Festivals and ceremonies
Balinese ceremonies, Javanese court rituals, Chinese New Year and Idul Fitri.
Chinese New Year (Imlek): Indonesia
Today is Chinese New Year , or Imlek , throughout Indonesia and the world. The Chinese communities in the major cities throughout Indonesia, Jakarta , Semarang , Surabaya , Bandung and Yogyakarta ,…
Bambu Nusantara 2 World Music Festival: Bandung, West Java
I was reading an interesting article today and if you are a connoisseur of Indonesian culture and especially music then the upcoming Bambu Nusantara 2 World Music Festival is one attraction that you…
Idul Fitri
Today marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan and the beginning of the two-day celebration of Idul Fitri .
August 17th, Hari Proklamasi Indonesia - Indonesian Independence Day
Indonesians celebrate the proclamation of independence from 350 years of Dutch colonial rule.
Preparations for Independence Day
Across the archipelago of Indonesia preparations are well underway in cities, towns and villages for Independence Day this Sunday.
Helarfest: Bandung, West Java
Currently underway in Bandung , the capital of West Java , is the Helarfest , a month-long series of events showcasing more than 30 events at different venues around the city.
The Jakarta Fair: Jakarta, West Java
One of the great attractions about Jakarta is the numerous festivals held there. Of course the most famous being the Jazz Festival and recently the Rock Parade .
Java Rock Parade: Jakarta , West Java
The Java Jazz Festival has gained its foothold as the biggest musical event in the capital.
Cultural Week: Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi
Tolitoli district in Central Sulawesi province will host a province-wide cultural and tourism week on June 15-21 , an official said.
Hari Raya Waisak: Indonesia
Today in Indonesia is Waisak Day . This is a Bhuddist holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Bhuddism.
Jakarta to Hold International Stamp Expo: Jakarta, West Java
The Indonesian Philatelists Association , supported by the post and telecommunications directorate general and PT Pos Indonesia, will present an international stamp exhibition in October called "…
Buffalo Races: Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara
Buffalo races take place all over Indonesia and their forms vary from place to place.
National Film Month: Jakarta, West Java
The National Film Month (BFN) event has returned, organized by the Jakarta Arts Council Kineforum . This will last for the entire month of March in order to welcome National Film Day on March 30 .
The Ritual of Med-Medan: Bali
The residents of the village Banjar Kaja in South Denpasar celebrate the unique ritual tradition of med-medan .
Nyepi: Bali
Across Bali today is Nyepi . By sunrise on March 7th all will be required to take refuge in their hotels or homes before sunrise - there to remain until the following morning.
Melasti Ritual: Bali
The Melasti Ritual occurs the day before Nyepi . Everybody knows that the day of Nyepi is a day of silence, but, the day of Melasti is far from that and especially at night.
Bumi Khatulistiwa Cultural Festival: Pontianak, West Kalimantan
If you are in Pontianak in West Kalimantan between the dates of March 21-23, then I suggest you check out the Bumi Khatulistiwa Cultural Festival .
Java Jazz Festival: Jakarta, West Java
If you are a great lover of jazz as I am then you are going to enjoy the upcoming Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta on 7th, 8th and 9th March .
Bau Nyale Putri Mandalika Ritual: Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
The Bau Nyale Putri Mandalika Ritual , occurs once a year, usually during the night of the full moon in February or March, for one or two days.
Celebrating Ancestors: Pacitan, East Java
Ki Bonokeling , Ki Setroketipo and Kanjeng Jimat probably never imagined their lives in Pacitan would continue to be remembered by their descendants until today.
Capgomeh - The Localization of Chinese Culture
Traditionally, Imlek , Indonesian for Chinese New Year , celebrations last for 15 days. This year Imlek fell on Feb. 7. The first day is usually reserved for welcoming gods.
Perang Topat Celebration: Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
Hindus and Muslims celebrate the Perang Topat ritual at the Lingsar temple in Lingsar village, West Lombok .
Chinese New Year (Imlek)
Today is Chinese New Year , or Imlek , throughout Indonesia and the world. The Chinese communities in the major cities throughout Indonesia , Jakarta , Semarang , Surabaya , Bandung and Yogyakarta ,…
Some Practical Advice for Chinese New Year
The celebration of Chinese New Years is rich with tradition and superstitious belief.
Klentengs Prepare for Chinese New Year
A number of vihara (temples) are preparing Chinese New Year 2559 on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. This is certainly a major celebration for the Chinese community.
Tooth Filing Ceremony: Bali
Tooth Filing is an important rite of passage for Balinese Hindus that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood.
