Tag : Indonesia - Asep Haryono | I Used To Be Kang GURU Champions - Powered by Blogger

Have you ever heard of the word “Champion”? If you associate the word with sports champions, I am afraid your guess would be slightly wrong in this context.

The word “Champion” in my post today refers to volunteer work. “Champion” is a title used by Kang GURU Indonesia to refer to Indonesian citizens who have contributed their efforts, suggestions, ideas, and valuable support to foster friendship between Indonesia and Australia

You may also read - A Wonderful Experience Staying at All Seasons Denpasar Bali.

The Champions worked very hard to promote close relationships and mutual understanding between the governments of Indonesia and Australia through the Indonesia-Australia Partnership. In carrying out these activities, all Champions across Indonesia worked voluntarily without receiving any payment.

A Champion was a volunteer who worked according to the directives and guidelines of Kang GURU Indonesia. Each representative of Kang GURU Indonesia across Indonesia had to provide monthly reports to the headquarters of Kang GURU Indonesia, located in Denpasar, Bali. As planned by Kang GURU Indonesia, we gathered together and attended the annual Consultative Group Meeting (CGM) at IALF Denpasar, Bali.

The CGM was held annually at the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF) building, located on Jalan Sesetan, Denpasar, Bali. The meeting was organized by Kang GURU Indonesia and funded by the Australian Government through IALF Denpasar, Bali. The meeting could also be held twice a year, and most meetings were conducted at the headquarters.

Volunteer Workers
Perhaps many people have big questions about us. Who are we? What are we supposed to do in Indonesia? Why are there only seven people so far? Well, those questions need to be answered.

Who are we? Yes, we are seven young people who contributed to and assisted KangGURU Indonesia in spreading and promoting its programs across Indonesia.

We were selected from thousands of people in Indonesia who actively contributed to KangGURU Indonesia through the KangGURU Indonesia magazine, which was published throughout Indonesia four times a year: in March, June, September, and December. I had seven years of experience contributing to KangGURU Magazine before I was appointed as an official KangGURU Representative in March 2007. Most of the seven KGI Representatives worked in various professions such as English interactive radio presenters, English teachers, and private-sector employees.

MEMORY OF OUR TEAM This photo was taken in Bali around 2005. It shows the wonderful KangGURU Champions from seven different provinces in Indonesia. From the front row, left to right: Syahrir Badullu (Makassar), me  Asep Haryono (West Kalimantan), and Fadel (Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara). In the middle row: Ririn Pudya (Kediri, Central Java) and Suryadi (Madura). In the back row: Saptari Wibowo (Medan, North Sumatra) and Keyko (Semarang, Central Java).

What were we supposed to do in Indonesia?
We had many tasks in our respective areas, such as promoting KangGURU programs at schools and English clubs, as well as helping and supporting KangGURU radio programs at RRI stations in our provinces by providing suggestions and ideas. We were also asked to find new local radio stations to join KangGURU and broadcast KangGURU programs once a week.

KangGURU radio programs in Pontianak could be heard on RRI Pro 2 FM (101.8 MHz) every Sunday afternoon at 4:00 PM WIB, and on RRI Sintang (96.6 MHz) every Saturday at 4:30 PM WIB.

Goodbye Champions
Although most KangGURU Representatives were supported by KangGURU with operational tools and other supporting materials, they were originally volunteer workers. Yes, we were indeed volunteers. KangGURU never paid us, and this work was absolutely not part of our regular jobs.

Why were there only seven KGI Representatives so far?
There were actually many wonderful people in Indonesia who helped KangGURU. The KangGURU Champions were only some of them. Their valuable assistance involved promoting KangGURU and supporting the work of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership (AIP). This support was very important because KangGURU depended greatly on people spreading information about its radio programs, magazines, and website.

It was a wonderful way to help people who were interested in learning English. Other volunteers also helped with teacher workshops, language clubs, and KangGURU’s newest service, which supported a new generation of interactive radio presenters.

At that time, the answer was yes. KangGURU Indonesia did not have a primary target to increase the number of official volunteer workers assisting them in this way.

Each of us, the seven KGI Representatives, submitted monthly reports to KangGURU Indonesia on a regular basis. These reports usually included photos taken during activities or simple reports written in a standard format approved by KangGURU

You can read - Things Foreign Tourists Always Ask About Indonesia.

Unlike stringers from Voice of America (VoA), being a KGI Representative was not a paid job, and we did not receive any salary from KangGURU Indonesia. As I mentioned before, most of the work we did was free of charge because we were truly volunteer workers. We hoped that people would understand our position and be willing to cooperate with us by providing information and support whenever needed.

As you may already know, the KGI staff packed up the KGI office in late December 2011. KGI, as we had known it for the previous 22 years, officially ended on December 31st, 2011. However, the latest information at that time was that from January 2012 onward, KGI entered a temporary transition phase until further notice.

As of early January 2012, KGI continued operating in a smaller transition phase. The KGI office remained in Bali but with only four staff members. Kevin was no longer working for KangGURU Indonesia because he had accepted another wonderful position elsewhere. We missed him very much. :(

A new project called EPOS (Education Partnership Outreach Service) was expected to continue the spirit, talents, ideas, and hopes of KangGURU Champions in strengthening the Indonesia-Australia Partnership through KangGURU Indonesia in the future. The project would also continue sharing development updates and information in cooperation with AusAID and IALF in Denpasar.

