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Jakarta Post
Archeologists found the Datu Ronggur inscription in Toba regency, North Sumatra in 2021. The inscription was carved on a cave wall and contains advice for its people to pray, which would be granted by 'opung' (ancestors in the Batak language).
Archeologists found the Datu Ronggur inscription in Toba regency, North Sumatra in 2021. The inscription was carved on a cave wall and contains advice for its people to pray, which would be granted by 'opung' (ancestors in the Batak language).`
Art & Culture premium

Discovery of ancient inscriptions adds new story to beginning of Batak script

Three ancient inscriptions found in North Sumatra show the possible transition from the ancient Sumatran script to the currently known Batak script.

6 days ago
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Gugug: A free-spirited, silent observer of everyday life

An exhibition to celebrate 25 years of comic strip ‘Gugug!’ embodies the canine character’s free and adventurous spirit.

1 week ago
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‘Mega Mega’, the musical: A triumphant revisiting of a classic

In celebration of Teater Keliling’s 50th anniversary, the revival of the timeless tragicomedy-drama Mega Mega, with all-new original music, perfectly captures the magic of theater in a hilarious, yet moving package.

1 week ago

The Latest

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Fancy a fungal future?

From sustainable fashion and home decor to disaster relief, Indonesian biotechnology company MYCL plans to take over – and save – the world, one mushroom at a time “For MYCL to grow and really leave an impact, we need help from designers, architects and builders to explore how far this material can go. We believe that as innovators, we’ve only scratched the surface.” - Ronaldiaz Hartantyo

3 weeks ago
Art & Culture premium

Short story: Not so bright lights, Sinking City

After snoozing four times, you turn off your alarm at 5:43 a.m. You list your gratitude: your slim thighs, your mother, your Timberland shoes. Unlike half the office, you’re grateful you’re not being forced to move to IKN or to get married. Mostly, you’re grateful for your phone and Angel, your two-year-old gray Munchkin cat.

4 weeks ago
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‘Voice Against Reason’: Challenging norms and inspiring reflection through art

Artists from Indonesian and other countries try to break down long-held beliefs, practices and a semblance of normalcy through a variety of works compassing fine arts and performance arts, as well as anything in between, in an exhibition at the Museum MACAN. 

1 month ago
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‘It becomes a part of life’: a dance with Siti Alisa and Josh Marcy

‘We don't talk about specific technical roots anymore, but more about how dance and the body become a medium for artistic creation’ - Josh   ‘Not only does the body have to be fit - that's a must - but it must also possess intelligence to articulate a movement and then embody it so that it becomes an expression, and even more.’ - Alisa    

1 month ago
Art & Culture

Abandoned Singapore mall becomes unlikely art haven

Around half a century old, Peace Centre is scheduled to face the wrecking ball later this year, but fans say it has provided a rare space for self-expression.

1 month ago
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National Museum unites multidisciplinary experts to rise from the ashes

The Museum National is working hard to restore artifacts affected by a fire that tore through Building A in September 2023, as well as implementing renovations that are scheduled to take over a year.

1 month ago
Art & Culture

Calling all guitar heroes, The Smashing Pumpkins are hiring

The influential alt rockers who achieved 1990s fame with hits including "Cherub Rock" and "Tonight, Tonight" are seeking an additional guitarist and welcoming resumes.

2 months ago
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CTI's 15-year mission and beyond: Safeguarding Indonesia's handwoven legacy

Overshadowed by the more famous and recognized batik, the Indonesian traditional handwoven cloth tenun does not lack supporters at home who strive to get the traditional fabric used more in our daily life. Cita Tenun Indonesia commemorates its 15th anniversary celebrating tenun by providing more training for weavers and introducing the fabric to a wider audience.

2 months ago
Art & Culture

Unique Ecuador nativity scene aims for historical accuracy

Some 300 figurines currently on display in a monastery-turned-museum in Quito, Ecuador recount biblical stories surrounding the birth of Jesus, such as Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt to protect their baby or the massacre of the innocents, the tale of King Herod ordering the killing of all male children under two.

2 months ago
Art & Culture

'Soul of our ancestors': US to return stolen Cambodian treasures

The return of the sculptures to their countries of origin would empty the Met's collection of art associated with Douglas Latchford, a dealer charged with smuggling looted artifacts from Southeast Asia, the museum said.

3 months ago
Art & Culture

UNESCO recognizes Ramadan meal tradition of iftar

Iftar, which follows the sunset call to prayer during Ramadan, is associated with gatherings "strengthening family and community ties and promoting charity, solidarity and social exchange," the UNESCO said.

