Lion Air now connects Jakarta and Malang

Lion Air officiated the opening of its new Jakarta – Malang route on Nov. 29.

Using 189-seat Boeing 737-800 airplanes, the route is available every day and offers two flight schedules that fly from/to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang and Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport in Malang, East Java.

From Jakarta to Malang, the flights are scheduled at 6:15 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. Meanwhile from Malang to Jakarta, the plane depart at 8:25 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

"We already have Batik Air that travels twice a day to Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta [from Malang]," said Lion Air Group corporate communication Ramaditya Handoko.

Lion Air Group's Lion Air, Batik Air and Wings Air currently serve flights from Abdul Rachman Saleh Airport to Jakarta, Denpasar and Bandung every day.

Malang that is also known as the Apple City has one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia called Bromo Tengger Semeru that is listed in the Tourism Ministry's 10 Priority Destinations list. (kes)

Source: Lion Air now connects Jakarta and Malang

Jakarta to send civil servants to Singapore to learn about ERP

The Jakarta administration is set to send more civil servants to Singapore to learn about electronic road pricing (ERP). 

Several civil servants were already sent to Singapore from Nov. 7 – 11 to learn about the technology, which the city state implemented a couple of years ago.

During a workshop on the ERP at City Hall on Tuesday, Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno expressed his hope that the civil servants could be prepared for the implementation of ERP technology in Jakarta in 2019.

"We will send more people to study the implementation of ERP in Singapore and learn how to apply it in Jakarta," Sandiaga said.

Sandiaga added he expected the procurement for the ERP system to finish in 2018.

"We will choose the most advanced technology, which can be sustained over the next 10 or 20 years," he said.

Based on Jakarta Regulation No. 5/2014 on transportation, ERP will be used on several thoroughfares, including Jl. Sudirman, Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said earlier that he was considering revising the regulation on ERP so that it would apply not only to four-wheel vehicles but also to motorcycles.

Source: Jakarta to send civil servants to Singapore to learn about ERP

Police officer assaulted, firearm stolen in East Jakarta

A member of the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was allegedly assaulted and had his firearm stolen by unidentified men in Cibubur, Ciracas district, East Jakarta.

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at Cibubur Junction Mall when the police officer, identified as Brig. Lalu Agus Salim, reportedly met with a person identified as Mulyadi, a friend of a man who accused the alleged victim of being involved in a counterfeit money scam.

After meeting at a coffee shop, the alleged victim was reportedly asked to follow Mulyadi to the parking lot in the basement of the mall, where five men allegedly attacked the victim, Ciracas Police chief Comr. Agus Widar said on Tuesday as quoted by tribunnews.com

"The victim was assaulted right in front of a musholla [prayer room] in the basement," Agus said.

The officer was reportedly attacked again when running to his car to retrieve his firearm. One of the perpetrators reportedly grabbed the firearm. 

A witness said the alleged perpetrator tried to pawn the firearm at a shop, but store workers rejected his offer.  

East Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Andry Wibowo said all alleged perpetrators had surrendered to the police. (yon)   

Source: Police officer assaulted, firearm stolen in East Jakarta

Learning to be zen while motorcycle commuting in Jakarta

It's the world's fourth most populous country, with over 260 million people, and the world's largest Muslim population. Its estimated 17,500 islands (even the government doesn't know exactly how many) stretch for 5,000km, the same distance as Ireland to Iran. Despite its size and scale however, most people know very little about Indonesia, the country that has recently become my home.

Everyone seems to have heard about tropical Bali. Most will remember the 2005 tsunami, which devastated the country's western provinces, killing more than 230,000 Indonesians. Some will know about the orangutans and tigers that live on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo (an island shared with Malaysia), or Javanese coffee. Beyond this, however, Indonesia doesn't tend to make the headlines, except for acts of terrorism or when westerners are caught smuggling drugs.

Moving to Indonesia's capital Jakarta, known to locals as the Big Durian, my major concern wasn't the tsunamis, terrorists or tigers, however. What really made me apprehensive was the traffic. I had good reason to be worried; Jakarta has the worst traffic congestion in the world, according to a Castor survey, or the third-worst according to the TomTom Traffic Index; Dublin doesn't even make the top 125.

Barry Dunning and his Australian partner Larissa have been living in Jakarta for three months. Zen and the art of motorcycle commuting

Having lived here for a couple of months now, I can confirm that the traffic congestion in greater Jakarta, with its population of 27 million, is horrendous. Traffic jams are known in Indonesian as macet, and macet defines your life here. Evening commute speeds of 8-10 kph are common - and that's without a major crash or a rainy season downpour. Even on the back of a motorbike you don't go much faster, despite the constant manoeuvring by drivers.

Jakartans have a number of coping mechanisms. People minimise the distance between work and home, and tend to socialise in these locations only. Locals also seem to have a sixth sense for when to leave the office to avoid the worst of the macet during rainy season. Indonesians are prolific social media users; you need something to do to when stuck in traffic, and not just while driving a car. Half the people you see on the back of a motorbike will be scrolling through social media on their phone, holding on with only one hand, or sometimes no hands at all.

The most important coping mechanism is the zen-like attitude that everyone approaches their daily commute with. As I look around the standstill traffic, drivers are calm, considerate of their fellow road users, and accepting of the situation. It's rare you see a frustrated face, and horns are used to make others aware of your presence rather than to signal anger.

'Traffic jams are known in Indonesian as macet, and macet defines your life here.'

That's not to say drivers aren't alert though; traffic hazards - from the fried food cart working its way across a six-lane road, to the giant Hummer trying to do a 20-point u-turn - come at you from every direction. But there is no sense of entitlement to the road here, it's a shared, constrained resource that everyone has to make the best use of.

Home away from home

Having first left Ireland at the end of 2010, I spent more than five years in Sydney, picking up an Australian partner and an Australian passport along the way. This year we decided to try our luck in Indonesia. After a few months of applications and negotiations, we both got lucky - me on an Australian government volunteer programme working for a paediatric palliative care NGO, and Larissa transferred through her existing employer. My job here is rewarding and confronting, working with children and families from some of the poorest parts of Jakarta with end-stage cancer and HIV/Aids.

Barry with some of the team at Rachel House in north Jakarta.

