Inspirits: Seven Old Friends, One Garage, and Music That Heals

Me, holding the white guitar, with Rudy (bass),
Tony (red guitar) and friends
in the garage. This is the preparation moment.

 The night jamming with guitars, coffee, and friends in the garage. We showed the real playing after the preparation.

''Honey Don't" by the Beatles was the first song we played. Followed by "Baby It's You" and "Here, There, And Everywhere," we played beautifully. 

There were five players: Syarif Hidayat, nicknamed Abot (vocals); Rudy, nicknamed Yoyo (bass); Iwan (melody guitar); Yunan (rhythm/keyboards); and Zaenal (drums). They are professional players who often perform in many places. 

But since we were coming (Tony and I) as guest players, we created the jam sessions in seven. These are old friends who still love loud music. 

We do not only play The Beatles. We play rock 'n' roll and pop. From Chicago to Koes Plus, we play what makes us happy. The location is simple: the garage of Pak Yunan's house at Jl. Melong Kidul, Bandung. No big stage. Just a mixer, some cables, a small table with coffee, martabak, and cigarettes. That's enough to make us feel joys spend the night together with cheers.  

Preparation takes minutes for setting up, mixing, and tuning. Yunan had already prepared before the whole team came. And we enjoyed every minute of it. We played as if we were a real and the best band. We sang the songs and played like professionals! 

The live music vibe is joyful. If I make a mistake, like when I forgot the lyrics, they do not get angry. We just laugh. Playing with these old friends reminds us of when we were young.

Honestly, playing music makes us feel young again. For 5 hours, as we play in the band, we forget all our troubles. Even though music does not solve problems, it heals our pain and raises our mood. Music cures the bad times. 

After playing in the band, we get new inspiration and a better view of how to handle life with a better mindset. That is what we call Inspirits—the life and rise of inspirations. 

It's not the first time we've met at the same place; we did it for the second time, and it was three years ago. 

Thank you, Kand Yunan, for the pleasure and for being the host.   

Bandung, 2026—Live from the garage at Jl. Melong Kidul—

coffee, smoke, and old friends playing like a pro band.

45 Tahun Kebersamaan Fikom Unpad 1981-2026

Temu Kangen 45 Tahun Fikom Unpad, 1981-2026

45 Years Later - From Class of '81 to Rema's House in Ciateul, Bandung. 45 is the age when someone becomes mature. You should know better what, where, and why you are here now. As a comparison to army ranks, at 45 you are a colonel or lieutenant colonel. You already know whether you will become a general or not. It depends on the career you are in. Do you hold an important and strategic position or just a mediocre one? That will tell you how far you can go. 

Even though the future is a mystery and no one can predict it accurately—because life is not linear—at least you can predict your next stage. So did I, when I saw my classmates again at our reunion, 45 years after we left college. We graduated from the Faculty of Communication Science at Padjadjaran State University in Bandung. 

Tahun Pertama, Publisistik Unpad 1981

We had been together since we knew nothing, in the class of 1981. After graduation in 1988, we were separated and pursued different career paths for a long time. 

When the internet and social media connected people around 2010, we started tracing each other one by one to gather in the virtual world. And finally, on 27th September 2026, someone took the initiative to gather us in person. The place was Rema's house at Jl. Ciateul 33, Bandung. 

Our class had about 90 people, and only 45 could attend. Some had passed away, others were sick, some couldn't come because they lived too far away or abroad, and some had other reasons. But the fact that 45 people came on time is something great! 

Surprisingly, we met again when most of us had left our jobs or retired. Some of us had become grandmas and grandpas. It was amazing! Time has changed everything—not only our appearances but also our lifestyles, compared to when we were teenagers. We talked, laughed, ate, drank, and made joy together. 

We didn't just say "how do you do," but "how have you lived your life so far?" The favorite questions were: Where do you live now? How many children and grandchildren do you have? And what are you doing now? 

These questions were not just lip service; we really wanted to know. As we get older, we share a common curiosity about health. We avoid talking about what we have achieved or how much money or property we have. It sounds impolite and ridiculous. Instead, we try to see what is the same about us, not what is different. 

This was amazing, because we take care of each other. Yes, time has changed everything, but it has also tightened our bonds into a great family, a great brotherhood, and, most importantly, a deeper care for each other. Does that sound good? That's what reunion means for us now, especially when we reach 65. 

The meeting was arranged by Rema Karyanti, the host, with Kang Aan, her husband, Dr. Jenny, our best announcer, and Ani Yuningsih leading the games. They cheered us and raised the joys all the time we met.  

But we have also had time to reflect as we asked Wirianingsih, a mother of 11 children, Havidz and Havidzah, to speak in her busy time. Her experience was really great. 

"All of us must have a clear vision for our children, even grandchildren; they are like soft clay, so choose to be a good one. Don't ignore their golden ages (0-7 years), the time when their brains develop significantly. God has created me with His plan...be the best as far as you can go! And the first thing is fear of God,'' she said. 

The wisdom from Ibu Wirianingsih relates to our time today, since we are getting old. And I have made it into beautiful quotes.     

We have committed to meet more often. We never know what life will bring us tomorrow. Will we meet again? I hope so. 

Written on September 28, 2026, one day after our reunion at Rema's house. For my 44 friends who came, and for those who couldn't. 

Surprised Moment in my Time"

The Ministry of Manpower
Republic of Indonesia
(Foto Editorial.id)

In 1993, when I was a junior reporter, the chief editor assigned me to cover a news story on safety and health in the workplace. It was called "Kesehatan dan Keselamatan di lingkungan Kerja (K3)."

It was promoted intensively for the first time since the government of the Republic of Indonesia developed the country with massive infrastructure, such as buildings, main roads, bridges, etc. Then I went to the ground to cover it. I saw and watched how people were working, erecting a big building in Jakarta.

