As the long weekend kicks off, Indonesians eagerly embrace this rare opportunity. We crave entertainment that satisfies our thirst for fun, inspiration, and hey, a little bit of retail therapy never hurts, right? Well, lucky for us, a lively picnic event happens to coincide on June 2-4, 2023. Featuring 120+ handpicked local brands with idyllic outdoor scenery under the radiant sun in Semasa Piknik, Taman Lapangan Banteng. It's a refreshing change from the usual four-walled mall experience.

Picnic in Semasa di Taman Lapangan Banteng

 

And true to our expectations, as we set foot in the venue, we're met with a vibrant and diverse crowd. People of all backgrounds have come together – from energetic young groups to families cherishing quality time, and even artists from far and wide who've come to celebrate our remarkable local brands. As we wonder why this phenomenon has occurred, we seize the opportunity to chat with some of the attendees:

In the following article, we'll dive into the valuable insights and perspectives shared by these fascinating individuals. Their stories offer a glimpse into the audience's experience at Semasa di Lapangan Banteng – an event that artfully merges creativity, community, and the irresistible allure of Indonesian local brands.

 

Q: What got you here in Semasa?

Shannon: This isn't our first time attending Semasa; we've also been to Semasa di Chillax and Semasa di Museum Mandiri in the past. So when we stumbled upon the announcement of another Semasa event happening in early June through social media, we quickly marked our calendars and began keeping a close eye on all the vendors. Among them, there are particular tenants that caught our attention – a delightful pasta joint we discovered on Instagram located in South Jakarta. Since it's quite far for me to order online, being in the North Jakarta area, spotting them as one of the vendors here got me absolutely thrilled to finally give their pasta a try.

 

Enamel pin from Somethings to Keep

 

Kenny: I am actually one of the vendors here. I have a booth for my brand, Kopi Selamat Pagi. We always participate in Semasa events as vendors because the turnout is tremendous. In fact, Kopi Selamat Pagi itself was born right here at a Semasa event. I believe this pattern holds true for other brands too. Many well-known brands have started their journey by setting up a booth at Semasa.

 

 

Q: What did you buy here in Semasa? Can you show them to us?

Sera: We've had our eyes set on getting stickers from @sherchle ever since we ran into Semasa. I've been following the illustrator's journey and it brought me great joy to finally hold their stickers in my hands. They might not seem necessary, but it’s great to feel inspired through relatable and innovative products.

 

Shanice: We've just arrived, and we haven't started shopping yet, but there are a few illustrator's artworks that have caught our attention. As a graphic designer myself, I believe it's essential for me to wander through local businesses and gather as much inspiration and references as possible. It sparks my creativity, and I also feel compelled to support those who have been a source of inspiration to me. 

 

 

Q: We were now surrounded by local brands more than ever, what do you think about this phenomenon? What’s the charm in them? 

Miguel Aquilizan: I think it’s really good, especially for visiting tourists like me, it’s nice to see what’s happening here in Indonesia. The material is very nice, the craftsmanship is also very good. I can see the sensibility that Indonesia has and pours into the product so you can see the vibrant color and quality of it. I can see a lot of influences from the Western style, but still, the cultural side of Indonesia is still there.

(Note: Miguel Aquilizan is an artist from the Philippines based in Australia, and is coming here to Indonesia for his collaboration with Museum Macan)  

 

Jesslyn: Local brands in Indonesia are becoming more and more competitive, offering top-notch quality. Nowadays, I do prefer buying local brands instead of international ones. It's not merely a matter of nationalism; I genuinely believe that Indonesian local brands are relevant and inspiring. They are the elevated version of the things we found internationally that have been localized to our taste. Moreover, they are easily accessible and significantly more affordable. What's not to love about that?

 

FnB Tenants in Semasa Piknik

 

Q: Do you consider what you’ve been doing a form of retail therapy?

Ara: Yes, in a way, that's correct. As far as I know, "retail therapy" is a term used to describe the act of seeking happiness or relief from stress by scrolling or strolling through shops. And that's precisely what we're doing at Semasa. I believe retail therapy isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's also not without its pitfalls. When you're excessively stressed and unable to think clearly, you may find yourself purchasing items that exceed your budget. However, with proper self-control, retail therapy can provide inspiration and, well, it can truly bring happiness!

 

 

Q: Lastly, did you enjoy this event? What’s the most fascinating thing about this event?

Miranda & Friends: As families with children, we yearn for more events like this that offer designated picnic areas where kids can play while we parents shop and enjoy the tenants in Jakarta. This event allows us to finally witness the brands that we usually encounter solely through social media, making it more convenient to make offline purchases. It's truly delightful to have the opportunity to see and feel the materials firsthand before acquiring the products we have set our sights on.

 

Kenny: I believe Semasa is the largest and most remarkable event that brings together and supports Indonesian SMEs. It provides an excellent platform for us as entrepreneurs to converge in a single space, fostering opportunities to connect and potentially collaborate. Witnessing the creativity showcased by various brands not only inspires us but also serves as a motivation to continually innovate and strive for even greater brands and products.