Lokananta: Why This Musical Landmark is a Must-Visit in Solo

An Article by Natasya Soetantyo

Solo is one of the cities in Indonesia that I always wanted to explore but never got a chance to (despite travelling to Central Java quite often since I was young). Last January, this long-overdue bucket list was finally ticked off.

After a comforting lunch of soto and a cheeky es dawet selasih from the nearby market, food coma didn’t stop us from exploring the city further – after all, it was only a two-day trip. We then made our way to Lokananta, located on Jalan Ahmad Yani, Laweyan.

You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops – A Chilly Christmas in Bromo

Lokananta is a sacred pilgrimage site for those passionate about music, art, and history. Established in 1956, it was Indonesia’s first record label and vinyl record producer. In their heyday, they were the ones that introduced Indonesia to legendary musicians; Gesang (famously known for his song ‘Bengawan Solo‘), Titiek Puspa, and Waldjinah to name a few.

Its archive is not limited to only pop and Keroncong music at the time; but also home to Indonesia’s largest collection of Gamelan recordings, various ethnic/ folk music throughout the country, and even a recorded speech of Presiden Soekarno reading the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. After several challenging decades trying to adapt to technological advances of cassettes and CDs, Lokananta was revitalised in 2022 and is now functioning as a modern creative hub for the public.

Exploring Galeri Lokananta

The museum, Galeri Lokananta, is an essential part of the visit. It is a ticketed entry with limited time slots – you can either explore the exhibition by yourself or with a guided tour. I opted for the first option; this gave me a bit more freedom to enjoy each part of the exhibition at my own pace. I wouldn’t mind doing the guided tour on my next visit though; turns out the discography room can only be entered with the tour guide present. My share of tips: book a guided tour online as we were unable to book it in-person.

Fun, Concise, and Engaging

Those three words sum up the experience. The first part of the exhibition depicts the origin of Lokananta and its transformative journey in becoming a significant part of Indonesian music history. Brimmed with cool memorabilia (a room full of original Lokananta vinyls!), clear information, and immersive multimedia installations – the entire exhibition was easy to digest. My personal favourite was the room explaining the vinyl production process.

You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie – Semarang’s Sweetest Escape

The later part of the exhibition (only until 8 March 2025) delves into a more general theme of Indonesia’s pop music in the 60s – especially its tumultuous journey under Soekarno’s era of censorship. As I go along enjoying their colourful, aesthetically-pleasing pop graphics and listening to rare Lokananta original recordings, two things particularly caught my attention – the existence of a local genre music called Lenso (please look up its interesting history!) and a once-banned Indonesia Raya recording that was deemed too subversive.

Even if a museums are not your thing, the precinct’s line-ups of trendy coffee shops, restaurants, and retail spaces are still worth a visit. I do suggest you stop by the Lokananta Record Store – their collection of rare Indonesian vinyls from the 60s and 70s really sparked my interest to start a vinyl collection.

Planning Your Visit

⏰ Museum (Galeri Lokananta) Hours: Daily, 10am – 8pm

🎟️ Entry Time Slots (10 sessions per day):

Session 1: 10am – 12pm (with a guided tour)
Session 2: 11am – 12pm
Session 3: 12pm – 2pm (with a guided tour)
Session 4: 1pm – 2pm
Session 5: 2pm – 4pm (with a guided tour)
Session 6: 3pm – 4pm
Session 7: 4pm – 6pm (with a guided tour)
Session 8: 5pm – 6pm
Session 9: 6pm – 8pm (with a guided tour)
Session 10: 7pm – 8pm

💰Ticket Prices:

Adults: IDR 35,000
Kids (above 100cm), Students, Seniors: IDR 25,000
Foreigners: IDR 70,000 (with tour guide) / IDR 50,000 (without tour guide)

💬 Guided Tour Booking: Online only at Galeri Lokananta Website

🙋‍♀️ Personal Tips:

● If you opt for a guided tour, make sure you book online before you arrive as time slots can be limited.

● All exhibition materials were written in Indonesian; perhaps getting a tour guide is worthwhile if Indonesian is not your first language.