I noted everything in my notebook. I found some misuse in working, such as how the workers used the safety ropes improperly and how they used helmets, boots, and the clothes they wore. I found that some of them were below the standard of safety at work.

Then I prepared myself to meet the minister in charge. I tried to conduct an interview during his super

Abdul Latief, Former Minister
of the Ministry of Manpower,
Republic of Indonesia

busy time. The secretary said, "The minister is very busy. You have to make an appointment to meet him. "Hm... sounded like a rejection. Okay, but I needed it now to clarify the facts.

The door was closed! No interview without an appointment! So, I lay myself down on the sofa at that big office for a few moments.

But suddenly, I saw a minister with a few assistants coming out! And I ran fast forward the minutes before he got in the car.

Without any hesitation, I shot the minister with a question. He ignored me. So, I shot him with a sharper question to get his attention, and it worked well. He started staring at me sharply. Then I approached and got close with my mini recorder and started asking him about his policies, the regulations he knew, and... started confronting him with the facts I had seen on the ground.

He looked a bit angry. But I didn't care. Instead, I bombarded him with more and more facts! The minister raised his temper. He hit the roof with the questions. And this was the golden moment for the photographers behind me. They were really happy about the great moment I had created.

To make a long story short, once the 'accident interview' was over, I returned to the newsroom at noon. And I started writing the story. After sending it to the editor, I went home as usual. Nothing special, I felt at the moment. But then, about a week later, the director's secretary told me that they had just received a phone call from the secretary of the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia.

They asked me to attend and be present at their special event at 9am in their office. Yes, it was the ceremony! And they gave me the prize and certificate of appreciation with a thick cash envelope! 😄 

An announcer called me to step on stage as the first winner of 'The Best News Writer of the Year 1993.' This competition was held by the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia in collaboration with the Indonesian Journalist Association.

Oh my God, I couldn't believe it. Why me? They chanted my name and the agency I worked for twice. Instead, I glanced to my left and right many times. I found myself confused. Me? The big prize? And for what? 

So, I took steps on the stage with shaking legs. It was really, really surprising and unpredictable! On the stage, Mr. Abdul Latief, the minister, who was known as a successful businessman, shook my hand tightly and said his congratulations. "This is the most important," he smiled while handing over the thick envelope. "Thank you, Pak," I replied shortly. 

Later, on the way home, I was still asking myself.  I felt do nothing; I just wrote the news as usual, really just did my second nature. But what I thought was ordinary doesn't mean the same in the eyes of others; they have their own minds. 

I didn't even know that at the time I was covering the news, they were conducting such a writing competition. It was the biggest deal I had ever made, since I always criticized what the government did!

But thanks to God. It's something that I never predicted. If I had known there was a competition being held, I would have made my writing better.

The Collapse of a Maritime Nation's Pride: Reflections on 81 Years of Indonesian Independence

Pengibaran Bendera di Istana Negara (foto: UMJ)

On one occasion, in 1993, I met Capt. Gita, after he returned home from his great mission sailing 11,000 nautical miles from Jakarta to Vancouver, then continued to San Diego for 1,250 miles, to join Indonesia's pavilion at the World Expo '86 in Canada.

He said: _"I have delivered the ship to be preserved well. I will not touch it again."_

The Beautiful Phinisi Nusantara
(photo: Tempo/Bondan Winarno) 

Years later, the Phinisi Nusantara — which had survived 67 days at sea, during which the Commander of the USS Constellation gave them a formal salute, a distinction rarely afforded to any vessel — finally sank. The crew and Marines lined up on deck, greeting the Indonesians with thunderous applause. It was a moment when a traditional wooden ship from Indonesia was deeply respected by the US Navy and drew massive public attention at the Canada Expo '86. Truly a testament to human resilience.

But it finally sank in Kepulauan Seribu.  It hit a reef and ran aground on a sandbar. With neither adequate attention nor proper help arriving in time, the historic ship — once saluted by the US Navy — finally sank in "safe" waters, only 30 miles from Jakarta. A truly tragic ending.

The Real Heroes,
Capt. Gita and Crew
(private doc)

Having led from the front and managed to weather countless crises, Capt. Gita looked toward the horizon, but he found no silver lining in the dark clouds. On July 11, 2022, the Captain who had left an indelible mark on the waves passed away, finding his final sanctuary in history.

Now, I am thinking again and again. Is there any proper way to commemorate Independence Day today?

A few minutes before the Phinisi Nusantara arrived in English Bay, Canada in 1986, one of the crew raised the red and white flag on the forward deck of the sailboat.  

The Tragic Ending
(photo: ANTARA)

That successful voyage raised the sense of pride of the Indonesian nation. 

And now, every year we raise the same flag as the crew did. But instead of on the forward deck of the ship with pride, we do it in front of our house. We feel nothing.

Since our founding fathers, Soekarno-Hatta, declared Independence Day in 1945, the nation's pride has been sparking and rising everywhere.

The month of August has been a special moment every year, especially on August 17th. No work, no offices open, except for important and emergency services such as hospitals, disaster response agencies, and the fire department.

Most Indonesians celebrate Independence Day every year and everywhere with enthusiasm. The atmosphere is full of cheers and joy.

But even in the middle of the joy, laughter, and celebration, there is one thing that always distracts me.

Lately, I have found so many officials doing dishonorable things — disrespect and even destroying the heart and spirit of Independence Day with their greed, abuse of power, bribery, nepotism, collusion, and corruption at every level of government. It is still disappointing, not only for me but also for those who know how the government is supposed to serve its people.

At 81 years old, Indonesia should be a great nation, far exceeding many countries in Southeast Asia. There is no excuse, because we have a lot, from human resources to natural resources.  Just look at how rich Indonesia is: mining, gold, gas, oil, and the wealth of our forests and seas.

