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History


To Bid Farewell in Tana Toraja
The tradition of honoring those who have passed before us is a vital part of civilization. By commemorating them, we pay respects to our...
Wahyu Handayani
Feb 263 min read


Indonesia at the Olympics Over the Years
(Indonesian athletes at 1952 Olympics, image courtesy of Dutch National Archives) Indonesia participated in the Summer Olympics for the...
Rumaisha Ghina
Jul 31, 20243 min read

The Ghosts of Indonesia’s Past (and Present)
It is undeniable that Indonesia is a nation rich in culture and natural beauty. Yet, beneath its vibrant surface lies a complex history...
Denisa Mayari
Jun 25, 20243 min read


Indonesia’s Spiritual Journey
Indonesia has undergone a profound spiritual transformation over the centuries. From ancient mysticism to modern organized religions like...
Denisa Mayari
Jun 23, 20243 min read


Sekaa Teruna Teruni: Young Guardians of Balinese Culture
(Image by Yayimage) In Bali, where culture and tradition weaves its way through every aspect of daily life, the approach of Nyepi, the...
Denisa Mayari
Mar 16, 20242 min read


Ramadan in Riau and the Pacu Jalur Tradition
(Photo by Fadli Suandi) Ramadan holds a special place in Muslim Indonesian's hearts, including those in the province of Riau, it brings...
Denisa Mayari
Mar 16, 20242 min read


Indonesia's First International School: Highland School Kabanjahe
Contrary to popular belief, Indonesia's first international school did not emerge in bustling metropolises such as Jakarta or Surabaya....
Denisa Mayari
Mar 2, 20242 min read


Mustika Rasa: Navigating Nusantara's Flavors
In the heart of Indonesia's rich cultural landscape lies a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered. "Mustika Rasa," a culinary...
Denisa Mayari
Jan 1, 20242 min read


Chairil Anwar: The Bright Mind Behind Contemporary Literature
Indonesia is home to a multitude of languages and diverse artistic expressions through words, such as the art of poetry. Often considered...
Alvie Putri Gustiningrum
Dec 14, 20232 min read


Tugu Kunstkring Paleis Comes Alive with Christmas Market
As the festive season of Christmas drew near in 2023, Jakarta geared up for celebrations that rivaled those in major cities around the...
The Nusantara Bulletin
Dec 12, 20232 min read


Maria Walanda Maramis: Changemaker and Beacon of Hope
Maria Walanda Maramis' legacy lives on as a symbol of female empowerment and a pioneer of women's rights in Indonesia. Her unwavering...
Arkananta Aliyya Wicaksono
Dec 1, 20232 min read


Roehana Koeddoes: The Story of Feminism, Journalism, and Nationalism
The emergence of feminism in Indonesia is a long, intriguing journey that has introduced us to numerous familiar names. Think Raden Ajeng...
Alvie Putri Gustiningrum
Oct 13, 20234 min read


Keumalahayati: Aceh’s Trailblazing Leading Lady
In a mesmerizing blend of history and artistry, Gema Citra Nusantara proudly presented "Keumalahayati: Laskar Inong Balee," a unique...
The Nusantara Bulletin
Sep 12, 20232 min read


BazArt Vol. 2: A Celebration of Culture, Art, and Community
In the wake of its triumphant debut in 2022, BazArt Vol. 2, powered by Pasar Keliling, recently graced the vibrant JNM Bloc from August...
The Nusantara Bulletin
Sep 9, 20232 min read

Gaming the Narrative: Colonial Games as Expressions of Indonesian Independence
Indonesia's historical narrative is marked by a turbulent and complex interplay of colonization and enslavement, culminating in a...
Fiadhira Rasyah
Aug 17, 20233 min read


The Lombok Treasure: Amends Made or Unfinished Business?
Lombok treasures, originally housed at Rijksmuseum. The Netherlands has made a momentous announcement, marking a significant step towards...
Denisa Mayari
Jul 30, 20233 min read


Senopati: The Story Behind the Street Name
As the sun sets over the bustling streets of Jakarta, a vibrant energy takes hold of a particular district. In the heart of the city,...
Denisa Mayari
Jul 18, 20233 min read


Remembrance of Early Feminism Through Kartini’s Letters “Door Duisternist tot Licht”
Raden Adjeng Kartini—most Indonesians are surely familiar with her. She is one of the Indonesian women who fought for equality and...
Fiadhira Rasyah
Jun 24, 20234 min read


Mangkok Merah War Ritual: The Equivocal Past of the Dayaknese
The Dayaknese are an indigenous ethnic group that lives on the island of Borneo. The Dayaknese are Borneo's largest indigenous community,...
Fiadhira Rasyah
Jun 12, 20233 min read


Melasti: Purifying the Self through Sacred Rites
Image by National Geographic Bali, a land steeped in profound religious and cultural traditions, has preserved a multitude of ancient...
Syiva Zahra
May 24, 20232 min read


Buya Hamka's Exploration of Religion and Romance
Prof. Dr. H. Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, more famously known as Buya Hamka, was an influential Islamic scholar, author, and nationalist...
Denisa Mayari
Apr 29, 20233 min read

Bali Under Threat: A Desperate Plea for Responsible Tourism
(Image credits: Getty Images) Indonesia is well-known for its amazing hospitality, from the locals you meet on the street to workers in...
Alyssa Rosvita
Apr 13, 20232 min read

Tan Malaka: The Nation’s Unsung Hero
An influential figure in the fight for Indonesian independence, Tan Malaka (1897–1959) was a Marxist, philosopher, and patriot of...
Denisa Mayari
Mar 28, 20234 min read

Indonesia's "Gifted" Independence
During World War II, Japan occupied Indonesia and exploited the Indonesian people and resources to further their war efforts—a part of...
Denisa Mayari
Mar 21, 20233 min read

The Tragic Love Story of Pierre Tendean and Rukmini
Love works in mysterious ways. Love often leads us to learn hard lessons, all through meeting one person. In our life, there will be that...
Alyssa Rosvita
Feb 14, 20232 min read

Trowulan: Remnants of the Great Majapahit Empire
(Sutawijaya, Putu. Candi Brahu. 2012., acrylic on canvas.) The Majapahit Empire was one of Southeast Asia's greatest and most powerful...
The Nusantara Bulletin
Jan 26, 20234 min read

Reconnecting with Our Indonesian Roots
As time progresses and globalization takes up more space in society, how connected do you feel to your cultural roots?
Alyssa Rosvita
Jan 3, 20233 min read
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