A Complicated Exchange by Jessica Huwae is the story of a young couple who are establishing the parameters of their first sexual encounter. 'So?' 'Can we go later? There's still a lot of people here.' 'We don't know anyone here, anyway.' 'I'd rather not. You never know.' 'Didn't I … [Read more...]
The Groom’s Price
May 4, 2017 by
The Groom’s Price by Uda Agus is a story of village life that follows a young man’s efforts to disentangle custom and commerce. Datuak* Bandaro Rajo stood up quickly and rushed to the door — he had run out of patience and felt that his self respect as head of this clan had been demeaned. The … [Read more...]
On a Pair of Young Men in the Underground Parking Garage at fX Sudirman Mall
May 2, 2017 by
Is there anything more moving than two young men in a Toyota Rush parked in the corner of level P3, stealing a little time and space for themselves, exchanging kisses wide-eyed – keeping watch as one for security guards or janitors, in each other’s arms, escaping the loneliness of another week … [Read more...]
Making Instant Noodles at the End of the Rainbow
May 1, 2017 by
Wake up. It’s four a.m. Your cellphone alarm goes off. It’s for Christy—her morning Quiet Time. Turn off the alarm and make the bed. This is usually Christy’s job. Go to the kitchen and get out two packs of instant noodles. This is usually your job. … [Read more...]
Her Story
May 1, 2017 by
Her Story by Norman Erikson Pasaribu takes the reader into a kaleidoscopic world in which gender and body image collide. Early one morning, she realised that she was just a homo fictus. The life she was living was her story. Throughout the afternoon she tried to do her job as if nothing had … [Read more...]