But all of these precious things haven't been managed well. As a result, most Indonesians still live below the poverty line.

Sadly, many Indonesian ruling elites in political parties and those who hold power in their hands are drowning in this euphoria of freedom through collusion and corruption.

How tragic is what Capt. Gita did with his Phinisi compared to our condition now.

Life feels more difficult and is getting worse: more unemployment, prices in the market rising sharply, livelihoods becoming unaffordable, and the management of health and education in ruins. I hope I do not see the wealth of the nation sinking like the Phinisi.

Farewell, Captain. Happy Independence Day.

"81 Years of Merdeka: Voices from 17,000 Islands"

Today is August 17th, 2026. It's a great day for the people of Indonesia.  

Everywhere — think about more than 17,000 islands in this archipelago with almost 300 million people living here now — but they are united by one nation, one language, and one homeland called Indonesia. People are creating great events to commemorate its Independence Day, each in their own way.  

The commemorations are not only conducted formally by the central government, but are also happening informally. From district leaders and influencers to the heads of every housing complex, they create artistic events, fashion shows, funny competitions, craft exhibitions, or just make something to chase away the gloom. With music, singing, dancing, and street attractions, they create the funniest things to entertain people with laughter.  

Yes, it is a great celebration that people can create. So, please come and see Indonesia now.  

Why are Indonesians so enthusiastic about the ceremony? And why do so many people involve themselves in these massive parties?  

Because we gained our freedom through war, struggle, and diplomacy, and after ending the Japanese occupation in 1945, we finally had our independence through the Proclamation read by Mr. Soekarno and Mr. Hatta in Jakarta, at 09:00 am, Friday, August 17, 1945.  

So, it's been a long time. And now Indonesians are commemorating the 81st anniversary of Independence Day.  

Colors of August 17th  

Every moment has its own colors. So does today.  

The commemoration this year feels different from the years before, as every nation in this old world grows.  

People are trying to make something better than before. They attempt to explore all the possibilities across the boundaries.  

So, if you go to one or more random places in Indonesia right now, you will see how people commemorate Independence Day in their own ways. Even though most Indonesians live in poverty, we are rich in creativity. This spirit is sparking through the land, across districts, and into the smallest housing complexes in every region.  

Right now, I am sitting on the rooftop, writing down through this small screen on my smartphone whatever comes to mind, without thinking too much.  

But the feeling I can catch clearly is happiness and cheerfulness. Along with it comes pride as an independent nation, honoring the heroes, and gratitude for the legacy we’ve inherited from our ancestors.  

Whatever people do, as long as it is good for others — go ahead!  

Merdeka! 💪💪  

Bandung, August 17, 2026

Phinisi Nusantara: 11,000 Miles of Glory, A Tragic End 30 Miles From Home

A Tribute to Capt. Gita Arjakusuma (December 4th, 1946 - July 11th, 2020)

Phinisi Nusantara
(doc. Tempo-Bondan Winarno)

Six years ago, the sea took back one of its own.  

On July 11, 2020, Capt. Gita Arjakusuma passed away in Bogor at the age of 74, leaving a wife (Mrs. Dodi) and two children (Genardi Pratama and Nithya Ayudita).

But his voyage still sails within us.

His name was Capt. Gita Arjakusuma. In 1986, he led 11 crew members aboard Phinisi Nusantara, a traditional Indonesian wooden ship, from Port Muara Baru, Jakarta, to English Bay, Canada.  

11,000 nautical miles. 67 days.  

Their mission: to represent Indonesia at the World Expo under the theme Transportation and Technology.

The Doubt  

Departed from Muara Baru port,
Jakarta, Vancouver, Canada
(photo: doc. Tempo-Ali Said)

Before they left, many people doubted.  

Even the press called it a “mission impossible.” Some cruelly said it was just “sending dead bodies out to sea.”  

But Capt. Gita didn’t sail for headlines. He sailed for Indonesia.

The Arrival  

After 67 days, Phinisi Nusantara arrived at English Bay.  

The Commander-in-Chief of USS Constellation gave them a salute of honor. Phinisi Nusantara was the only ship treated with such distinction. All crew and Marines from the USS Constellation lined the deck and greeted them with big applause. They even held a formal courtesy and invited Capt. Gita to dinner. A wooden ship from Indonesia, respected by the US Navy.

Capt. Gita Arjakusuma
(doc. Tempo)

The Journey Continues  

After Vancouver, the journey continued.  

Capt. Gita sailed another 1,250 miles in 9 days to San Diego to deliver the ship to a university, as a reward for the American oil company in Indonesia that supported the voyage.  

But the university declined. Not because they didn’t honor it, but because they didn’t know how to maintain and preserve such a unique ship.  

So Capt. Gita returned home. And Phinisi Nusantara was brought back to Indonesia by cargo.

From Glory to Tragedy  

Once home, the ship was used to promote Indonesian tourism. It served short-distance sailing trips for joy, from Jakarta to the Kepulauan Seribu.  

He delivered it to be preserved. He never touched it again. He never even knew who  was in charge

One day, during a routine trip, Phinisi Nusantara hit a reef and ran aground on a sandbar. It could not move.  

There was no adequate attention. No proper help came.  

And so, this historic ship — the ship that crossed the Pacific and received a salute from the US Navy — finally sank in the Thousand Islands.  

In waters so safe. Only 30 miles from the capital city. A tragic ending.

Legacy  

As Indonesia commemorates August 17th, I remember Capt. Gita.  His voyage is part of our legacy: struggle and achievement.  

I documented his story in a book (Capt. Gita Arjakusuma; Menyisir Badai, Kisah Pelayaran Pelaut Legendaris) to honor his life so the younger generation will know. He is a hero who stands apart.