There's a small but vibrant Irish community of about 100 in Jakarta, mostly working in education, construction or the oil and gas sector. We have three Irish pubs and an active Irish association, the St Patrick's Society. The Irish embassy, here since 2014, reflects the growing attention the Irish Government and business are paying to the country. I'm reliably informed the annual St Patrick's Day charity ball is a great craic; tickets have already sold out.

Growing up in Kildare, I thought that fried chicken was an invention of the Macari family. Turns out Indonesians, and the rest of East and Southeast Asia, have been deep frying chicken since time immemorial. Ayam Goreng - fried chicken - is a deliciously unhealthy snack available on every street.

There is a whole host of other Indonesian specialities - Sate Ayam (BBQ chicken skewers in peanut sauce), Rendang (slow-cooked beef), Gado Gado (vegetable and potatoes with the aforementioned peanut sauce) and fish done hundreds of different ways.

There are tens of thousands of restaurants across Jakarta - from street-side, tent-kitchens known as warung, to fine dining from every corner of the world. You could eat at a different place for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 10 years and not visit the same place twice.

Barry Dunning on Mount Merapi. A city on the move

While there has been a dark turn in Jakarta politics recently (the former governor Ahok, who is ethnic Chinese and Christian, was jailed earlier this year for blasphemy), I've found the city very tolerant. Jakarta, like the rest of Indonesia, has six official religions (Islam, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist and Confucian) which coexist fairly peacefully. Many Islamic women wear the jilbab (headscarf), some with their skinny jeans; but many don't. It's a melting pot of a city, reflecting its strategic location on global trading routes for hundreds of years.

There is also large and fast-growing middle class who are outward looking and just as obsessed with avocados, Instagram and single origin coffee as any Stoneybatter or Sydney hipster.

I don't want to give the impression that everything, apart from the traffic, is perfect however. Poverty and wealth inequality are widespread. While the Jakarta skyline is a mass of gleaming skyscrapers, filled with shopping malls, luxury apartments and hotels, most Jakartans live in the shadows of these high-rise developments, in densely packed urban shanty villages known as kampung. The rise of religious conservatism and nationalism are huge challenges. Rumour spreads like wildfire across social media and WhatsApp. Workers rights and workplace health and safety are seriously deficient. Corruption and byzantine bureaucracy are still commonplace.

Despite the chaos and corruption, however, there is real sense of progress, however fitful. The government is rolling out what will be the world's largest health insurance system, allowing hundreds of millions to access affordable healthcare for the first time. More and more Indonesians, including women, are going to college and joining the middle class. There is even a promise that the Jakarta macet will be fixed in 2019, when the metro system is scheduled to open. I'll believe that last one when I see it though.

Source: Learning to be zen while motorcycle commuting in Jakarta

Jakpost guide to Korean culture in Jakarta

The prevalence of South Korean lifestyle products in Jakarta continues to be on the rise, as it also follows the popularity of music and television series among Indonesian audiences.

South Korean skin care products, makeup, cuisine and cooking ingredients are becoming increasingly easier to obtain. 

Those who are keen to try all things Korean, or maybe just Koreans who are missing a taste of home, may want to check out the guide below.

What to eat

Most know Samyang as the flaming-hot South Korean instant noodle that took over the internet last year as people took on a spicy challenge. The noodles are easily found at local supermarkets across Jakarta.

Read also: Jakpost guide to Pasar Modern BSD City

Meanwhile, head into most large malls across the capital city, and it won't be hard to find several South Korean fast food restaurant chains available.

Those in search of a more traditional culinary experience, however, would be better off heading to one of the many restaurants around the capital city that serves more upscale Korean food.

The area just south of Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) in South Jakarta is home to a number restaurants providing authentic Korean cuisine.

A number of favorites located on Jl. Wolter Monginsidi include the familar Korean BBQ chain Bornga and also an independent favorite, Tobak. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)

A number of favorites located on Jl. Wolter Monginsidi include the familiar Korean BBQ chain Bornga and also an independent favorite, Tobak. 

A standout in the vicinity, meanwhile, is Seorak Chueotang (Bumbu Satu), which is located on Jl. Senopati in South Jakarta.

The restaurant's interior is comfortable with plush seating, as well as Asian-style decor and indoor greenery. 

"Ppyeo Da Gui Hae Jang Guk," (pork bone soup) at Seorak Chueotang on Jl. Senopati. (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)   

Ppyeo Da Gui Hae Jang Guk, or pork bone soup, at Seorak Chueotang comes at Rp 95,000 (US$7). The serving is generous and the flavor is rich. The meat is well seasoned and cooked until tender, leaving a satisfying taste after each bite.  

What to buy

Those who prefer to eat in, or just want to try to cook Korean food at home, can go to several groceries stores located around Jakarta to stock up on ingredients.

Some of them include New Soul on Jl. Wijaya I and Hanil Mart on Jl. Kramat Pela, both in Kebayoran Baru. 

Other items to look for are cosmetics and skin care products.

The Korean beauty routine has been getting noticed more and more by international audiences, especially with its lavish 10-step routine. The sheet mask, one of the steps, has probably become one of the favorites, as it provides instantaneous results. 

Products to complete the routine are offered from many Korean beauty brands, ranging from the luxurious Sulwhasoo, which can be found in the Sogo department store in Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta.

Read also: Five premium Korean skincare products to try

In the more affordable range, there are Etude House and The Face Shop, both of which have an established and familiar presence in Jakarta. Branches of the brands can be found in many large shopping malls.

Most recently, Korea's natural cosmetics brand, Innisfree, has also entered the Indonesian market with a store in Senayan City mall in South Jakarta. 

What to do

Inspired by Korean celebrities' hairdos, there is the Ando and Yun salon in Gandaria City shopping mall, which specializes in Korean-style haircuts and styling.

