Ini Bukan Diskusi

When you think about sustainability, big ideas come to mind. You know, that most complicated, most cumbersome, out of this world-tangled of webs, that the more you think about it, the more tired you become. And then it's gone. However, tonight, we have the privilege to discuss some small-scale methods that each every one of us can contribute to celebrate this great city! JKT Play is one great way to do so, and Berto, an architect and a lecturer, is the absolutely right person to talk to. Hope you are excited with waves of enlightening in all the fifty-nine minutes of the discussion! @inibukandiskusi

I love the fact that the more I talked to people, the less confidence I have about me knowing everything about Jakarta. As you can tell, I know close to nothing yet the conversation flows. I love meeting these Jakartans, and tonight, I have the pleasure meeting a 20-something person! Although we have two centuries in between, some things remain the same, although a lot of other things are so different. Keywords for the night would have to be Makaroni Goreng Dadar, Koas Korting, Burger 4ribuan, along with Kramat Jati Indah Mall! So fun. Do tune in! @inibukandiskusi

Betawi people, who are they? Living in Jakarta does not always mean that you are the true Jakartans. True Jakartans would be Betawi people. And tonight, we have the privileges to talk with one. Lissa Martin, born and raised in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. Throughout the interview we had the chance to unpack the true meaning of being a Betawi person. The food, the weddings, the traditions, along with the unseen! Haha.. Surely this is another entertaining interview. Do enjoy! @inibukandiskusi

Interviewing one of the founder for Jakarta Good Guide tonight! What is exactly Jakarta Good Guide? Who is their customer? What is pay as you wish? Does it really work in Jakarta climate? OMG so many questions. With 30 different routes to choose along with their virtual tour, Jakarta Good Guide is a good start to get to know all parts of Jakarta! 

A non-stop fun conversation about cultural diversities in a marriage. Both Reza and Tine come from a mixture of Javanese and Manadonese. Both also come from two Abrahamic religions on either side of their huge families. Yet, both are still surprised when their son chose to be an outstanding 7 years old Cultural Practitioner. And I kid you not, Gaga, their son, is a living wonder for practicing the art of Barong Sai (Chinese origin, or so they say), Ondel-Ondel (Batavia origin, again, so they say), and most recent: Gedruk (Central Java origin, or so they say). A seven years old who already knows his passion. I wonder, we wonder, and everyone wonders how come? I guess by having this discussion, we kind of, however little, able to see the reasons why. Although honestly, still clueless. :) Hope you enjoy delving into Tine and Reza life stories as much as I do!

We can always make future plan with our life. Career-wise, family-wise, marriage-wise (even our burial plot). But sometimes, reality gets in the way. It might not be something that we are ready for, especially if it deviates too far from that polished perfect plan. Same thing goes with marriage. A perfect marriage does not exist. It never does. What you see in social media is a whole different level of bullshit. However, one does wonder, to what extent do we want to sacrifice our own happiness for the sake of being married? What did it take for us to finally choose that different path? It is not easy to train our mind and say 'Hey, this is no longer healthy relationship.' Tonight's conversation is talking basically that. And hey, it is never easy but if you are not happy for years and years and years, then... I'll leave you with your own thought. Hope you enjoy this pleasing discussion!

Whatever perceptions that I thought about Italian men AND Javanese women are challenged in this interview. This couple lets me know that coming from two sides of the world, in this case: Javanese woman to an Italian man, is really a challenge. But I like their attitude that no matter where you are in this world, you must find a partner that allows you to be yourself. It's nice to be reminded every once in a while. From rosemary seeds to their eldest loving sambal, from a romantic planned proposal to a quick carport proposal, this is the real deal. This is how marriage works. 

I started the interview with a common misconception that having more than one relationship means that it is all about passion and fire. Talking to Tiara definitely a steep learning curve for me. That as a human who only has one life to live, we need to figure out what it is that we love. What is our intention in doing practically anything? If we find ourselves being easily upset throughout any of our life choices, then we will no longer be happy and unable to manage our own energy. This is not a discussion about how to get out of your relationship in a mischievous way, but instead a life lessons. Zen-like interview.

Coming from a different background along with a slight disapproval from one member of the family did not stop the two to keep the fire alive. What do you know, Javanese and Karo can actually stay together for more that 18 years of marriage? A light comedy for accompanying your family dinner tonight. Do enjoy!