A Peek Inside Glodok’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Shops
Ban Seng in Glodok keeps Chinese healing traditions alive, offering trusted herbal remedies passed down through generations.
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Uncovering the History of Jakarta’s Northern Coastline
Join our journey to uncover the history that trails along Jakarta's northern coastline, one where folklore and trades collide.
Kembang Kelapa: Betawi’s Token of Prosperity
Literally translating to “coconut flower,” kembang kelapa is a classic Betawi decorative element, a symbol of blessings, prosperity, and respect for tradition.
Roti Buaya: A Symbol of Loyalty
In the traditional Betawi wedding ceremony, it’s mandatory for the prospective groom to bring roti buaya (crocodile-shaped breads) to the prospective bride as a symbol of everlasting love and marital fidelity. The existence of this symbol was influenced by Batavia’s topography and European culture.
Enter the House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta
Take a peek into House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta, a hotel where timeless artefacts and antiques put Jakarta’s own rich history on display.
The History Beneath Our Feet
Dutch infrastructure and historic artefacts from 300 years ago have been rediscovered during excavation for the MRT Jakarta expansion project.
The Charm of Cikini, Where Jakarta's Past and Present Co-Exist
Originally built as part of Weltevreden, an elite Batavia residential area, Cikini is one of Jakarta’s important historical areas.
Tanjidor: The Betawi Folk Orchestra
Tanjidor is a traditional Betawi musical orchestra largely composed of brass and wind instruments and drums. This modest ensemble was played by the slaves during the Dutch colonial era.
Reviving Batik in Jakarta: Preserving The City’s Textile Artisans
Unlike Solo, Pekalongan, Yogyakarta, Cirebon or Lasem, Jakarta is not on the radar when we think of batik producing regions. At least, it’s no longer on the radar, as it was once one of the main hubs for batik-making, complete with its own motifs and styles. So, what happened? Here we explore the history of batik in Jakarta and the organisations that are pushing for the industry’s revival in the city.
Glodok, Jakarta’s Historical Chinatown
The Glodok Pancoran area in West Jakarta is a window into the Chinese culture beyond its homeland. Against a vibrant backdrop of cultural diversity, this bustling area offers a paradise of luscious food, heritage sites, colourful temples filled with incense, encounters with intriguing personalities, and enticing bargain hunts.
Gigi Balang: A Classic Betawi Ornament
Gigi balang is a traditional Betawi pattern often used in vernacular architecture. Beyond simple decoration, this ornamental pattern is symbolic of a Betawi philosophy on life.
A Window into the Art, History & Culture of Kota Tua Jakarta
tHE Indonesian Heritage Society and the Tugu Hotels & Restaurants Group extended an invitation to a select group of passionate art and history lovers for a joint discussion on the sustainable development of the Kota Tua Jakarta.
Independence Day Sites and Monuments in Jakarta
It was a long journey for Indonesia to declare its independence from colonial rule on 17 August 1945, when the Proclamation of Independence was read by Soekarno and Mohammad Hatta on behalf of the Indonesian people.
Bubur Ase: A Special Betawi Porridge
At the beginning of the 20th century, bubur ase was a popular food among Batavia residences and was a mainstay for Betawi society.
Pasar Baru: Jakarta’s Historic Shopping Arcade
Pasar Baru — or Passer Baroe, as it was called then — became a melting pot of communities and ethnicities, from Chinese, Indians, Europeans, and even Malays.
The Menteng Heritage Society and the Fight to Preserve Jakarta’s Historic Homes
The Menteng Heritage Society, Indonesian Heritage Society hosted the first ‘Menteng Open’, focused on Jakarta's heritage houses.
Kartini Day Commemoration: Beyond the Ritual
Everyone who's been in Indonesia long enough has either celebrated or heard of Kartini Day. But do you know her story?
Gambang Kromong: Cultural Acculturation in Traditional Betawi Music
Ever heard of Gambang Kromong? Here's what you need to know about this Javanese and Sundanese blend of gamelan orchestra.
Condet: A Surviving Betawi Village Amidst Changing Times
Exploring Condet in East Jakarta will allow you to see the roots of some important history. Condet today is, like other parts of Jakarta, experiencing the erosion of its Betawi identity, while being dense and chaotic, congested, and sadly also prone to flooding.
Urban Forest Cipete: A Haven of Green in the City
With its tree-lined pathways and picnic-ready grounds, Urban Forest Cipete offers an experience of park life like no other.
Bir Pletok: Betawi’s Distinctive Herbal Drink
Bir Pletok is the star of Betawi traditional drinks at many cultural events and it is often served as a welcome drink for anyone who sets foot in Jakarta.
Rode Winkel: The Transformation of Toko Merah
After a long period of closure, Toko Merah is now open with its new name Rode Winkel, providing a vibrant way to stroll through its rich history while savouring good drinks and sumptuous food.
Kampung Tugu: Portuguese Traces in North Jakarta
Jakarta is widely known as a multi-ethnic city. Yet, not many people know that on the east of Tanjung Priok harbour lies a village inhabited by people of Portuguese descent who still preserve their culture and heritage. It is from this old village where keroncong music and gado-gado originated.