Sometime last year, I wrote a series of short pandemic narratives in English. Then they were translated into Indonesian, to be recited as part of the Virtual Concert (of Indonesian community) "Senandung Merdeka". In this 3 minutes video, I weaved these narratives into one continuous pandemic narration titled "When It Is Over"--in Indonesian with English … Continue reading #Pandemic: Ketika Semua ini Berlalu /When it is Over
Category: Random
A SOLITARY WALK
I walk following a particular route in my neighbourhood three times a week. Passing small streets and rows of houses. Making the same turn on the corner of a small neighbourhood park. Crossing the road at the same intersection. Walking over the same bridge and climbing the same hill. Over and over again. I have … Continue reading A SOLITARY WALK
#ThisLittleGirlIsMe
(terjemahan dalam bahasa Indonesia di bawah) I was truly in doubt whether to post this or not, but eventually I promised my students that I'd do it. This was originally written in response to Inspiring Girls International's invitation to participate in #ThisLittleGirlIsMe campaign. Also to mark the International Day of the Girl Child on October … Continue reading #ThisLittleGirlIsMe
THE REFLECTION BRIDGE
Ponte Vecchio, Firenze (Italy) - September 2001. I sketched this 20 years ago (and decided to colour it 19 weeks ago). Once upon a time on the bridge of Vecchio ... I took this Italy trip after the Dutch police called me that I needed to leave the country by early October or otherwise I’d … Continue reading THE REFLECTION BRIDGE
It’s been twenty years …
20 April 2001 - 20 April 2021 Two decades ago, I packed my bag and took a trip to a faraway place, leaving Dayeuhkolot, a place where I grew up, my family and friends behind. What began as a 4-months excursion had turned into an exquisite journey of life. Two decades is such a long … Continue reading It’s been twenty years …
The Evolution of Intellectual Freedom
I'm presenting "The Evolution of Merlyna's a Critical Monkey's Intellectual Freedom" (bottom) . It was part of my last public lecture which basically attempted to provide an alternative imagination of possible career/life pathways. It's my take vis-a-vis a (valid) critic of the state of intellectual freedom in academia by a brilliant Jorge Cham/PhD comic in … Continue reading The Evolution of Intellectual Freedom
It was an overwhelmingly sweet memory
“Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, abiding air of earned grace, it was this, the lack of a smell, that most appealed to her ... She liked taking deep breaths … Continue reading It was an overwhelmingly sweet memory
“Good person award”
Early this month, I called my mother on her birthday. After wishing her well and chit-chatting about this and that, I told her about a recent award I just got. Unlike many previous research accolades I was awarded which were too "abstract" for her, she was actually truly interested in this one. She said, "Oh, … Continue reading “Good person award”
Dayeuhkolot and me
Standing in front of the mirror of my parents’ cabinet, I’m seeing the shadow of myself. I am definitely much older. It’s been seventeen years since I left this house for good. Now I am a different person with my own life, different than and separated from the life I had in this house. The … Continue reading Dayeuhkolot and me
Being Lim
After standing in line for hours, it was finally my turn. I was one of thousands of high schoolers who were queuing to register for the national entrance examination for public universities. I wished to be admitted in the best technical university in Indonesia. My very smart eldest brother, who applied to the same university … Continue reading Being Lim