Alfajrul: The Story of Sate Padang Vendor
In the busy streets of the city, we often see street vendors working hard to provide for their families. One...
Faces of Indonesia
Tommy the Tailor at Tommy Tailor
You ever get that nagging feeling when you have clothes you want to keep, but they just don’t fit quite...
Nana the Friendly Warung Keeper
An unmistakable staple of everyday life in Indonesia is the warung. If you’ve spent enough time here, you’ve surely come...
Welcoming 2025 with Lutfi, the Firecracker Seller
New Year’s Eve is a moment eagerly anticipated by many. The sound of firecrackers echoing through the air symbolises joy...
Ria the Incense Master
Bali is often referred to as a spiritual hub and is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia. Evidently, Balinese Hinduism...
Ikin Kuswara: Dedication and Work Ethics in Old Age
Kuswara reflects on nearly three decades of dedication to his work, sharing the joys and challenges of his journey as...
Yusuf of Fania Florist and His Act of Love
Many would agree that flowers are a timeless expression of love. Whether in celebration, moments of grief, times of illness,...
Hasnan: The Handy Apple Mechanic at Hi-Comp
As a writer in the digital age, a laptop malfunction can be just about the worst thing that can happen...
Farubai: The Bicycle Rental Man at Kota Tua
Jakarta never runs out of inspiring stories, and one of them is about Farubai. I met Farubai at Jakarta’s Kota...
I Nyoman Gumbreg, the Lively Go-Box Driver
Moving homes can be incredibly stressful, and finding reliable movers only adds to the challenge. If you are anything like...
Pak Ayi: The ‘Delman’ Driver Keeping Tradition Alive
In the bustling streets of Jakarta, where motorbikes, cars, and buses dominate the scene, one mode of transport stands out...
Poxs, the Travelling Bakso Seller
Have you ever heard of the occasional random noises passing by your street throughout the day? It might just be...
Hendriyanto: A ‘Tukang Parkir’ with a Noble Heart
Jakarta, as a metropolitan city in Indonesia, holds many stories. Many people come here seeking better opportunities, but not all...
Why Some Indonesian Women Choose Polygamy
31 year-old housewife Ratna Wulandari lives in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and most populated city, and is currently pregnant with her...
Five Interesting Expats and Their Startups in Indonesia
After scouring the sea of startups at Balai Kartini earlier this month, here are five interesting techies in Indonesia, who...
A Pledge to Fight Trump’s Racism and Bigotry
People who take on the responsibility of elected office are to be held accountable for their actions. I am not...
Ami Fahmi: Ojek Driver, Kaki Lima Vendor, Husband and Father
On the streets of dining and entertainment district Kemang, one can often see the familiar face of Ami Fahmi working...
Bilang Boy of the River
11-year-old Bilang has a very old soul. He lives in a small, somewhat remote village on the edge of a...
Herry the Rujak Man
Rujak (fruit salad with a spicy sauce) may have been born in East Indonesia, but it makes its home in...
Sutiah the Tengger Farmer
Sutiah is a real mountain woman. She lives in a small village high up on the edge of the Tengger...
Erdin the Pemulung
It’s midday in Jakarta, and an unforgivingly hot sun is beating down on the pavement. The city’s voice is roaring. Cement trucks...