● Bring an umbrella on rainy day

You might also want to read

29 May 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Rosita Batik Shibori: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Fashion

I’ve always loved wearing local Indonesian brands - there are more and more cool ones emerging, and many are just as good as, if not, even better than international labels. Among these creative brands, one in particular caught my attention: Rosita Batik Shibori, a label that preserves Indonesia’s batik heritage while giving it a modern, thoughtful twist. Behind every meaningful brand is a personal journey, and this is the story of Rosita Batik Shibori - a journey of creativity, sustainability, and community. Shibori: The Craft That Makes Each Piece One-of-a-KindFrom a hobby to sustainable fashion, to empowering the communityFrom Java to the worldA passion that brings joyRosita’s message for Indonesian UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises)Where to Find Rosita Batik Shibori You may also like this article: The Vibrant Journey of Xoxo Bali Shibori: The Craft That Makes Each Piece One-of-a-Kind The name Rosita Batik Shibori is from the founder's name, Rosita, combined with the shibori technique employed and how the business started - she used to sell batik, and even now she often combines the two techniques together. Shibori is a fabric resist-dyeing technique created by folding, binding, and compressing the fabric before it is dyed. The patterns are formed through these resist methods, making each piece unique. Rosita chose this technique because not many local Indonesian brands work with shibori, and because the patterns always turn out differently every time, giving each piece a special, almost limited-edition feel. Each piece of Rosita Batik is made through a long and thoughtful process that requires patience From a hobby to sustainable fashion, to empowering the community Rosita Batik Shibori was founded in 2017 in Surabaya, West Java, starting simply as a hobby. Then came the creative joy of choosing colours. In the beginning, Rosita used chemical dyes because they offered a wide range of colour options. However, as time went by and the hobby grew into a business, Rosita began to feel the negative impact of working with chemical dyes. She experienced skin irritation and health issues, and became increasingly concerned about the waste produced and its impact on the environment. Eventually, she made the decision to switch to natural dyes, and that was the moment the brand evolved into a sustainable fashion label. Of course, the change came at a cost… quite literally. Production became more expensive, and the selling prices had to adjust accordingly. But slowly, Rosita Batik Shibori found the right market; people who shared the same values. As demand grew, so did production, this led to another meaningful step: hiring women from the village of Gamplong. By employing local housewives, the brand created opportunities for them to stay productive while earning additional income. What she thought was a small initiative turned out to have a significant impact, supporting not only the women themselves but also their families. You may also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations From a small village to Japan - proving that local stories can travel far From Java to the world Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was the success of Rosita Batik Shibori. It began with small exhibitions around Surabaya, before expanding to Jakarta and later Bali. Rosita then participated in fashion shows that helped introduce the brand to a wider audience. She also actively hosted workshops, and all of this hard work eventually led to a major opportunity: showcasing her work in France at the Who’s Next Paris event, supported by L’Adresse Agency Paris and Pelindo Indonesia. She was over the moon when she secured an international buyer from Greece. The hustle didn’t stop there. Rosita Batik Shibori just had its second international opportunity - a pop-up event in Kobe, Japan, supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade in collaboration with IPTC Osaka and Bateeg Japan. Out of 190 participants who registered for the programme, only 16 were selected, and Rosita is incredibly proud to be among them. The event featured a series of activities including pop-up exhibitions, B2B showcases, business matching sessions with several Japanese fashion companies, photoshoots, and a fashion show. Some of the newest collections of Rosita Batik Shibori showcased in Japan A passion that brings joy One of the most meaningful journeys for Rosita Batik Shibori has been the strong relationships built with its customers. It means the world to her every time she sees enthusiastic faces at exhibitions - customers excitedly discovering new patterns and exploring the latest collections. The brand also takes pride in creating employment opportunities within the community. Employees are not seen merely as staff, but as partners, fostering a shared sense of belonging as the business continues to grow together. Beyond that, the journey has opened doors to meaningful connections with fellow entrepreneurs, allowing the team to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and grow through shared experiences. You may also like this article: Koyotake Ramen - A Comforting Homemade Ramen in Yogyakarta Rosita’s message for Indonesian UMKM (micro, small, and medium enterprises) Rosita hopes Indonesian businesses continue to preserve local culture and take pride in our kearifan lokal (local wisdom). She believes no business is too small - anything done with heart, dedication, and patience will eventually flourish. She encourages more women to enter the industry, noting that they, too, can play a leading role in Indonesia’s economy. Through consistent quality and continuous improvement, she hopes local products can confidently compete on the international stage. “To the next generation, don’t be afraid to try new things, to create, and to keep exploring. Collaborate, build connections, and support fellow entrepreneurs. Growth comes from courage, persistence, and learning together.” Where to Find Rosita Batik Shibori 📱Instagram: @rositabatikshibori.official 🛍️ Stores & Galleries: Rosita Batik Shibori shop, Citraland Surabaya Barat Hotel Garrya Bianti, Yogyakarta Wedja Ubud Gallery, Bali Djaman Doeloe Resto, Forpoints Surabaya Wastra Sheraton, Surabaya Mesastile Hotel, Yogyakarta Wastra Marriott Hotel, Yogyakarta Toko D2i, Ciputra World Surabaya 💵 Price Range: Fashion: IDR 450,000 – 900,000 Fabric: IDR 600,000 – 5,000,000 👚Best-Selling Products: Kebaya encim & kutu baru Male and female outers Celana lilit Crop tops Kain lilit

