Tag : Wisata Kuliner - Asep Haryono | Trying Indonesia’s MRE - Powered by Blogger

After a long wait, I finally got the opportunity to review what I like to call “war food” the Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) used by our Indonesian National Army (TNI). Around the world, MREs are known for their long shelf life and practicality, and almost every country with a standing army produces its own version of these meals. Indonesia is no exception

What Is MRE? An MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) is a self-contained, individual field ration used by the military when traditional food service facilities are not available especially during combat or field training. It includes an entrée, side dish, dessert, snacks, drink mix, utensils, and sometimes even a flameless heater.

The United States was the first country to develop and use MREs as standard combat rations, starting in 1981. The idea spread globally, and now nearly every modern military uses its own version of MREs..

READY TO EAT: This is an MRE can belonging to a member of the Indonesian National Police. The Grilled Fish Rice variant, after being heated by boiling, is much safer than heating it over an open flame.Photo by Asep Haryono

SMALL: This is an MRE can belonging to a member of the Indonesian National Police. The Grilled Fish Rice variant is shown here in my hand. It weighs 300 grams.
Photo by Asep Haryono

 The TNI, a source of national pride, also produces its own MREs with a variety of types and flavors. One of the most well-known versions is the MRE with the T2SP code. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with the different variants, but the T2SP is perhaps the most iconic.

This is T2SP type with complete contents inside the box.  .
There many different MRE types here

So, what does the TNI's T2SP MRE contain?

It typically comes with:

• Three cans of rice-based meals, each with different flavors like Green Chili Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam Cabe Hijau), Grilled Fish Rice, and others.
• Enertab, an energy tablet that looks like a biscuit.
• Enertan, a fruit-flavored powdered drink.
• Milk powder.
• A spoon and other eating utensils.
• And interestingly, a compact paraffin stove , a small, multi-purpose tool for heating food practically in the field.

This ready-to-eat meal package is specifically designed for soldiers on duty in extreme field conditions providing not only nourishment but also energy and comfort in a practical, portable format. It’s truly fascinating how much thought goes into every component of these MREs, ensuring our troops are fueled and ready no matter where they are.


The MRE Review Experience: Grilled Fish Rice from the Police Ration (MTP-1)
The opportunity to review an MRE finally arrived on August 3, 2025. I received one can of food labeled MTP (Polri Supplementary Food) a Grilled Fish Rice meal from one of my neighbors,  H.Fahmi, retired member of the West Kalimantan Regional Police. For privacy and security r\easons, I will keep their name and address confidential.

At first, I was very excited because I thought I would finally get my hands on a T2SP MRE from the Indonesian National Army (TNI), something I had dreamed of for a long time. I had seen so many video reviews of this legendary "war food" that I became very curious and eager to try one myself.

But reality turned out differently from my expectations instead of the TNI’s T2SP, I received one can of Grilled Fish Rice bearing the POLRI (Police) logo. Was I disappointed? A little. But honestly, it was still delicious

It turns out, this was actually a Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) product from the Indonesian National Police. I already knew that the police had their own rations back when I was still in college in the 1990s. And sure enough, the Grilled Fish Rice can I received was clearly labeled with the POLRI logo.

At a glance, the physical appearance of this Grilled Fish Rice MTP-1 can is almost identical to the TNI’s T2SP version. The can even comes with its own opener, so you don’t need a separate tool like when opening a sardine can. Very practical


So, How Does It Taste?
In short it’s pretty good! The sample I received, labeled MTP-1, came with instructions recommending that the food be heated before eating, and advising not to consume it if you notice anything unusual. (Okay, that part sounds a little scary, right?)

