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Bond with fellow book lovers at the ASEAN Literary Festival in Kota Tua
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Now in its 4th year, the ASEAN Literary Festival aims to create a shared sense of community and culture amongst the citizens of the coalition’s member states. Taking place primarily in Jakarta’s Kota Tua (Old Town) district from August 3-6, the festival is once again bringing out some of the region’s most renowned authors and intellectuals to discuss the most pressing concerns that literature can address, such as cultural and ideological change, censorship and human rights.
In addition to numerous lively discussions, there will also be writing workshops, cultural performances, book launchings, exhibitions, poetry readings and much more. All events except the workshops are free but many have limited seats so registration through the ALF website is required. If you’re not sure where to dive in, the literary stage events at 7pm on Friday and Saturday in Fatahilla Square, including readings, performances and poetry recitals, might be a good place to start.
Check out www.aseanliteraryfestival.com or our event preview for more information.
Visit a paradise of pop culture excess at Popcon Asia 2017
While there are plenty of events celebrating individual elements of pop culture in Indonesia, like movies, comics, video games and music, Popcon Asia aims to encompass the whole spectrum, allowing creators and fans of all aspects of the popular arts to celebrate their shared passion together. Taking place this Saturday and Sunday at the Jakarta Convention Center, you can watch this highlight reel from last year’s Popcon to get an idea of what to expect.
There will be tons of exhibitors including comic artists and publishers, game studios, toy designers and even movie studios previewing their upcoming releases (such as the much anticipated Wiro Sableng 212 film). You’ll also be able to buy tons of different pop culture products and meet some of the notable guests they’ve got hitting the stage this year including Walter Jones (aka the Black Ranger from the original Power Rangers series).
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One-day tickets to the festival are Rp 95k. You can check out the full schedule below or visit popconasia.com for more info.
https://www.facebook.com/PopconAsia/posts/1760706160610474
Watch the Studio Ghibli classic ‘Princess Mononoke’ on the silver screen
As part of the ongoing World of Ghibli event (culminating in a special exhibition that starts next week) you can catch the Hayao Miyazaki epic ‘Princess Mononoke’ – one of the master animator’s most critically-acclaimed works – as it was meant to be seen on the big screen until August 8. In Jakarta, it will be playing at CGV theaters in Pacific Place, Grand Indonesia, Mall of Indonesia and Central Park. For showtimes and tickets check out www.cgv.id (NOTE: Presented with original Japanese vocal track and Indonesian subtitles only)
Quaff down some craft beer in celebration of Internation Beer Day at Por Que No (Fri & Sat)
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While we are proud Bintang drinkers, sometimes beer lovers need a little something… more. While craft beers are unfortunately far from a thing in Jakarta, awareness is growing and so are the number of events celebrating tasty brew. In celebration of International Beer Day (is that a real thing? whatever, we don’t really care) on Friday, Menteng’s beloved rooftop tapas bar, Por Que No is doing free tastings of Anderson Valley craft beer from California. And if a taste isn’t enough, you can get loaded on the good stuff by partaking of their Rp Rp 500k free-flow craft beer promo. That promo is also good on Saturday night, when Por Que No will be holding a special Get Craft Game Night Event so you can play games like beer pong and flip cup with something a little more palatable.
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Travel the sonic seas with UK DJ Simbad at the Safehouse (Saturday night)
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Our alt-clubbing recommendation for the weekend comes from the fine folks at Globetrotter Magazine, who always know how to throw a killer party. For their latest Globetrotter Social Club night, they’re bringing over in-demand British DJ Simbad, who combines influences ranging from jazz and reggae, funk and hip-hop, to dub and garage into his warm compositions and original dance floor stormers. For more info.
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