A Final Reflection  

It saddens me that Indonesia, the largest archipelagic nation in the world, pays so little attention to how we treat the sea and how we honor our own.  

We celebrated Phinisi Nusantara on the world stage, then let it die 30 miles from home.  

I hope future generations will follow in Capt. Gita’s footsteps. To love this country. To love the sea that connects our 17,000 islands. Because the sea is what will bring us to a strong nation and to prosperity.

Fair winds, Captain. 1946 - 2020. The Merah Putih sailed because of you.

He crossed 11,000 miles of ocean for Indonesia. Capt. Gita's success continues to defy the odds in our minds because of his gentle demeanor in the face of the ocean's power.   

We must cross the distance in our hearts to remember him.  

Fair winds, Captain.

1-1 Heartbreak: How Singapore Knocked Indonesia Out in Jalan Besar Chaos

Indonesia's national team drew 1-1 with Singapore and crashed out of the semifinals. From VAR drama to a last-gasp equalizer, here’s the full chaotic story.

                                             Written by: Kang Ogenk

Even when we lose, we still love the national team. But that motivational line feels empty now. Failed again. Even with a squad full of naturalized players. What can you do? This is football. John Herdman’s team: total failure. Read the story while sipping your kopdud, ki aki !!! (coffee + cigarette, old man)

Jalan Besar Stadium was no longer a stadium. It had turned into a duel arena between two nations who had both lost their sanity. Garuda came with one mission: must win. Singapore only needed a draw. Simple? No. This is football, where logic often gets kicked farther than the ball.

First Half  

Garuda went on the attack immediately. At home, fans had already prepared coffee and fried bananas, plus a backup heart. After just a few minutes, Mitchell Lee Baker almost scored past Mohamad Izwan bin Mahbud, but a Singapore defender cleared it. The Indonesian fans screamed so loud the Merlion statue nearly migrated to Batam.

In the 20th minute, Baker was taken down in the penalty box. Should’ve been a penalty, but referee Al-Amouri from Oman didn’t budge. Fans yelled, “That’s a penalty. Are you blind?!” They called for VAR. The referee’s ears were apparently on airplane mode.

Indonesia vs Singapore:
Playout entertaining
1-1 draw.   
Photo: The Jakarta Post

23rd minute, Cahya Supriadi made a brilliant save. Fans clapped so hard their coffee cups shook. Singapore kept attacking, but the wall of Dony Pamungkas, Rizky Ridho, Shayne Pattynama, and Wahyu Prasetyo held firm like barbed wire.

In the 29th minute, Baker was brought down in the box again. The whistle stayed silent. Fans got hotter. “The ref’s been bribed!”  

34th minute, Thom Haye got a free kick, but the ball went wide. Fans who had stood up had to sit back down with the face of someone who just lost their Wi-Fi password.

43rd minute, Song made a hard tackle and got a yellow. “Go play tarkam!” fans shouted.  

45th minute, Ivar Jenner’s shot was blocked for a corner. The first half ended 0-0. Singapore smiled slightly. Indonesians started biting their nails.

In the locker room, John Herdman suddenly turned into Mario Teguh. “You guys are amazing. You’d be even more amazing if you won. Come on, boys!”  

In the Singapore camp, Gavin Lee gave a sermon: “We only need a draw. Don’t get careless.”

Second Half  

Indonesia vs. Singapore: drew 1-1

The coffee wasn’t even finished when, in the 47th minute, Ragnar Oratmangoen—aka Wak Haji—after a team-up with Thom Haye and Jenner, smashed it into the net. Goooal!

The archipelago exploded. Fans jumped so hard gravity considered resigning. Some hugged the TV, kissed the flag, and screamed until aliens in orbit thought Earth was under attack. A NASA satellite spying on Xi Jinping even stopped moving. “Wait, what’s this?”

Corrupt prisoners yelled from behind bars too. Their nationalism was no less than a masked mass organization.  

In Singapore, fans froze. Marina Bay Sands seemed to hold its breath.

58th minute, Ivar Jenner and Ui-Young Song got into a shoving match. Song was initially shown red and Jenner yellow. Then Al-Amouri stared at VAR for so long, like he was watching episode 147 of a soap opera. All cards were canceled. Indonesian fans erupted again, “Boooh!”

Then disaster struck. Chaos in front of Indonesia’s goal. A loose ball fell to Ilhan Fandi. One shot, and Cahya’s net was breached as the keeper fell. Singapore goal!

This time Singapore went wild. Their fans screamed like they’d just found a national treasure. The MRT probably went into shock. The Merlion roared all the way to Batam, while Indonesian fans instantly turned to statues. If the aliens were shocked before, now they were probably calling home: “Earth is crazier than our reports said.”

The match ended 1-1. Singapore is through to the semifinals. Garuda collapsed.  

Indonesian fans went home carrying disappointment…

Sad, ki aki.

🙏🏻 That’s it 🤣

From Banker to Sate Vendor: Indonesian Man Conquers Zurich

The Most Prestigious Newspaper in Switzerland Gave a Satay Vendor a Full Page

Rio Vamory, Indonesian
Satay vendor 

A former banker from Padang Panjang left his Zurich finance job to sell satay on the street. NZZ gave him a full page. The story of courage and smoke.

A man from Padang Panjang, Indonesia, left his career as a banker to chase his dream: selling satay on a street corner in Zurich. 

In the city center of Zurich, the capital of world finance, something unusual was happening on the sidewalk. Among the high-rise luxury banking buildings, executives in fancy suits, expensive watches, and thousand-dollar jewelry stores... they smelled something different in the air. Smoke from Arang. 

The aroma of chicken satay filled the street. And who brought it, set it up, and pushed the three-wheeled _gerobak_ to make that smoke? He is Rio Vamory, 34, from Padang Panjang, West Sumatera. A former banker at one of Zurich’s most famous banks. Now a satay vendor. 

