Had it been a decade and a half ago, anything detailing the darker part of Indonesia’s political years would come with hefty risks. Nowadays, not only can “Sang Penari” be shown on every cinema, but people can freely flock to a film focused on the events surrounding the Suharto’s New Order era. Ifa Isfansyah’s directorial effort is a tribute to how far the country has come in terms of democracy.
Hours after watching my favourite musician of all time perform live — pun intended — Irish alternative band The Cranberries took to the stage and rocked it out in front of an impressive audience. The night concerts brought about brilliant lighting and the festival’s core attendees, which created just the right atmosphere for the personal reason behind witnessing their performance.
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Back in college, I made a promise with a friend that if Live — or in this case, its remaining members — held a concert in a place within reach, we would attend together. When former Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk announced that he would kickstart his first visit to Asia by performing on the second day of Java Rockin’ Land 2011, it was a mad rush to make it finally happen.
This year’s TED Global talks at Scotland’s capital was simulcasted in this month’s TEDx Jakarta Live. On Thursday evening, I joined more than 200 other attendees in watching presentations by people with ideas worth spreading.
Arizonan alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World held a one-night concert in Jakarta’s Nusa Indah Theatre. The jam-packed gig was nothing short of unforgettable — with a great sound and lighting system, to boot — as the audience was pampered with a set list of twenty-two songs. As an added plus, I also stood metres from and was at eye-level with the gorgeous frontman, Jim Adkins.