We hoped to volunteer with them again in the future. It was a great opportunity to foster good relations between Indonesia and Australia in every possible way.

Thank you so much KangGuru Indonesia. Thank you all former Kanguru Champions wherever you are all across Indonesia

Thank you Kevin Dalton, Mba Ogi, Mba Ayu, Bli Made, Mbok Cok Ning, Madam Sue Rodger , Mrs George Crewes, every one in IALF Sesetan that moment.

I miss you all guys. Keep in touch



Asep Haryono 

---

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 - Asep Haryono | My Busy Life in the MBG Kitchen - Powered by Blogger

DISCLAIMER
This short article has been specially dedicated to Mrs. Ananka from Scotland, one of my favorite foreign bloggers, by the way. I promised her to tell her about my current occupation a few months ago. Although I posted an article a few days ago, I have planned to write another one today.


Hello all my friends.  How is it going?
Its 07.20 AM in the morning when I am writing this short article

Thank you for all your comment on my blog post a few days ago, although it was written in Bahasa Indonesia, and now I have written in English. Thank you Mrs Ananka one more time for letting me know that your current job is also in the kitchen like mine.

That is so much fun and coincidental, isn’t it? It is a great thing that I finally have a good job instead of my previous one. To be honest, I was fired from my previous company, which dealt with official items and school supplies, as a part-time social media personnel around the middle of November 2025.

It was painful at the moment I was fired, and I was so happy that a few days later I finally had a good job, which obviously offers me a good opportunity to develop. The position is as one of the full-time portion personnel in the national program of Free Nutritious Food of the Republic of Indonesia, which in Indonesia is called “Makan Bergizi Gratis,” abbreviated as MBG. I have been working there since November 27th, 2025.

This photo was taken about three months ago. I was photographed next to a vehicle operating under the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. The sign on the vehicle reads "Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit." This vehicle is used to distribute thousands of free breakfast meals to nearby schools, including integrated service posts, toddlers, and breastfeeding mothers, for five days from Monday to Friday.  Our kitchen located in Kuala Dua, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

This food tray is being filled with healthy food, and when everything is set and ready, it is prepared for everyday delivery. Our kitchen has nutrition experts who determine the daily menu, and all the food is obviously delicious, tasty, and nutritious. Photo Asep Haryono

This is a short clip of my activity
in the kitchen. The guy in the video is me
wearing food safety standard outfit

My work schedule is five times a week, starting from 4 a.m. in the morning until about 11 a.m. The National Nutrition Board of the Republic of Indonesia confirmed that all workers in the kitchen under the Free Nutritious Food program of the Republic of Indonesia should work for 8 hours a day from Monday to Friday, even though there is another day, Saturday, which is considered a “work day.” However, it is not actually “working,” but instead cleaning the kitchen.

I want to make this story short. In general, I complete a 6-day work schedule from Monday to Saturday, which almost gives zero opportunity to update my blog and visit my friends’ blogs, which have been listed in my contact list or reading list. I have been trying to visit your blog and leave comments there; however, not all blogs that I visit receive comments only a few of them and that makes the visit count.

Sunday is obviously my day off and also a day for all members of my family to have fun. We do some fun activities at home, such as gardening, playing music, listening to the radio, and washing our motorbikes (we have three different kinds of motorbikes used by all members of my family; we do not have a car). By the way, we have not had any television set for the last ten years; we just do not watch TV. This is the right moment for me personally to write a new article. That is what I am doing right now.

This is one of the reasons why I am not able to update my lovely blog every day; however, at least once a week at the moment. I wish I could write an everyday post, but in reality, that is far from the truth. I am not able to do it. I am sorry.

I am a bit exhausted when I come back from work; however, working in the environment of the kitchen, I am a bit exhausted too. When I come back from work, I keep doing other domestic activities at home, such as washing dirty clothes (I do not have a washing machine), sweeping the floor, cleaning the windows, or gardening. Where is my maid? Well, to be honest, all domestic activities are handled by me, and we do not have any maid.

At the end of this short story, I would like to let all my fellow bloggers know that my blog will be updated once a week, hopefully more than once maybe twice at maximum and I would also like to read and visit some of my favorite bloggers at the same time. Thank you so much for reading this short story of mine.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.

Your comments and support mean a lot to me. Please stay safe and take care

---

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 | Hasil Monitoring dan Evaluasi di SPPG Kuala Dua 2: Langkah Nyata Menuju Dapur yang Lebih Bersih dan Efisien - Powered by Blogger

DISCLAIMER : This article is specially dedicated to Mrs. Ananka from Scotland. I promised her that I would share a story about my current job, and today I am fulfilling that promise. I apologize that this article is written in Indonesian because it is mainly intended for readers in Indonesia. Friends and fellow bloggers from other countries can use Google Translate or other online translation tools to understand this article.

Asep Haryono

---

Pada hari Senin, 20 April 2026, tim dari Dinas Ketahanan Pangan Provinsi Kalimantan Barat bersama Dinas Ketahanan Pangan Kabupaten Kubu Raya melakukan kegiatan monitoring dan evaluasi di SPPG Kuala Dua 2 di Kabupten Kybu Faya, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia. Kegiatan ini merupakan bagian dari upaya berkelanjutan untuk memastikan bahwa seluruh proses pengolahan makanan berjalan sesuai standar kebersihan, keamanan, dan efisiensi operasional.