As for the flavor of the Grilled Fish Rice, it was enjoyable. You can definitely taste the grilled fish, and there are visible chunks of it at the bottom of the can. Tasty and satisfying

To serve it properly, I heated the can by boiling it in water a much safer option than using fire or a paraffin stove. The meal wasn’t spicy at all, though, which was a bit disappointing for someone like me who loves hot and spicy food. So, I had to prepare my own sambal or extra chili on the side. That’s the trick.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : curahanhati, Keseharian - Asep Haryono | Forest Honey: I Started My very first online business - Powered by Blogger

Starting something from scratch is never easy but that’s exactly what I’m doing. With nothing but an idea and a bit of courage, I’ve decided to start my own online business. The first product I’m focusing on? Forest honey.

Why forest honey? Well, it’s not only natural and delicious, but it’s also great for health and cooking. Even though many people are already selling the same product, I believe I can make mine different not by changing the honey itself, but through my service.

I want to build my reputation on being fast, responsive, and helpful. If a customer places an order, I’ll deliver it as soon as I can. I want them to feel special, like they’re getting something more than just honey they’re getting care, trust, and great service.

Right now, I’m working in partnership with a friend who owns the production he has the labels, the packaging system, and the product itself. His name is Eddy Setiawan. He was alumni of Gadjah Mada University in Jogjakarta. His other core business was sending Kratom to international customers

Forst Honey of Kalimantan

I’m working as a reseller or dropshipper at first until One day he offered me to stock the product of forest honey at my house so that I can focus on finding new way of promoting and getting customers for the product. The commission he offered was competitive and interesting. Ok I am down

Wow. Its cool. For me, it’s a big step.

My short-term plan is to promote the honey in my own neighborhood first. Real connections, face-to-face offers, and even casual chats with neighbors can go a long way. Once the stock is in my hands, I’ll start delivering it locally while also promoting through social media Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, maybe even TikTok. I am not really good at the TikTok by the way

Of course, my dreams don’t stop there. If this small effort works, I hope to expand to different cities, islands, and maybe even internationally. But for now, I’m focusing on one thing at a time. And while I do have access to other potential products like kratom, lempok durian, and crispy crackers I’ve decided to focus only on honey for now. One step at a time.

Ready to send to customers with cute packaging

Kalimantan Forest Honey 0.5 kg packaging

Kalimantan Forest Honey Packaged 1 kg

Wild Honey Packaging READY to Ship

1 US Dollar =

16.355 Indonesian Rupiah

Last updated · August 6th,  at 9:00 PM UTC

To support this business, I’ve already designed banners, brochures, and leaflets. I plan to combine ground promotion with digital marketing, because I believe both are powerful. A standing banner near my home, flyers for neighbors, and business cards are just as important as an Instagram post or WhatsApp story. It’s all about showing people I’m here, I’m ready, and I’m serious.

Yes, I still have a lot to learn marketing systems, advanced strategies, and maybe even creating my own brand in the future. But I’m not in a rush. Every big journey starts with a single step. This is mine.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : entertainment - Asep Haryono | Remembering Tommy Page. Before he died, He Used To Meet his fans in Indonesia in 2013 - Powered by Blogger

 If you grew up in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, you probably know the name Tommy Page. He was the guy with the soft voice, sweet smile, and touching love songs that made many people feel special. For a lot of fans, his song “A Shoulder To Cry On” was the background music of their teenage years. But Tommy Page was more than just a singer he was a kind soul, a music lover, and a person with a deep connection to his fans, especially in Indonesia.

Who Was Tommy Page?

Tommy Page was born on May 24, 1970, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA. His full name was Thomas Alden Page. He started singing in clubs in New York when he was still very young, and it didn’t take long before he got noticed. He became famous after releasing “I’ll Be Your Everything” in 1990, a song he co-wrote with members of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB). That song reached number 1 on the Billboard chart!

Some people thought he was part of NKOTB, but that’s not true. He worked closely with them and even opened for their concerts, but he was always a solo singer.

A Star With A Big Heart
Tommy wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He had other beautiful songs like “A Shoulder to Cry On”, “Paintings in My Mind”, and “When I Dream of You”. His songs were soft, romantic, and full of emotions and fans loved him for that.

