The Indonesia Saga: Recent Episodes

The Indonesia Saga

What do you have in mind when you hear the word "Indonesia"? Join Fi to unfold news and stories about Indonesia. Anything from culture, travel, politics as far as weird things about the country. A few minutes of crap to let you experience the diversity of Indonesia.

Every Friday!

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And it happened again. The racial discrimination toward Papuan people. This time, by the Indonesian military officers again. Yet, this one is almost a copy of what happened to George Floyd in America. 

What is it this time? How could this thing happen (again)? Will the people of Papua get justice? Do the lives of Papuans even matter?

Check out more stories about Indonesia at www.theindonesiasaga.com

Video footage from Twitter of Veronica Koman (she's not the first source tho) --> https://twitter.com/VeronicaKoman/status/1420023933936541705

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Are you a fan of Kpop? Ah, Indonesia has lots of them. Passionate and loyal Kpop fans. A study by Twitter in 2020 discovered that Indonesia is among the top 5 Kpop markets in the world.

So, what makes Indonesian Kpop fans unique? And how is their potential for Kpop entertainment?

Check out more stories about Indonesia at www.theindonesiasaga.com

Read a survey of "Who likes BTS?" --> https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2021/05/782_306147.html

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Is he though? Another critic for President Jokowi is satire memes from some university students in Indonesia. All this time, Jokowi merely gives his people false promises. That's likely what it would like to say.

The accusations are not the only issue people are talking about. The aftermath is what is eventful. From Mr. President's comment to the hearing made by the university. One thing that many believe is the deprivation of the students' civil rights. Freedom of expression.

Join Fi to fact-check the accusations and how the students in Indonesia losing their intellectual freedom over time.

Check out more stories about Indonesia at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Happy 494th birthday to Jakarta!

No laugh let alone Jakarta Fair to celebrate. Jakarta is not okay.  What's happening tho? As if Covid-19 is not enough, a pile of homework to do and grief that blankets this heart of Indonesia. This is Jakarta today but will it ever be okay again?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Bali is dying because of the pandemic. It hits the island's economy like never before. Today, saving Bali is the ultimate mission of the Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. That gives birth to the Work From Bali project to encourage digital nomads. 

The pilot project invites a debate in society despite the not-so-good financial situation of the state and the spread of Covid-19 in Indonesia

What is it and how effective will it be to help Bali?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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There is never peace in the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). How ironic that uncovering the truths and catching criminals becomes the enemy of the country. Years after years, many tried to bring KPK down. Yet, the storm gets raging with the revision of UU KPK (corruption law).

People with integrity within KPK brace for a farewell after failing the infamous Tes Wawasan Kebangsaan (TWK). Nothing ever happened coincidentally, right?

What is actually happening in KPK? Is goodbye going to be our sad ending?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Every war is heartbreaking and so is the one between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza strip. The truth is they are not alone, especially Palestine. Indonesia always stands with Palestine. Yesterday, today, and forever.

What do you need to know about the close relationship between Indonesia and Palestine?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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The saga of Indonesia and West Papua entering a new stage. Indonesia officially labeled the West Papua National Liberation Army as a terrorist organization. A new move that is seen to destroy any hope of peaceful resolution for Papuans. What should we expect more to come?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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This episode is dedicated to celebrate the Kartini Day or Indonesian Woman's Day. There are many women issues in Indonesia. A century later after the fight of Kartini, Indonesian women are still strive for woman empowerment and gender equality. Life is never easy for Indonesian women.

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Hey, can you identify an Indonesian? You know there are things that make Indonesians stand out. These characteristics of Indonesian can be observed from their eating habit, fashion, talking manners, to reactions toward everything around them. 

Unreveal the unique personality trait of Indonesian people and my story as an authentic Indonesian of course.

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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#BenciProdukAsing It says hate foreign products. Is Indonesia truly anti-foreign? That may be a million-dollar question.

The campaign to hate foreign products sparks a debate especially in the midst of import plans by some ministries. Not to mention, the entry of many foreign workers to the country despite the travel restrictions due to Covid-19. The infamous Omnibus Law may have a story to tell who is Indonesia for today.

We should solve the mystery box now!

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Ondel-ondel, a traditional folk performance of Betawi is a social problem in the capital of Indonesia today. Loud noises and traffic violations are attached to the identity of ondel-ondel buskers in Jakarta. On a bright note, ondel-ondel buskers help us to preserve the cultural heritage of Betawi.

What will the future hold for ondel-ondel in Jakarta then?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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There's no secret that corruption in Indonesia is a massive thing. Anyone can be a felon, from non-officials to those who occupy the power. Every year Indonesia never surpasses the score of 40 in the world's corruption perceptions index. Does it make Indonesia the world's most corrupt country?

Join Fi to shed some light on corruption in Indonesia. Is it getting worse and will it ever be a free-corruption country?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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How is life in Jakarta? Hard for some people, but fun for others. Jakarta is a city of a thousand names. A flood city, a traffic city, a mall city but not a lost city. Even Jakarta is a stepmother. It is a dynamic city where millions of people depend their life on it. Jakartans never run out of entertainment. Ondel-ondel and silver men entertain the people every day in the streets. Despite all, is Jakarta a city worth to live?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Is Indonesia a democratic country? As a democratic country, the government has a responsibility to provide a law that protects the freedom of expression so that democracy is realized. Yet, what happens if the law itself creates fear instead and detains people to voice out their ideas?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Happy Chinese New Year 2021! What is it like to celebrate the biggest Chinese festival in the country with the largest Muslim population in the world? 32 years of prohibition of Chinese New Year celebration. Social discrimination and living stereotypes still exists for Indonesians of Chinese descendant.

