Museums, arts and crafts
Museums, exhibitions, batik, ikat and wayang puppets.
The Asian-African Conference Museum: West Java
The Asian-African Conference which was held on 18th to 24th April 1955 in Bandung gained a big success both in formulating common concerns and in preparing operational guidance for cooperation among…
Five Great Places to Buy Batik in Java
It was only the other day I was admiring the various pieces of batik that I had appropriated over the many years of travelling in the archipelago and in particular those pieces from Java.
Five Good Reasons to Visit Solo (Surakarta): Central Java
Solo , or Surakarta as it is formerly known, is located about 60 kilometres to the east of Yogyakarta in Central Java and is one of the principal batik centres in Java.
Museums in Bandung: West Java
Bandung is one of my favourite places in Java and is located in the cool of mountainous areas.
10 Good Reasons to Visit the City of Heroes: Surabaya, East Java
A vast metropolis and the second largest city in Indonesia as well as being the industrial centre of the archipelago, Surabaya is not frequented by tourists as much as the city administration would…
Places to Visit in Semarang: Central Java
I can still recall the very first time I visited Semarang , the northern coastal in Central Java .
Jakarta Museum Guide: West Java
A lot of my friends have remarked upon visiting Jakarta that it is a polluted and a heinous traffic nightmare.
Places to Visit in Banjarmasin: Kalimantan
There are numerous cities and towns you can visit in the province of Kalimantan and one of my favourites is Banjarmasin .
Batik – an Intangible Heritage Wonder
Batik is a popular decorated textile but for Javanese , it means much more -- it embodies a philosophy that holds importance from the cradle to the grave.
Upcoming Events in Indonesia
Along with the endorsement of 2008 as Visit Indonesia Year , a line-up of programs has been arranged to give visitors a closer encounter with the country's magnificent culture.
Kota Museum Horrors: Jakarta, West Java
Picture Jakarta during the Dutch colonial era and imagine how people were tried and punished at the time.
Craftsmen of Bejijong: Trowulan, East Java
Trowulan , located some 12 kilometers south of Mojokerto regency in East Java , has long been known as a historical site.
Carriage Museum: Yogyakarta, Central Java
"Come, come ... please. You see Museum Kereta (carriage museum)," were the words of a guide at Yogyakarta's Kraton (palace).
Wayang Golek: Heubeul Isuk, West Java
Wayang golek , or wooden puppets, are usually presented on stage in front of hundreds of spectators, in a show that lasts all night.
Conserving Eastern Indonesian Artefacts
Australia is currently sponsoring a three-week workshop and training program at the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Museum in Kupang to help conserve fragile wooden and bamboo artefacts from Eastern…
Preserving Textile Weaving: Bali
Life's threads are drawn from tales of the past; its rituals and religions woven into the fabric of culture and lands.
The Museum of National History Now a Hotspot: Jakarta, West Java
The Museum of National History at the base of the National Monument ( Monas ) in Central Jakarta will have free wireless Internet access and four laptops for public use starting in April.
Museum Le Mayeur: Sanur, Bali
The Museum Le Mayeur in Sanur is definitely a must-see place in Bali for the simple reason that some of Belgian artist Andrien Jean Le Mayeur 's finest paintings of his lovely wife Ni Pollok , who…
Cartoon Museum: Kuta, Bali
At long last cartoonists are being recognised for their art and insight into the daily happenings across the archipelago.
Wayang Wong Bharata
The vast archipelagic nation of Indonesia is blessed with a wealth of indigenous cultures that stretch across from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam to Papua .
The Weavers' Ritual: East Sumba, West Nusa Tenggara
There are two kinds of ikat (woven textiles) in East Sumba -- hinggi , which is intended for use by men, and lawu , a songket (embroidered piece) or sarong made of fabric interwoven with gold or…
Floral Designs and Meanings: Bali
Each island and, relevant town or city within those islands has their own batik design . These are easily recognisable. In most cases, these designs ( pola ) have significant meaning.
Promoting and Preserving Ikat: Sumba, West Nusa Tenggara
It was a drizzly afternoon and 42-year-old Umbu Anton sat idly by the corridor of the main gateway into Waingapu market .
Handicraft Exports Up 10 pct: Bali
In what is seen as an excellent sign for this year, trade-wise, Bali's handicraft exports in January 2008 rose 10 percent to US$16.9 million from US$15.14 million in the same period last year.
Traditional Textile Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
An upcoming exhibition showcasing more than 100 samples of antique fabrics from around the country -- including batik, embroidery and woven pieces -- promises a rare and exquisite experience for…
World Wayang Show a Highlight at the Bali Art Festival
World " wayang " (puppet show) and ethnic music of the ASEAN region will highlight the 30th Bali Art Festival (PKB) from June 14 to July 12 , 2008 in Denpasar .