What made Tommy extra special was his connection to fans. He wasn’t a superstar with a big ego. He stayed humble and often met his fans in person. In fact, he said many times that Indonesia was like his second home.

A memorable moment was when the singer of A Shoulder to Cry On, Tommy Page, was warmly welcomed at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, November 13th, 2013, at 14:00 WIB. His concert in Indonesia was clearly something his fans had been eagerly waiting for.

All photos taken from BeritaSatu Youtube Channel

His Visits to Indonesia
Tommy visited Indonesia many times, even before he became super famous. He said he had been to the country about 20 times in the early 1990s! Later, in 2013, he returned for a special concert in Jakarta and Surabaya. Fans were thrilled! He also did meet-and-greet events in 2015 and performed again in Solo and Jakarta in 2016. He always said Indonesian fans were loyal and respectful.

"Some well-known international singers (other than Tommy Page) who came to Indonesia and left unforgettable memories include Selena Gomez (2016), Katy Perry (2012), Shawn Mendes (2019), Ed Sheeran (2024), Coldplay (2023), and Lenka Kripac the singer of “Trouble Is a Friend” who visited in 2009, 2011, and 2013.

And of course, Tommy Page will always have a special place in the hearts of Indonesian fans. But as this list shows, many international artists have also felt the love and warmth of performing here". 

His Personal Life
Tommy Page was openly gay and lived a happy life with his partner, Charlie, and their three children. He was proud of his family and often shared how much he loved them. Later in life, he worked behind the scenes in the music industry, helping young artists and even becoming a music executive at Billboard and Pandora.

His Sad Goodbye
On March 3, 2017, Tommy Page passed away at the age of 46. His death was ruled as suicide, and it was reported that he had been dealing with depression. His passing shocked many people around the world, especially his fans in Asia.

Even though he is no longer with us, Tommy Page’s voice and music still live on. His songs continue to comfort, inspire, and bring back sweet memories. He may be gone, but he will always be remembered not just as a singer, but as a gentle soul who touched many hearts.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Indonesia, Keseharian - Asep Haryono | TAMPOMAS II. Indonesia’s Own “Titanic” Tragedy - Powered by Blogger

KMP Tampomas II was a passenger ship owned by Pelni (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia), which is remembered for the tragic disaster known as the Tampomas Tragedy of 1981. The vessel caught fire and sank near the Masalembo Islands, located at 114°25′60″E — 5°30′0″S in the Java Sea (administratively part of East Java Province). “KMP” stands for Kapal Motor Penumpang (Motor Passenger Ship).

Under the command of Captain Abdul Rivai, the ship was en route from Jakarta to Sulawesi when it sank on January 27, 1981, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of passengers.

Tampomas II departed from Tanjung Priok Port on Saturday, January 24, 1981, at 7:00 PM local time, heading for Ujungpandang (now Makassar). The journey was expected to take around two days and two nights, with arrival estimated on Monday, January 26 at 10:00 AM. According to a ship guide, one of the engines had already experienced problems before departure.

The vessel carried dozens of motor vehicles, including a SAKAI milling machine and Vespa scooters, all loaded in the car deck. The ship's manifest recorded 191 cars and 200 motorcycles onboard. It was carrying 1,055 registered passengers and 82 crew members, but the total number onboard is estimated to be 1,442, including unregistered passengers (stowaways).

On the night of January 24, all was calm, with nothing unusual except for the beautiful sunset and the serene Java Sea. However, January waves are known to be rougher than in other months—waves reached 7–10 meters, with wind speeds up to 15 knots being quite common.

A live entertainment show was scheduled on the ship’s bar, featuring singer Ida Farida from the onboard band. An ominous moment occurred when a person named Ferry sang a farewell song, and he was never seen again after that.

