Every trip back means a suitcase full of Jakarta souvenirs, and after years of practice, I have narrowed it down to six. Some are for gifting; most are secretly for me.
My Favourite Jakarta Souvenirs
1. Daster
The daster is Indonesia’s unofficial national uniform at home. A loose, breezy housedress, usually in a loud print, worn by every mum, aunty and grandma I know. They cost next to nothing at the market, and once you’ve worn one on a hot Melbourne summer day you’ll never go back to trackies.
2. Lulur
Lulur is the traditional Javanese body scrub, once a pre-wedding ritual for brides in the royal courts. Think turmeric, rice powder and spices that leave your skin glowing (and a little yellow, if you’re heavy handed). Grab a few tubs from any supermarket and run yourself a spa night at home.
3. Batik
You can’t leave Jakarta without batik. UNESCO recognised it as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, and Indonesians wear it proudly to weddings, offices and every Friday in between. Sarinah or Thamrin City are good starting points, from shirts for the men in your life to a sarong you’ll actually use.
4. Food
Oleh-oleh is non-negotiable. Kerupuk, sambal, kopi, kue kering, whatever you can squeeze in. My suitcase smells like a warung on the way home and I am not sorry. Just declare everything at Melbourne Airport.
5. Indo jewellery
Indonesian gold has a richer, yellower glow than what you find in Australia, and the toko emas in Jakarta are dangerously easy to wander into. A simple ring or bangle makes a gift that lasts a lifetime.
6. Minyak kayu putih
The little green bottle of cajuput oil every Indonesian swears by. Tummy ache, mozzie bite, jet lag, a cold coming on, rub some on. It’s basically a hug from your mum in a bottle.
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