Foundation Promotes Indonesian Museum Tourism
In an attempt to boost the number of museum visitors, Surabaya-based non-profit organization, House of Sampoerna , has published a brochure advertising seven museums in Indonesia.
Museums and Galleries in Bali
Bali is an island blessed with a unique culture and arts . Across the island there are several galleries and museums , all worth a visit on your journeys.
Barongsai Makers: Bogor, West Java
The month before Chinese New Year is always the busiest time of the year for Lily Hambaly and her team as they work to finish dozens of barongsai (lion dance) masks and costumes.
Preserving the Weaving Ways: Donggala, Central Sulawesi
Most people associate traditional weaving techniques with Sumatra , but in Donggala regency in Central Sulawesi another weaving industry should be equally famous.
Pasar Kebun Sayur: Balikpapan, East Kalimantan
Kebun Sayur market in Balikpapan , East Kalimantan , is famous for its gemstones and semi-precious stones, with buyers both foreign and local regularly visiting the market in search of jewelry and…
Museums in Jakarta: West Java
When it comes to museums and galleries you will always find me fossicking around and enjoying the exhibits.
Improving an Old City: Jakarta, West Java
Jakarta's Old City has been going through gradual transformation over the last few years.
Colonial Photographer Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
The old black-and-white pictures of life in the Dutch Indies on show at Erasmus Huis gallery were once education materials for school children in the Netherlands.
Turning Snails into Souvenirs: Batam, North Sumatra
A group of housewives in Nongsa district, Batam , Riau Islands , have found a way to covert restaurant trash into cash -- snail shell tourist souvenirs.
Jakarta Art Center Gets a New Life: Jakarta, West Java
Good art is never superficial. It always stimulates our thoughts and emotions. Its role is imperative in constructing an advanced society.
The Treasures of the Museums in Jakarta: West Java
Museums , perhaps spots that are not very popular to hang out these days, are actually important places to observe the journey of a nation.
Cosmology in Balinese Abstract Painting
Painting in Bali in the last three decades has veered toward abstraction. This abstraction is based on narrative and icons, including symbolic and non-symbolic elements, with the use of color as a…
Ceramics at Teaport Studio: Yogyakarta, Central Java
I am a real raven when it comes to searching out the little places that are so special wherever I travel in Indonesia .
Anak Agung Made Djelantik and Balinese Paintings
Born a Balinese prince at the time of Dutch occupation, Anak Agung Made Djelantik (1919-2007) became a genuine Renaissance man who lived through the great changes that shaped our modern world today.
Maritime Museum to Officially Reopen: Jakarta, West Java
Jakartans and tourists alike will once again be able to enjoy the city's Maritime Museum when it officially reopens Friday.
Made Wianta Exhibition: Ubud, Bali
Contemporary artist Made Wianta unveiled another aesthetic surprise with an exhibition of razors, daggers and needles piercing a hole through the illusions of a hypocritical society.
Exhibitions in Jakarta: West Java
Indonesian art is without a doubt some of the most creative in the world as a well as being the most colourful and created with insight.
Batik Museum: Imogiri, Central Java
Imogiri is a royal graveyard complex in Yogyakarta as well as a modern village located near the graveyard in the regency of Bantul.
Attractions in Palembang: South Sumatra
One of the best things about the city of Palembang is that you can walk to most places depending where you are staying and if you are not energetic enough then you can always hop into a becak or…
Bali Blades: Kuta, Bali
Over the years upon my travels in Indonesia I have procured many Indonesian knives, Kris and the like. Some are antiques whilst others are mere keepsakes.
Museums and Galleries: Bali
Bali is blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning panoramas, high peaks, and, it’s a tourist paradise.
Blitar – A Range of Attractions: East Java
There are many tourist attractions in Blitar , a city located right at the foot of Mount Kelud , and 167 kilometers from the East Java capital of Surabaya city, so it would be a pity if you miss it.
Sangiran Museum: Sragen, Central Java
A student group entered Sangiran Museum in Sragen , Central Java , and enthusiastically looked at the various fossils on display, which date back from hundreds of thousands to millions of years ago.
Contemporary Arts Festival: Jakarta, West Java
Art lovers in Jakarta will be delighted to hear that the city plans to hold a contemporary arts festival for the entire month of November.
Shopping in Bandung: West Java
The epithets given to the West Java city of Bandung can be numerous and varied: such as, for its art deco buildings , it is called " the Paris of the East "; for its floral surroundings, " the Flower…
Tumpek Wayang: Bali
Today in Bali is Tumpek Wayang , also known as Tumpek Ringgit . It is a Kajeng Kaliwon and is of particular importance.