Sebagai bagian dari tim yang bekerja di lingkungan dapur, saya melihat langsung bagaimana kegiatan monitoring ini tidak hanya bertujuan untuk menilai kondisi yang ada, tetapi juga memberikan arahan perbaikan yang bersifat konstruktif. Semua masukan yang diberikan berfokus pada peningkatan kualitas pelayanan kepada penerima manfaat, sekaligus menjaga keselamatan dan kenyamanan para pekerja di dapur.

A team from the West Kalimantan Provincial Food Security Service, together with the Kubu Raya Regency Food Security Service, conducted food security control and monitoring at the Kuala Dua 2 gas station, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

A team from the West Kalimantan Provincial Food Security Service, together with the Kubu Raya Regency Food Security Service, conducted food security control and monitoring at the Kuala Dua 2 gas station, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

1.Penataan Alas Kaki dan Kebersihan Area Masuk
Salah satu perhatian utama dalam evaluasi kali ini adalah penataan alas kaki. Tim monitoring menekankan bahwa alas kaki wajib ditempatkan di atas rak yang telah disediakan. Alas kaki yang berasal dari luar area dapur harus dilepas sebelum memasuki ruangan kerja.

Untuk mendukung hal tersebut, disediakan empat titik penyimpanan rak alas kaki, yaitu di pintu masuk loading area, pintu masuk lobby, serta di area WC dan tempat cuci ompreng. Langkah ini terlihat sederhana, tetapi memiliki dampak besar dalam menjaga kebersihan lingkungan dapur dan mencegah masuknya kotoran dari luar.

2. Penambahan Fasilitas dan Peralatan Pendukung
Selain penataan alas kaki, tim monitoring juga memberikan rekomendasi untuk menambah beberapa fasilitas penting. Di antaranya adalah penambahan rak penyimpanan alat, penyediaan alas kaki atau sandal tambahan, serta pengadaan freezer box dan showcase.

Fasilitas-fasilitas tersebut diharapkan dapat membantu menjaga kualitas bahan makanan dan meningkatkan efisiensi kerja. Dengan penyimpanan yang lebih tertata, proses kerja dapat berjalan lebih cepat dan risiko kerusakan bahan makanan dapat diminimalkan.

3. Penyimpanan Barang Non-Pangan dan Standarisasi Bahan Makanan
Dalam kegiatan evaluasi tersebut, tim juga menyoroti pentingnya pemisahan antara barang pangan dan non-pangan. Plastik dan barang sejenis diwajibkan untuk disimpan di gudang khusus agar tidak tercampur dengan bahan makanan.

Selain itu, standarisasi bahan makanan juga menjadi perhatian. Beras yang digunakan harus memiliki izin edar PSAT dan disarankan menggunakan beras premium yang memiliki kode resmi atau sertifikat dari lembaga terkait. Hal ini bertujuan untuk memastikan kualitas bahan makanan yang disajikan kepada penerima manfaat tetap terjaga.

4. Penempatan Peralatan dan Perbaikan Fasilitas
Beberapa peralatan dapur juga menjadi bagian dari evaluasi. Misalnya, galon air dan ompreng yang sudah diisi makanan harus ditempatkan menggunakan palet, sehingga tidak langsung menyentuh lantai. Hal ini penting untuk menjaga kebersihan dan keamanan makanan.

Selain itu, ditemukan juga perlunya perbaikan pada pemantik kompor gas yang mengalami gangguan. Perbaikan peralatan seperti ini sangat penting, karena dapat memengaruhi kelancaran proses memasak dan keselamatan kerja di dapur.

5. Penataan Ruang dan Efisiensi Operasional
Penataan ruang dapur menjadi salah satu fokus dalam monitoring kali ini. Tim menyarankan agar dilakukan penataan ulang ruang penyimpanan alat dapur agar lebih rapi dan efisien.

Pengadaan meja dorong juga menjadi salah satu rekomendasi penting. Meja dorong ini akan digunakan untuk membawa makanan matang dari ruang masak ke ruang porsi. Dengan adanya alat tersebut, mobilitas pekerja dapat berkurang, sehingga tenaga dan waktu dapat digunakan dengan lebih efektif.

Selain itu, dilakukan juga penyekatan antara tangga dan ruang porsi. Ruang porsi harus dijaga dalam kondisi steril, karena merupakan area yang langsung berhubungan dengan proses pembagian makanan.

6. Kebersihan Lingkungan dan Kesadaran Pekerja
Kebersihan lantai dan lingkungan kerja menjadi perhatian penting dalam kegiatan evaluasi ini. Tim monitoring menyarankan penggunaan cairan pembersih seperti karbol atau disinfektan untuk mengepel lantai secara rutin.

Di area toilet, disediakan alas kaki khusus dan ditambahkan informasi berupa tulisan pengingat agar setiap pekerja mencuci tangan dengan bersih setelah menggunakan toilet. Langkah ini merupakan bagian dari upaya menjaga kebersihan dan kesehatan bersama.

