CHANGE

Jan 20, 2009 is going to be an important date in American history; another stepping stone in the quest of human equality, excellence, hope and change. Much hype has been written about the new US administration, about the message of hope and change that so many people like to hear in the midst of failing global economy and bleak future. Nothing less than greatness is expected from this one man, the 44th US President Barack Obama.

2009 is also the year where Indonesia is heading into the polls for a new government and a new president. While we are still high on the wind of change, I wonder on what cues we can take from our new symbol of change, in order to have some serious changes on our own. Indonesia is in dire need of changes.

One of the things that was heard constantly on the campaign trail and was mentioned in the Inaugural address, was the notion of acknowledging current challenges and failures of the past. To be honest about past mistakes is never going to be easy because of the possible finger pointing, dodging responsibilities and plenty of scapegoating. However, this is not about a person, or an organisation, but a collective willingness to admit mishaps of the past in order to move forward.

In the case of Indonesia, it is to put a stop in blaming current problems of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of the country on the Soeharto-era, and start realising the challenges facing the nation internally and externally. In the 30 years of Soeharto's rule, there was a vision of "developing Indonesia" that was made known to the people. Now, we hear random thoughts of certain people on how Indonesia should be, but all without coherence. The ways in which he did it might be objectable, from the 'brain-washing' style of moral education and history lesson in schools, to the eradication of creative expressions, to the formation of government driven grass-root farmers groups, but all of them signified a clear direction. It helped that he ruled with iron fists so that for 30 years, Indonesians were living under the guise of "Indonesian democracy". These mistakes are to be known, to be learned, to be forgiven but not to be forgotten.

The other interesting point that was made during Obama's address was about the need for new infrastructure that has old values, good old values of hard work, integrity, faith, opportunity. These old values represents America; they are the reasons why people see it as a land of hope, a new world.

Similarly, Indonesians can revisit the essence of Pancasila as a foundation of the nation. The 5 principles embody notions of religous belief and tolerance, humanity, unity, democracy and social justice. Maybe it is time to go back to the basics and ask these very questions when faced with the hard decisions. When it comes to the question of privatization of the state water company, "Will the result be just for all the people?" When it comes to the question of the destruction of F&B establishments during the fasting month, "Are these people prepresents religious tolerance?" When it comes to the question of electing a female government official, "Does her appointment reflect democratic process?"

We need to start asking real questions to contribute to the development of the nation. We also need to do it collectively. This election year is another learning process in the long road of Indonesian democracy, but just like a new history has been written on the form of America's first black president. Indonesia can do the same thing, too. A new history can be written where Indonesia is lead by a common purpose striving for a stronger nation.

Conversation about Knickers

The thing about wardrobe, apparels and fashion is, on a practical level it needs to make sense to where one lives geographically. The 4 seasons of fashion follow European weather trend: summer, fall, winter, spring -- but what happens when you live in the tropics? When all you have is hot, not-so-hot, and wet? You adjust. You look at nice fall fashion and love them, but no purchase because come on! Wearing a cashmere cardigan in 30 degree weather? Nobody is THAT insane!

Common sense (... if you have them) goes a long way, or in this case goes under way. Earlier today B and I got into a conversation about knickers. We discovered that weather is a big factor when it comes to choosing practical under garments.
Our top choice is M&S cotton knickers.

Sexy knickers are really pretty, nice to look at and usually nice to wear, just NOT in 30 degrees type of weather. There are reasons why these types of under garments should be sitting in your drawer waiting for the right occasion, or simply the right temperature.

If you are blessed with a sensitive skin, the beautiful lace trimmings might just sent you to a small itch-feast on areas you would/should not touch in public. If you happen to be a g-string fan with sweaty bums, you might just be sitting on your own drip. It is for reasons above that clearly, M&S cotton knickers are a sure winner.

2009 Resolution

The common question asked throughout New Year's Eve was, "What is your New Year's Resolution?" Most people will answer with the usual stuff like losing weight, spending more time with family, etc. We like the sound of the grand idea of a better future, but often we forget to think about the actual steps required to get to where we want to be.

The grand idea means that we understand the need to have some kind of vision for the future, and not just live life as it is presented to us. The grand idea means that we are interested in the bigger picture, that we understand how one person is a part of a community and that nobody can (...or should) be alone. The grand idea means that there is the notion of common good and we as humans need to contribute to it.

At the same time grand ideas are idealistic notions that are easily forgotten once the year moves on. The want of a better planet, a cleaner air, and a few kilos of your body often side-stepped by the 'really important things' like going out, laundry or a few hours of extra sleep in the morning. After all, a few more hours of sleep does not contradict your desire for a greener environment. You're just sleeping. Inactive. Dormant.

The challenge this year there will be matching the idea with the actions. I'm not a green-head and I don't use all recycled materials, nor do I use eco-friendly products throughout, yet I believe that I could still do something to save the planet. On much smaller scale, there are also a few things that I want to do to make me a better person. It is 2 weeks into the year and already I can see how they are not going to be easy. It needs discipline to change.

2009 is going to be about change.

1. I want to stop using plastic bag for grocery shopping, or any kind of shopping. Therefore I will always carry with me a carry-bag, because you never know when the impulse hits.

2. I want to be more mindful of water wastage. I will limit my shower time to maximum 10 minutes (even if I wash my hair). I will not keep the water running when I brush my teeth and my face.

3. I will write something in Indonesian once a month.

4. I will stop checking out Facebook's status one-liners and write them email whenever I think of them.

5. I will start saving more ($XXXX) every month for South America in 2010.

6. I will built that web site that archives all the work I've done in my career -- if not for future job opportunities, at least for memories.

7. I will do sports twice a week (exact sport to be determined)

2009 will be for change.

Food for Love

The thing about family is, you can't choose it. You're born into it without prior knowledge of how well-off they are, how educated, how funny or even how loving they are. Most of us have heard stories of family feuds, siblings who no longer speaks to each other, backstabbing relatives and broken homes. Life can be easy or difficult with family. Christmas is one of those occasions that celebrates family and togetherness. It is also the holiday that makes or breaks a family. How can it not? When everyone travel in packs, consuming and sharing, seriously living the notion of 'the more the merrier'. The various characters, numerous good intentions and even more ways of doing things can put serious strains on relationships. This Christmas, we traveled into my dad's home town in Central Java with some of my mother's siblings (more of that travel here).

Like most Indonesian families I know, food is an important element of celebration of togetherness. Not exquisite Christmas lunch or 5 courses of dinner spread over fancy table clothes and glowing candles, but just simple good food in abundance. It's always been about 'family style' -- where food is served in the middle, and everyone gets some from the same plate. It's about fighting for the last piece of meat because it's so good. It's about sharing a dessert because you want to have a room for seconds.

We have it easy, though far from perfect... There is genuine care and love for everyone, near and far, young and old. Like most Indonesian families, we're not very good in expressing our deepest emotions with words. Culturally emotionally reserved, action needs to speak louder than words in my family. It is why I woke up at 8am to have breakfast when all I wanted was to sleep in. It is why I did not mind waking up in the middle of the night because my 4 year old nephew's foot is on my face. It is why I accept the reality of a tiring Christmas holiday, because they needed to see my actions, my involvement, my presence in the tiniest little activity planned as signs of love.

Because I do. I love my family and I wanted them to know, the best way they know how. Because they will never ask the question, "Do you love me?" but hope that you make it to the next Christmas dinner.