Jakarta Great Sale 2013

Jakarta Great Sale is held every year to commemorate Jakarta's anniversary (which falls on June 22nd). This year, the event starts from 1 June - 14 July 2013.
Supposedly, there are discounts up to 80% for goods sold in various department stores and outlets across the numerous malls in Jakarta.

And specifically for this year, 14 malls will hold a midnight sale event on June 21st (today!). During this event, the malls will have special discounts starting from 21:00 until midnight.

Here is the list of participating malls for the midnight sale:

Central Jakarta:
- Senayan City
- Plaza Senayan

South Jakarta:
- Cilandak Town Square
- Kalibata City Square
- Kuningan City
- Plaza Blok M
- Tebet Green
- Plaza Semanggi

West Jakarta:
- Central Park
- Mal Matahari Puri Daan Mogot
- Mal Taman Palem

North Jakarta:
- Mal Kelapa Gading 

East Jakarta:
- Arion
- Kramat Jati Indah Plaza

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 ;)