Neue Zürcher Zeitung, the oldest and most prestigious newspaper in Switzerland—the reading reference for politics and financial elites in Europe for centuries—gave Rio one full page. For a newspaper like NZZ to cover a satay vendor is serious acknowledgment. 

Facade Swiss National
Bank branch Zurich

"Not many, almost no bankers change their profession to become chicken satay vendors. And this brave man did it,” said an NZZ editor. 

But how did a banker in Zurich end up selling satay?

Rio was born in Padang Panjang in 1983. His life was not simple. His mother, Rosmindah, moved to Switzerland after marrying a Swiss citizen of Tibetan descent. 

As a child, Rio lived in a small Islamic boarding school, a _pesantren_, in Bogor. Years later, his mother missed him too much. In 2006, when Rio was 25, he was brought to Switzerland. 

He went to college. After graduating, he worked in banking — the “bright path” to success for most people. He earned more than enough for a comfortable life in Zurich. He could afford everything. 

But there was one thing he couldn’t find at his office desk. “I was not happy working in the bank.” Simple words. Huge consequences. He didn’t quit impulsively. He planned for years. Even as a student, he wrote his thesis about food trucks. 

Long before he left the office, he prepared capital, ran crowdfunding, studied public selling regulations, perfected the menu, and figured out how to deliver _real_ Indonesian taste to a city that had never known it. 

"If I were nekad, of course not. I had planned it for years,” he said. 

NZZ Office

In May 2017, he started selling chicken satay on the streets of Zurich using a classic Indonesian three-wheeled _gerobak_. Not in a restaurant. Not in an AC building. Outside, like a vendor in his hometown. 

The smoke from burning _arang_, the bamboo skewers, the peanut sauce, and the sweet soy sauce—he brought all of it from Indonesia to the heart of Europe. 

His first customers weren’t Indonesian. They were bankers in ties, lawyers, and executives from multinational companies. Curious about the strange, delicious smoky smell on their city streets. They stood and queued for lunch, ignoring smoke on their formal clothes, enjoying skewer after skewer of chicken satay they’d never found anywhere else in the city. 

The story spread. Indonesia’s Tourism Minister praised him publicly. And NZZ gave him one full page. 

Even with popularity and public attention, Rio never forgot where he came from. From every Swiss franc he earned, he set aside part to donate to forest sustainability in Sumatera. Every skewer of satay he sold, part of it flowed back to the land he was born in. 

Why satay?

It's not easy to bring to Europe. Not like _Nasi Goreng_ that you can cook in a closed pot in an apartment. Not like _rendang, which is easy to reheat. Satay needs _arang_. It needs smoke billowing up. It needs skewers burned one by one in front of buyers. No shortcuts. Just like his decision to execute his dream. 

Zurich got satay. NZZ got a one-page story. And Indonesia got living proof that a traditional taste from Padang can cross boundaries — even through the cold wind of Europe.

The Secret to Conquering Steep Hills in Bandung

Nagreg Lama, Bandung

Bandung is famous for two things: amazing food and amazing cycling spots.

Cyclists from all over West Java come here for the views.  

In North Bandung, you’ve got Dago, Tahura, Punclut, Tebing Keraton, Lembang, Maribaya, and Tangkuban Parahu.  In the South: Ciwidey, Soreang, Majalaya.  

Nagreg Ring Road

West: Padalarang, Cimahi, Cimindi.  

East: Ujung Berung, Cicalengka, Patung Kuda, and Nagreg.

The problem? Most of them come with brutal, steep hills. 

A lot of cyclists see a climb and immediately turn around. They’d rather ride 20km flat than 5km uphill. I get it. I used to be that guy too.

After years of getting dropped, walking, and cursing on these climbs, here are the 5 tiny secrets that actually work:

1. Don’t look at the top. Look 3 meters ahead. The moment you stare at the top of the hill, your brain quits.  

Instead, pick a spot 3 meters in front of your wheel and focus on pedaling smoothly to get there. Think of something funny. A happy mind pedals better.

2. Pace yourself. 

Start slow. The #1 rookie mistake: attacking the hill too fast. You’ll blow up in 30 seconds.  Start easy. You can always speed up later. Hills are a marathon, not a sprint.

3. Shift early. Manage your gears. 

Bike Gear

Don’t wait until your legs are dying to shift down. Anticipate as soon as the road tilts up; drop a gear. Keep your cadence smooth, not grinding.

4. Use the "Zigzag" method—switchbacking. This is the most important one.  

When it gets too steep, don’t go straight up. Ride side-to-side in a zigzag.  

Why it works: You’re making the road longer, so the gradient feels less steep. Plus, it gives your brain something to do besides suffering. You focus on steering, not pain.  

I’ve used this on Dago and Punclut for years. It works.

5. Break through the mental block.

Hills are 70% mental. Tell yourself: "Just to that tree. Now just to that sign." Believe you can do it. Your body will follow your mind.

The last two are the real game-changers: switchbacking and mindset. Master those, and you’ll never fear a steep hill again.

Good luck on every climbing journey! See you at the top 😉

Karma Begal at Flyover Kiaracondong

As you sow, so shall you reap. 

Late midnight at Flyover Kiaracondong, Bandung.

Lita Anggraini,
22 years old

Four men—sadistic robbers the city called "Begal"—were waiting under the overpass for their next victim. 

They didn’t have to wait long. At 11:30 PM, a woman rode through alone on a motorbike, wearing a full-face helmet and moving fast.

The place was dead quiet. There were no other riders, no one on the street. She was climbing the flyover when the four men watched her from the darkness.

With just a glance, a blink, and a silent signal, they agreed without speaking: This is our target. They drew their weapons.