Selain fasilitas, kesadaran pekerja juga menjadi faktor utama dalam menjaga kebersihan lingkungan kerja. Pekerja diingatkan untuk membersihkan pembatas plastik secara rutin, tidak mengikat pembatas plastik dengan tali, tidak membuang sampah sembarangan, dan selalu menggunakan alat pelindung diri (APD) saat bekerja.

7. Perbaikan Infrastruktur dan Administrasi
Dalam kegiatan monitoring tersebut, tim juga menemukan bahwa listrik di lokasi dapur masih sering mengalami gangguan atau jatuh. Kondisi ini perlu segera diperbaiki, karena dapat berpotensi merusak peralatan dapur dan mengganggu kelancaran operasional.

Selain aspek teknis, kelengkapan administrasi juga menjadi bagian dari evaluasi. Dokumen berita acara serah terima kepada penerima manfaat harus dilengkapi sebagai bukti bahwa makanan telah diterima sesuai prosedur. Administrasi yang tertib akan membantu meningkatkan transparansi dan akuntabilitas dalam pelaksanaan program.

8. Komitmen untuk Perbaikan Berkelanjutan
Secara keseluruhan, kegiatan monitoring dan evaluasi ini memberikan banyak masukan yang bermanfaat bagi pengelola dan pekerja di SPPG Kuala Dua 2. Semua poin yang disampaikan bukanlah bentuk kritik semata, tetapi merupakan langkah bersama untuk meningkatkan kualitas pelayanan.

Perbaikan mungkin membutuhkan waktu dan kerja sama dari semua pihak. Namun dengan komitmen yang kuat, setiap perubahan kecil dapat membawa dampak besar bagi kebersihan, kerapihan, dan efisiensi operasional dapur.

Pada akhirnya, tujuan utama dari semua upaya ini adalah memastikan bahwa makanan yang disajikan kepada penerima manfaat tetap aman, higienis, dan berkualitas. Dengan demikian, kepercayaan masyarakat terhadap program layanan pangan dapat terus terjaga.

Mari kita jadikan kebersihan dan kedisiplinan sebagai budaya kerja bersama. Dengan saling mengingatkan dan bekerja sama, kita dapat memberikan pelayanan terbaik kepada masyarakat.

---

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 | Grateful at 55: A Life Reflection on My Birthday - Powered by Blogger

Hello all my fellow bloggers wherever you are.

Today, April 19th, I celebrate my 55th birthday. Reaching this age is both a blessing and a moment of deep reflection. It is a time to look back on my journey the joys, the struggles, the successes, and the regrets and to look forward with hope for the future.

I was born in Jakarta on April 19, 1971. I come from a big family. I have one younger brother, one elder sister, and seven elder brothers. Life in a large family taught me about togetherness, sharing, and resilience from an early age.

Sadly, one of my eldest brothers has passed away, and both of my beloved parents also passed away a few years ago. Their absence is deeply felt, but their values and sacrifices continue to guide my life. Today, our family remains with eight siblings in total, holding on to memories, love, and the responsibility to carry forward our family's legacy.

As I reflect on my life, education has been one of the most important chapters and also one of the deepest regrets I carry in my heart.

I successfully completed my elementary school in 1983, Junior High School in 1986, and Senior High School in 1989. Like many young people at that time, I had dreams of continuing my education and building a better future. However, in 1989, I failed the national state university entrance test. That failure was painful and disappointing, but I refused to give up.

In 1990, I tried again, and by God's grace, I finally passed the national state university entrance test. That moment filled me with hope, pride, and excitement. I began my first year at Tanjungpura University in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, majoring in English. I believed that this was the beginning of a brighter future.

Unfortunately, life had other plans for me.

In 1998, after several years of study, I was forced to drop out of university because I was no longer able to pay the tuition fees. Financial hardship became an obstacle that I could not overcome at that time. Leaving the university without completing my degree was one of the most difficult and heartbreaking decisions of my life. That moment became my first major educational failure, and it is something I have regretted for many years.

Since then, I have continued my life with only a Senior High School certificate. I worked, struggled, and tried to support myself and my family as best as I could. Life moved forward, but the dream of completing my higher education never truly disappeared.

Now, at the age of 55, I sometimes feel that my chances to pursue higher education either in Indonesia or overseas are very limited. When I look at many of my friends from school and university, I see that they have successfully built their careers and continued their education. Some of them studied abroad in countries such as Australia, the United States, and several European nations through scholarships like LPDP and other international programs.

At times, I feel left behind.

There are moments when regret visits my heart, and I wonder what my life might have been like if I had been able to complete my education. I sometimes think about the opportunities I missed and the dreams that were delayed. These thoughts can be heavy, especially when comparing my journey with others.

However, as I grow older, I am beginning to understand a deeper truth about life.

Life is not always about titles, degrees, or achievements. Life is also about endurance, responsibility, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward even when circumstances are difficult. Not every journey is the same. Some people reach their goals quickly, while others must take longer and more challenging paths.

Despite all the disappointments and regrets, I am still standing today.

I am still alive. I am still learning from life. I am still growing as a person. And most importantly, I am still dreaming.

This 55th birthday is not only a reminder of what I did not achieve, but also a celebration of what I have survived. I have faced challenges, losses, and failures, yet I continue to move forward. I have learned patience, humility, and perseverance through life's experiences.

