Guide to Spending Ramadan Weekend in Jakarta: June 18–19
Jakarta. As you while away the afternoon lull until iftar time, why not check out these five cultural events taking place in Jakarta this weekend? From a creative market in Kota Tua to a much-awaited animation sequel, they are sure to be nourishing your mind and soul during this Ramadan.
1. Visit OLV TOWN creative market
This new pop-up market in West Jakarta's Kota Tua (Old Town) neighborhood is spearheaded by Semasa Di Kota Tua, a community that promotes the beauty of this historical area. Taking place at the Olveh Building, right across Kota railway station, the weekend-long market features an array of Jakarta's emerging creative brands, from Bollu Land and its colorful illustration-based products to the soothing candles of Kaminari. If you keen to try your hands at making ondel ondel-shaped paper craft or pencil coloring, you can join the workshops here. You can also take a guided walking tour around the neighborhood — and perhaps find some delicious munch for your iftar.
Saturday to Sunday, June 18 to 19.
Olveh Building, Jalan Jembatan Batu No. 50, Tamansari, West Jakarta. @semasadikotatua on Instagram.
2. See Slank and Superman Is Dead at Jakarta Fair
Opened last week, the annual Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is set to bring various local bands to its main stage this year. At 7.30 p.m on Saturday night, the legendary rock band Slank will hold a concert that is certain to rouse up the fair visitors. The following day, it will be the Bali-based punk band Superman Is Dead's turn. If rock music is not your cup of tea, you can always wander around and check out the countless stands at the fair or enjoy the late afternoon's barongsai (lion dance) show.
Saturday to Sunday, June 18 to 19.
JIExpo Arena Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. jakartafair.co.id.
3. Watch Kamila Andini's independent film
Independent filmmaker Kamila Andini will screen her 2011 film, "The Mirror Never Lies," at Suar Artspace on Saturday afternoon. Starring Atiqah Hasiholan and Reza Rahadian, the film is about a young girl from the Bajau fishing community in Sulawesi, who is searching for his lost father. Kamila will be on hand during the screening to discuss with the viewers about her film and its environmental undercurrent. Screening tickets are priced at Rp 25,000 ($1.80). Book your place by sending an email to info@suarartspace.com.
Saturday, June 18, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Suar Artspace, Jalan Lebak Bulus 1 No. 55, South Jakarta. @suarartspace on Instagram.
4. See 'Eastern Beauty' exhibition on Islamic manuscripts
"Eastern Beauty in Reproductions," a newly opened exhibition at the Dutch cultural center Erasmus Huis, highlights the Leiden University's expansive collections of Islamic manuscripts collected over 400 years of Arabic studies. The beauty of these manuscripts can be chalked up to the art of calligraphy, miniatures and illumination. As the real books cannot travel far, several reproductions of calligraphy and illustrations will be on display in the exhibition.
Exhibition opens until July 31.
Erasmus Huis, Jalan HR Rasuna Said, Kav. S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta. erasmushuis.nlmission.org.
5. Watch "Finding Dory"
If you have a little one to entertain, go watch "Finding Dory," the long-awaited sequel to Pixar's animated feature from 2003, "Finding Nemo." The film this time follows Dory, the forgetful blue tang fish voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, as she embarks on an under-water adventure to find her long-lost parents (Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton). It brings her to the Marine Life Institute conservatory where she meets a motley crew of characters, from the seven-tentacled octopus Hank to the whale shark Destiny. Just like the original one, the sequel promises to be a funny fare that will also pull at your heartstrings.
Out in cinemas now.
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