The tragedy of the sinking of the Tampomas II Ship is one of the most heartbreaking maritime disasters in Indonesian history. This incident occurred on January 27, 1981 in the waters of Masalembo, East Java.  Photo taken from Teluk Bone Youtube channel

How It Happened
On January 25, the day passed without incident. But that night, at around 8:00 PM (Central Indonesia Time), in the midst of a violent sea storm, a fuel leak occurred in the engine room, and a cigarette butt reportedly thrown through a vent caused a spark and fire.

The crew attempted to extinguish the flames with portable extinguishers but failed. The fire quickly spread into the engine compartment through an open deck door. The main engine shut down for 2 hours, the emergency generator failed, and firefighting efforts were abandoned due to worsening conditions.

Fuel inside the vehicles made the fire spread even faster, engulfing the decks in flames. Thirty minutes after the fire started, passengers were ordered to move to the upper deck and board the lifeboats. But evacuation was slow due to the only one access point to the upper deck. Once there, passengers found no guidance from crew members on where the lifeboats were. Some crew selfishly launched lifeboats only for themselves. Of the six lifeboats, each could only carry 50 people. In panic, some passengers jumped into the sea, while others waited in confusion and fear.

News of the Sinking of KMP Tampomas II.The KMP Tampomas II was a Pelni passenger ship that caught fire and sank near the Masalembo Islands in the Java Sea on January 27, 1981.

Source: SIB, January 28, 1981.
Salemba Rare Newspaper Collection – National Library of Indonesia (SKALA-Team)

Abdul Rivai, Captain of the Tampomas II Who Died Because of His Loyalty to DutyAbdul Rivai, Captain of the Tampomas II Who Died Because of His Loyalty to Duty
Photo from BOOMBASTIS Website

" The heroic story of Abdul Rivai, captain of the KM Tampomas II, is one of dedication and self-sacrifice as the ship caught fire and sank in the waters off Masalembo in 1981.
Despite the ship listing and beginning to sink, he prioritized the safety of his passengers, distributing life jackets and ensuring their evacuation before the ship sank with him".

The first ship to respond was KM Sangihe, captained by Agus K. Sumirat, a classmate of Captain Abdul Rivai at the Indonesian Maritime Academy (class of 1959). KM Sangihe was en route from Pare-Pare to Surabaya for engine repairs. First Mate J. Bilalu of KM Sangihe spotted the smoke and initially thought it came from an offshore Pertamina oil well. Radio operator Abubakar sent out a SOS Morse code at 8:15 AM.

Other ships, including KM Ilmamui, tanker Istana VI, KM Adhiguna Karunia, and KM Sengata (PT Porodisa Lines), later joined the rescue operation.

On January 26, heavy rain hit the Java Sea. Fire spread to the engine room, which still held unisolated fuel, causing an explosion the next morning on January 27. The explosion flooded the engine, propeller, and generator rooms, causing the ship to list 45 degrees.

Finally, at 12:45 PM (WIB) or 1:45 PM (WITA) on January 27, 1981, around 30 hours after the fire first started—KMP Tampomas II sank into the depths of the Java Sea, taking with it 288 passengers trapped on the lower deck. Captain Abdul Rivai was among the last to leave the ship. Before abandoning the vessel, he sent a final message to KM Sangihe: “Please send me water and food because I will remain with the ship until the very end.” The message was relayed by a surviving crew member, Bakaila, but unfortunately, Captain Sumirat could not fulfill the request.

Casualties and Rescue
The ship officially carried 2,174 passengers and 107 crew, but the estimated total including stowaways was around 2,812 people. One source estimated there were about 307 unregistered passengers. Rescue teams believe 1,217 people perished, including 612 bodies recovered and 411 declared missing, while 703 survived.

Tanker Istana VI rescued 144 people and recovered 4 bodies, KM Sengata rescued 169 people and 2 bodies, and KM Sonne retrieved 29 bodies, including that of Captain Abdul Rivai. Radio operator Odang Kusdinar survived and was found along with 62 others in a lifeboat near Duang-Duang Besar Island, about 240 km east of the sinking site, on Friday, January 30, 1981, at 5:00 AM.