200 meters ahead, she started down the slope. Two of them stood in the middle of the 10-meter road, 60-cm machetes in hand, shoulder to shoulder. Another waited 10 meters behind, and the last one — Warno Gamblis, the one they called the most brutal — hid 6 meters ahead. She saw them and hit the gas.

She managed to swerve past the first three, but Warno stepped out. At close range, he swung his blade, and it struck her neck. She fell instantly, blood spreading across the asphalt, while her head—still in the helmet—rolled a few meters away. Like a pack of hungry lions, they swarmed in.

Motorbike, bag, jewelry, and the wallet from her pocket. All of it took less than 10 minutes before they disappeared into the dark. 

Flyover Kiaracondong
photo:unsplash.com

In a quiet place, they counted the loot. Warno opened the wallet, took the cash, and was about to throw it away when he saw a photo inside. It was a little girl sitting on a man’s lap, and a half-body picture of a young woman.

He stared, then stared again, and cold sweat broke across his skin. On the ID card it read: Lita Anggaini. 22 years old. Born in Sragen, Central Java. He ran back to the flyover. There was police tape and a crowd and a body without a head covered with cardboard.

With his heart in his throat, Warno pushed through and hugged her. “My daughter... oh my God. You’re my daughter. Lita... It’s me. Your dad.” 

People went silent. Some cried. Before the police could speak, he held out both hands.

“These are my hands, officer.” Click. Handcuffs. 

In the police car, his voice was breaking:

“I’m tired of running. Tired of hiding. I have done it many, many times. And now... I’ve killed my own daughter.”

Lita had left Sragen after high school with one dream: to become a nurse.

Her parents couldn’t afford the tuition, so she worked as a cashier at a minimarket by day and went to nursing school by night, living in a small rented room with big hope. That night she was only going to the store.

She borrowed her boyfriend’s motorbike and helmet. Her dream didn’t end in a hospital. It ended under a flyover and by the hands of the man who was supposed to protect her. 

Reflection: 

Sometimes God works in ways we can’t understand — not to destroy us, but to wake us up. Warno spent years robbing, hurting, and running, but it took one photo to stop him.

One face that looked back at him from his own wallet. Karma isn’t always thunder. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s a wallet.

Sometimes it’s seeing your sin reflected in the eyes of the person you love most. And it leaves me asking:

How many times do we pass each other in the dark before we choose not to be the ones who cause the pain?

Pedaling Through the Chaos: A Midnight Reflection

 The clock on the wall ticked toward 11:00 PM. It was high time to sleep, yet I remained wide awake.

 A storm of thoughts fought for space in my head. I thought about myself; my family; friends; the work I had left behind; empty pockets; drained savings; bills past their due dates; and debts that hooked me, demanding payment. All these worries mixed into one giant knot: problems.

 

Sometimes you have to ride
in the dark to see the lights 

Ugh, I felt messy! But deep down, I knew I could handle everything, even if no instant solution came to mind.

"Heck with it," I thought. I didn't care anymore. Cortisol spontaneously surged through my body; I felt a warmth in my chest. "It is time. I have to do something," I hummed to myself.

Quickly, I prepared to go out before the night slipped away. Without thinking twice, I decided to deep dive into the night alone. I had to turn these problems into a moment of clarity.

I grabbed my old Trek bike from the wall mount. Next, I put on my brightest, most eye-catching jacket with fluorescent strips on the sleeves and back. I checked the front and rear lights—the most important tools to ensure visibility in the dark. I picked up my helmet, locked the door, walked through the yard, and latched the fence.

 A few minutes later, I found myself on the road, starting to cycle slowly. Where was I going? I had no idea. Just keep pedaling.

Getting To Know Types of Bicycles: Choose Based On Your Needs

Part 1# 

Why has cycling become a global trendsetter in the modern world?

Choose the bike that suits your terrain goal

Cycling is not just about pedaling. It’s also a lifestyle, fashion, and even a form of exploration. You can see riders on the road wearing bright colors with various designs. Yes, it’s not just for fashion but also for safety — at least to be seen easily by other riders or drivers and to avoid crashes.

A lot of gear has been created creatively. From helmets, jerseys, and arm sleeves to protect your hands from direct UV exposure that can damage your skin; sunglasses to protect from harsh sun or rain; gloves, to tight shorts with padding to protect your seat; and even shoes that come in many different types.

For professional riders, they usually use cleat shoes that attach to the pedals. These help increase acceleration and speed, making pedaling feel lighter and more efficient. For casual riders, regular lightweight sports shoes without cleats are also commonly used.

Every accessory is not just about style and appearance. Each one has a specific function for safety and health reasons.

Now let’s talk about the bikes

There are many types of bicycles. Starting with road bikes, mountain bikes/MTB, downhill bikes, and hybrid bikes—a combination of road bikes and MTB, also called gravel bikes.

There are also touring bikes for long-distance trips. These usually have racks in the front, back, or both to carry gear needed for long journeys. Things like spare clothes, fluorescent rain jackets, socks, sleeping bags, food, medicine, bike tools like a pump, tire patches, spare tubes, special tools, including a survival kit, and even a foldable tent for sleeping in the forest, for example.

Types of Bicycles Based on the Terrain

Bicycle types are made based on the terrain you will ride on. If you will ride in the city or on smooth asphalt roads, or even outside the city on similar road conditions, then a road bike is ideal—outside of special race tracks like a velodrome.

But if you will tackle rocky, muddy, sandy, wet, or even gravel roads, then a mountain bike (MTB) is the better choice.

But if you ride somewhere between those two extremes, then a cross-country bike, usually called "XC," is the most comfortable. XC bikes are great on smooth roads, in and out of villages, but can also handle grass fields, light mud, and some rocks or gravel.

For the same kind of terrain, people also use gravel or hybrid bikes. This is a new innovation — a combination of a road bike and an XC bike.