#haircut & #cushionsetting - double S ❗️❗️by mr.owen ✔️(@andoandyunkoreansalon - #gandariacity ) . . Gak perlu catok lg❗️❗️❗️ . First time in indo ❗️❗️❗️ . Different quality wave permanent ❗️❗️ . ❗️Original korea #cushionsetting can available only at @andoandyunkoreansalon ❗️ . It's not just 'perm ' or not 'digital perm'. . It's '#cushionsetting ' . Cushion setting is a natural looking and feminine hairstyle with a focus on bounciness, volume, framing the face in a flattering manner. Instead of setting the whole head, a Cushion Setting is known for big natural curls. . What people think of as the Korean Perm is usually achieved through techniques that result in a softer look the Korean Perm is more natural looking and feminine, whereas traditional perm techniques would result in curls that look stiff, hard and less 'natural', you'd never mistake those as natural curls or waves. . So Korean perm is really all about the technique, and the difference in chemicals and tools used and best of all, it doesn't leave your hair dry or frizzy in the process . –  cushion setting C Often used at the hair ends, C curls curl inwards, creating a gentle, bob-like effect . –  cushion setting S (S , double S , triple S) There's the soft or hard S – curls that are tight, or looser and more spread out. . -cushion setting Edge Natural Straight on the top of hair and you can choose Cushion C or Cushion S at the hair ends . . Just come to our Salon for a consultation. Typical setting time can take up to 3-4hours max, so be prepared to spend a little time with us!😄😄😄😄😄😄😄 #koreansalon#andoandyun#andoandyunkoreansalon#koreanwave#differentquality#coloring#hairmanicure#bangs#seethroughbangs#haircut#beautkorea#blowpermanent#koreawave#korealook#stylekorea #hairclinic #hairtreatment #andoandyun #andoandyunkoreanhairboutique #koreansalon #koreanstyle #koreanhair #beautykorea #ja karta #jakartahairstylist #haircut #cushionsetting #coloring #hairmagic #hairmanicure #nail #nailart #koreannail #andoandyunkoreansalon

A post shared by •Official•Revive Your Style• (@andoandyunkoreansalon) on Nov 22, 2017 at 11:23pm PST

The salon applies special techniques and even conveys tips and tricks for clients to maintain their hair. 

Meanwhile, to learn more about all things Korean in general, you can visit the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI), which is located in Equity Tower in SCBD.

It holds various events, including film screenings, Korean language classes, as well as a "K-Pop academy" for fans of the music genre to learn how to sing and dance like their favorite Korean pop stars. The center also has classes for traditional Korean dance and musical instruments. 

Tips

- In Korean cuisine, some dishes come in a set and in large portions, so make sure to ask how much food is reasonable to order.

- For skin care, it is recommended to get to know the benefits of each product in the 10-step beauty routine before investing in a whole set.

- Check out the website of the KCCI (http://id.korean-culture.org/) to see the schedule and for further information on classes and events.

(asw)

Source: Jakpost guide to Korean culture in Jakarta

Jakarta administration urged to revise antibullying regulation

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has urged the Jakarta administration to revise the governor regulation that prohibits children involved in school bullying or brawls from continuing their studies in public school.

Even though the Governor Instruction No. 16/2015 on the prevention and mitigation of bullying aims to eradicate child bullying in Jakarta, the content of the regulation is believed to deviate from the child protection law.

"KPAI urges the administration to revise the governor regulation. Children should be taught that they should respect others and such understanding shall begin with a policy that humanizes the humans," KPAI commissioner Retno Listyarti said in a statement on Thursday.

The commission said the instruction should be revised by referring to antibullying regulations addressed in the Education and Culture Minister Regulation No. 82/2015.

In a Forum Group Discussion initiated by KPAI on Tuesday, Pratiwi Febry, a lawyer with the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) said the administration had failed to see that the policy would exclude children away from education facilities.  

Through this, the administration would prevent the children from receiving protection in the form of education, she said.

Based on the latest data from KPAI, 86 children across the country have become victims of school bullying this year while 71 have been accused of instigating the bullying. 

Source: Jakarta administration urged to revise antibullying regulation

Inside Indonesia's first modern art museum in Jakarta

Indonesia's first modern art museum opened its doors to the public in Jakarta on 4 November. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara (Museum MACAN) marked its debut with 'Art Turns. World Turns,' an exhibition of 90 artworks by renowned international names, including Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol, as well as notable Indonesian artists who have received little international exposure. These include the likes of Raden Saleh, often considered a pioneer of modern Indonesian art, and Kusama Affandi, renowned for his expressionist painting.

Museum MACAN is now open in Jakarta. Photo courtesy of Museum MACAN

'Art Turns. World Turns' represents the first public unveiling of a fraction of the collection of 800 works by Indonesian and foreign artists amassed by the venue's founder Haryanto Adikoesoemo over the past 25 years. The museum's director Aaron Seeto told artnet News that the exhibition highlights the breadth and depth of the collection, with an emphasis on its dialogue with world art history.

Installation view of Art Turns. World Turns. Exploring the Collection of Museum MACAN. Photo by: Museum MACAN

Specifically, the exhibition showcased works from four periods in the history of Indonesian modern art, juxtaposed with paintings by foreign artists. The first entitled "Land, Home, People" focuses on art before Indonesia gained independence from the Dutch in 1945. The second entitled "Independence and After" showcases art from the post-revolution period between 1945 and 1965. The third section, "Struggles Around Form and Content," exhibits post-1965 art that touches on the theme of social democracy, while the final section "Global Soup" displays art from the current day.

Perched on the fifth floor of a multi-purpose tower in West Jakarta, Museum MACAN features numerous galleries, an indoor sculpture garden, a children's zone and a multimedia room.

Museum MACAN Childrens Art Space. Photo by Museum MACAN

The museum's opening coincided with the Jakarta Biennale, an annual event that showcases contemporary art at venues across the capital.

The exhibition runs until 18 March, 2018.

By Anita Surewicz

Source: Inside Indonesia's first modern art museum in Jakarta

Jakarta airport trains free of charge in December operation

State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) will not collect fares during a month-long operation in December. The trains will drop passengers from Tangerang, Banten and Jakarta's inner city at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

"The airport trains will be free of charge in December. They will start to operate commercially next year," said KAI finance director Didiek Hartantyo in Jakarta on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Currently, KAI's management is still considering the ticket price, but it might be between Rp 75,000 (US$5.55) and Rp 100,000 per person per trip.

Read also: Airport trains to start running early next month

Didiek explained that the airport trains will run 80 times per day with headways of between 15 and 30 minutes.

