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.
Arctic Monkeys
They say one of the most celebrated indie rock bands of all time is taking the stage in Jakarta when the sun goes down on this Saturday. Whether you love the Sheffield boys’ early penchant for infectious tunes made for the dancefloor, or you prefer their recent high concept retro-rock sound, or both, this concert is not to be missed by fans.
Doors open at 7pm on March 18 at Beach City International Stadium Ancol. Online tickets here.
Hammersonic
A stone’s throw away from Arctic Monkeys will be the ultimate celebration of heavy metal in Hammersonic. This year’s edition of the mega festival brings Slipknot at the top of the bill, as well as Black Flag, Deez Nuts, Indonesian icons Burgerkill, and a whole lot more.
March 18-19 at Carnaval Ancol. IDR2.3 million for a two-day pass. Get yours here.
Kygo
Norwegian EDM star Kygo will be bringing his beats to the chill sunset vibes of Ancol, featuring special guests Frank Walker, Winky Wiryawan, and more. The 31-year-old Kygo has established himself as one of the top dance musicians in the world, having collaborated with the likes of Selena Gomez and notably becoming the first house music producer to perform at an Olympics closing ceremony in Rio in 2016.
March 17 at Beach City International Stadium, Ancol. Buy tickets here.
Enter Valhalla
You don’t have to die an honorable warrior’s death to enter Valhalla, a glamorous new nightclub in Senopati (or should we say “Senoparty”?). This weekend, Valhalla is summoning British DJ Ben Nicky for what will look to be a transcendental evening.
March 17 at Valhalla Jakarta. For more information and to RSVP, contact +6285890083598
Croissants by the sea
For this weekend only, you can flake out on other plans and go for the rare experience of having some of the capital’s best French pastries by the sea. Butterman Croissanterie, which recently expanded to Jakarta from Bali, is taking their goods for breakfast and brunch at Komplek Pantai Muara’s Suka Thai restaurant, which boasts a gorgeous outdoor dining deck that overlooks the aesthetically pleasing part of Jakarta Bay.
From 7am to 11am on March 17-19 at Suka Thai. RSVP recommended — DM Butterman Jakarta via Instagram.
Erasmus Huis Club Night
The Dutch cultural center Erasmus Huis is hosting a club night featuring Dutch DJ Jesse Maas and the Indonesian underground music collective Sala, who marries their sound with spellbinding visual experiences. Wear your party outfit!
Gates open at 6pm on March 18 at Erasmus Huis Jakarta. Free entry and no registration required.
New Obsolescence by Aditya Novali
Surakarta-based visual artist Aditya Novali is bringing his solo exhibition, New Obsolescence: ADITYAVOVALI to ROH Projects. In the show, Aditya thoroughly examines personal video documentation from 1989 in order to dissect “multiple layers of Indonesia’s complex geopolitical situation, imprints of colonial heritage and social complexities.”
Open to the public from March 17 to May 7 at ROH Projects. Free of charge and no reservation required.
Created in Italy
This one’s for the product design nerds. Galeri Nasional (National Gallery), in conjunction with the Italian Embassy in Jakarta, is showcasing Italian products that showcase the country’s tradition to uphold aesthetic and technical excellence.
March 9 to April 6 at Galeri Nasional. Register online before attending.
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