Denpasar Expands its City Tours: Bali
The Denpasar administration has announced plans to include more destinations in the city tour that it has been running since 1999.
Sumba People Weaving Lessons in Life: Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
Hinggi (traditional garments) were originally worn by kings only. Further down the line, however, ordinary people were given the freedom to wear hinggi at weddings and funerals.
Children's Museum: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Long before it will officially open its doors at Yogyakarta Cultural Park , a new children's museum has been reaching out to the public with various events and displays.
Old Town Revival: Jakarta, West Java
Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso launched the Old Town Revitalization project recently marking the beginning of a development of the long-neglected historical heart of the city.
Erizal's Lines Project Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
Images of apples, grapes, skies and horses dominate Erizal's artwork , now on display at the Koong Gallery at The Darmawangsa Square , South Jakarta. Those objects are connected lavishly by lines.
The Flaneur Exhibition: Nadi Gallery, Jakarta, West Java
Jakarta is a city that loves painting but has had a somewhat distant relationship with sculpture.
'Metisagges' Exhibition: Bandung, West Java
Amid the crowded landscape of contemporary art shows in Indonesia in 2007, there have been few textile art exhibitions.
Textile Museum Unpopular: Jakarta, West Java
Despite its classic architecture and wide collection of traditional clothes, most Jakartans have probably never heard of Museum Tekstil (the Textile Museum), let alone visited it.
Jakarta History Museum: Jakarta, West Java
The good news is more and more people today visit museums in Jakarta . But unfortunately museum curators and visitors alike are not always privy to the information or surroundings they need to truly…
‘Songs of Solitude’ Exhibition: Ubud, Bali
The massive earthquake in 2006 was a turning point for Sujena , a young Balinese painter who had lived in Yogyakarta since 1996.
A Dreamworld of Colors Exhibition: Bali
A Dreamworld of Colors , water color paintings by Agus Budiyanto , is currently on exhibit at Ganesha Gallery , Four Seasons Resort Bali , through Sept. 27 .
Raden Saleh Exhibition: Yogyakarta, Central Java
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Raden Saleh (1807-1880), believed to be a pioneer of Indonesian painting, Jogja Gallery is hosting a painting exhibition titled The Illusions of…
Art Summit Indonesia V: Jakarta, West Java
The first Art Summit Indonesia (ASI I/1995), was organized in the year 1995, coinciding with the commemoration of the Golden Year of Indonesian Independence , together with various special programs…
Yogyakarta Artists Exhibition: Yogyakarta, Central Java
As many as 45 local artists are joining a two-week painting exhibition at Posnya Seni Godod gallery in Yogyakarta to celebrate the 62nd Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia.
'Silent Supper' Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
"It was the paradox between the loudness of the compositions and the stillness of the content," says Jim Supangkat, asked what struck him when encountering Ay Tjoer Christine's artwork.
Retracing the Path to Independence: Jakarta, West Java
The structure on Jl. Menteng Raya No. 31 in Central Jakarta may seem out of place, dwarfed as it is by the high-rise buildings to its left and to its right.
Utan Kayu International Literary Biennale: Jakarta, West Java
Indonesia is not a country well known for a culture of reading and literature. So when writers and poets arrive from as far as Europe, the Middle East and America, it's a sign that something…
Prayer Flag Works Exhibition: Ubud, Bali
American-born Gregory Burns , an artist-in-residence at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan , is currently creating a series of artwork inspired by the natural beauty of the Sayan Ridge and Ayung…
Affandi Museum: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Tucked away on a busy road that runs between Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo), and which links downtown Yogyakarta to its airport, is a small, idiosyncratic oasis of artistic pleasures and…
Paying Tribute to Affandi: Ubud, Bali
Frail though she may appear, 73-year-old Kartika Affandi beamed with energetic delight the moment she began speaking about her late father, Affandi , one of Indonesia's greatest 20th century…
Modern Indonesian Masters Exhibition: Ubud, Bali
The role of a Museum of Art is to inform and educate! This is a common enough objective and one that could be expected of any museum.
Sanur A(r)tmosphere: Sanur, Bali
" Sanur A(r)tmosphere ", a fine arts exhibition featuring selected works by some of the island's top artists, has been organized as fitting prelude to the annual Sanur Village Festival (SVF).
Fetish Art Project: Seminyak, Bali
The Fetish Object Art Project #1 exhibit opened July 27 at the Biasa Art Space to a large crowd of people who came for more than just cocktails.