Previously, railway operator PT Railink, a subsidiary of PT KAI, said 10 trains have been prepared with a capacity of 33,000 passengers per day.

For the time being, the trains will only stop at Soekarno-Hatta and Sudirman Baru station, but will also make stops at Manggarai, Duri and Batu Ceper in the near future.

Didiek said the trains have to start from Sudirman Station in Central Jakarta because the facility at Manggarai Station in South Jakarta had not been ready for the operation.

The carriages, produced by state-owned company PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA), are equipped with air conditioning, televisions, charging ports, information boards and toilets, while the stations are fitted with vending machines, tapping gates, escalators, ATMs, waiting lounges, commercial areas, meeting rooms, bathrooms and prayer rooms. (bbn)

Source: Jakarta airport trains free of charge in December operation

Police raid suspected drug factory in South Jakarta apartment

The South Jakarta Police have raided at the Kalibata apartment complex in South Jakarta an apartment that was suspected to be used as a drug factory to produce "gorilla tobacco," a synthetic cannabinoid that has seen a recent rise in popularity among users.

The police reportedly found 10 kilograms of the synthetic drug in the apartment. 

The head of the South Jakarta Police drug unit, Comr. Vivick Tjangkung, said the raid came following a tip-off from locals who suspected that a boarding house in South Jakarta was frequently used as a meeting spot for drug users. 

In a raid at the boarding house on Nov. 14,  three men, identified only as FAS, DSW and MIES, were arrested and tested positive for the drug.

They reportedly acquired the substance from two dealers who remain at large.

"We checked the cell phone of MIES and found that he rented a unit in Kalibata City," Vivick said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

During the raid, the police found that the apartment had been used as a place to manufacture gorilla tobacco, Vivick said, adding that MIES employed five people to run the business. 

"MIES said that he had rented the apartment for the past three months and that the last time he produced the drug was on Nov. 3. However, we were sure that he had produced the drug for quite some time and that he was involved in the illicit business for one-and-a-half years," Vivick said. (fac)

Source: Police raid suspected drug factory in South Jakarta apartment

Jakarta concessions shaken but stable after court ruling

An Indonesian Supreme Court judgement published last month was vocal in its condemnation of Jakarta's water concessions, although it stopped short of terminating the contracts. What happens next?

An Indonesian Supreme Court decision providing closure to a prolonged legal dispute over the legality of two water concessions in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta was published last month. Despite strong language highlighting the "loss suffered by the DKI Jakarta Government and its communities" as a result of the contracts, the decision explicitly dismisses a 2015 ruling by a...

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Source: Jakarta concessions shaken but stable after court ruling

Japan proposes to build new tracks for Jakarta-Surabaya railway: Minister

Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Japan has proposed to construct new tracks for the medium-speed Jakarta-Surabaya railway connection, a project to be funded mainly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

"There would be three tracks. In addition to the existing ones, there [would be] tracks for medium-speed trains," Budi said after speaking at an event in Jakarta on Friday, as reported by tempo.co, adding that his ministry was still studying the Japanese proposal.

If the proposal was agreed, it should not burden the government too much, he said.

He said JICA was arguing that if the project was going to be built around the old tracks, train operations on those tracks would be disrupted by the construction work. Laying new tracks would also avoid the overlapping use of tacks by the old slow trains and the new medium-speed ones.

The Japanese proposal comes after the Indonesian government recently announced its decision to use the old tracks to curb costs. Budi previously said that using the existing lines would help cap the construction cost at about Rp 60 trillion (US$4.44 billion), compared to the previous scenario of Rp 80 trillion using new tracks.

He said the cost was a major consideration, therefore, he would pay serious attention to the proposed budget for the project.

The minister said he would talk to the relevant parties to discuss the issue, because the government really wanted to keep the construction cost low. "I want the construction cost to be about Rp 60 trillion," he added. (bbn)

Source: Japan proposes to build new tracks for Jakarta-Surabaya railway: Minister

The Berlin Wall in Jakarta

When Ostenrik returned to Indonesia after studying in Berlin, he realized that his home country was divided along racial, religious and ethnic lines. "There is an invisible wall in our country that divides the Javanese and Sundanese people. In Indonesia, there is a 'Berlin Wall' for the Batak people also," Ostenrik said, referring to Indonesia's tribal people.

Source: The Berlin Wall in Jakarta

Jakarta least tolerant city in Indonesia: human rights group

Sectarian and religious lines exploited during the gubernatorial election period has given Jakarta the status of "most intolerant city in Indonesia," a survey conducted by human rights group Setara Institute revealed on Thursday. 

Jakarta was at the bottom of a list of 94 cities studied from November 2016 to October 2017. The study, called "The 2017 Index of Tolerant Cities," measured cities' midterm regional development plans, government actions and statements, discriminatory policies, intolerant acts and demographic composition based on the harmony among people of different groups.

In a similar study published in 2015, Jakarta ranked 64th. 

"Jakarta's tolerance index decreased because of a number of events related to elections, for example, refusal to pray for the deceased or politically motivated religious sermons," Setara deputy chairman Bonar Tigor Naipospos said.

During and prior to the election, banners threatening not to religiously treat the bodies  of deceased Muslims who supported incumbent governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian and Chinese-Indonesian, were placed in some parts of the capital. 

Bonar said he suggested the current Jakarta administration, led by newly elected Governor Anies Baswedan, heal the wounds after the divisive election by empowering public interaction among different faiths. 

"The government should approach religious clerics and organizations and encourage them to spread the message of tolerance," he said. (fac)

Source: Jakarta least tolerant city in Indonesia: human rights group

Spas in Jakarta: Indulge in wallet-friendly massages and body treatments at Onsen Spa, an affordable Japanese-inspired day-spa

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Jakarta's Hot New Tables: November 2017

Treat yo'self and indulge in a day of personal pampering at Onsen Spa. Go on, live a little. You deserve it, Honey.

