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Reader’s Note 


This article is an original and genuine piece of writing published in Indonesian. It has not been translated into English, as my main target audience and readers are local Indonesian readers. For readers from overseas who are interested in reading this article, please feel free to use Google Translate or any other translation tool to translate the article into your preferred language. I apologize for not providing an English version at this time, and I hope you will still enjoy the story and the experiences shared in this article.

Thank you for visiting and reading my blog

Asep Haryono
Indonesia. 

Kubu Raya Saya memang termasuk yang paling jarang bepergian ke luar negeri dengan cara merogoh kocek alias menggunakan uang pribadi atau uang sendiri.  Kalau dihitung dengan Jari frekuensi saya melakukan perjalanan wisata ke Luar Negeri memang sangat jarang.  Saya terakhir melakukan perjalanan wisata ke Luar Negeri pada tahun 2009 saat itu ada saya diundang menghadiri Youth Engagement Summit bulan November 2009 di Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Setelah itu belum ada kesempatan lagi

Namun demikain, saya memiliki beberapa souvenir dari berbagai negara sudah saya koleksi sejak beberapa tahun terakhir ini.  Beberapa souvenir dalam bentuk PIN, Key chain (Gantungan Kunci), selebihnya berbentuk lain.

Beberapa negara yang saya sudah miliki souvenirnya antara lain berasal dari Vancouver (Canada), China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Brunai Darussalam, Thailand, dan dari Amerika Serikat.  Dari koleksi souvenir manca negara yang saya sudah koleksi tersebut yang paling saya sukai adalah koleksi dari Amerika Serikat dan Australia.  Ini juga ada ceritanya sedikit loh.  Beberapa souvenir yang saya miliki dan koleksi ini ada ceritanya masing masing. Saya akan coba sampaikan sedikit saja ya

SOUVENIR : Ini adalah koleksi souvenir dari Manca Negara yang berhasil saya miliki dan saya selamatkan. Banyak souvenir yang rusak karena usia penyimpanan yang terlalu lama seperti berkarat dan lain sebagainya. Foto Asep Haryono
SOUVENIR : Ini adalah koleksi souvenir dari Manca Negara yang berhasil saya miliki dan saya selamatkan. Banyak souvenir yang rusak karena usia penyimpanan yang terlalu lama seperti berkarat dan lain sebagainya. Foto Asep Haryono

Misalnya saja Sebuah Pulpen dari Amerika Serikat. Pulpennya sih pulpen biasa aja yang kalau di Indonesia tersedia banyak sekali. Yang istimewa karena di dapatnya dan dikirimkannya dari Amerika Serikat. Cerita begini. Saya pendengar program acara How Do You Say That yakni salah satu program siaran radio yang dipancarkan ke Indonesia dari Voice Of America seksi siaran Bahasa Indonesia. Tentu dengan menggunakan gelombang pendek tentunya. Itu saya sudah dengar program itu sejak sekitar tahun 2005 hingga 2010 kalau tidak salah

Program acara bertajuk "How Do You Say That" itu adalah koleksi bahasa gaulnya orang orang Amerika Serikat yang jika diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia mempunyai kesan yang unik dan arti yang juga tidak kalah menariknya. Sebagai contoh Nasi Kuning.  Ya makanan khas bangsa Indonesia itu kalau dalam bahasa gaulnya US people disebut "Safron rice".  Dan masih banyak lagi lainnya. 

Nah saat ada kuis, saya pun mengirimkannya melalui email, dan ada yang menang loh. Hadiahnya dikirim ke alamat saya di Indonesia, saat itu saya masih ngekos di kawasan Untan Pontianak di era tahun 2005 an.  Selain itu masih ada souvenir lainnya seperti PIN VOA, dan Majalah VOA.

SINGAPORE : Ini contoh gantungan kunci pemberian dari Mba Kusmalina SH yang pulang liputan dari Singapura. Masih ada gantungan dari Singapura lainnya dalam koleksi saya. Foto Asep Haryono
SINGAPORE : Ini contoh gantungan kunci pemberian dari Mba Kusmalina SH yang pulang liputan dari Singapura. Masih ada gantungan dari Singapura lainnya dalam koleksi saya. Foto Asep Haryono

TATAKAN GELAS :  Souvenir tatakan gelas ini dari Negeri Kangguru Australia. Pemberian atau cinderamata dari Kevin Dalton, Mantan Project Manager KanGuru Indonesia.  Foto Asep Haryono
TATAKAN GELAS :  Souvenir tatakan gelas ini dari Negeri Kangguru Australia. Pemberian atau cinderamata dari Kevin Dalton, Mantan Project Manager KanGuru Indonesia.  Foto Asep Haryono


Pernah satu kali saya mendapat souvenir berbentuk jam tangan mini yang tertera di pergelangannya made of china, sayan sekali jam tangan mini itu tidak berfungsi. Tidak ada battery nya atau rusak diperjalanan.  Nah masih penasaran sama cerita lainnya dari Koleksi Souvenir Manca Negara yang saya miliki ini, Insya Allah pada kesempatan yang akan datang ya. 