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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No, there's no love during Valentine's day in Indonesia. While some people around the world celebrate love, some Indonesians condemn it and don't hesitate to protest in public. Are the people against romantic love or worse universal love? Who's at disadvantage? 

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Once upon a time, they say Indonesians are friendly. Maybe too friendly so foreigners are like superstars in Indonesia. Foreigners are special because they can boost the pride of many Indonesians. On the other side, they are just the trigger that creates the "White Privilege" phenomenon in Indonesian society. 

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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"Is it safe to travel to Indonesia? Why it has so many earthquakes?"

That's what usually many foreigners are concerned about. Yes, Indonesia has a very close relationship with natural disasters. Name it earthquake, volcanic eruption, floods, or even tornadoes. Is Indonesia cursed? Who knows but there's a reliable scientific explanation to that. So, how do people live in a country that is very prone to natural disasters?

Check out more stories about Indonesia from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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How does it feel to be an Indonesian? There are many things that I love about Indonesia, but sometimes it is also so hard to be an Indonesian. It has its perks to living in a tropical country. Living in a multicultural society also adds complexity to my life and freedom always has a limit in Indonesian society. It's hard to be Indonesian and not easily trusted and misjudged by the international world. This is my definition of being an Indonesian. Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Happy New year! It's 2021 already! Time flies by and what do you recall from 2020. It was indeed not a pretty one but it makes us a stronger person than we've ever been. Indonesia also has some remarkable stories: Covid-19, terrorism attack, opposition becomes minister, corruption cases, the dissolution of long-time radical organization. Not all stories are bitter. Joy came thought only for a few moments like the vaccine arrival.

I invite you to rewind 2020 which was a one hell rollercoaster ride for Indonesia. What is waiting for Indonesia in 2021?

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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The issue of West Papua never ceased. What do you know about this part of Papua Island? West Papua of Indonesia has two important subjects, self-independence, and human rights violations. If West Papua really belongs to Indonesia, why bother seeking self-independence. And how come there can be human rights violations?

Let's trace back the history to explore the relationship between these two then maybe we can have some helpful insights for this.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Indonesia may have the largest Muslim population but that does not make it an Islamic country. Since the reformation, Islamic groups appeared and dare to challenge the democracy. Their goal is not merely the fight for religion but a political ones. Find out how these hardliners influence the society and the political sphere of Indonesia.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Bali has a rival. Too often that it is compared with its neighboring island, West Nusa Tenggara where Lombok is located. Lombok Island is one of the New Bali that is being campaigned by the Indonesian government. The beauty of Lombok is just as remarkable as Bali yet it is also unique because of its Muslim community. Here, you can have a tropical paradise that is more pristine and less traffic.

Listen to why you should add Lombok to your bucket list and what can you do to make your best travel.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Even in a democratic country like Indonesia, censorship is inevitable. From film, television, to internet. Yet, many consider censorships in Indonesia are proof of moral crisis. At one point, people are limited to freedom of expression while on the other side they are not given a chance to have discussion and cultivate lessons. A moral crisis and a threat to democracy. How does censorship take place in Indonesian society?

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Yes, Bali is a part of Indonesia! One of the world's best islands you should visit in your life. "Best" is perfectly suited for Bali not just because of its natural beauty, but also the people and the culture. On the other side, this pride of Indonesia also had darkest times and facing great challenges ahead. Before you set foot in this Island of Gods, listen to its stories. 

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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There are some things that you can' talk about freely in social life. In Indonesia, that's sex. Discover what Indonesians think about sex and how does it fit in everyday's life.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Despite social problems happening in the capital, Jakarta has so many things to offer to tourists. Get your travel guide here and discover the best of Jakarta!

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Visiting Indonesia won't be complete without going to Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. It has been more than 400 years that Jakarta was born and today it has transformed into world's mega cities. 11 millions people from different cultures inhabit the city and create a dynamic capital city of Indonesia. Listen to sensational facts about this heart of Indonesia.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Indonesia is dominated by muslim population. So a stigma of conservative society is formed. Not to mention the image of Islam in the international world very much influence the image of Indonesia. However, is it true that Indonesians are conservative? Is it true that it's a terrorist's nest and not a safe place to travel?

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Due to lack coverage of Indonesia, not many people know about its power, notably economy. The fact is Indonesia obtained some economic achievements not only domestically but also internationally. The power of this emerging country can no longer be underestimated.

Check out more stories about Indonesian from me at www.theindonesiasaga.com

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Indonesia may be so foreign for some people, mostly non-Asians. It is very strange so people often acknowledge Bali but not Indonesia. Very little coverage about the country affects its reputation that sometimes is not so good. What people do not know is that in fact, this thing called Indonesia treasure numerous interesting facts. So, is Indonesia a country?

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While you know Indonesia from local media, the internet, or your friends, why don't you explore it from the voice of an Indonesian? How do you know if what you hear is actually real? Here we are opening you a window to take a peek inside Indonesia.