Jakarta girls (and guys for that matter!) love a good spa day. With the stresses and strains that come with living the Big Durian life, we definitely do not mind indulging in a little self-care now and then. That's why we jumped at the chance to step away from our desks for a few hours to recharge and reboot at the newly opened Onsen Spa. This unique and affordable day-spa is surprisingly the brainchild of the owners behind Bottega Ristorante and Rock Paper Scissors. After feeding Jakartans with fusion food and delicious cocktails, they wanted their next foray into hospitality to be bringing the Japanese Onsen experience to the well-deserved masses, and hey, we are all here for it.

Situated in a ruko off of a busy corner on Mampang Prapatan, Onsen Spa is a quiet hideaway with a main road location is perfect for slipping in a few hours of relaxation in an otherwise hectic day. The Japanese-inspired day-spa is minimalist with nods to Japan at every corner. Besides the main Onsen room (we'll get to that later), there's a steam room and tatami mat style dining space, where visitors get to enjoy a meal after their treatment.

The Best (Cheap!) Massages in Jakarta

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. If you feel like getting off-the-grid for a few hours, indulge in The Ultimate Sakura, a head-to-toe treatment that includes a body massage, body scrub, body mask, therapeutic facial massage, and use of the Onsen room, steam room, and a complimentary Japanese meal of soba noodles. While we went for the two-hour treatment, the whole session takes up to three hours, so you might want to clear out your schedule. But trust us, it's worth it.

To start, our masseuse commenced with a luxurious hour-long massage that kneaded out all our tired knots from sitting at a desk all day, followed by an exfoliating body scrub (lulur) and refreshing traditional body mask for luminous skin. The treatment also incorporates totok wajah or a detoxifying facial acupressure to encourage circulation – something our tired skin definitely needed! Once that was done, we were given a beautiful satin Japanese kimono to don – Obi and all! – to head into the Onsen room for the ultimate Zen experience. The Onsen room features two pools and a window of depicting views of Mount Fuji for a nice touch. After a few selfies (because one simply must take pictures while donning a Japanese kimono), we sat ourselves in the waters of the steaming hot Onsen for a good twenty minutes, feeling our worries slip away.

Distracted from the realities of the outside world, we probably could've sat in there for longer but jumped into the wooden steam room for a few minutes to fully get its detoxifying properties. Then, we moved back up to the dining area where we enjoyed a simple Japanese set meal of green tea and soba noodles to round out the experience.

Onsen Spa, Jl. Mampang Prapatan Raya No. 67, South Jakarta. p. +62 21 2753 4427.

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Source: Spas in Jakarta: Indulge in wallet-friendly massages and body treatments at Onsen Spa, an affordable Japanese-inspired day-spa

Jakarta governor speech prompts mass walkout

Jesuit school alumni object to Anies Rasyid Baswedan at anniversary gathering over his sectarian election win

Dozens of alumni of a prestigious Jesuit run high school in Jakarta walked out in protest when the city's governor, Anies Rasyid Baswedan, attended an event to mark the school's 90th anniversary on Nov. 12.

They said inviting the governor who employed a divisive sectarian agenda to win office early this year was a big mistake that went against the school's values.

As Baswedan began his speech during the gathering marking the all-male Canisius College's 90th anniversary on Nov. 12, at least 100 alumni, led by well-known Indonesian musician Ananda Sukarlan, shocked the hundreds of other attendees by storming out of the exhibition hall.

Sukarlan, a Muslim, said he walked out because he could not accept the presence of Baswedan who won the governor's election in April by exploiting race and religious issues to defeat Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Chinese Christian.

"I am a Muslim but what Baswedan has done is against the values taught during my years at this school," Sukarlan said. 

He also criticized the school administrators for inviting the governor who was backed in the polls by Islamist militants. 

"I'm not playing politics here, but it's a matter of conscience," he said.

Sukarlan drew criticism on social media from Baswedan's supporters who called his protest "uncivilized."

Yunarto Wijaya, a Catholic political analyst, sprang to Sukarlan's defence on Twitter.

"Why do you call it uncivilized when someone walks out on a speech? Then what do you call an official who goes to mosques, is called an infidel and told to leave," Wijaya Tweeted, referring to treatment meted out to Purnama during his election campaign.

School administrators were unavailable for comment.

Lucius Karus, a political observer, said the reaction to Baswedan's presence demonstrated how divisive the Jakarta election was. 

He said sectarian politics has a bad impact on people, but politicians will likely continue to use it in next year's local elections, as well as presidential election in 2019, because that's the easiest way to get votes.

"People no longer care about maintaining ethics in politics," he said, which is exacerbated by politician's jumping into bed with radical groups.

Angelo Wake Kako, chairman of the Catholic Students Association said that it is impossible to completely remove sectarianism from Indonesian politics. 

"Increasing dialogue with youth from other religions, as well as with political parties can ease the pain," he said.

"Continuous dialog can help heal divisions. Otherwise, they will grow wider and wider, as happened after the Jakarta election," he said.

Source: Jakarta governor speech prompts mass walkout

OCA official claims broadcasters will enjoy stunning images at Jakarta 2018 Asian Games

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) director general Husain Al Musallam has claimed the 2018 Asian Games will provide broadcasters with "stunning" images, as the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang prepare to play host.

Al Musallam made the assertion at the first world broadcasters' meeting at the Jakarta Convention Centre, where discussions over the Games took place.

He informed the broadcasters that there would be 40 sports and 462 events, as well as esports as a demonstration competition.

"The sports programme will reflect the rich sports culture around the continent, and will give 10,000 athletes the opportunity to represent their flag in top-level international competition," said Al Musallam.

"We are sure the broadcasters will embrace this diverse range of sports - and project the energy of Asia around the world.

"With such an exotic background of Jakarta - one of Asia's great cities - and the tropical Palembang, the 18th Asian Games will provide stunning images for the broadcasters to project around the world."

Proceedings are due to run from August 18 to September 2 with the event the 18th edition of the continental Games.

The meeting was attended by Erick Thohir, President of the Jakarta and Palembang 2018 Asian Games.

He assured broadcasters that all competition venues would be completed on time with construction set to finish by the end of this year.

Overlay inside the venues will be completed by January and March.

Thohir claimed the fact that some of the broadcasters had travelled a long distance to attend the meeting reflected the importance of it.

Al Musallam also highlighted the importance of the Games, claiming the event could help to foster cooperation across Asia.

