From Seminyak’s shoreline to a table set for celebration, DAMAN’s 19th anniversary brought together fashion, hospitality and some of Indonesia’s most familiar creative faces for an afternoon of coastal glamour

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, DAMAN magazine marked its 19th anniversary with a sun-soaked celebration on the Island of the Gods. Billed as the DAMAN Summer Soiree, Bali Edition, the daytime affair brought together nearly two decades of fashion, lifestyle and storytelling for an afternoon defined by good company, refined hospitality and the unmistakable energy of Seminyak.

SugarSands, Seminyak Bali — SugarSands Seminyak Bali

Following last year’s milestone celebration in Jakarta, DAMAN traded the capital’s urban backdrop for SugarSands, the acclaimed seaview dining destination at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the venue set the scene with sun-drenched shores, tropical greenery and a distinctly Balinese sense of ease. Longtime collaborators, friends of the magazine and leading figures from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, art and hospitality gathered beneath the coastal canopy to raise a glass to 19 years of DAMAN.

The festivities began at noon with a Welcome Cocktail Reception, as guests arrived in impeccably considered resort wear that reflected the occasion’s relaxed yet sophisticated mood. Among the attendees were several familiar faces from the DAMAN universe, including model and television host Richard Kyle, model and actor Keanu Campora and model Pedro Karami, all of whom have appeared in the magazine on multiple occasions. The guest list also included Dutch photographer and visual artist Ted van der Hulst, hospitality entrepreneurs Stijn van Leeuwen, as well as Michelin-starred chef Syrco Bakker, underscoring the event’s broad appeal across Indonesia’s creative and hospitality circles.

Against the vivid blue waters of Seminyak, cameras captured the arrivals as conversations unfolded over cocktails and the afternoon breeze moved through the venue. The reception brought together SugarSands’ laid-back beachfront atmosphere and DAMAN’s distinctly cosmopolitan sensibility, creating an easygoing setting for a gathering that was as much about community as it was about celebration.

The occasion was complemented by an equally considered beverage selection. Facilitated by PT. Pelita Makmur Perkasa, the official partners presented a curated selection of premium Italian wines from Santi and Barbanera. Santi’s crisp white wine offered a refreshing counterpoint to the Balinese heat, while Barbanera’s fuller-bodied red brought greater depth to the afternoon. Together, the two labels added a touch of European heritage to the distinctly tropical setting.

Bringing a contemporary wellness dimension to the occasion was official brand partner Fuelin, led by founder Brian Tjahyanto. Proudly made in Indonesia, the premium protein shake brand reflects the increasingly holistic approach to modern lifestyle, where personal well-being sits comfortably alongside fashion, travel and culture. Guests received Fuelin products in their goodie bags, adding a practical element to the day’s indulgence.

At 1 p.m., the reception transitioned into the main affair: a three-course Summer Luncheon Soiree. The menu showcased SugarSands’ approach to contemporary coastal dining, pairing fresh, locally sourced ingredients with global culinary techniques. Each course was presented with the same attention to detail that defined the setting, creating a fitting culinary centrepiece for the anniversary celebration.

Speech by DAMAN Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ronald Liem

As lunch progressed, conversation and laughter carried across the tables, accompanied by a soundtrack of chilled seaside beats and the steady rhythm of the waves. The afternoon reached its celebratory peak when Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ronald Liem led a toast to DAMAN’s 19th year. Glasses of Santi and Barbanera were raised in recognition not only of the magazine’s journey, but also of the community of creatives, tastemakers and industry figures who have helped shape its evolving identity.

By 3 p.m., the formal proceedings had drawn to a close, but the afternoon’s convivial spirit lingered. More than an anniversary gathering, the DAMAN Summer Soiree, Bali Edition offered a snapshot of the world DAMAN has cultivated over nearly two decades: stylish yet unforced, internationally minded yet firmly connected to the region it calls home.

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With its 20th anniversary now on the horizon, DAMAN enters its next chapter with the same curiosity, confidence and commitment to individuality that have defined its journey so far. If Bali was the setting for this latest celebration, the horizon ahead promises plenty more to discover.

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DAMAN marks 19 years of style and substance with a sun-soaked celebration in Bali

daman party,

DAMAN Summer Soiree,

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach by IHG,

SugarSands