South to South Film Festival 2008: Jakarta, West Java
A number of non-governmental environmental organizations will hold the South to South Film Festival 2008 at the Goethe Institute in Central Jakarta from Jan. 25 to Jan. 27 .
Islamic New Year: Taman Mini Indonesia, Jakarta, West Java
A combination of the thick scents of sandalwood, jasmine and incense filled the air of Sasono Utomo at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on late Wednesday, an inkling of the unusual ceremony that was about…
Visit Musi 2008: Palembang, South Sumatra
The South Sumatra provincial administration launched Saturday its Visit Musi 2008 program in a bid to attract more tourists to the area.
Nusantara Challenge of Indonesia
The unexplored terrain of West Nusa Tenggara wilderness will welcome local and foreign four-wheel-drive enthusiasts as they take on the Nusantara Challenge of Indonesia later this month.
Lack of Infrastructure in Indonesia for Tourists
With the advent of Visit Indonesia Year, it seems apparent that a lot of places significant to tourism in Indonesia has been sadly neglected.
Rain for New Year’s Eve Predicted: Bali
Tourists planning to welcome in the new year in Bali might have to celebrate indoors, with the meteorology and geophysics agency predicting the resort island will continue to experience heavy rains…
Gearing Up for New Year’s Eve
Wow!...it has come around so fast. The year has passed quicker than I thought it would and as I reflect on the year’s events, not only in my life but that of the world, a lot has happened – both good…
Year-End Festivities
Wherever you are in the archipelago there is something happening for New Year celebrations .
Merry Xmas!
Across the world today it is the celebration of Christmas for all those of the Christian faith.
Christmas Prepared Bali-Style: Bali
A stone relief above the altar of a church in Bali's oldest Catholic community depicts a Balinese-looking Jesus accompanied by his twelve apostles, all wearing traditional Balinese dress.
Christmas in Indonesia
The year has gone fast and the time is nearly upon us when Santa Claus gets a hernia trying to get down a chimney to deliver presents, his reindeer rebel for better pay, and in certain parts of the…
Senzala Bali Capoeira Festival: Bali
Over the decades I have seen many dance and ritual performances in the archipelago of Indonesia , and even on my travels around the world.
Herds of Cattle for Idul Adha
Although I wouldn’t recommend it for those with squeamish stomachs or those who feint at the sight of blood, but, witnessing the merciful slaying of cattle is a sight to be witnessed.
Holidays in Indonesia 2008
If you are planning a trip to Indonesia in 2008 then it is handy to know when the public holidays are, especially at times like Nyepi in Bali when the whole island virtually shuts down and tourists…
Visit Indonesia Year 2008
Many countries around the world designate a year to promote their respective countries, and or cities.
Bandung Art and Music Festivals: Bandung, West Java
Located in a basin surrounded by a ring of mountains, Parahyangan , Bandung is a highland city in West Java known for its many universities, textile industry and many roadside cafes.The easiest way…
Pagerwesi: Bali
Today in Bali is Pagerwesi , the day when Balinese fortify the space around themselves to ward off evil spirits. Literally interpreted means ‘ iron fence ’.
Chocolate Expo: Jakarta, West Java
An international chocolate expo is coming to town and will be held at the Semanggi Expo center , South Jakarta, from Nov. 1 to 3 .
Mandi Balimau Ritual: Pekanbaru, Riau, Sumatra
In Indonesia , Muslims celebrate Ramadhan in various ways. In Riau , they take part in the mandi balimau , or lime purification ritual .
Jakarta to Host largest Ever Trade Expo
Jakarta is gearing up to host the country's largest ever trade fair , in which more than 960 local businesses and 3,000 potential international buyers will participate, a top official said.
Idul Fitri in Indonesia
Today is officially Idul Fitri in Indonesia. This feasting celebration occurs at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan for those of the Islamic faith.
The Idul Fitri Exodus - A Socio-Religious Meaning
The fasting month of Ramadhan will soon be over, and Muslims the world over are reflecting on the values of their religion as they prepare to celebrate Idul Fitri , which is known as Lebaran in…
The Beauty of Idul Fitri
A Jakarta couple I know living in the UK once told me of how awkward they felt after they sent out Idul Fitri greeting cards to their Muslim friends and colleagues in their first year there.
Lanterns and Takbiran: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Colorful paper lanterns that light the way for the traditional Takbiran prayer processions on the eve of Idul Fitri are loved and appreciated equally by children, teenagers and small-scale craftsmen.
Muslim Groups Can’t Agree on Idul Fitri Date
It seems Indonesian Muslims may not be able to celebrate Idul Fitri together, as the two largest Muslim organizations still differ on the official date to mark the holiday.
