— UPCOMING BOOKS —

 

BOROBUDUR by Lindra Hismanto

BOROBUDUR presents a unique, comprehensive visual journey through the sacred reliefs of Borobudur Temple, capturing both their artistry
and profound teachings. This luxurious extra-large book features contemporary color photography, showcasing Borobudur’s evolving condition.
Designed as an artistic tribute, this collection invites viewers to explore the spiritual heritage of 8th-century Buddha Dharma Nusantara
and experience Borobudur’s teachings in their intended sequence, while honoring the temple’s enduring beauty and wisdom.

Specifications:
40 x 30 cm (portrait)
Hardcover
Luxurious Limited Edition
~1,300 pages
Full color
For release in June 2025

 

BALI: A PEEK INTO PARADISE by Sarah-Jayne Couhault

From the art and traditions of Ubud to the chic beach clubs and trendy restaurants of Canggu, and the laid-back surf culture of Uluwatu,
“A Peek into Paradise” awakens the senses and transports readers to the very heart of the Island of the Gods.

Specifications

Hardcover
21 x 31.5 cm (portrait)
420 pages
English
2025
Afterhours Books
For release in March 2025

 

BALI ‘18–24 by Lydia Janssen

BALI 18-24 by Lydia Janssen is a captivating exploration of art as a dynamic dialogue between memory, imagination, and place.
Inspired by her time in Bali and the intricate layers of her personal and artistic journey, Janssen delves into the intersection of
surrealism, childhood whimsy, and the visceral energy of symbols like horses, feathers, and cave paintings.

Through her deeply emotive works, Janssen reflects on themes of motherhood, expatriate life, and self-discovery, drawing
inspiration from cultural icons such as Paula Rego and literary echoes like The Wizard of Oz. Her art embraces both the
playful and the profound, inviting viewers to decipher the symbolic narratives that bridge the subconscious with reality.

This collection reveals an artist in evolution—moving toward relaxed gestures, dreamlike compositions, and expansive
creativity while staying rooted in the natural tones and intimate symbols that define her work. BALI 18-24 is a testament
to the power of space, experience, and memory to shape an artist’s vision, offering readers a deeply personal window
into Janssen’s creative world and her ongoing journey of artistic exploration.

Specifications:

Softcover
17 x 23 cm (portrait)
44 pages
English
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in February 2025

PART OF ME by Mersuka Dopazo

PART OF ME by Mersuka Dopazo is an evocative journey into the heart of creativity, where art, travel, and culture converge.
Through a vibrant collection of collages inspired by the intricate beauty of India’s ancient textiles, Mersuka invites readers to
explore the profound connections between heritage, self-discovery, and artistic expression.

Drawing inspiration from the bustling markets of Morocco, the eclectic streets of Mumbai, and the timeless patterns of
Indian fabrics, each piece reflects her deep admiration for the artisans and traditions that have shaped her work. This book
is more than a showcase of art—it is a dialogue between past and present, a tapestry of stories, and a celebration of the
transformative power of exploration.

With every brushstroke and fabric fragment, Mersuka reveals the soul of her creative process, weaving together the textures
of memory, imagination, and cultural legacy. Part of Me is an invitation to celebrate the beauty of connection, the universality
of creativity, and the timeless art of self-expression.

Specifications:

Hardcover
35 x 35 cm
396 pages
English
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in March 2025

 

BALI PHOTOGRAPHY 1865–1939 by Scott Merrillees

Bali: Photography 1865—1939 provides a fascinating survey of photography on Bali from the arrival of pioneering photographer
Isidore van Kinsbergen as part of a government mission in December 1865, when Bali was almost completely unknown to the
outside world, through to the first golden age of tourism in Bali in the 1930s that ended with the outbreak of World War Two.

Photo historian Scott Merrillees draws upon an extensive archive of early photographs, picture postcards, contemporary books,
tourist guides and travel brochures, collected over more than thirty years, to consider the development of photography on Bali
in pre-independence Indonesia and examine what influences shaped how Bali was photographed and presented to the world.

Specifications:
24 x 31 cm (landscape)
Hardcover
352 pages
English
Full color
For release in June 2025

 

BUTET KARTAREDJASA: WIRID!

Butet Kartaredjasa, a multifaceted Indonesian artist, is celebrated for his evocative works as a painter, sculptor, actor, and monologist.
Renowned for blending satire and critique, his artistry delves deep into Indonesia’s social and political fabric. As the son of acclaimed
artist Bagong Kussudiardja, Butet has built a compelling legacy in painting and sculpture, while captivating audiences through his
theatrical and cinematic achievements.

At the heart of this collection is WIRID!—a meditative practice of self-reflection and healing that bridges the spiritual and physical realms.
Through the repetitive act of writing his name, Butet embraces the Manutiras belief in the interplay between spiritual acts and material
outcomes, awakening the consciousness of body and soul. This profound ritual fuels his creativity, offering insight into the imagination
behind his transformative artistic works.

Specifications

Hardcover
22 x 30 cm (portrait)
342 pages
English
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in February 2025

 

FLORANESIA by Victoria Tunggono & Cindy Saja
37-cards oracle deck of Indonesian flora

“Floranesia” blends flora and Indonesia, offering life reflections through the meanings and uses of Indonesian flora depicted
in hand-drawn batik-style oracle cards. Featuring 37 Indonesian floras, this book explores self-discovery and human nature
via floriography, philosophy, and ancestral teachings for a meditative life. The deck serves as your guide to Indonesian flora,
a daily contemplation tool, a journal companion, or a tarot reading complement.

