I was still in high school when the May 1998 riots, which targeted Chinese Indonesians and their properties, broke out just outside of Catholic high school (Bunda Hati Kudus). I was among the lucky ones who could go home right before the riots went out of control. But as a Chinese Catholic, I … [Read more...]
Writings
I’m Changing Citizenship – It Doesn’t Stop Me from Being Indonesian
In Norway, where I live, I volunteer as a mentor for Indonesian students who wish or have been accepted to study abroad through a not-for-profit global educational platform. In a text message, one of my would-be mentees once asked me when I would return to Indonesia. “I am not going back. I am … [Read more...]
Keeping your head
Hersri Setiawan, a writer, journalist and translator, was a tapol (political prisoner) in Indonesia for 13 years without trial following the military coup on October I, 1965. He was one of many Indonesian writers and journalists rounded up by Kopkamtib, the state security agency, because of their … [Read more...]
La Runduma
I'm still a virgin. It's the truth. I really am! So tell me father, how could the drum be broken? My father's name is Maulidun. He is the expert drummer, the one who, for the last twentyyears, has been called upon to play whenever a posuo is held. I hate him because hedisapproves of La Runduma, the … [Read more...]
Labyrinth of Violence
I know that when the time comes you’ll seek me out. Like the great explorers, you’ll trace my every step. It won’t be easy, because I’ve been silent for years, and for years I’ve kept my story safe in the depths of the valley, in the quiet at the end of the cape. Perhaps you’ll never find me. … [Read more...]