Investigation
Minister of Transportation Roesmin Nurjadin announced that no abnormality was found in the engine room. Instead, the fire likely began in the vehicle deck, particularly among the motorcycles at the rear. Strong ocean waves may have triggered the fuel leaks and fire.

Third engineer Wishardi Hamzah admitted the ship had no smoke detection system. The investigation, led by prosecutor Bob Rusli Efendi Nasution, yielded little. All blame was directed at the ship's crew. Many suspected a government cover-up, despite numerous voices from parliament demanding a thorough and transparent investigation. (This article from many resources).

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Indonesia - Asep Haryono | Indonesia Celebrates Its 80th Independence Day on August 18, 2025 - Powered by Blogger

Before you read this article, did you notice a new banner on my blog today? The one with a red and white background  a reflection of how happy I am as an Indonesian. Yes, that's what I mean! I’m so excited that my country, the Republic of Indonesia, will celebrate its 80th Anniversary of Independence. This is our joyful 80th August celebration!

At the national level, the Commemoration Ceremony of the Moments of the Proclamation of the Independence of the Indonesian Nation and the Hoisting of the Red and White Flag at the national/central level is held at the Merdeka Palace, led by the President of the Republic of Indonesia as the Inspector of the Ceremony. Photo from Mavink

Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration on August 17, 2025, is set to be filled with cultural performances showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the nation from Sabang to Merauke. These events highlight the revival and preservation of Indonesia’s cultural legacy.

Indonesia’s Independence Day is a national holiday that commemorates the country’s declaration of independence on August 17, 1945. Every year on this date, Indonesians come together to celebrate their freedom with flag ceremonies and various fun competitions like tug-of-war, greased pole climbing, marble races, sack races, and many others.

A day before the official celebration, the President of Indonesia delivers a national address at the Parliament Complex to mark the occasion.


Flag Raising is a Must
According to Indonesian Law No. 24 of 2009 about the National Flag, Language, Emblem, and Anthem, Article 7 Paragraph 3 states that every citizen who owns or uses a house, office, school, public or private transportation within Indonesia, as well as Indonesian embassies abroad, must raise the red and white flag on August 17.

During August, the people of the Republic of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke are required to display the national flag in front of their homes. This tradition is also followed by both government and private sectors across the country. It is a simple yet powerful expression of how proud we are as Indonesians to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of our Independence Day

Today, the government also encourages everyone to fly the flag throughout the entire month of August from the 1st to the 31st to honor Independence Day. Besides flying the red-and-white flag, people also decorate streets, villages, cities, and provinces with red-and-white banners and ornaments. This red-and-white theme represents our national colors and shows our love for the country during this special time.

At the national level, the official Independence Day ceremony takes place at the State Palace in Jakarta, led by the President of Indonesia, who currently is Prabowo Subiakto, serving as the ceremonial leader.


Festive Activities that Boost National Spirit
August 17 traditions in various parts of Indonesia reflect our cultural diversity and strengthen our shared identity. Some popular activities include: • Flag-raising ceremonies that honor patriotism • Traditional games like greased pole climbing, sack races, tug-of-war, and the ever-popular cracker-eating contest • Community clean-up events and group activities (gotong royong) • Cultural performances celebrating Indonesia’s local traditions and unity in diversity

The cracker-eating contest for children is one of the most popular competitions held by people all across Indonesia to celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. Besides enjoying the fun and getting full, children also have the chance to win exciting prizes and gifts.Photo from Tribun Style

These activities not only bring joy but also strengthen the sense of unity and social connection among people of all ages and backgrounds. The games and teamwork teach values like togetherness and healthy competition while passing on the love for our country to younger generations.

Youth play a key role in keeping the spirit of nationalism alive. By joining in on the ceremonies and competitions, they learn about the nation’s struggle for independence and develop a deeper appreciation for it. Independence Day is also a great chance for young people to grow a sense of social responsibility and love for their homeland.