"The OCA is very proud of our Asian Games - an event which is admired and respected by all the other continents in the five Olympic rings: Europe, Oceania, Africa and the Americas," he said.

"This will be the 18th edition - an unbroken sequence dating back to the first Asian Games in 1951.

"We believe that this is a remarkable achievement during frequent turbulent times across the continent.

"It also demonstrates the power of sport to bring people together from different countries and cultures, to unite the youth and to build bridges between race, religion and politics.

"This is why the Asian Games is so important to Asia - not just for the athletes but for the entire continent in creating peace, tolerance and harmony far away from the sports field."

Source: OCA official claims broadcasters will enjoy stunning images at Jakarta 2018 Asian Games

3 shabu-shabu restaurants for rainy season in Jakarta

Rainy season is here, and nothing beats a warm shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot of thinly sliced meat and vegetables) on a drizzly day.

Check out the list below for where to get shabu-shabu in Jakarta.

Shaburi

Located in shopping malls across Jakarta, Shaburi has become a go-to place to enjoy a shabu-shabu buffet. Here, foodies can indulge in several meat choices in an individual hot pot starting from Rp 172,600 (US$12.74) net for lunch and Rp 196,000 net for dinner.

In addition to the shabu-shabu, Shaburi's all-you-can-eat meal includes drinks, side dishes and dessert, allowing guests to eat as much as they want within 70 minutes or 90 minutes during a weekend lunch.   

Where: Shopping malls across Jakarta

Read also: Where to savor raclette cheese in Jakarta

Kobeshi by Shabu2House

Located in the Street Gallery of Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta, Kobeshi by Shabu2House also offers all-you-can-eat meals  starting from Rp 234,000 net.

Compared to Shaburi, Kobeshi by Shabu2House has a more flexible time rule, and only applies a 90-minute limit on weekends.

Where: Street Gallery, 2nd Floor, Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta

Shabu Shabu Gen

Those wanting to enjoy the gloomy Jakarta skyline while devouring a pot of shabu-shabu may want to make a reservation at Shabu Shabu Gen, a restaurant located on the 46th floor of Central Jakarta's The Plaza. 

Offering premium beefs, guests can enjoy shabu-shabu from Rp 1,450,000++ for the Japanese beef set and Rp 550,000++ for the US beef set. (kes)

Where: The Plaza, 46th Floor, Jl MH Thamrin, Kav. 28-30, Central Jakarta

Source: 3 shabu-shabu restaurants for rainy season in Jakarta

Indonesia shares lower at close of trade; Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite down 0.34%

Investing.com – Indonesia equities were lower at the close on Friday, as losses in the , and sectors propelled shares lower.

At the close in Jakarta, the lost 0.34%.

The biggest gainers of the session on the were Ancora Indonesia Resources Tbk (JK:), which rose 23.82% or 101 points to trade at 525 at the close. Petrosea Tbk (JK:) added 20.66% or 280 points to end at 1635 and Mitrabahtera Segara Sejati Tbk (JK:) was up 14.60% or 100 points to 785 in late trade.

Biggest losers included Renuka Coalindo Tbk (JK:), which lost 21.36% or 88 points to trade at 324 in late trade. Tifico Fiber Indonesia Tbk (JK:) declined 12.56% or 125 points to end at 870 and Suryamas Dutamakmur Tbk (JK:) shed 12.33% or 18 points to 128.

Declining stocks outnumbered rising ones by 192 to 135 and 115 ended unchanged on the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

In commodities trading, Crude oil for December delivery was up 0.16% or 0.09 to $57.26 a barrel. Meanwhile, Brent oil for delivery in January rose 0.39% or 0.25 to hit $64.18 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract fell 0.22% or 2.80 to trade at $1284.70 a troy ounce.

USD/IDR was up 0.06% to 13538.0, while AUD/IDR fell 0.22% to 10359.50.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.07% at 94.35.

Disclaimer: Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. All CFDs (stocks, indexes, futures) and Forex prices are not provided by exchanges but rather by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual market price, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Therefore Fusion Media doesn`t bear any responsibility for any trading losses you might incur as a result of using this data.

Fusion Media or anyone involved with Fusion Media will not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information including data, quotes, charts and buy/sell signals contained within this website. Please be fully informed regarding the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, it is one of the riskiest investment forms possible.

Source: Indonesia shares lower at close of trade; Jakarta Stock Exchange Composite down 0.34%

Greater Jakarta: Communities lack access to clean water

PREMIUM Residents of Jl. Jambu Air and Kampung Koang in Pegadungan subdistrict, Kalideres, West Jakarta, have long lacked access to clean water, according to a subdistrict official.

To fulfill their daily needs, residents get water from the nearby Maja River, the quality of which is also inadequate, Pegadungan subdistrict secretary Tajidul Anwar said on Thursday.

In response to the problem, ...

Source: Greater Jakarta: Communities lack access to clean water

Jakarta to have Betawi batik production center

Jakarta will establish a batik production center in Srengseng subdistrict in West Jakarta, where Betawi cultural heritage will become the feature of production.

Surrounded by an urban forest and strong cultural heritage of batik, Srengseng has huge potential to attract tourists, said West Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency head Linda Enriany.

"Presently, Betawi batik is made in areas outside Jakarta, such as in Bekasi in West Java and Central Java. [In Srengseng] it's going to be the real Betawi batik, made by local artists," Linda told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

The batik designs will feature symbols of Srengseng, such as the orchid and betta fish, as well as general Betawi cultural symbols like ondel-ondel (giant effigies).

"We have proposed to the Jakarta administration to make [Srengseng] one of the city's leading destinations. The potential is there, we just need to improve the facilities," Linda said.

Athys Mayoshi, owner of Srengseng-based Batik Gobang workshop, said she had run her business since 2011 and received the acknowledgement of the Jakarta administration in 2015.

"We mix our batik features with images of Jakarta's flora and fauna. With 50 workers who are mostly housewives, we can produce around 500 pieces of Betawi batik per month," Athys said. (yon)

Source: Jakarta to have Betawi batik production center

Works of realism maestro Basoeki Abdullah on display at Jakarta museum

Indonesian realism maestro Basoeki Abdullah's archived works have gone on display at the artist's namesake museum in Jakarta. The exhibition titled "Lacak!!!" (Trace) opened on Tuesday and will run until Nov. 22. 