Public Offerings for the Unseen Means Big Business: Bali
Setting foot for the first time in Bali , the intense religious atmosphere in the island is palpable.The smell of the air is different -- it has a subtle scent of screw pines and burnt incense.
Lebaran Topat: Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
Topat , more popular called as Ketupat , and Lebaran the meaning is celebration. Lebaran Topat , one of many famous traditional in Lombok .
Karapan Sapi – Bull Races: Madura Island
A very popular sport and spectacle, the bull races are held regularly at least twice a month during September through to October and generally start at 9am in the towns of Bangkalan , Sampang and…
Tumpek Kandang: Bali
Today in Bali it is Tumpek Kandang . Tumpek Kandang, sometimes called Tumpek Andang , falls five weeks later, on Saturday of Uye , the 22d week of the Pawukon cycle.
International Ethnic Music Festival: Surakarta, Central Java
The Surakarta city administration, in conjunction with groups of local artists, will host the Solo International Ethnic Music Festival (SIEM) at the Vastenberg Fort from Sept. 1-5 , an official said.
August 17th, Hari Proklamasi Indonesia - Indonesian Independence Day
‘ Selemat Hari Raya Kemerdekaan ’ Indonesians celebrate the proclamation of independence from 350 years of Dutch colonial rule .
Isra Mi'Raj Prophet Mohammed: Indonesia
Today across the archipelago of Indonesia is a Muslim holiday to commemorate the ‘Enlightenment Day’ of the Prophet Mohammed .
Celestial Visitors: Bali
The Galungan and Kuningan festivities have just come to pass, and we Balinese have done our best to be good hosts.
Fair Trade System Implemented: Abuan Village, Bali
Ni Nengah Rasa was desperate, to the point she was prepared to sell the property she had just inherited from her late husband to pay the Rp 5 million bill for his cremation.
Kuningan: Bali
Today in Bali is Kuningan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Kuningan is the end of the most important of the regular religious ceremonies for the 10-day Galungan…
Asian Film Festival: Yogyakarta, Central Java
As many as 20 Asian films will compete in the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) which will be held from July 29 to August 2 .
Galungan: Bali
Today in Bali is the ceremony of Galungan . This occurs once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is…
Sanur Village Festival 2007: Bali
Centered at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel and Segara Beach Hotel the second annual Sanur Village Festival will take place August 15-19, 2007 .
Jakarta Anniversary Festival 2007 to Begin Today
The 2007 Jakarta Anniversary Festival (JAF) will begin today to celebrate the 480th anniversary of Indonesia`s capital city.
Merti Code Ceremony: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Today in Yogyakarta you will be able to witness the Merti Code ceremony , also known as the Code Village Purification ceremony .
Waisak: Indonesia
Today in Indonesia is Waisak Day . This is a Bhuddist holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Gautama Buddha , the founder of Bhuddism.
Tumpek Uduh: Bali
Tumpek Uduh falls five weeks later on Saturday of Wariga , the seventh week This day has many alternate names, including Tumpek Nyuh (coconut").
Street kids to Take Part in festival: Jakarta, West Java
Around 1,000 street children from around Greater Jakarta are expected to take part in a three-day cultural festival aimed at giving them an opportunity to express their interests and talents.
French Spring Festival: Yogyakarta, Central Java
The organization of the two-month Printemps Francais (French Spring) festival, to be held over May and June, is currently underway here under the guidance of the CCF Yogyakarta French cultural center…
Jakarta Fair to Showcase the Nation: Jakarta, West Java
Jakarta's annual month-long fun and shopping spree -- Pekan Raya Jakarta , the 2007 Jakarta Fair -- is just around the corner, with the city administration announcing Monday it had already begun…
Tumpek Landep: Bali
Today in Bali it is Tumpek Landep .The first Tumpek to take place every cycle is Tumpek Landep, the Saturday of Landep , the second week of the Pawukon .
Book Festival: Jakarta, West Java
In commemoration of World Book Day , non-profit organization Indonesia Reading Forum launched a three-day festival to celebrate the love of books.
Exports Up in Bali
Bali craftsmen have been steadily exporting their handicrafts for well over a decade and it is on the increase.
Inaugural Film Festival: Bali
Over the decades Bali has developed quite a cosmopolitan atmosphere with European and other worldly restaurants, designer shops and festivals worthy of recognition the world over.
Pagerwesi: Bali
Today in Bali is Pagerwesi , the day when Balinese fortify the space around themselves to ward off evil spirits.The Literal interpreted means ‘iron fence’.