10 Jan 2025 by Bella in Lifestyle

Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo

"How cold is cold?" asked my husband, who’s from a country with single-digit temperatures, as I was packing for Bromo. At the time, I had no idea because I had never been. According to Google, it was around 14°C in December. I thought, "Okay, not too cold," and decided not to pack my winter jacket he told me to bring. I question my life decisions sometimes - as it turns out, it was very cold and windy in Bromo. Why We Chose Bromo for ChristmasOur Bromo Itinerary: Jeep Tours & Sunrise ViewsMidnight Pickup & Scary Jeep RideSunrise at Bromo: Two Viewing PointsWas Bromo Worth It? You may also like this article: Lokananta - Why This Musical Landmark is a Must-Visit in Solo Why We Chose Bromo for Christmas Alright, let’s start from the beginning - why was I going to Bromo? My big family always gets together for special occasions and holidays. It’s not always the full crew, but we make it a point to gather somewhere. Christmas is a major one, and we always go on a trip. Usually, it’s Bali or Yogyakarta. Last year, we skipped Bali because the high season is pure chaos - you can’t go anywhere without battling crowds. Yogyakarta is great, but we wanted something different. So, East Java it was! Christmas in Mount Bromo Our Bromo Itinerary: Jeep Tours & Sunrise Views My cousin was the hero of the trip - she arranged our holiday itinerary and booked everything. We stayed in an Airbnb villa in Batu, and around midnight, we were picked up by a pre-arranged transport that was part of the travel package. By around 3am (I think it was), we arrived at the base of Mount Bromo. Since I always sleep on pretty much any moving vehicle somehow, I missed out on experiencing the supposedly nerve-wracking, curvy journey up through the hills. But based on everyone else’s reactions, it sounds like I dodged a pretty intense ride! A gloomy morning on top of Bromo - the hiking crew and the chill crew Midnight Pickup & Scary Jeep Ride From the base, we hopped into our Jeeps. There were 16 of us in total, with four people per Jeep, riding in a convoy to the top. We didn’t hike - not everyone in the group was up for it physically, and honestly, it made more sense to explore the caldera and everything else by Jeep since there’s so much ground to cover. This time, I was wide awake for the drive to the top of the mountain so yes, it was as scary as everyone said. It was pitch black, steep, and freezing cold, but I put all my trust in our super-experienced driver, Pak Gunawan. We got to the top a little early, so we parked and waited for the sunrise in a warung for some coffee and cheeky instant noodles 😉 The picturesque Pasir Berbisik - me and my cousin in our Jeep You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape Sunrise at Bromo: Two Viewing Points There are two viewing points: one for beginners (no hiking skills required) - that’s where I was, because I was cold and lazy, and the actual mountaintop (which does require a little hike). My aunt, uncle, and some of my cousins made it to the top, and it turns out, the view up there is absolutely stunning. There was a traffic jam of Jeeps waiting to head back down since it was high season, but we weren’t in any rush. After a bit, we carried on with our journey to the caldera. The drivers took us to a few spots in the caldera, one of which is called Pasir Berbisik (the Whispering Sand). Normally, you can hear the sand go pssshhhh pssshhh, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience that because it started raining - making the temperature drop even colder! (I read somewhere that it once snowed in Bromo mid last year!). From there, we were taken to more beautiful spots, but sadly, we couldn’t stop at any of them because of the heavy rain. At the end of the trip, we stopped at a mountain-view restaurant for lunch (which wasn’t included in the tour package, by the way). Was Bromo Worth It? Overall, our trip to Bromo was super fun. Despite the cold and rain, the sunrise views and the caldera’s beauty made it all worth it. The Jeep tour costs IDR 2 million per Jeep - inclusive of a pick up from our villa. If you’re planning a visit, pack warm layers and enjoy the adventure! Thanks for reading ✨