As reported by news agency Antara, the late artist's collection curated for the exhibition features a wide range of works he created throughout his career, including photographs, magazine covers, postcards and advertising art as well as personal files and documents, like his daily journal entries and news articles on him. 

"Basoeki Abdullah was an artist who from early on understood the importance of archiving, so starting at young age he collected his [works]. The exhibition is important for the public to get to know Basoeki Abdullah and his journey," said Restu Gunawan, art director at the Culture and Education Ministry, during the opening ceremony on Tuesday. 

Read also: Basoeki Abdullah'€s Love of Javanese culture revisited

The collection items come from various sources, including the museum itself, the Dicti Art Laboratory in Yogyakarta, the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ), the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) and two mass media companies, Tempo and Kompas.

According to Mikke Suanto, the exhibition's curator, preparations for the exhibition took approximately three months. He added that he had been a keen collector of Basoeki's work since school.

"I have collected his works since I was still at school, where I kept news clippings on Basoeki Abdullah. The exhibition is something I had dreamt of since college," Mikke said. 

Mikke further said that Basoeki was widely covered by the media during his time, adding that there were numerous articles from the 1940s that could not be retrieved. 

The exhibition at the Basoeki Abdullah Museum also attempts to shed light on the personal life of the maestro, who, in addition to painting, also enjoyed to dance and play musical instruments.

"Indeed the activities outside painting are difficult to trace, because non-media archive [materials], such as letters and others, are difficult to find," Mikke said. (liz/kes)

Source: Works of realism maestro Basoeki Abdullah on display at Jakarta museum

ICTSI decides to sell stake in Jakarta container port

Port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. said it is divesting from a container terminal port in Jakarta, Indonesia.

ICTSI, a company led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., said Indonesian unit PT ICTSI Jasa Prima Tbk had signed a conditional share purchase agreement with PT Samudera Terminal Indonesia involving its interest in PT Perusahaan Bongkar Muat Olah Jasa Anda or OJA.

ICTSI said the transaction was subject to certain conditions, but did not provide more details.

ICTSI completed the purchase of 100 percent shares of OJA in July 2012. OJA operates Berths 300-303 in Terminal III in the Port of Tanjung Priok which handle international containerized and non-containerized cargo.

ICTSI, a Filipino company with global footprint, earlier signed an agreement for the second major development phase of the Basra Gateway Terminal in North Port, Umm Qasr, Iraq.

The company said two new berths would be developed, incorporating a 20-hectare yard area which would raise annual BGT container handling capacity by 600,000 twenty-foot equivalent units to a total of 1,200,000 TEUs.

The berths will be configured and equipped with quay and landside container handling systems to handle container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs.

Combined with the adjacent Berth 27, it will offer a continuous berthing line of 600 meters.

The new $100 million investment will be undertaken by ICTSI subsidiary BGT with construction scheduled to start immediately.

ICTSI also signed a 25-year contract with the Papua New Guinea state-owned enterprise, PNG Ports Corporation Limited for the operation, management and development of two international ports in Motukea and Lae in Papua New Guinea.

ICTSI, which operates 27 terminals in 17 countries earlier posted a net income of $103.6 million in the first half of 2017, up 19 percent from $87.3 million a year ago.

ICTSI attributed the increase in net income to the continuing ramp-up at the new terminal in Matadi, Democratic Republic of Cong, strong operating income contribution from the terminals in Iraq, Mexico and Brazil and the one-time gain on the termination of the sub-concession agreement in Nigeria.

Gross revenues from port operations in the first half increased 10 percent to $603.7 million from $550.8 million reported in the same period in 2016.

ICTSI budgeted $240 million in capital expenditures this year to fund the completion of the initial stage development of the company's greenfield projects in Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq.Source: Manila Standard

Source: ICTSI decides to sell stake in Jakarta container port

Jakarta to hire psychologists to help stressed out residents: Media

JAKARTA - Jakarta health authorities said on Monday (Nov 6) they plan to hire dozens of psychologists and station them at the city's community health centres to help the city's overwrought residents.

The plan is the idea of new Governor Anies Baswedan, who had said 20 per cent of the capital's residents were prone to stress, Jakarta Post reported, citing the Jakarta Health Agency's secretary, Een Haryani.

The city's community health centres logged nearly 40,000 consultations related to stress and depression last year, she said.

Een said the agency would hire 44 psychologists and deploy them to districts in the capital.

"The recruitment is part of next year's plan. They will be paid Rp 13 million per month," Een told kompas.com.

Een said the agency work with universities to recruit the mental health professionals.

Source: Jakarta to hire psychologists to help stressed out residents: Media

Jakarta open to more cooperation with Singapore

Jakarta, where a major sea wall is being developed, could take a leaf out of Singapore's book on land reclamation, said deputy governor Sandiaga Uno on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Ambassador Anil Kumar Nayar from Singapore, Mr Sandiaga said that while land reclamation was not raised at the meeting, it could be one of many areas the two sides may discuss in the future.

He added that there have been many land reclamation activities in Singapore, which have resulted in the development of public facilities such as the Jurong industrial estate, Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, and Changi Airport.

"I like running, and if you ever had the chance to run in East Coast Park, that is on reclaimed land," said Mr Sandiaga, who regularly participates in marathons.

The former businessman, who once worked in Singapore, also shared with Mr Nayar the new administration's priority programmes for the next five years and how Singapore and Jakarta could work together in areas of mutual interest.

The deputy governor, however, is not rushing into adopting Singapore's system of land reclamation just yet, reported kumparan.com.

"This is still at a very early stage, so let us not come to a conclusion just yet, we will first coordinate with our friends in the DPRD," he added, referring to the Jakarta Council, the local government.

The massive land reclamation project in Jakarta, meant to protect the north of the Indonesian capital from coastal flooding, has been a main source of tension between the central government and the new city administration led by governor Anies Baswedan and Mr Sandiaga.

The national government is pushing through with the 24km-long sea wall and reclamation project which aims to protect the low-lying city from rising sea levels, subsidence and annual flooding from more than a dozen rivers that flow through it.

