Makin’ Indonesia: Capturing the Essence of Contemporary Change
On November 20, 2025, The Moose Inc. introduced a new media platform named
Makin’ Indonesia. This initiative aims to capture the transformation happening across Indonesia — from local communities to bustling city corners. As the country evolves, it's marked by creators shaping culture, young people expressing new perspectives, and individuals bridging tradition and modernity. Makin' Indonesia embodies this spirit of continuous creation, offering a distinctive platform to showcase the authentic voices and emerging narratives of change.
In the Indonesian language,
“MAKIN” translates to “increasing” or “deepening,” symbolizing the platform's goal to connect and resonate with various stories that reflect today’s Indonesia. Makin’ Indonesia seeks to be a medium delivering these rich narratives not only within the nation but also to a global audience, including Japan.
Thematic Exploration
Makin’ Indonesia features three primary themes:
SCENE,
PEOPLE, and
TRADITION. These categories allow the media to cover the diverse and layered realities within Indonesian society effectively.
SCENE: Capturing New Movements
This section focuses on the vibrant arts scene erupting from Indonesian urban centers. Highlighting the latest developments in music, art, fashion, design, and cultural movements, it aims to vividly portray the current landscape of Indonesia’s creative expressions.
PEOPLE: Exploring Individual Stories of Change
In a society characterized by rapid evolution, this segment examines the lives and stories of individuals leading this change. Whether it’s young activists confronting social issues or journalists amplifying unheard voices,
PEOPLE seeks to delve deep into who drives transformation within Indonesian society.
TRADITION: Establishing Cultural Depth
Makin’ Indonesia also delves into the diverse history and cultures distributed across the archipelago. By showcasing cultural practices that have endured and adapted through time, the platform offers insights into the coexistence of 'newness' and tradition in Indonesia's cultural fabric.
Initial Feature Highlights
1.
Ardneks: A prominent illustrator from Jakarta known for his psychedelic visuals, influenced by anime, music, and more, Ardneks bridges local culture with global art projects.
2.
Ardhira Putra: This visual artist reinterprets nostalgic themes from the 80s and 90s, creating mesmerizing works that playfully combine 2D and 3D elements, earning him recognition in international circles.
3.
Muhammad Aga: A leading figure in Indonesia's coffee culture, Aga shares his journey from barista to a community builder, propelling Indonesia's coffee scene into new horizons.
4.
Alma Safitri: A young journalist at TVRI, Alma focuses on pressing societal issues, giving insights from grassroots movements and illuminating the voices of the youth in contemporary politics and culture.
Additionally, Makin’ Indonesia covers various initiatives, including
Binatang Press and
Gustmar Helmy, thereby providing a platform for the indie publishing scene and local musicians.
Visual Identity
The logo and main visuals of Makin' Indonesia have been crafted by Jakarta-based artist
Popomangun. His colorful designs symbolize the dynamic interplay of diverse Indonesian cultures, portraying the idea that these unique elements rise together like wings. The artwork is a vibrant representation of Indonesia's multifaceted identity, showcasing nature, tradition, and urban energy, reflecting the continuous evolution of its culture.
Limited Edition Merchandise
In celebration of its launch, Makin’ Indonesia has released
exclusive T-shirts featuring Popomangun's original designs. Available in black and red, these shirts embody Indonesia's energetic spirit, with limited quantities for sale.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Makin’ Indonesia plans to expand its offerings with video series, publications, podcasts, collaborations with artists, and events, aiming to present multifaceted accounts of contemporary Indonesia.
Makin’ Indonesia represents a significant step towards documenting and engaging with the evolving narrative of a nation in flux, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to understand the complexities of Indonesia today.