Norient City Sounds: Jakarta Whispers (Map)
The fifth edition of Norient City Sounds is an invitation to taste a bit of noisy Jakarta, the city everyone loves to hate. This online publication introduces you to the tapestry of jumbled urban «sound pollution» under which the resilient whispers of artists and cultural activists thrive. Coexisting in a harmonious chaos, these faces are those who shape the heartbeat of the city. Featuring diverse contributors, the project offers a perspective on Jakarta's independent music scenes, its hidden corners, and stories of those navigating life in this sprawling megapolitan. Discover essays, playlists, short films, photo series, and a podcast collectively paint «Jakarta Keras» – the city's loud, unyielding whispers.
Norient City Sounds: Jakarta Whispers is curated by journalist and musician Gisela Swaragita.
Film by Kathleen MalayAnywhere You Wander is an echo of Jakarta’s restless hum – engines, calls to prayer, street vendors, and passing crowds. Listen closely where you stand, and follow wherever the noise goes.
Essay by Saifulhaq, Gisela SwaragitaWhat does it take to invite touring bands to play the underground scene in Jakarta? This seasoned metal/punk organizer creates a detailed guideline.
Photo Series by Maezara, Gisela SwaragitaWhat’s a typical weekend look like to a Jakartan? Maezara captures the colorful life of Jakarta, full of shrieks, laughs, screams, sizzles, and whispers through her lenses.
Podcast by Dania Joedo, Gisela SwaragitaDania Joedo, a trans activist and musician, explores her journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and advocacy. This conversation highlights Dania’s evolution from living as Danang to openly embracing her identity as Dania, and the significant role her partner, Gusti, played in this transformative process.
Photo Series by Peter G. Y. Rumondor, Gisela SwaragitaMundor’s stage photography captured the best of Jakarta’s indie scene in the mid 2010s.
Video Essay by Anida Bajumi, Areispine Dymussaga Miraviori, Robonggo, Gisela Swaragita, Dania JoedoThis video essay offers an unfiltered look into Jakarta's music scene through cellphone footage of one of its most familiar faces.
Photo Series by Aghnia Amalia, Gisela SwaragitaAghnia's «Echoing Imprints» is an intimate walkthrough and exploration of Jakarta’s vibrant music culture that takes us to the important sites at the very heart of the city’s music scene, inviting us to listen to their silent hums and lingering rhythms.
Essay by Rugun SiraitA Jakarta born-and-bred girl contemplates the word «keras», a nuanced word that can mean both «hard» like a rock and «loud» like an explosion. «Jakarta Keras» is a common catchphrase that illustrates the harsh, noisy reality of living in the capital city – a city every citizen loves to hate, but still calls home.
Introduction by Gisela SwaragitaA young journalist navigates her life in the busy and noisy city of Jakarta, while enjoying the sparks from the little «whispers» she admires through her friends.
Short Essay by Areispine Dymussaga MiravioriWhat does it take to go to a local music gig in Jakarta? Here’s a POV of a gig-goer who walks Jakarta's dystopian landscape to reach a lively gig organized by friends.- Quotation by Kathleen Malay
«…each sound was someone's life happening.»
Playlist by Gisela SwaragitaThis playlist is a sonic archive of the chapters of my life and their relation to Jakarta.
Essay by Bin Idris, Gisela SwaragitaHaikal Azizi, the man behind noir folk/pop Bin Idris, reminisces on spiritual roots in his hometown of Depok.
Playlist by Rugun SiraitA Jakarta-born-and-bred music enthusiast compiles representative sounds of her hometown. Her insights that emerge in the process are surprising!- Quotation by Efek Rumah Kaca
«Bertahanlah sedikit lebih lama Tumbuhlah liar serupa gulma.»
Playlist by SaifulhaqThese lesser heard whispers are alive and loud, they are thriving underground and are nursed by unyielding devotees. Saifulhaq, an extreme music veteran in the city, compiles favorite performances from the metal and punk shows in Jakarta.- Quotation by Dania Joedo
«Coming in, understanding yourself, accepting yourself, is a very very long and deep process.»
Norient City Sounds: Jakarta
Norient City Sounds: Jakarta
Trailer
Imprint
Curation and Project Lead: Gisela Swaragita
Graphics / Visual Design: Diedra Cavina
Audio Production: Mar Galo
Video Production: Robby Wahyudi Onggo
PR Coordination Jakarta: Maya Ayano
Project Direction and Editing: Suvani Suri
Head of Outreach & PR: Janina Neustupny
Content Publisher: Rebecca Favale
Copy Editing: Meredith Slifkin
Release Date: August 27, 2025
Press Materials
Supported by
Media partners
Idea and Concept Norient City Sounds series: Hannes Liechti
© A digital publication by Norient, 2025