Core values like unity, teamwork, and hard work highlighted in these annual celebrationsare vital to building a strong and patriotic national character. That’s why families, schools, and communities all have an important role to play in guiding and inspiring young people to keep that national spirit burning bright

Happy 80th of  August

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Keseharian, Opinion - Asep Haryono | Apakah Yahudi dan Zionisme Itu Sama? - Powered by Blogger

Apakah Yahudi dan Zionisme Itu Sama? Banyak orang sering menyamakan Yahudi dengan Zionisme, apalagi saat membahas konflik Israel dan Palestina. Tapi sebenarnya, keduanya sangat berbeda. Memahami perbedaan ini penting banget agar kita nggak salah kaprah.

Bendera Israel dan Amerika berdampingan

Yahudi adalah agama. Sudah ada sejak ribuan tahun lalu, penuh dengan nilai-nilai spiritual dan budaya. Umat Yahudi tinggal di berbagai penjuru dunia, bukan cuma di Israel. Mereka menjalankan ibadahnya, merayakan tradisinya, dan berasal dari latar belakang yang sangat beragam. Kamu bisa saja Yahudi dan tinggal di Amerika, Prancis, bahkan Indonesia. Sama seperti agama lain.

Zionisme adalah gerakan politik. Dimulai akhir abad ke-19, tujuannya untuk membentuk negara bagi orang Yahudi. Setelah Perang Dunia II, tujuan itu tercapai dengan berdirinya negara Israel tahun 1948. Banyak orang Yahudi mendukung Zionisme, tapi banyak juga yang tidak. Bahkan, ada orang non-Yahudi yang mendukung Zionisme karena alasan politik atau agama.

Nah, yang sering jadi masalah adalah saat pemerintah Israel melakukan tindakan-tindakan keras terhadap Palestina seperti perluasan pemukiman, pendudukan wilayah, atau serangan militer orang jadi menyalahkan semua orang Yahudi. Padahal, itu salah besar.

Mengkritik pemerintah bukan berarti membenci agama atau etnis tertentu.
Banyak orang Yahudi di seluruh dunia yang juga menentang kebijakan Israel, bahkan sangat vokal menyuarakannya. Beberapa kelompok Yahudi yang anti-Zionisme antara lain:

• Jewish Voice for Peace

• Neturei Karta (komunitas Yahudi Ortodoks yang menolak negara Israel)

• Breaking the Silence (mantan tentara Israel yang bicara soal kekerasan yang mereka saksikan)

Jadi, yuk kita luruskan: jadi orang Yahudi tidak berarti otomatis mendukung Zionisme. Dan menolak Zionisme bukan berarti antisemit. Ini dua hal yang berbeda. Kita harus bisa membahas ini dengan hati-hati dan penuh empati karena ini menyangkut nyawa dan keadilan.

Kesimpulannya
Jangan menilai seluruh agama hanya karena tindakan pemerintah. Mari kita jadi masyarakat yang cerdas dan berhati lembut. Kalau kita mau perdamaian, kita harus mau saling memahami, bukan saling menyudutkan.

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Audio Message

 

Tag : Opinion - Asep Haryono | Why Don't American Leaders See the Horrible Things That Settlers and the IDF Do? - Powered by Blogger

Have you ever found yourself watching the news or scrolling through social media and asking, “Why don’t American leaders say something about what’s happening in Palestine?” Honestly, you're not alone.

Many of us around the world are wondering the same thing especially when we see videos of settlers attacking families, homes being bulldozed, or children being detained by the Israeli military (IDF). The silence from powerful voices, especially from American politicians, can be both confusing and frustrating.

So what’s really going on here?

Why the silence?

Let’s start with something simple: they do see it. It’s not like they don’t know. U.S. officials have access to intelligence reports, international news, and diplomatic briefings. The problem is not ignorance, it’s politics.