Saraswati: Bali
Today is Saraswati in Bali . This is the special day of thanks for the gift of knowledge . The festive day is a time for making offerings to books and especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books.
Sekaten Ceremony: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Today in Yogyakarta marks the beginning of Sekaten . Held during the weeks preceding the commemoration of the prophet Muhammed ’s birthday, the procession of the Sekaten ceremony begins with a parade…
Usaba Dodol Ceremony: Karangasem, Bali
It is said that there is a ceremony almost every day of the year on the island Bali . Some are temple ceremonies , others rituals and rites of passage .
Bull Racing: Madura Island
If Madura is justly famous for one thing, it is kerapan sapi , or bull racing .The cattle raised on the island are finer beasts than those of Java .
Environmental Themed Sculpture Fair: Pakuwon City, East Java
Candika and I are almost 100% compatible and the one bane is my love for the arts. I will quite happily spend hours upon hours in art galleries and at exhibitions .
Garebeg Maulud: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Today in Yogyakarta is Garebeg Maulud . Garebeg Maulud is held as a commemoration of the birth of Muhammad the Prophet .
Reviving Tourism at Danau Poso: Central Sulawesi
Poso is a port town on the southern shores of Teluk Tomini and was at one time a relatively small military post during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia .
Numplak Wajik: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Numplak Wajik is a ceremony of Wajik making ( Wajik is the traditional food made of sticky rice and palm sugar).
Sekaten Festival: Yogyakarta, Central Java
Today in Yogyakarta marks the beginning of Sekaten . Held during the weeks preceding the commemoration of the prophet Muhammed’s birthday , the procession of the Sekaten ceremony begins with a parade…
250th Anniversary Celebration: Salatiga, Central Java
Located about 40 kilometres south of Semarang under the shadows of Gunung Merbabu , Salatiga has a relatively cool climate due to its elevated position.
Bumi Khatulistiwa Cultural Festival: Pontianak, West Kalimantan
This festival is on today in Pontianak if you are travelling in Kalimantan . Held twice a year, it is to commemorate the natural phenomenon of the city of Pontianak which lies on the imaginary…
Nyepi: Bali
Today in Bali it is Nyepi . This is the day of absolute silence for Hindu followers.
Rites of 'Nyepi': Bali
There are few places in the world that completely shut down for a 24-hour period as Bali does for its holiest day, Nyepi , or the Day of Silence .
Tawur Agung Kesanga: Bali
Today in Bali is Tawur Agung Kesanga . This is the great sacrificial ceremony held to welcome Nyepi Holiday at every family compound, village and town centre up to the provincial area and is focused…
Melis Ceremony: Bali
Today in Bali it is the Mekiyis or Melis Ceremony . This is a purification ceremony held to welcome in ‘ Nyepi ’, the Day of Silence .
Preparing for Nyepi: Bali
On the 18th Maret is the night before Nyepi , the night when fearsome monsters called Ogoh-Ogoh are paraded through the streets of towns in Bali to scare away the evil spirits.
Nguras Kong Ceremony: Central Java
On the island of Java the culture is steeped in tradition, mysticism and rites. At the Imogiri Cemetery Complex , just outside of Yogyakarta , the Nguras Kong Ceremony is performed.
Ubud Writer’s Festival – Update: Ubud, Bali
Although scheduled for 25th-30th September, the Ubud Writer’s Festival is, without a doubt, one of the greatest events on the island of Bali .
Chinese Culture is Part of Indonesian Culture
Yogyakarta's Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX said Sunday that Chinese culture had become part of the culture in Indonesia, which should be continuously preserved.
Chinese New Year: Indonesia
Today is Chinese New Year , or Imlek , throughout Indonesia and the world. The Chinese communities in the major cities throughout Indonesia, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta, will…
Chinese-Indonesian Community Prepares for 'Imlek': Semarang, Central Java
Residents are busy cleaning temples and purchasing supplies in Semarang's Chinatown in preparation for Chinese New Year , or Imlek , this coming Sunday.
Tumpek Kandang: Bali
Today in Bali is Tumpek Kandang , a special day for the gift of livestock. Tumpek Kandang, sometimes called Tumpek Andang , falls five weeks later, on Saturday of Uye , the 22d week of the Pawukon…
Giant Dragons in Bandung: West Java
I have always said that Bandung will be the centre of cultural tourism in West Java and it is a city that is flourishing in their efforts to lure tourists and travellers alike.
The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul: Tampaksaring, Bali
North of Tampaksaring on the road to Kintamani you will see the turn-off to Tirta Empul .