Encounter Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
East Java artist Ivan Hariyanto and Jakarta-based artist Paul Hendro have long known and admired each other's work.
Ancient Sragen: Central Java
The Central Javanese town of Sragen has long been on the Indonesian tourist map for its remarkable prehistoric human and animal fossils .
Salihara - The New Cultural Oasis: Jakarta, West Java
Residents and visitors of the capital will soon to have a new modern cultural enclave with the establishment of the Salihara community and its building complex in South Jakarta .
White Paintings Exhibition: Bali
For once, white takes center stage. The color, which is usually reserved for the background or as a base coat in paintings, is given the royal treatment in an exhibition at the Griya Santrian Gallery…
Barli Museum: Bandung, West Java
Just 110 unsold works of the late artist Barli Sasmitawinata remain in Bandung's Barli Museum as part of an exhibition held since the painter died earlier this year, aged 85.
Permadi Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
Buru island is associated with Indonesia's shady human rights record following the foiled coup de etat attributed to the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).
Indonesia to Host International Rattan Exhibition
The local rattan industry is gearing up to hold its first international exhibition next year as part of an effort to attract more international buyers and promote the use of natural rattan in the…
Neka Art Museum: Bali
Twenty-five years after its difficult birth, the Neka Art Museum (NAM) has matured into one of the most respected and influential cultural institutions in Bali .
Krakatau Festival: Lampung, Sumatra
Kite-flying at popular Mount Krakatau , fishing in Kiluan Bay and a Japanese couple's wedding ceremony atop elephants are just some of the highlights of the 2007 Krakatau Festival , which kicks off…
Spiritual and Physical Powers of the Kris
Watch out, dangerous curves! No, this is not a traffic sign warning drivers of a narrow winding road, but a rather inadequate description of the kris , the traditional Indonesian dagger.
Darwis Triadi Photography Exhibition: Jimbaran Bay, Bali
Darwis Triadi paves the way with his new collection of black-and-white photographs of women on display at Ganesha Gallery in Jimbaran .
GM Sudarta's Cartoon Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
An anxious-looking woman turns to the left and right, walking barefoot in the dark while holding her shoes in her hand. A wolf-headed man wearing a suit and a tie stalks her.
Batik for International Diplomacy
Wastraprema , an association of traditional textile lovers, has suggested the government use batik to promote Indonesia's culture, values and heritage abroad.
Book Review - Batik: Creating an Identity
Batik is renowned the world over and I was particularly interested to read the review by Rita Widiadana on the latest book on Batik, Batik: Creating an Identity , and look forward to buying myself a…
The Queen of the East: Jakarta, West Java
If Carel Reyniersz , the 11th governor-general of the Dutch East Indies , was alive today, he would no doubt frown upon outgoing Governor Sutiyoso for the neglect and dire condition of his beloved…
Craft Fair: Jakarta, West Java
A bazaar featuring traditional handicrafts from all over the country has been organized at South Jakarta's Cilandak Town Square mall -- better known as Citos -- to help out small and medium sized…
Heritage Night Tour: Jakarta, West Java
With the night still young, the bustle on Jl. Pasar Ikan 1 , North Jakarta , begins as traders prepare for business.
Rebuilding Kotagede Old City: Yogyakarta, Central Java
The Jogja Heritage Society is preparing a set of guidelines for the rebuilding of Yogyakarta's Kotagede old city , which was devastated in the powerful earthquake that struck the area last May 27.
Museums Designed as Tourist Destinations
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on various parties to design the country`s museums as tourist destinations for the public and at the same time as places to study the country`s history.
Batik Industry Strengthens: Yogyakarta, Central Java
For hundreds of years, the residents of Wukirsari village in Imogiri , Yogyakarta , have produced fine pieces of batik , passing on the ancient skill from generation to generation.
Kotagede Under Threat of Extinction: Yogyakarta, Central Java
The Kotagede cultural heritage area in Yogyakarta province has been declared one of 100 such places in the world threatened by extinction.
Affandi Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
An intriguing group exhibition opened on June 7 in a centennial celebration of Affandi , considered Indonesia's greatest artist.
Best of Borobudur Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
Even if most Jakartans have not yet had the opportunity to visit Borobudur's original site in Magelang , Central Java -- most capital city-dwellers have at least heard of or seen images of the…
Women Photo Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
Sometimes, when looking back in time, everyone had a specific role to play and things seemed to be a lot easier to cope with, compared with the more complex realities we face today.
Lu Hao Exhibition: Jakarta, West Java
Stepping into the modern age has been painful for many societies, with the break up of traditionally solid communities exacerbated by the demolition of existing infrastructure to make way for the new…