Nongkrong Festival brought Pasar Senja to Fed Square, drawing together Melbourne's Indonesian diaspora and the wider community for an evening of music, food, and connection on Valentine's Day.
On Saturday 14 February 2026, Melbourne's Fed Square was transformed into Pasar Senja––a twilight fair celebrating Indonesian culture from late afternoon into the night. The free event featured musicians from Jakarta, including Ali and Candra Darusman, as well as local diaspora artists such as Komang and Matahara.
Attendees could also sample Indonesian street food, browse market stalls from local creators, and try their hand at traditional games like congklak and chess.
For some, the event brought a taste of home. "Seeing something this big, with people in kebaya and batik, it just felt like being back in Indonesia," said Tracelyn, who has rarely returned home over the past eight years.
Hear SBS Indonesian's conversation with Diletta Legowo, one of Nongkrong Festival's organisers, about the vision behind Pasar Senja, the challenges of staging an Indonesian-Australian festival, and what they hope Australians take away about the diversity of Indonesian culture.
Also hear from attendees Elyse, Tracelyn, and Stephanie on what drew them to the festival and why events like this matter to the community.