But the US$40 billion (S$54 billion) project in Jakarta Bay which started in 2014 was suspended last year. It faces fierce opposition from Mr Anies and Mr Sandiaga, who had campaigned strongly against the project during the gubernatorial elections, saying it would disrupt the environment as well as the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, when reinstating the project last month, said an environmental impact analysis has addressed those concerns.

Source: Jakarta open to more cooperation with Singapore

Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno open to more cooperation with Singapore

JAKARTA - Jakarta, where a major sea-wall is being developed, could take a leaf out of Singapore's book on land reclamation, said deputy governor Sandiaga Uno.

Speaking to reporters after talks with Ambassador Anil Nayar from Singapore on Friday (Nov 3), Mr Sandiaga said that while land reclamation was not raised at the meeting, it could be one of many areas the two sides may discuss in the future.

He added that there have been many land reclamation activities in Singapore, which has resulted in the development of public facilities such as the Jurong industrial estate, Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, as well as Changi Airport.

"I like running, and if you ever had the chance to run in (Singapore's) East Coast Park, that is on reclaimed land," said Mr Sandiaga, an avid runner who regularly participates in marathons.

Mr Sandiaga, a former businessman who once worked and lived in Singapore, also shared with Ambassador Anil the new administration's priority programmes for the next five years and how Singapore and Jakarta could work together in areas of mutual interest.

The deputy governor, however, is not rushing into adopting Singapore's system of land reclamation just yet, reported kumparan.com.

"This is still at a very early stage, so let us not come to a conclusion just yet, we will first coordinate with our friends in the DPRD," he added, referring to the Jakarta Council, or local government.

The massive land reclamation project in Jakarta, meant to protect the north of the capital from coastal flooding, has been a main source of tension between Indonesia's central government and the new city administration led by governor Anies Baswedan and Mr Sandiaga.

The national government is pushing through with the 24km-long sea wall and reclamation project which aims to protect Jakarta, a low-lying city, from rising sea levels, subsidence and annual flooding from more than a dozen rivers that flow through it.

But the US$40 billion (S$54 billion) project in Jakarta Bay which started in 2014 was suspended last year. It faces fierce opposition from Mr Anies and Mr Sandiaga, who had campaigned strongly against the project during the gubernatorial elections, saying it would disrupt the environment as well as the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, when re-instating the project last month, said an environmental impact analysis, which looked into, among other things, power plant designs, sedimentation mitigation and the sailing routes of local fishermen, has addressed those concerns.

Source: Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno open to more cooperation with Singapore

Jakarta traffic violations increase

The Jakarta Police traffic unit has recorded a significant increase in the number of traffic violations in the capital during the first two days of Operation Zebra, which resulted in 17,738 violations compared to last year's 12,426 violations.

Traffic unit chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Budiyanto revealed that of the 17,738 violators, as many as 16,006 motorists were ticketed by the unit's officers, while the remaining only got verbal warnings.

"Last year, there were 12,426 violations in the first two days of the operation. As many as 10,889 of them were ticketed, while the rest received warnings," Budiyanto said on Friday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Operation Zebra is set to be held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 14 across the country.

East Jakarta recorded the most violations, with 2,535 cases. West Jakarta was next, with 2,232 violations, followed by North Jakarta with 1,796 violations.

Budiyanto further explained that the majority of the violations were committed by motorcyclists who had stopped and parked unsafely. (vny)

Source: Jakarta traffic violations increase

Andalin snatches grand prize at Tech in Asia Jakarta Arena pitch battle

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Andalin, a logistics startup that helps businesses ship cross-border, clinched the big win at this year's Tech in Asia Jakarta Arena. The company beat six other candidates on its way to the top.

GY Networks was the runner-up, while SpotDraft took third place.

These were the brave combatants that took part in this year's competition, in alphabetical order:

Andalin

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Andalin is a logistics startup that helps small businesses with import and export procedures. It helps customers compare quotes and manage their cross-border shipping through its online system.

The Indonesia-based business was part of long-running accelerator Ideabox's fourth batch of startups.

Datum

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Datum allows users to back up data they generate through social networks, wearables, smart homes, and other internet-of-things devices and then monetize it by selling such info through its marketplace. The company uses blockchain technology to power its database.

Disitu

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Indonesia-based Disitu is a credit marketplace. The service extends loans to people who are unable to secure them from financial institutions.

GY Networks

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

South Korea's GY Networks works on computer vision projects. The company uses machine learning to improve image recognition and video analysis capabilities in CCTV systems.

Hyku

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Chinese startup Hyku helps content creators to make interactive videos. Users can purchase products they see on the videos or interact with creators and brands in real time.

SpotDraft

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

India-based SpotDraft generates documents like contracts and invoices. It also tracks payments using artificial intelligence. Users can also upload existing documents on the website, where the software analyzes them and helps manage them online.

Tune Map

Photo credit: Tech in Asia.

Tune Map makes online maps for the visually impaired. Users can feed the maps with data such as areas with potholes, lack of guiding lines, and so on. The app converts the information into helpful audio instructions.

This is part of the coverage of Tech in Asia Jakarta 2017, our conference taking place November 1 and 2.

Source: Andalin snatches grand prize at Tech in Asia Jakarta Arena pitch battle

Five 'Best Film' nominees to be screened for free in Jakarta

Five "Best Film" nominees from the 2017 Indonesian Film Festival will be screened over three consecutive days, starting Wednesday.

According to tempo.co, the movies will be screened for free at Cinema XXI Plaza Senayan in Central Jakarta starting at 7 p.m., as part of a collaboration between the Education and Culture Ministry and the Indonesian Film Body.

Cek Toko Sebelah (Check the Store Next Door) and Kartini are scheduled to be screened on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slave) and Night Bus will grace the theater the next day at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively. Posesif (Possessive) will be screened on Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

Read also: FFI nominations for 'Posesif' stir controversy

Two of the five films, Pengabdi Setan and Posesif, are currently still being shown in local cinemas. The three others were released between December last year and April this year, as reported by kompas.com.

Due to limited seating, those interested in attending the free screenings should book their tickets at least 30 minutes before the film is scheduled to begin. (kes)

Source: Five 'Best Film' nominees to be screened for free in Jakarta