Not Boring Weekend Holidays in Jakarta, from Recycled Art to Betawi Cultural Parade

Spending weekends in Jakarta doesn't always mean staying home or getting stuck in a mall. The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency recommends several exciting tourist activities, ranging from contemporary art to local culture and sports. 

Interestingly, most of these activities are accessible for free or at very affordable prices.

Here are five selected tourism agendas that not only entertain but also enrich cultural knowledge and creativity.

1. Ghost Nets Recycled Art: Awakening the Drifting Giants

At Building A of the Maritime Museum in North Jakarta, marine waste is transformed into giant artworks. "Ghost Nets: Awakening the Drifting Giants". This installation art features turtles, rays, squid, to giant fish made from recycled fishing nets.

The installations hang in a thematic room with an underwater ambiance, creating an immersive experience rarely found in ordinary exhibitions.

Location      : Maritime Museum, Penjaringan
Ticket        : Rp15,000 (adults), Rp5,000 (students)
Hours : 08.00–15.00 WIB

2. Kala and Nyala Theater: Traditional Art in a Modern Face

This Titimangsa production presents life values through the characters Kala (guardian of time) and Nyala (keeper of spirit) facing a major crisis when the "Hearth of Life" begins to dim. 

This performance doesn't originate from a specific culture, but rather represents traditions of the Indonesian Archipelago.

Location : Galeri Indonesia Kaya, MH Thamrin No.1
Time : Saturday (18/10), 15.00 WIB onwards
Ticket    : Free (reservation at Indonesiakaya.com)

3. HB Jassin Literary Festival: Reviving the Legacy of the Literary Documentarian

For literature lovers, this is the peak moment. The festival, held since July, now enters its main event, the HB Jassin Award 2025.

The HB Jassin Literary Festival is a series of activities commemorating HB Jassin's role and contributions in documenting and preserving literature in Indonesia, and even the world.

Location : Jakarta Library, Taman Ismail Marzuki
Access  : Open to the public

4. Ondel-Ondel Parade at Setu Babakan

Want to see Jakarta's local culture up close? The Setu Babakan Betawi Cultural Village is holding a massive ondel-ondel parade.

This activity runs from 10.00 - 16.00 WIB. You won't need to spend any money as it's all free.

Day     : Sunday, 19 October 2025
Time : 10.00–16.00 WIB
Ticket    : Free

5. Alfamart Run 2025: Run, Entertainment, and Celebrities

It's not just a running race. After crossing the finish line, participants are greeted with entertainment from the band Juicy Luicy and appearances by public figures like Raffi Ahmad, Ibnu Jamil, Ririn Ekawati, and the MC duo Sinyorita and Kiki CJR.

This running event, featuring two race categories, 5K and 10K, will be held on Sunday, 19 October 2025 at the East Parking Plaza GBK.

Location    : East Parking Plaza GBK, Senayan
Categories : 5K & 10K (tickets held by participants)

This weekend might be the time to explore another side of Jakarta – creative, cultured, and full of energy.