I may not hold a university degree, but I hold valuable lessons gained through hard work and real-life struggles. I may not have reached all the goals I once dreamed about, but I still have time to create new goals and new meaning in my life.

At 55, I choose not to surrender to regret. Instead, I choose gratitude.

I am grateful for life.
I should also consider myself a thankful man because Allah has blessed me with a good and intellectual wife whom I met in 2004. I married a young student from IKIP Semarang in that same year, and we officially started our married life one year later. Her professional journey has been inspiring to witness. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher at KB-TK Islam Al Azhar Pontianak, and later, in 2008, she successfully passed the Government State Officer test (Pegawai Negeri Sipil).

To make a long story short, she has become a very successful career woman in both education and professional fields. One of her proudest achievements was returning from Japan under the Japan Foundation scholarship for a teacher exchange program for vocational schools in November 2025. She has two different degrees: the first degree in English Studies and the second (postgraduate) degree in Educational Administration. 

Her dedication, discipline, and passion for education have always been a source of pride and motivation for me. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for the lessons that shaped me. And I am grateful for the strength to continue dreaming, even at this stage of my life.

I must also express my deep gratitude for my two wonderful children a son and a daughter. My elder son will soon become a university student, and my beloved daughter is currently in Yogyakarta and is planning to continue her Senior High School education in Pontianak. They are the light of my life and the reason I keep striving to be a better father of my whole family.

Allow me to introduce the members of my family through this simple photo. From left to right: Tazkia Montessori Putri Haryono, myself, Rudi Maryati, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Abbie Muhammad Furqan Haryono. This photo was taken in March 2026, capturing a precious moment of togetherness

This was last year, when I celebrated my 54th birthday at my home. My family gave this anniversary cake to me. How about this year? I am looking forward to their surprise for sure. Wish me luck

Today, I realize that I have complete happiness as a man in this world. Having a good, humble, and intelligent wife and lovely children is one of the greatest blessings that Allah SWT has ever given to me. I will never betray this trust, love, and attention from my whole family, and I must remain grateful every day for what Allah has given me.

As I celebrate this birthday, I hold on to the wisdom from the Holy Qur'an that has strengthened my heart during difficult times:

"For indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease." (Al-Inshirah 94:5-6)

With this faith, I pray for good health, peace of mind, and the opportunity to continue learning and contributing to society in whatever way I can. I believe that as long as we are alive, it is never too late to grow, to improve, and to pursue meaningful goals.

This is not the end of my story. This is simply another chapter in my journey.

Happy 55th birthday to me.|

Alhamdulillah for everything that Allah has written in my life.

May the years ahead be filled with hope, strength, wisdom, and new possibilities.

Asep Haryono
Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan
INDONESIA

---

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 - Asep Haryono | Lessons from an Unanswered Invitation - Powered by Blogger

Hello guys.  How is it going? Its me,  Asep Haryono from Indonesia

I miss you all so much especially my fave bloggers like Mrs Ananka from Scotland , Mrs Irina from Russia, and Mrs Mary Kirkland from The United States of America. I really miss you all.  I really do
 
One month ago, around the end of March, I experienced a simple event that at first seemed ordinary, but later gave me a deep lesson. It was not about a big problem or a conflict. It was only about an invitation to gather at my house that did not receive a response as I expected.

As human beings, we have all been in a situation where we wait. We wait for news, for an answer, or for someone's presence. In this experience, I learned that waiting without certainty can be emotionally tiring, even if the situation looks small from the outside.

I have something to share with you in this article.

Please sit back and relax, my friends.

---

The Beginning: A Good Intention
At that time, I planned to hold a small gathering at my home. It was not a big celebration. I simply wanted to build friendship with my co-workers who work together with me every day. I invited about twelve friends from one team through our WhatsApp group.

I sent the invitation on Wednesday, March 25th, at 10 a.m. in the morning at my home. I clearly mentioned the date, time, and place, and I hoped they could come to have a friendly conversation while enjoying simple food.

This is my house located in Duta Bandara Complex neighborhood in West Kalimantan , Indonesia. My house nears to Supadio International Airport, only 5-minute drive from my house. By the way, One day I will make a short online tour for you guys up here. Just like online tour to my house someday. I hope so and I know so. Photo Asep Haryono

Together with my family, we started to prepare everything. We cleaned the house, prepared meals, and set aside our time to welcome guests.

For me, inviting people to my home is not just a formality. There is a sense of responsibility as a host. There is a desire to give the best welcome, even in a simple way. There is also hope that the meeting can strengthen relationships and create a warm atmosphere.


The Waiting Day
The day finally arrived. Since the morning, we were ready. The table was prepared, the food was ready, and the house felt more lively. As a host, I felt excited to wait for the guests to come.

I prepared delicious food, including meatballs (bakso), tasty cakes, and non-alcoholic drinks. Most of my friends who were invited are Muslims, including myself. There is only one Christian, who was also very warmly welcomed to join.

But time kept moving.

Morning changed to afternoon. Afternoon changed to evening. Evening changed to night.

Until the end of the day, not one of them came. More than that, there was no message or news to tell me whether they would come or not.

