Batik bags

It used to be difficult to find high quality batik bags i.e. bags made from batik tulis and leather (not the ones sold for Rp. 50,000 by street vendors in Jogja). But nowadays, there are quite a number of brands to choose from. I am going to share you a few of these brands that I follow. Many of them don't have an established shop yet, so they usually sell their goods on facebook. You can buy ready-made ones or have one custom-made for you.

- Pribumi
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pribumigj

I love Pribumi because currently it is the only one selling batik wallets that is large enough to fit all of my cards & receipts! Their service is excellent: fast response & friendly.

- Lovely batik
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lovelybatik

- Envy
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/envy.batik.3
Envy also has another more premium line: http://www.facebook.com/envymebag

- Kunthi
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kunthi.full
Same as Envy, Kunthi also has another more premium line: http://www.facebook.com/kunthi.prime

- Ziba label
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ziba.label.1
Ziba also has an online shopping website: http://zibalabel.com

- Gia
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/gia.batik

 

- Batik Queen
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/batikqueenpage

- Batik Chic
This is one of the first brands that I knew. Nowadays, it has opened a shop in Kemang and it also has an online-shopping website. Maybe because of this, their facebook page seems to be not that active anymore.

Website: http://batikchic.com/
Gallery: Jalan Kemang Selatan Raya no. 107B, Jakarta

Indonesia’s Rising Middle-Class and Affluent Consumers

Anyone who has tried to find publicly available secondary data in Indonesia, knows how difficult it is to do this. So I really appreciate BCG for providing this report to the public.

If you want to get a general view on Indonesia's Middle Class consumers, then you must check this out:

https://www.bcgperspectives.com/content/articles/center_consumer_customer_insight_consumer_products_indonesias_rising_middle_class_affluent_consumers/

Angklung

One of my "To do"s is watching an Angklung performance by Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung. Bandung is just a 2-hour drive from Jakarta (if there is no traffic), so I have to make it a priority this year!

Angklung is a traditional Sundanese musical instrument made from bamboo. The sound comes out when shaking it. One angklung represents one note, so it is usually played in a group. 

Saung Angklung Udjo is a group well-known for its angklung performance, kind of the pioneer actually in taking this traditional instrument and introducing it professionally world-wide.

If you ever get the chance to go to Bandung, besides going for shopping & eating...try and stop by at their workshop. Having read many reviews, you won't be disappointed!

To know more, check out Saung Angklung Udjo's website: http://www.angklung-udjo.co.id/

New Year's Resolution

Source pic: http://www.wallpaperswala.com/happy-new-year/

Happy New Year everyone!

For me, 2013 is literally a "new" year because of the changes that have happened in my life.  I am now working on the "client side" which has given me more free time to pursue my personal interests. So this year my resolution is to try new things, one of which is signing up for a gym membership.  

In Jakarta, there are basically 2 main fitness clubs that you can easily find at the major malls: Fitness First & Celebrity Fitness.

Four weeks in, I still haven't gone to the gym yet....but this week, I am determined not to let my money waste like that. Wish me luck ;) 

Cake Fads in 2012

2012 saw 2 cakes popping up in the Jakarta scene: Red Velvet cake and Rainbow cake. When they first appeared, people were willing to que for hours in order to try these cakes.




Both of these cakes are originally from America, if I'm not mistaken. Red Velvet cake is named after its red velvety appearance while Rainbow cake has layers inside according to the colours of the rainbow.

 

I'm not a food lover so I wasn't that intrigued to try the cakes. After the ques were no longer in sight, I tried the famous rainbow cake made by the The Goods Dept cafe. I must say it was nice, but for a slice which costed me Rp. 60,000 (equal to 3 times lunch at KFC), I think trying it that one time is enough :) 

Nowadays, almost all cake shops or cafes in Jakarta have these cakes available. But of course, the level of "deliciousness" will be different :)

Source pic: Red Velvet cake http://anakjajan.com/2012/02/13/red-velvet-cake-jakarta/ 
Source pic: Rainbow cake http://culinarybonanza.blogspot.com/2012/05/lunch-promo-and-rainbow-cake-at-goods.html