Arts

Irish coming-of-age film ‘Spilt Milk’ hits close to home, even in Indonesia

Aqraa Sagir

Set in 1980s Dublin, Spilt Milk explores childhood, addiction and the strength of family. Director Brian Durnin shares why the story resonates across cultures, and why kids deserve more credit than we think.

Arts

Inside the art auction: Putting Indonesian masters back in the spotlight

Sheena Suparman

As Global Auction marks its 22nd year, a rare Raden Saleh painting leads a lineup that bridges heritage, homecoming and the next wave of contemporary talent.

Conversation

The Harvard exit: Why this Indonesian scholar chose to leave

Sheena Suparman

Celline Wijaya had the degree, the job and the dream. But in Trump’s America, that was not enough to feel safe.

Culture and Entertainment

Breaking down 'Sore Idaman': Loss and love, on loop

Reza Mardian

A romance turned sci-fi turned tragedy, Yandy Laurens' Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan isn’t just a tearjerker: It’s a meditation on choosing love, every single time. Note: This review may contain spoilers.

Away We Go

Run, race, repeat: One trip at a time

Adelia Anjani Putri

For a growing number of people, holiday plans revolve around race calendars, from Tokyo to Berlin, it’s all about chasing finish lines.

Culture and Entertainment

Jakarta: A ‘city of cinema’ in the making

Reza Mardian

Jakarta has the potential to become a City of Cinema. But it needs more than a vision; it needs a system.

Arts

Jakarta PROVOKE!: When artists take space and call for change

Carla Bianpoen

As part of Jakarta’s anniversary celebrations, 19 artists and 19 curators step onto the scene not just to showcase, but to speak with purpose.

Culture and Entertainment

The siblings behind 'Qodrat' are just getting started

Reza Mardian

From the world of finance to film sets, Charles and Linda Gozali turned family legacy into a creative powerhouse that is redefining Indonesian cinema.

Culture and Entertainment

Life goes on for Adrian Setiawan, one record at a time

Felix Martua

The album Multidimensi finds Adrian Setiawan embracing the full spectrum of life, no matter what comes.

The Neighborhood

The Coffee Run: A third space for every pace

Adelia Anjani Putri

Jakarta’s neighborhood coffee shops are becoming more than caffeine stops. They’re turning into basecamps for the city’s growing running communities.

Culture and Entertainment

‘The White Lotus’ season 3: Stereotypes linger as buzz fades

Reza Mardian

Though the hit show’s latest season wrapped weeks ago, its portrayal of Asians still deserves scrutiny.

Culture and Entertainment

Raissa Ramadhani is officially missing you

Felix Martua

In her debut album Ribuan Rindu, this new Gen Z voice channels her unique mezzo-soprano voice to explore the painful paradise of longing.

Arts

Sculptures and selfies: Scenes from Art Jakarta Gardens 2025

Josa Lukman

Art Jakarta Gardens returned to Hutan Kota by Plataran, Central Jakarta, for its fourth edition from April 22 to 27, offering the metropolitan’s art aficionados a curated collection of contemporary art amid an urban garden setting.

Culture and Entertainment

Into the depths: Omara Esteghlal's beast of burden

Felix Martua

Pengepungan di Bukit Duri (The Siege at Thorn High) might trigger tough conversations. But for actor Omara Esteghlal, the tougher the role, the better.

The Neighborhood

ID, please: Inside Jakarta’s under-30 spots

Aqraa Sagir

Across town, spaces catering specifically to Jakarta’s under-30 crowd have popped up. Our resident Gen Z writer investigates.

Arts

All that is in between: Islamic art bridges tradition and innovation in Jeddah

Carla Bianpoen

This year’s Islamic Arts Biennale unites the sacred and the experimental, inviting pilgrims and visitors to reimagine faith through scent, sculpture, sound and storytelling.

Culture and Entertainment

Andi Rianto wants you to listen to his heart

Felix Martua

How does a maestro bare his soul? Symphony from the Heart blends orchestral pop and honest lyrics to reflect on love and legacy.

Conversation

Let Arbani Yasiz lead the way

Felix Martua

With the ambitious folk-horror pic Pabrik Gula, Arbani Yasiz has earned for himself the status of being Indonesian modern cinema's leading man.

Culture and Entertainment

Qodrat 2 delivers grand horror with a soulful core

Reza Mardian

Charles Gozali’s supernatural sequel raises the stakes with deeper themes, bigger thrills and a powerful performance from Acha Septriasa.

Culture and Entertainment

What the 2025 Oscars mean for Indonesian cinema

Reza Mardian

As the Oscars shine upon more international films, Indonesia might want to rethink its strategy to break into the global spotlight.