That Forgotten Historic Gem is Called Kampung Arab

by Tasa Nugraza Barley As a center of commerce and politics for hundreds of years, Jakarta has attracted a wide range of people from across the globe. A testament to the global draw of the city is the historic Kampung Arab, or Arab Village, in Pekojan, West Jakarta. A completely forgotten place in the current […]

Menghargai Kebesaran Jiwa Dua Tokoh Bangsa

by Tasa Nugraza Barley Momen yang ditunggu-tunggu itu akhirnya datang juga. Dua tokoh politik paling disorot di negeri ini akhirnya bertemu, usai keduanya melewati pertarungan politik paling fenomenal yang pernah disaksikan oleh negara demokrasi ketiga terbesar di dunia. Pertemuan ini secara otomatis melunturkan keraguan banyak pihak yang mempertanyakan sifat kenegarawan dari keduanya. Pada Jumat pagi […]

One of Indonesia’s Most Important Museums: National Museum

by Tasa Nugraza Barley There’s an old saying in Indonesia that a big nation is one that appreciates its history. Through history, people can learn about their cultural origins and their national identity. However, museums — the traditional storehouses of items from the past that help people understand the developments that shaped their society — […]

Memahami UU Pilkada: Bukan Akhir Demokrasi Kita

by Tasa Nugraza Barley Masyarakat Indonesia tersentak. Ketika sebagian besar masyarakat Indonesia terlelap dalam tidurnya, para anggota DPR periode 2009-2014, yang masa jabatannya akan berakhir dalam hitungan hari, berhasil mengesahkan RUU Pilkada yang kontroversial. Di pagi harinya, kekecewaan dari berbagai kalangan ramai menghiasi media sosial, terutama dari mereka yang menolak dicabutnya hak masyarakat untuk secara […]

One of Bali’s Best Kept Secrets

by Tasa Nugraza Barley Many say Bali has everything a tourist could ever want — beautiful scenery, exotic culture and plenty of sunshine — but those coming to Indonesia’s most famous island for a peaceful getaway may find themselves disappointed. Finding a quiet place on the Island of the Gods is not an easy task. […]

Tiga Prestasi yang Terlupakan

by Tasa Nugraza Barley Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) harus menerima kenyataan pahit bahwa di tahun-tahun terakhirnya sebagai presiden ia terus-menerus menjadi target bulan-bulanan publik, terutama di media sosial. Bahkan hingga ujung usia masa kepemimpinannya yang kedua, yang tinggal menghitung hari, cemoohan itu sepertinya tidak berhenti juga. Di mata para pengkritiknya, sosok SBY adalah seorang […]

The Unavoidable Machiavellianism in Indonesia’s Politics

Niccolo Machiavelli was a politician, diplomat and historian during Italy’s glorious cultural era known as the Renaissance. He was one of the founders of modern political science, whose works have helped shape today’s politics. For centuries, his thoughts and theories have been widely discussed and used by the world’s greatest leaders and politicians. Indonesia is […]

The Three Things About Indonesia You’ve Already Known

by Tasa Nugraza Barley The rain poured heavy, as predicted. The clouds had turned the sky black during the afternoon, clogging off the sun from shining. Although it lasted only for a moment, but the brutal rain managed to create chaos on the roads. I looked below through the office window and I found cars […]

17 Agustus 2045

  Makassar, 15 Agustus 2045 “Tinggi juga gedung ini” pikir saya. Meski Archipelagic Tower ini bukan gedung tertinggi di Makassar, tapi tetap saja lift ini membawaku naik ke lantai 64 cukup lama. Archipelagic Tower adalah gedung tertinggi ke 3 di Makassar dengan total 70 lantai, dan baru saja diresmikan 2 bulan lalu. Gedung tertinggi di […]

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