Pacu Jalur 2025 Draws Global Social Media Attention
7.6.25
The Pacu Jalur 2025 event in Riau is expected to attract a large number of spectators following viral videos of young dancers performing during the traditional boat race. The "aura farming" phenomenon, which gained global attention on social media, has sparked curiosity among netizens worldwide. International TikTok users have created meme videos imitating the cool movements of the young rowers in distinctive wooden long boats from Kuantan Singingi, Riau.
Hiroshima Students Commemorate Atomic Bombing Tragedy
7.6.25
In Hiroshima, Japan, students at Motomachi High School have created 15 new artworks using survivors' testimonies to commemorate the atomic bombing of August 1945. The artworks include a painting of Masaki Hironaka with his mother after the devastation, as well as pieces depicting scorched soldiers and a horror-stricken girl surrounded by flames, highlighting the lasting impact of the tragedy on younger generations.
Angelina Jolie has spoken about her numerous injuries and surgeries, including a back handspring gone wrong that left her with neck injuries 18 years ago, which led to multiple subsequent surgeries on her arms, elbows, shoulder, thumb, carpal tunnel, and fractures. She expressed frustration at not being able to learn how to perform certain stunts due to these injuries, but welcomed the Oscars' new Achievement in Stunt Design category, recognizing the importance of stunt performers in character building for films like Aeon Flux.
Bengkulu Governor Seeks Global Status for Tabut Festival
7.6.25
Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan aims to transform the Tabut Festival into an international tourist attraction, elevating it from a local event to a national and global pride. The festival, now included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) 2025, has grown from a family activity to a provincial-level event, with plans to attract visitors from around the world.
Betawi Culture Takes Center Stage in Jakarta Festival
7.6.25
The Indonesian government is emphasizing the importance of strengthening Jakarta's cultural identity following the enactment of a new law. The Jakarta administration aims to improve public spaces and create a safe environment for residents, with a focus on integrating Betawi cultural elements into everyday life. To achieve this, mandatory inclusion of Betawi culture in official events has been implemented, allowing citizens to experience their heritage firsthand. Thousands of martial artists and dancers showcased their skills at the HI Roundabout, accompanied by traditional dances and demonstrations, during the event coinciding with Car Free Day along MH Thamrin–Sudirman streets.
A Japanese firm, BWTC, is offering to scan and capture people's brainwaves for $7, which are then turned into saleable art pieces. The process takes just 100 seconds. The brainwave artwork is sold at the BWTC Metaverse Store in Tokyo's Chiyoda district.
The BRICS group of developing nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will discuss protections against the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) during their summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6. The leaders aim to establish mechanisms for fair payment and prevent excessive data collection by big tech firms, which have resisted paying copyright fees for material used to train AI models.
Australia's Creative Agency Faces Criticism Over Lack of Investment, with the Director's Job at Risk. The agency's focus on investing in and promoting Australian creativity has been questioned, with some arguing that it is not doing enough to support local artists and businesses. The director of the agency, who remains unnamed, is reportedly under pressure to improve its performance and increase investment in creative initiatives.
The writer was overwhelmed with excitement upon seeing legendary artists Fann Wong, Christopher Lee, Zoe Tay, and Li Nanxing at the Star Awards, where they were among the recipients of the All-Time Favourite Artiste award since 2004.