At that moment, honestly, I felt disappointed. Not because they did not come, but because I was waiting without certainty. The feeling of waiting was the hardest part. We had prepared time, energy, and attention, but we did not receive any information.

I believe many people have experienced a similar situation. It is not about how big the event is, but about the feeling of being respected or not respected.


Learning to Calm My Heart
After the event passed, I tried to calm myself and see the situation from a wider point of view. I asked myself: maybe they had other responsibilities? Maybe something unexpected happened that made them unable to come?

In real life, not everything goes according to plan. Everyone has family duties, work responsibilities, and personal matters that sometimes cannot be left behind. It is possible that they wanted to come, but the situation did not allow them to do so.

Thinking about these possibilities made my heart more peaceful. I learned not to judge too quickly. I learned that in social relationships, empathy is very important.


A Positive Development
A few days after that event, something changed. Some of them contacted me through messages. They apologized and explained the reasons for their absence. Some were out of town, some had family matters, and others faced sudden situations.

Later, on another occasion, they came to visit my house. The meeting was short, maybe only ten to fifteen minutes. We talked casually, laughed together, and enjoyed simple food.

The atmosphere, which was once uncomfortable, slowly became relaxed. There was no long discussion about the past. There was no anger or desire to blame anyone. There was only a wish to keep our relationship good.

At that moment, I realized that sometimes problems do not need complicated solutions. Simple presence, a smile, and good intention are often enough.


The Lesson I Learned
From that experience, I learned one important lesson that is very simple but often forgotten: giving information is a form of respect.

When someone invites us, it means they have given their time, energy, and sometimes money to welcome us. Therefore, if we cannot attend, we should inform them as soon as possible.

Giving information is not only about politeness, but also about empathy. By informing others, we help them manage their time and feelings. We show that we respect their effort.

On the other hand, as a host, I also learned to be more patient and understanding. Not every absence means a lack of care. Sometimes it is only a communication problem or an unexpected situation.


Turning Experience into a Reminder
Since that time, I have tried to apply this lesson in my daily life. Every time I receive an invitation and cannot attend, I try to send a message quickly. Even a short message can help maintain a good relationship.

This experience also made me more careful in responding to social situations. I do not easily feel offended. I try to see things with a calmer mind and a more open heart.

Because in the end, relationships between people are not only about coming or not coming, but about how we respect each other.


Personal Reflection
Now, when I remember that event, I no longer feel disappointed. Instead, I feel grateful because I received a valuable lesson.

I realize that in social life, small actions can have a big impact. A short message, simple information, or a small explanation can make a big difference in keeping good relationships.

This experience taught me to be more sensitive to other people's feelings. It taught me to be more patient when things do not go as expected. Most importantly, it taught me to continue learning to become a better person.

Because life is not about who is right or wrong, but about how we learn from every experience


How about you my friends?
Have you ever experienced a similar situation, waiting for someone who did not come without any message? Or maybe you once forgot to inform someone that you could not attend an invitation?

Let us learn together from this experience. Start from a simple habit: if you cannot come, give information. If you receive an invitation, respect the time and effort of the person who invited you.

If you have a similar story or lesson, feel free to share it in the comment section. Your story may inspire others. Because in the end, good relationships are built on mutual respect.    

---

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 | Eid Mubarak in Indonesia: A Joyful Celebration of Faith, Family, and Tradition - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer

Dear fellow bloggers and friends,

Please accept my sincere apology if I have not been active on your blogs recently. I have been a bit busy for the last few weeks due to the holy Islamic month of Ramadhan and the Eid Mubarak celebrations, and this situation may continue until the end of April.

Because of this busy period, I have not been able to visit my fellow bloggers or leave comments as usual. It does not mean I have forgotten you or your wonderful content. Hopefully, I will be back to normal as soon as possible and can visit you guys again, read your posts, and stay connected like before.

Thank you very much for your understanding and friendship


Asep Haryono
INDONESIA.

---

All Muslims around the world are now celebrating Eid Mubarak, also known in Indonesia as Lebaran. This special moment marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast, pray, and practice self-discipline. Eid is a joyful celebration of gratitude, forgiveness, and togetherness.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority country in the world. For many Indonesians, Eid is the most important holiday of the year. It is not only a religious celebration but also a cultural event filled with meaningful traditions and happy activities.

During Eid Mubarak, all families prepare some food and drinks for the guests who visit. All foods, including cakes, candy, and all non-alcoholic beverages. All you can eat for free.

Photo: Asep Haryono

One of the most famous traditions in Indonesia is mudik, the annual journey when millions of people travel from big cities back to their hometowns. Families reunite after months or even years apart. Roads, airports, train stations, and seaports become very busy, but people are excited because they can celebrate Eid with their loved ones.

Another unique Indonesian tradition is halal bihalal. After Eid, families, neighbors, friends, and coworkers gather to shake hands and ask for forgiveness. People often say, "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin," which means asking forgiveness for past mistakes. This tradition helps strengthen friendship and social harmony.

On the night before Eid, many communities celebrate takbiran. People gather at mosques to chant praises to God. In some areas, there are parades with drums, lanterns, and decorated vehicles. The atmosphere is festive and full of excitement, especially for children.

Many families also practice nyekar, which means visiting the graves of parents and ancestors. They clean the graves, place flowers, and say prayers. This tradition shows respect and love for family members who have passed away.