However, if you love high-adrenaline cycling, like going down hills, you need a special downhill bike. This type needs an extra-strong frame, tires, and shock absorbers.

And if you like doing stunts, jumps, and tricks like in a circus, you also need a special type and design. Things like 360° handlebar rotation, a frame without a seat, and no hand disc brakes but with a gyro/ultraff.

If you like traveling but didn't have the opportunity to bike, then a folding bike is your choice. It's easy to carry wherever you go. 

So, where do you want to ride? Choose the right bike that fits your terrain and your goal.

My Journey To Writing Skill: The Sprightly Senior

This is my retrospective on how I conquered and experienced hard times in the past and then moved on to cope with every trouble that pulled me back. 

But through the tiredness of struggle, I reached what I wanted, instead of giving up. I started in the middle, because the past part is too private. 

The piece of writing here is just for practice writing only.  I hope nobody reads it!

Since I lost my job, I left social activities that I didn't need and left social media. To be honest, at first it was hard, and it made me feel lonely. Fortunately, dark coffee and cigarettes accompanied me to cope with everything. Did it work? Not yet.

My 350 km Birthday Ride : Age is Just a Number, and Cycling is a Choice

 

March 14th, 2022. Late at night, alone in Bekasi. The clock pointed to 11:45 pm. It was high time I got some sleep. But I still couldn't close my eyes for even a minute. I had no idea why. 

Since my wife had left home to stay in Bandung and help our daughter give birth, I had been living alone. And being lonely is another story. 

What came to my mind was, "Tomorrow I have to do something! Something different, not just a usual day! It must be something special that will last forever in my memories, that I can proudly tell my grandsons someday." I thought about it more than twice: Could I cycle about 200 km to Bandung alone? But why? And for what? To prove myself? No, of course not.

That’s what came and fought in my mind. Early the next morning, I took my old 'Trek' and started slowly, heading outside.

Yes, I had decided to take a long ride. An adventure tour. Unsupported. Just me, alone!  

It’s not only nice to hear, but it was also truly a challenging trip! Time was on my side; yes, it was. March 15th, the day I was born. I had reached sixty years old!  

But what had I done? What proud achievements have I had until now?

Even though I had done many things, in this personal historic moment, I needed a mark to remember. There was no reason not to do it.

Because I still had strong hands and legs, good health and mind, and a proportional body shape. That spirit kept me pedaling far away from home. I had to push myself beyond the boundaries. The road was relatively flat, sometimes hilly, and rolling. I saw so many things along the way.

At the pit stops, there were vendors selling everything: meals, food, drinks, or just a place to relax with coffee. Whenever the speedometer on my handlebar showed a certain number of kilometers, I pulled aside to take a break. I felt very tired when I had to pass through 'Hutan Pinus' with its steep and winding road.

It drained all my power and energy. I felt exhausted. Should I go back and enjoy precious time with a few good friends? The feeling of tiredness really made me want to return home. Every time my resolve wavered, I pictured myself and spurred myself onward. I had promised myself: no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would face them head-on. After climbing such a steep hill at Hutan Pinus, I got my reward.

                                packing

Yes, there’s always a gift when you succeed. It was the beautiful scenery.

I lay down on the grass under a big tree. I felt tired and needed to recover, and it had been worth it.

So, once I hit the flat road again, I took a break every 20–30 km. Then, after more than 5 breaks, I finally reached Bandung, my homeland.

My family looked surprised. They didn’t even believe I had arrived there... by bike!  

Even I couldn't believe myself. How could such a tiny vehicle carry me hundreds of kilometers from home? They knew this was a precious moment, so we had a simple celebration together.

We hugged and laughed. Now, I am going to be 65. The next morning, I returned to Bekasi via Purwakarta. If I had a chance to do it again, I would.

But I would prefer going to other destinations rather than the same place I’ve seen before. Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo... they’re all on my mind. Every touring experience has taught me one thing:

No big problem or great obstacle can beat you or define you, unless you make your mind as big as the obstacle.

If you think you can, then you will. I believe it. Now, at 65, I prefer to be one of the sprightly seniors rather than lying bedridden in a hospital bed. Age is just a number. And cycling is just a choice!

Bencana Sumatra, Pemerintah Tidak Mau Belajar! (Bagian 2)

Sebanyak 600 Unit Hunian Sementara, diserahkan DANANTARA
kepada pemkab Aceh Tamiang, Kamis, pekan lalu (foto:AFP).

Satu bulan setengah, sudah berlalu. Sejak bencana dahsyat banjir bandang dan tanah longsor menghantam  Aceh, Sumatera Utara dan Sumatera Barat, belum menunjukkan perbaikan signifikan. Berbagai laporan di lapangan mengungkapkan betapa masih beratnya kondisi yang dihadapi rakyat di ketiga provinsi itu. 

Bencana dahsyat semacam ini bukan pertama kali terjadi di Indonesia. Meskipun jenis, skala, dan jumlah korban jiwa berbeda, Indonesia berpengalaman menangani bencana dengan sangat baik di masa lalu, bahkan mendapatkan apresiasi dan pujian internasional. Sayangnya, pemerintah tidak mau belajar!

Bencana Dahsyat, Dampak Kerakusan Pengusaha dan Kebodohan Penguasa (Bagian 1)

Banjir Sumatera: Bencana Ekologis Akibat Deforestasi dan Ekspansi Sawit.

 Banjir bandang di kawasan Gunung Nago, 

Padang, Sumatera (ANTARA FOTO)

      

Gila...Gilaaa! Ini benar-benar gila. Sepanjang Republik ini berdiri, baru kali ini, Indonesia mengalami bencana yang luar biasa dahsyat! Banjir bandang menghajar tiga propinsi sekaligus; Aceh, Sumatera Utara (Sumut) dan Sumatera Barat (Sumbar). Memporakporandakan bangunan dan seluruh lanskap kota, serta pemukiman penduduk, gedung-gedung Pemerintahan, jembatan dan jalan serta  fasilitas layanan umum lenyap seketika tersapu banjir. 