19 Feb 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

5 Unique Ramadan Hampers by Local Indonesian Businesses

Ramadan hampers are everywhere at this time of year. The holy month is here, and growing up in a diverse family that celebrates almost every religious holiday, I’m already busy looking for presents for friends and family. Indonesians love to gift - it’s almost a given that we send hampers to family, friends, neighbours, and the people dearest to our hearts during festive seasons. And more often than not, those hampers are filled with cookies - lots and lots of cookies. The true stars of Idul Fitri are the classics: nastar (soft shortbread filled with pineapple jam), kaastengels (cheesy shortbread sticks), putri salju (almond cookies dusted in icing sugar), and lidah kucing (thin, crisp biscuits that literally translate to “cat’s tongue”). During this month, nearly every bakery sells them because they’re iconic and absolute must-haves for Ramadan, as well as the big day when everyone gathers. So this year, I thought I’d curate some unique hamper and gift ideas - especially for those whose homes are already overflowing with cookies and sweet treats, hehe. They’re all made by local Indonesian businesses that I think are pretty cool. The Cool Bag by Ideku HandmadeSweet Treats Without the Calories by OentukmuArtisanal Tableware by CarramicaThe Scent of Ramadan by Sniff SniffRamadan Fit by Nadjani You may also like this article: Brunch in Bali - Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter The Cool Bag by Ideku Handmade I’ve been following this brand since they were only selling a handful of pieces through Instagram DMs. Now they’ve grown so much and have a flagship store in South Tangerang. Every year, they launch an out-of-the-box collection for the festive season, and this year’s drop is inspired by the sarung (sarong) - a piece closely associated with Muslim prayer attire. Available for purchase on www.idekuhandmade.com Image credit: Ideku Handmade Instagram Sweet Treats Without the Calories by Oentukmu They sell the cutest soaps in all sorts of shapes, and they’re perfect as presents or souvenirs for special occasions. I’ve bought them a couple of times for fun, and they smell really nice too! For Ramadan this year, they’ve created a set inspired by nastar and jajan pasar (a variety of traditional Indonesian snacks). You can order them on Tokopedia or Shopee. Image credit: Oentukmu Instagram Artisanal Tableware by Carramica You can never have too many pretty dinner sets. If you’re thinking of getting something special for your best friends, teachers, or clients, they offer a range of hampers in all kinds of designs- from classic and elegant to vintage and playful. They also come in different price ranges to suit your budget. You can view more hampers and order on Tokopedia. Image credit: Carramica Tokopedia You may also like this article: 5 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas The Scent of Ramadan by Sniff Sniff From the name alone, you can probably guess they’re all about scent. Their hampers include a boxed fragrance diffuser with a blend of muguet ozony, green fruit, and cedarwood 5, plus a bottle of room spray - complete with a greeting card. They’re also pretty affordable, perfect for when you need to buy a few for a group of people. Available for purchase on Tokopedia. Image credit: Sniff Sniff Tokopedia Ramadan Fit by Nadjani This brand honestly takes up a decent percentage of my wardrobe - mostly jackets and trousers, hehe. This year, their collection is called Homecoming, celebrating a return to our roots and the moments that shaped us - as they shared on Instagram. The vibrant colours and patterns reflect the liveliness of a reunion - overlapping conversations, blended hues, and happiness that feels endless. Available on www.nadjani.com and other Indonesian e-commerce platforms. Image credit: Nadjani Instagram At the end of the day, Ramadan is about connection - with our faith, our families, and the people we care about. Whether you stick to the classic cookie hampers or try something a little anti-mainstream this year, it’s always the thought that counts. If you’re looking to support local while gifting something a little different, I hope this list gives you a few fun ideas. RAMADAN MUBARAK! 🤍