Perpetual-peace - Pax Vobiscum, Peace Be With You

Night at the library.

Jakarta citizens have to be very grateful for the amount of effort its government put into building a cool and comfortable reading space in the entire city. One of it is the infamous Perpustakaan Cikini and PDS H.B. Jassin which are heaven for those who craving for Rp 0 place to read!

Saturday's study log and reflections.

Jakarta on that Saturday was quite solemn, despite the news that has broken so many people's hearts. People—from high school students to middle- and lower-class workers, individuals to organizations and political parties—took to the streets (specifically in front of the House of Representatives at Senayan and the KPU - General Elections Commission - at Menteng) to protest recent political events that felt like violations of Indonesia's fundamental laws. The protests began on August 22, 2024, and continued on August 23 and August 24, although the last two days weren't as massive as the first.

As someone who studies Human Rights and a small portion of international law, what these masses of people did in Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia is solid evidence of how people in this country still love democracy and want it to remain the government's solemn system. The protests they voiced (and will keep voicing until their goals are accomplished) help to restore the checks and balances that the government of Indonesia seems to have forgotten, as they have become drunk with power.

Many protesters were hurt, and some even lost their eyes. It's heartbreaking that the cost of democracy is the blood of its own people who need it the most.

This massive event reflects what I've been studying these past two months in my EDX course: Human Rights, Human Wrong. I've learned how a government can be both the protector and the abuser of its own people. What happened in Indonesia is a clear example. This realization has deepened my understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain a just society and the courage needed to stand up against injustice.

I may not take part in the protest directly, but let me do my part by sharing the stories of people who came back home safely and how they cried about their friends' brutal abductions by police. Let me share the screams for justice of people who are moving en masse to regain the utmost power of democracy. Their courage and determination inspire me to use my voice to amplify their cause, ensuring that their struggles are not forgotten.

Let the government realize how easily they can gain power, and how easily it can slip away from their hands. Democracy is not just a system but a living, breathing entity that requires constant vigilance and care from both the governed and those who govern.

Therefore, do not hesitate to make a mistake and continue searching until you find the right person.

k.b. // human design analysis

𝕳𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖞 𝖂𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗

The Beloved.

It's always been you, these days. The brittle heart of mine can only fit you in there without breaking to pieces. The happiness you infused into my veins, making my whole body throbbing feverishly. Hence, it's your presence alone that can calm me down from the adrenaline rush, just like a pill Xanax.

I am aware of the tenuous string we both trying to hold on, but it wouldn't be a sin to wish that this string can last for a longer time, so that we don't have to say goodbye to each other.

October 24th 2024

Reading with Cats

@ Habitat Park, South Jakarta

𝔯𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔶 𝔠𝔦𝔱𝔶 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤 🌧️🏙️☕️🚕

it’s so painful to watch yourself grow cold, bitter, and resentful, even toward small, irrelevant things, when all you’ve ever wanted was just to be warm, gentle, kind, and loving.

1980's edition of Bumi Manusia and Anak Semua Bangsa by Pramoedya Ananta Toer.

July's Bookmail.