Banjir dan tanah longsor ini  juga meluluhlantakkan ribuan hektar  sawah, kebun, ladang, kolam ikan,  hewan peliharaan dan ternak, seperti: ayam, itik, kambing, kerbau dan sapi, tak terhitung lagi berapa jumlahnya. Bagaimana dengan korban jiwa manusia? 

Jennifer Lawrence, Perempuan Inspiratif

Jennifer Lawrence, photo: Getty Images

Muda, cantik, multi talenta dan kaya raya tetapi sederhana dan sangat dermawan. Ia tidak menyukai kehidupan jetset yang serba glamor, meski sehari-sehari tak luput dari kejaran paparazi dan terpaan media. Itulah Jennifer Lawrence. Seorang aktris asal Amerika Serikat yang dikenal luas karena bakat aktingnya dan perannya dalam berbagai film populer. 

lawrence, yang lahir pada 15 Agustus 1990, di Indian Hills, Kentucky itu, mulai berkarier di dunia hiburan dengan tampil di serial televisi sebelum mendapatkan pengakuan internasional melalui film-film yang dibintanginya:

"Winter's Bone" (2010) - Peran yang membawanya meraih nominasi Academy Award untuk Aktris Terbaik;

Franchise "The Hunger Games" (2012-2015) - Di mana ia memerankan karakter utama, Katniss Everdeen;

"Silver Linings Playbook" (2012) - Yang membuatnya memenangkan Academy Award untuk Aktris Terbaik.

Kegiatan Amal 

Jennifer Lawrence dikenal tidak hanya karena karier aktingnya tetapi juga karena keterlibatannya dalam berbagai kegiatan amal dan filantropis. Beberapa diantaranya, ia membantu mereka yang kesulitan dan memberikan dukungan bagi Penyandang Disabilitas. Ia adalah pendukung aktif dari lembaga-lembaga yang berfokus pada penyandang disabilitas dan kesehatan mental.

Jennifer pun terlibat dalam berbagai penggalangan Dana untuk organisasi-organisasi seperti "The Trevor Project," serta program-program pendidikan dan kesehatan lainnya.

Image Inspire Action

 GAMBAR MEMBANGKITKAN TINDAKAN

       Ilustrasi: Model Maudy Ayunda mejeng di  Billboard Times
             Square New York,   (instagram/@maudyayunda)

Sebuah billboard raksasa terpampang di sebuah hypermart megah di jantung kota Bekasi. Wajah Perempuan model terkenal dengan bibir sensual, seakan memandang tajam siapapun yang melihatnya. Di sebelah wajah sang model tampak sebuah produk telepon genggam made in China terbaru.

Pemasang iklan percaya betul dengan gambar seorang yang cantik, ramping, dan terkesan sexy and smart, sebagai representasi yang pas mewakili produk gadget terbarunya ini, berharap laris manis di pasaran.

Produsen pun sepertinya ingin menanamkan ke  dalam benak Gen- Z --sebagai target market-nya-- sebuah asosiasi-visual dari seorang model cantik, terkenal, sekaligus menggoda namun juga cerdas berkelas. 

Juga ingin menjauhi kesan murahan untuk gadget yang baru saja di launching ini. Dan hebatnya, billboard serupa, juga terpampang di berbagai lokasi strategis dan gerai-gerai handphone di berbagai kota, dalam ukuran yang berbeda.

Inilah sebuah strategi promosi yang bertolak dari pandangan image inspire action.

MBTI, Mengenal Kepribadian Anda

Pada masa Perang Dunia II, Katherine Cook Briggs dan putrinya, Isabel Briggs Myers, merintis pengembangan sebuah tes kepribadian yang kemudian dikenal sebagai Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

Mereka memulai project penelitian ini dengan keyakinan bahwa pemahaman akan kepribadian dapat membantu perempuan yang akan memasuki dunia kerja (industri, pada masa itu).

Setelah melalui serangkaian pengembangan, MBTI akhirnya dikenal dunia pada tahun 1962. Dasar teorinya diperoleh dari pemikiran Carl Gustav Jung dalam bukunya yang terkenal, ‘’Psychological Types,’’ yang diterbitkan tahun 1921. Jung menyatakan bahwa manusia menggunakan empat fungsi psikologis utama dalam menjalani kehidupan, yaitu; sensing (indra), intuisi (gerak hati), feeling (rasa, perasaan) dan pemikiran (akal).

Karl G. Jung (1875-1961)

source: Getty Images

Dalam perjalanan pengembangan MBTI, Katherine dan Isabel memiliki dua tujuan utama. Pertama, mereka ingin mengidentifikasi preferensi dasar yang terkandung dalam teori Jung. Kedua, mereka ingin mengidentifikasi dan mendeskripsikan 16 tipe kepribadian yang muncul dari interaksi dan preferensi tersebut, dengan kata lain; memudahkan kita untuk memahami teori dasar kepribadian manusia.

Tes psikologi MBTI kemudian disusun ke dalam empat kategori utama, berdasarkan pemetaan dimensi kecenderungan sifat dasar manusia.

Pertama, dimensi pemusatan perhatian yang membedakan antara Introvert (I) dan Ekstrovert (E). Kedua, dimensi memahami informasi dari luar, yaitu Sensing (S) dan Intuition (N).

Ketiga, dimensi menarik kesimpulan dan keputusan antara Thinking (T) dan Feeling (F).

Terakhir, dimensi pola hidup, yaitu Judging (J) dan Perceiving (P).