Food is an important part of Eid celebrations in Indonesia. Families prepare special dishes such as ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves), rendang (spiced beef), opor ayam (chicken cooked in coconut milk), and many traditional snacks. Homes are open to guests, and visitors are warmly welcomed throughout the day.


You may read - Rendang. More than just delicious dish.


Another popular custom is wearing new clothes, called baju baru. This symbolizes a fresh start and a new beginning. Children are especially happy during Eid because they often receive small gifts or money, known as Tunjangan Hari Raya or THR” (holiday allowance), from parents and relatives.

Charity is also a very important part of Eid. Muslims give zakat fitrah, a donation to help people in need. This ensures that everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity and happiness.

In simple words, Eid Mubarak in Indonesia is a beautiful mix of religion, culture, and community. It is a time to forgive, share, and celebrate life with family and friends.

---

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 : Opinion - Asep Haryono | My Opinion on the US–Israel Attack on Iran: A Concern About War and International Law - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer:
Hello my friend. How is it gong?.  Its been a while.   By the way this article is a personal opinion written from the perspective of an ordinary citizen. I am not a politician, a government official, or a foreign policy expert. I am simply a citizen of the world who is observing international events and sharing personal thoughts and concerns.

Thank you so much.

---

The world is once again watching rising tensions in the Middle East. Recent news reports about military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have raised serious concerns about the possibility of a wider conflict in the region.

For many people around the globe, events like these are deeply worrying. War in one part of the world can quickly affect many other countries, whether through economic instability, political tensions, or humanitarian crises.

As an ordinary citizen of The Republic of Indonesia, living far away from the Middle East, I can only follow the news and try to understand what is happening. However, like many others, I cannot ignore the serious questions that arise when military actions take place between sovereign nations.

The flags of Israel and the United States flying side by side with a military tank behind them, symbolizing military alliance among them

Rising Military Tensions
According to international news reports, the United States and Israel launched military strikes on targets inside Iran. These attacks reportedly focused on military facilities and strategic locations. In simple opinion.

The United States and Israel started a war. 

Supporters of these actions argue that such strikes are necessary for national security and self-defense. However, Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks, increasing the risk of a wider conflict.

When tensions escalate like this, the situation can quickly become dangerous not only for the countries involved but also for the entire region especially in the region of the middle east.


The Human Cost of War
History has repeatedly shown that the greatest victims of war are often ordinary people. Civilians or even school students can lose their homes, their safety, and sometimes their loved ones.

Beyond the battlefield, wars also create economic hardship, displacement, and long-term instability. These humanitarian consequences can affect generations.

For that reason, many people around the world feel deeply concerned whenever new military conflicts begin.


My Questions About International Law
Another important issue raised by this conflict is the question of international law. Iran is a sovereign nation, and the use of military force against another country often raises legal and ethical questions under international law.

The United Nations Charter, established after the Second World War, was designed to prevent countries from using force against each other except in limited situations. In general, military action is considered legitimate only in cases of self-defense or when authorized by the United Nations Security Council.

Because of this principle, some observers argue that attacks on another sovereign country without clear international authorization could be seen as a violation of international law. Others, however, believe the strikes may be justified as defensive measures.

These debates are complex and often involve political, legal, and security considerations.


The Need for Diplomacy
Despite these disagreements, one thing remains clear: war rarely brings lasting solutions. Diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation are often the most effective ways to resolve international disputes. Many global organizations and leaders have repeatedly called for de-escalation and peaceful solutions.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, conflict in one region can quickly affect the stability of many others.


The Role of the United Nations
Many people around the world are asking: Where is the United Nations in this conflict?

The United Nations was created after World War II with the main goal of maintaining international peace and preventing wars between countries. In situations like the current tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, the UN is expected to encourage dialogue and reduce the risk of a wider conflict.

The United Nations Security Council can hold emergency meetings and discuss possible diplomatic solutions. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has also urged all parties to avoid further escalation and to respect international law.

However, the UN has limitations. Decisions in the Security Council often depend on powerful member states, and disagreements among them can make it difficult to take strong action. Because of this, the UN’s role is often focused on diplomacy, mediation, and encouraging peaceful solutions rather than directly stopping conflicts.


My Final Reflection
As someone who lives far from the Middle East, I may not fully understand every political detail behind this conflict. But as a human being and a citizen of the world, it is difficult not to feel concerned when military actions escalate between nations.

History has shown that wars often begin with strong words and military actions, but they leave behind deep wounds that can last for generations.As ordinary citizens, we may not hold political power, but we can still hope and speak for peace, respect for international law, and dialogue between nations.

In the end, the future of our world should not be decided only by weapons and military power, but by wisdom, diplomacy, and the shared hope that humanity will choose peace over conflict.

I have a few questions by the way

I really have no idea what the President of the United States was thinking when he decided to bomb another sovereign country with Israel without approval from the United Nations.
Why is Trump so sure that the American people want this war? Why does he bring America into harm’s way and put the country in a dangerous position, possibly becoming isolated from the world?
Why does he send American troops to be sacrificed and die for Israel, a country whose citizens do not pay taxes to the United States?
Why does America, under the administration of President Trump, seem to prioritize Israel and put Israel first instead of Americans?