3 months ago
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‘Repatriasi’: Reclaiming Indonesia’s heritage from the shadows of colonialism

The National Gallery of Indonesia is holding an exhibition until Sunday showcasing repatriated artifacts looted by the Dutch colonial power. The exhibition intends to show to the public how rich Indonesia is culturally, and that Indonesians could preserve such precious heirlooms.

3 months ago
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'Masa Depan Batik': Unveiling the industry’s challenges and reshaping its future

Batik has a long tradition in Indonesia and has been recognized by UNESCO as an item of intangible heritage in 2009 while at the same time there are concerns about its future. Dutch artisan and researcher Sabine Bolk, however, is determined to keep up the spirit and skills, ensuring batik will always have a future.

3 months ago
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‘Bicara Melalui Kain’: Redefining textile narratives in Indonesia

Researcher and artisan Lusiana Limono was intrigued to find an old baby blanket made up from a patchwork of cloth pieces by her great-grandmother. The discovery led her to deep-dive into the world of textiles.

3 months ago
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Batik Durian: Weaving the essence of Lubuklinggau into global fashion

Durian and batik may not come naturally in the same breath but that was what one woman leader managed to do in Lubuklinggau city – promoting durian through batik artistry despite the absence of batik history in the city.

3 months ago
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What happens when art meets nature? Meet Semesta's Gallery

Standing on a lush, sloping hill in South Jakarta's Lebak Bulus, Semesta's Gallery has steadily clinched a reputation as one of the most distinctive art galleries in the city.

4 months ago
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Pura Mangkunegaran presents royal heritage in Angsukayana batik exhibit

The Mangkunegaran duchy has launched an exhibition and fashion show to present its rich batik heritage that has developed over the centuries.

4 months ago
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Konnect ASEAN: Bridging cultures through friendship and art

Artists from across Southeast Asian nations and South Korea made friends and discovered new skills through Konnect Asean residency programs.

4 months ago
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OMAH Library: Tangerang's comfy fountain of knowledge

Comfortably nestled within the Taman Villa Meruya housing complex just outside Jakarta, the library-slash-cafe is currently enjoying cult status as a serene haven for passionate architectophiles and urban bibliophiles.

5 months ago
Art & Culture

Guilty as charged?: New documentary reignites debate on Jessica Wongso's infamous case

A new Netflix documentary about the controversial “cyanide coffee case” sheds light on Indonesia’s current legal system but does not share any new information regarding the murder of Wayan Mirna Salihin.

5 months ago
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Fulfilling a promise: Teater Abnon revives Betawi’s ‘gambang kromong’ with ‘Janji Soekma’

Teater Abnon features Betawi traditional gambang kromong music in their upcoming production and celebrates its 14th anniversary. 

5 months ago
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‘Sandyakala Smara’: Reviving the timeless elegance of Kudus batik

Denny Wirawan, in collaboration with the Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation, presented a fashion show in Kudus, Central Java, featuring the forgotten splendor of Kudus batik. 

5 months ago
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Lies AR of trailblazing Dara Puspita passes away

Lies Adji Rachman, or Lies AR, cofounder and guitarist of Indonesia’s legendary all-female rock and roll group Dara Puspita, died at 77 on Sunday night in Mojokerto, East Java.

5 months ago
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A Bohemian rhapsody in Jakarta

Lovers of classical music in Jakarta got a hefty dose of a rhapsodic evening of music from Bohemia through the works of Leos Janacek, Bohuslav Martinu, Gustav Mahler and Antonin Dvorak.

6 months ago
Art & Culture

Black and White of RI Fiesta of Democracy

General elections are also known as pesta demokrasi (democracy festivals) and they occur every five years. Millions of people helped prepare for of the much-awaited 2019 general election. Volunteers folded ballot papers and distributed ballot boxes to the polling stations (TPS) across Indonesia.  

6 months ago
Art & Culture

Living hope of children on Jakarta's coastline

The hustle and bustle of daily life in Jakarta has created many inspirational stories, such as the creation of Kelas Jurnalis Cilik (Junior Journalism Course). This outdoor classroom has narrated stories about journalism to children in coastal areas of North Jakarta. Despite their limitations, the children have been able to produce honest work filled with meaningful messages.

6 months ago
Art & Culture

Iconic Freddie Mercury memorabilia sells for over £3 million

The Sotheby's auction room echoed to the sound of the track "We Will Rock You" before bidding began at the black-tie evening auction.

6 months ago