KEZIA LAKSMONO WRITES – I never thought that leaving my home country would make me more aware of food’s importance in my life story or identity. I see now, though, that the food which brings us back to our childhood represents more than just a taste. It is an extension…
Full Article INDONESIA: A HUNGER FOR THE TASTE OF HOME
KEZIA LAKSMONO WRITES – Tesla cars roaming the streets are a common sight for the average Angeleno. Public parking lots with charging stations for electric cars are now the norm here. But for a typical Indonesian like me? I am fascinated by this. While renewable energy has become the second-most…
Full Article INDONESIA: THE ROAD AHEAD LOOKS GOOD FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND CLEAN, GREEN ENERGY
KEZIA LAKSMONO WRITES — So, on April 2nd, in the heart of Jakarta, I strode into a large building where the vaccine was being distributed and almost cried with joy as I got my jab of the Sinovac vaccine. This name might be unknown to you – with all the…
Full Article CORONAVIRUS CHRONICLES: MY FIRST DOSE OF THE SINOVAC VACCINE
KEZIA LAKSMONO WRITES — I was reminded of “Pantun,” an oral literary form of expression traditionally used amongst Indonesians, during this pandemic. In its most basic form, it consists of even-numbered lines which are recited according to a fixed rhythm. For example: “Kalau ada sumur di ladang, bolehlah kita menumpang…
Full Article CORONAVIRUS CHRONICLES: POETRY FOR THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND
KEZIA LAKSMONO WRITES — My home country is known for many cultural myths and rich folklore. I’ve always been skeptical of such stories. But folklore about New Year’s Day weather? For me, that’s always been an exception. Historically, rain comes pouring down on the city of Jakarta – the place…
Full Article INDONESIA: CORONAVIRUS CRISIS TURNS INTO COMPOUNDED CATASTROPHE