted that prolonging the process leading to rewards or pleasure would help balance the chemistry in our brain (Niklas Hamann/Unsplash)

Culture

No TikTok, no Twitter, no Facebook: Indonesians find peace through social media detoxing

Love and hate with the digital world as more people abstain from social media and online entertainments in regaining their sense of self and mindfulness

3 years ago

Mexican TikToker Santos Tuz poses for a photo in his studio while showing a video of himself spreading the Mayan language in Oxkutzcab, Yucatan State, Mexico, on April 1, 2023. Santos Tuz is sharing his indigenous language with thousands of people on social media. The 21-year-old teacher, proud to be the first university student in his family, discovered his vocation to spread the Maya language during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Culture

Mexican TikToker shares Maya language with new generations

Although public education is now officially bilingual in the Yucatan, Indigenous language teaching is only just being introduced.

3 years ago

‘Godfather’ of electropop: Ryuichi Sakamoto walks the red carpet on Oct. 4, 2018 during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea. The pioneering Japanese composer and musician died on March 28, 2023 aged 71 after battling cancer, his management announced on April 2, 2023.

Culture

Ryuichi Sakamoto: Local musicians pay tribute to electropop's 'godfather'

The death of the “godfather of electropop”, Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, has struck a deep chord with many Indonesian musicians who were greatly influenced by his music.

3 years ago

Page: 4