---

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 | Viral Words, Real Consequences: The LPDP Scholarship Controversy Explained - Powered by Blogger

DISCLAIMER : This article discusses a recent controversy in Indonesia involving an LPDP scholarship awardee. The issue has attracted strong public reactions and has been widely covered by both online and offline media. The content is intended for informational purposes only and does not aim to spread hate or make personal attacks (Asep Haryono)..

---

The issue about LPDP scholarship alumni is now becoming a hot topic on social media. The names Dwi Sasetyaningtyas and her husband, Arya Iwantoro, are being widely discussed after a video of their statement went viral onlinee

Who Is Dwi Sasetyaningtyas?
Dwi Sasetyaningtyas is known as an LPDP scholarship awardee with an academic and professional background in engineering and sustainability. She completed her undergraduate study in Chemical Engineering at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), one of Indonesia’s leading universities. After that, she continued her master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands through the LPDP scholarship program.

Professionally, she has experience working in the private sector, including at Procter & Gamble (P&G), a multinational company. She has also been involved in environmental and sustainability initiatives, focusing on education and sustainable living awareness.

Her educational journey was supported by Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), a government-funded scholarship program aimed at developing Indonesia’s human resources.

Ok back again...
.
In the video, there was a sentence that shocked many people: “It is enough that I am an Indonesian citizen, my child does not have to be.” Or “Cukup aku aja yang WNI anak anak saya jangan..” Many netizens felt that this statement sounded disrespectful to Indonesia. As a result, the public reaction was very strong. Some criticized them harshly, while others asked the government to take firm action. .

This photo is courtesy of Warta Kota Production, showing the moment when Dwi proudly displayed the British passport and proof of British citizenship of her second child, which sparked controversy in Indonesia.

Just watch her complete video here


This was the moment when Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya expressed anger and disappointment and threatened to blacklist Dwi Sasetyaningtyas after her content went viral, in which she said she was reluctant to allow her child to become an Indonesian citizen. Watch the full video

Video of Warta Kota Production

.

Agreement to Return LPDP Funds.
This controversy did not stop at social media debate. The issue became more serious because Dwi is known as an awardee of the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), a scholarship program funded by the Indonesian government. .
.
LPDP is a government scholarship program created to support the development of Indonesia’s human resources. The funds come from the state budget, which means they come from public taxes and also from government financial management. .
.
Indonesia’s Minister of Finance, Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, expressed his disappointment regarding the viral statement. He explained that Arya Iwantoro had not yet completed his service obligation, which is one of the requirements of the LPDP program. . Because this obligation was not fulfilled, returning the scholarship funds became the agreed consequence. .

By the way, let me explain a little bit about the rule
You should now this

Under the agreement signed with Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP), scholarship awardees are required to return to Indonesia after completing their studies and contribute to the country for a certain period. This obligation is commonly known as the “2N rule,” meaning graduates must serve in Indonesia for twice the length of their study period.

Just take a look at the info graphic at below

For example, if someone studies abroad for two years, they are expected to contribute in Indonesia for four years. In some older contracts, the rule was “2N+1,” which required an additional year of service. If an awardee fails to fulfill this commitment, they may face sanctions, including the obligation to return the scholarship funds, potentially with interest, and restrictions on future involvement in government-related programs.

Ok then back again

According to the Minister, the Director of LPDP had already spoken with Arya, and he agreed to return the money used from LPDP, including the interest. The exact amount of money and interest is still being calculated. .
.
The Minister also reminded other LPDP recipients to respect the country and remember their responsibilities. .
.
Responsibility Is Not Just a Formality.
LPDP is not just a “free scholarship.” Every awardee signs a contract that includes several responsibilities. These usually include finishing their studies on time and serving Indonesia for a certain period after graduation. .
.
This service period is a way to give back to the country. The government invests in their education, and in return, the awardees are expected to contribute to national development. .
.
So, if someone does not complete their obligation, there are financial and administrative consequences. In this case, returning the funds plus interest shows that LPDP has clear rules and enforcement. .
.
Blacklist Sanction.
Besides returning the money, the Minister also confirmed there will be a blacklist sanction. This means the person involved will not be able to work in roles connected to the Indonesian government in the future. .
.
This kind of sanction can have a long-term impact, especially for someone whose career may involve government institutions or public projects. .
.
Public Money, Public Trust.
The Minister also emphasized that LPDP funds come from taxpayers and even from government debt. In other words, this is public money. It is not private funding. The main goal of LPDP is to create high-quality human resources who can help Indonesia grow and compete globally. That is why commitment and loyalty to the country are important values in this program. .
.
This case also opens a bigger discussion. In the digital era, one statement on social media can spread very fast and bring serious consequences. Freedom of speech is important, but responsibility is also very important. .
.
A Lesson for All of Us.
This situation can be a reminder for everyone, not only for LPDP awardees. Words matter. Actions have consequences. For scholarship recipients funded by the state, there is not only a written contract but also a moral responsibility. For the public, it is also important to understand the full context before judging. .
.
At the end of the day, programs like LPDP are long-term investments for Indonesia’s future. Public trust must be protected with integrity, respect, and responsibility

What do you think about this issue? Do you agree with the decision to return the funds and impose a blacklist? If you are from England or a British blogger, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

---

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"