America and Israel have been strong allies for decades. The U.S. provides around $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel every year, making it one of the largest recipients of American foreign assistance. To many leaders in Washington, this relationship is seen as "strategic." They see Israel as their key partner in the Middle East, a region that’s full of instability and tension.

The flag of the US and Israel stand side by side

But here's the catch: if a U.S. politician dares to criticize Israel too strongly, even when it’s about serious human rights abuses, they risk being labeled as “anti-Semitic” or “anti-Israel”, even when the criticism is aimed at government policies, not Jewish people. This creates a chilling effect. Most mainstream politicians, especially the older generation, choose to stay quiet rather than stir up controversy.

"Another big factor is lobbying. Groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) spend millions every year influencing U.S. politicians.

They have a lot of power in Washington. If a candidate speaks out against Israel’s actions, they might lose campaign funding or face attacks during elections. Some politicians just don’t want to deal with that drama ".


And then there’s the media. A lot of major U.S. news outlets often frame the story from a pro-Israel angle. They’ll highlight rockets fired into Israel, but they won’t show much about how Palestinian families live under military occupation, how settlers take over land, or how the IDF responds to protests. This skewed coverage makes it easier for politicians to avoid the topic altogether.

To be fair, some brave leaders are speaking up. Politicians like Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have called out the injustices. But every time they do, they face a huge backlash not just politically, but personally too.

In the end, it's not that they don’t see. It’s that many choose not to act. Whether it’s fear of losing votes, campaign money, or political power, their silence comes at a very high cost for the people living under occupation. So what can we do? Keep asking questions. Keep sharing the truth. Because the more people know, the harder it is to ignore. Trust me

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Keseharian, Opinion - Asep Haryono | "Why Is There Islamophobia in Western Culture" By Jasminsbreakfast - Powered by Blogger

I recently received a few notifications containing responses to my article published on the online media platform titled “Why Is There Islamophobia in Western Culture?” which I posted a week ago. One of the comments came from a female writer who goes by the name “jasminsbreakfast.”

She shared her thoughts in the comment section under the article. I’ve copied and pasted her response below for your reference. Please note that the following article was written entirely by her, and we should, of course, show her the respect she deserves.

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Why Is There Islamophobia in Western Culture
By Jasminsbreakfast


It is actually based on direct interactions with muslims and immigrant communities. Especially women have very negative experiences, sexual harrassement, belittlement, even group violence and rapes. Look at what happened in Sweden and Germany, since the gigantic influx from males from mostly muslim countries. Obviously, Islam itself does not teach cruelty and hate.

And yet, many of these super arrogent toxic men keep stating that they are superior beings and women must obey them like slave. They are the ones who keep saying that this is Islam. Germany and Europe in general also has a huge migrant community from other parts of the world - South America, Asia, but they do not have the reputation of extreme violence, especially against women.

I have many friends who tried to help migrants in the crisis of 2015. In fact over 20% of the German population was practically involved as unpaid volunteers at a time after Angela Merkel called on the population to help. They donated clothes, opened their homes to house migrants, offered them jobs in their businesses. But everyone I know and especially the women where horrified the way they were treated.

The men always tried to grope or touch them without consent, kept telling them that "everyone" knew that German women were sluts and would have sex with anyone. And if they refused sex with strangers, the men would be insulted and become violent.

Apparently having lots of sex with German women was something the traffickers promised them. Germany has a huge several million strong muslim Turkish community. But we have never ever experienced this kind of harrassement ever before. Group rapes, even rapes in swimming pools of children were basically non existent.

Now German pools need security and many pools have been changed into private clubs, so families can feel safe again. The only people responsible for the reputation of a community, is the community itself.

Do you ever hear people being scared of Canadians? Or people from the Phillipines? Koreans? We live in an instant connection community and if Muslims want a better reputation they have to be very, very honest and deal with the issues in their communities, especially the lowly treatment of women.

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"