Say what you will about Jakarta, nobody can accuse the capital of being boring. We have put together this city guide with plenty of great suggestions on things you can do to fill your days with thought-provoking art exhibitions, cool events and much more! We update this page every Thursday so feel free to add it to your bookmarks.
The greatest Indonesian women in music
Konser Wanita Hebat (Great Women Concert) is an event that celebrates the achievements and talents of women in the music industry. The concert will feature some of the most popular and influential female singers in Indonesia, including Putri Ariani, hot off the heels of her America’s Got Talent success, as well as Titi DJ, Raisa, and Lesti Kejora. The concert also aims to inspire and empower women to pursue their dreams and passions, as well as to promote solidarity and cooperation among them.
Starts at 7pm on July 14 at Beach City International Stadium, Ancol. Tickets start from IDR380K. Get yours here.
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Gushing Experience
Crayola Eyes Gushing Experience is a showcase event that celebrates the debut album of Crayola Eyes, a pop/psychedelic band from Jakarta. It will feature the band’s live performance of their album Gushing, which was released on Feb. 23, 2023. The event will also include visual interpretations of the album by artist Azeten, as well as opening acts by Negative Lovers and Heals.
Starts at 7pm on July 14 at M Bloc Live House. Tickets start from IDR100K. Get yours here.
Barbie Dream House
Be a Barbie girl in the Barbie world at Neo Soho’s Barbie Dream House pop up event ahead of the hotly-anticipated summer blockbuster. At the event, visitors can explore various rooms and facilities in the house, such as a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a closet, a pool and more. Each room is decorated with Barbie’s signature style and colors, as well as interactive elements and accessories.
July 7-Aug. 6 at Neo Soho mall.
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Friendly ghosts at Ghostival
Ghostival is a unique and fun event that showcases the art and character of ghosts in Indonesia. Visitors can see various ghost characters created by WD Willy, a talented artist who sought out to present a different perspective of ghosts, showing the cute and funny sides of the likes of pocong, kuntilanak, and more. The event is organized by Museum of Toys, a creative platform that aims to inspire and educate people through toys and art.
June 15-July 30 at Senayan City mall. Tickets start from IDR126K. Get yours here.
Sunday Space Market 5.0
Sunday Space Market 5.0 is a bazaar event that showcases the products and services of local entrepreneurs and creatives in Jakarta. At the event, visitors can browse and buy various items from more than 100 tenants, such as clothing, accessories, books, art, food and beverages, and more.
July 14-15 at Gandaria City. IDR55K admission. Get tickets here.
Celebrate Jakarta’s anniversary at PRJ
Celebrate the 496th anniversary of Jakarta with a month-long festival of fun, entertainment, and culture at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran. At Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) AKA Jakarta Fair, the largest annual exhibition in Southeast Asia, you can enjoy various attractions, such as live music, carnival rides, games, food stalls, art exhibitions, and more. You can also shop for local products, watch spectacular shows, and join exciting competitions.
June 14-July 16 at JIExpo Kemayoran. Instagram.
Litter Critters
Litter Critters is an art exhibition that showcases the works of Arike Gill, a Dutch biologist and visual artist. She created drawings of animals from litter she found in nature, such as candy wrappers, empty cans, face masks, and other trash. The exhibition aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of littering and to inspire people to look at trash from a different perspective.
June 9-Aug. 13 at Erasmus Huis Jakarta. Free admission.
Ai Weiwei: Baby Formula at Museum Macan
Ai Weiwei: Baby Formula is an installation by Ai Weiwei, a Chinese contemporary artist and activist, that explores the issues of consumerism, trust, and health in China. The installation consists of 1,815 cans of baby formula from seven different brands and a C-print on aluminum panel. The installation is inspired by the 2008 Chinese milk scandal, which involved the contamination of milk products with melamine, a toxic chemical that caused kidney problems and deaths among infants.
Until Oct. 3 at Museum Macan.
Helatari at Salihara
Helatari is a biennial contemporary dance festival that showcases new works by choreographers from Indonesia and abroad. The festival features works that draw inspiration from the rich traditions of dance in Nusantara and the world.
June 3-25 at Salihara Arts Center. IDR75K for general entry. Tickets here.
Splat some color to your weekend
Here’s one for the entire family. Motion Studio Asia is a new and exciting creative space in PIK where visitors can dabble in pendulum motion art, splat art, and bear brick painting. The space is the first of its kind in Jakarta, so do book ahead to secure your spot!
Open everyday. For more information and to book your spot, visit Motion Studio Asia’s official website.