Specifications:
12 x 16 cm
Softcover
248 pages + 37 cards
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in March 2025

 

BALI AFTER HOURS by Fiorenzo Nisi

Step into a world of unbridled pleasure and magnetic allure, where Bali’s vibrant nightlife pulses with rhythm, desire, and mystery.
BALI AFTER HOURS is a provocative tribute to the island’s infamous party scene, as seen through the lens of Fiorenzo Nisi,
who has not only witnessed but lived this intoxicating lifestyle.

With every photograph, Fio invites you to explore the ambiguity and metaphor of his images, drawing you into a deeply personal
yet universally resonant experience. These evocative visuals blur the boundaries between fun and frivolity, sin and solace,
daring you to unleash your imagination and uncover the secrets hidden within.

From wild parties to sacred moments, sensuality to redemption, Fio’s lens captures the essence of Bali’s nocturnal heartbeat—
a place where strangers connect, stories unfold, and the music of the island transcends language. This book is more than a chronicle
of nightlife; it is an ode to the power of celebration, the pull of desire, and the timeless charm of Bali’s nights.

Prepare to be seduced by the images, as they transform your inner vision and stir your soul. BALI AFTER HOURS is a Pandora’s box
of emotions—a dazzling dance between light and shadow, where every glance, smile, and memory reveals a part of yourself.

Specifications:
22.5 x 30 cm
Hardcover
176 pages
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in January 2025

 

SEKAR SAJI: THE FEAST OF INDONESIAN ENTERTAINING by Yayasan Warisan Budaya Indonesia

Sekar Saji celebrates Indonesia’s vibrant culinary and cultural heritage through the art of table setting. This beautifully crafted book
highlights the nation’s rich traditions, offering inspiring ideas for creating Indonesian-style table settings for any occasion—
paired with carefully curated recipes. From intimate breakfasts to grand formal dinners, each setting reflects the vivid textures,
bold hues, and intricate designs of Indonesia’s diverse culture. With stunning visuals and practical guidance, Sekar Saji invites
readers to bring the warmth of Indonesian hospitality and the elegance of its traditions to dining experiences around the world.

Specifications

Hardcover
23 x 32 cm (portrait)
256 pages
English
2025
Afterhours Books
For release in April 2025

 

WINGS OVER WESTERN AUSTRALIA by Benedictus Pranata

Specifications:
18 x 25 cm (portrait)
Hardcover
208 pages
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in January 2025

 

KULINARIA: Innovators and Custodians of Indonesia’s Vibrant Gastronomy by Kevindra Soemantri

Indonesia is entering the golden age of gastronomy—a dynamic era where culinary innovators redefine traditions while
devoted custodians preserve the nation’s rich culinary heritage. KULINARIA is the first book to shine a spotlight on the
remarkable individuals at the heart of this movement, celebrating the two complementary forces shaping
Indonesia’s vibrant gastronomy.

Authored by acclaimed food writer Kevindra Soemantri, this groundbreaking publication is both a tribute and a
testament to those who innovate and those who preserve. Through evocative storytelling and vivid insights,
KULINARIA invites readers to explore the creativity, passion, and dedication that drive the people behind Indonesia’s
gastronomic renaissance.

A celebration of tradition and transformation, this book reveals how Indonesia’s culinary landscape thrives in the
hands of its innovators and custodians—those who ensure its legacy flourishes for generations to come.

Specifications:

22 x 29 cm (portrait)
Hardcover
208 pages
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in September 2025

 

BATIK PERANAKAN LASEM by Dave Tjoa

Lasem, a coastal town on Java’s northern shore, boasts a rich history spanning 1,114 years. Once a thriving port and trading hub,
it became a melting pot of cultures—Javanese, Chinese, Malay, Arab, and Dutch—each leaving a profound mark on the town’s identity.
From sacred temples and unique architecture to vibrant cuisine and enduring craftsmanship, Lasem stands as a testament to
cultural harmony, tolerance, and collective spirit.

Central to Lasem’s heritage is Batik Peranakan Lasem, an iconic textile tradition blending Chinese and Javanese motifs.
Renowned for its intricate designs and the signature merah getih pitik red hue, this batik has been cherished for centuries,
traded across Java and beyond, and passed down through generations of Chinese Peranakan families. At its height in the
1930s to 1950s, Lasem was home to over 150 batik workshops; today, only 15 remain, casting uncertainty over its future.

This book seeks to rekindle appreciation for Batik Peranakan Lasem, offering a comprehensive exploration of its history,
artistry, and cultural significance. Through vivid storytelling, expert insights, and stunning photography, it captures the timeless
beauty of both vintage and contemporary works. Readers will journey into 14 batik workshops, uncovering the intricate processes
and creative legacies of Lasem’s artisans.

More than a book, Batik Lasem: A Timeless Cultural Legacy is a tribute to the artistry, resilience, and economic importance
of this tradition. It aspires to inspire younger generations to embrace and preserve Batik Peranakan Lasem, ensuring
it remains a vibrant part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage for years to come.

Specifications:

22 x 32 cm (portrait)
Hardcover
224 pages
Full color
Afterhours Books
For release in October 2025