Dari Negeri KangGuru Australia saya mendapat cukup beragam jenis Souvenirnya mulai dari PIN lambang negara, taplak meja yang berisi resep resep tradisional Masyarakat Australia (Bush Tucker), Buku Buku Sejarah Australia dalam membantu Perang Kemerdekaan Indonesia, Topi dan beberapa lagi lainnya. Sayangnya untuk Topi Australia tepatnya dari Sydney hilang entah kemana.  Topi Sydney itu pemberian dari H.Daeng Effendy Ali yang sudah puluhan tahun menetap di Sydney. Sahabat saya


TOPI AUSTRALIA : Inilah merchandise berbentuk Topi dari Australia pemberian sahabat saya H.Daeng Effendy Ali yang kini hilang entah dimana. I am so sorry Pak Haji Daerng.  Foto Asep Haryono
TOPI AUSTRALIA : Inilah merchandise berbentuk Topi dari Australia pemberian sahabat saya H.Daeng Effendy Ali yang kini hilang entah dimana. I am so sorry Pak Haji Daerng.  Foto Asep Haryono


Baca juga Dapat Topi Gratis Dari Pak Haji Daeng


Jika ada pertanyaan akan diapakan koleksi Souvenir Luar Negeri yang saya kumpulkan ini?  Secara prinsip sih untuk koleksi saja. Namun saya bisa saja menggunakannya dalam kesempatan atau menghadiri acara tertentu.

Namun dari semua itu saya sangat menghargai apresiasi atau pemberian orang kepada saya dan saya menganggapnya sebagai sebuah kepercayaan. Menghargai pemberian orang tentu boleh boleh saja bukan.  Tidak ada sentimentil.  Tidak apa pun yang sifatnya personal atau pribadi. Semuanya hanya semata mata menjaga pemberian dan menghargai pemberian orang lain.
  Terima kasih sudah meluangkan waktunya membaca artikel saya ini. (Asep Haryono)
Hello, everyone! How's it going?

 I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend. By the way, I have a question for you. Do you enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee as much as I do? Here's my coffee story today. I hope you enjoy reading it, and I'd love to hear about your favorite kind of coffee in the comments!


One of my simple daily pleasures is enjoying a cup of coffee, although I don't drink it every day. Like many people, I have my own preferences when it comes to coffee.

I'm not a fan of kopi tubruk, the traditional Indonesian style of coffee in which the grounds are left to settle at the bottom of the glass. While many people love its bold and authentic taste, it has never really suited my palate. Instead, I prefer coffee that is blended with other ingredients such as milk or creamer, giving it a smoother, creamier, and milder flavor.

The coffee I'm referring to in this article is not pure black coffee made solely from roasted coffee beans. Rather, it is a blended coffee beverage a combination of coffee with milk, creamer, sugar, or other ingredients. This distinction is important because the experience of drinking specialty black coffee is quite different from enjoying a convenient instant coffee drink.

COFFEE: Whether you prefer black coffee, a creamy latte, or a simple instant coffee, every cup has its own story. Whatever your preference, may your coffee bring you a moment of happiness. Photo by Asep Haryono.
COFFEE: Whether you prefer black coffee, a creamy latte, or a simple instant coffee, every cup has its own story. Whatever your preference, may your coffee bring you a moment of happiness. Photo by Asep Haryono.

The photograph above was taken during the second week of June 2026 at D'Grill Cafe and Resto on Jalan Pak Kasih in Pontianak, directly opposite Graha Korpri. For readers who may not be familiar with the city, Pontianak is the capital of West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia

INSTANT COFFEE: I took this photo myself yesterday. It shows one example of the many instant coffee products that are readily available in almost every corner of Indonesia. There are countless instant coffee brands on the market, and Good Day Cappuccino is one of the most popular. It is affordable too—a single sachet costs less than US$0.50. So, if you're in the mood for a cup of coffee today, why not give it a try? Photo by Asep Haryono
INSTANT COFFEE: I took this photo myself yesterday. It shows one of the many instant coffee products readily available in almost every corner of Indonesia. There are countless instant coffee brands on the market, and Good Day Cappuccino is one of the most popular. It's affordable, too a single sachet costs less than US$0.50. So, if you're in the mood for a cup of coffee today, why not give it a try?

Photo by Asep Haryono.



There is a wide variety of coffee available on the Indonesian market, offering something for almost everyone. For people like me, who cannot always afford premium coffee made from carefully selected whole beans, instant coffee is an excellent alternative. I once treated myself to a cup of specialty coffee while transiting at Juanda Airport in Surabaya. A single cup cost around 70,000 rupiah approximately US$4. While I don't regret the experience, it reminded me that premium coffee is a luxury I enjoy only occasionallyy

Indonesia is a great place for people who enjoy instant coffee. There are many popular brands to choose from, such as Good Day, Kapal Api, Torabika, Nescafé, Luwak White Koffie, Indocafé, Kopi ABC, and TOP Coffee. Each brand has its own taste and different coffee products, from strong black coffee to sweet and creamy cappuccino.

 

You can find these instant coffees almost everywhere, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and small local shops. They are easy to make, affordable, and enjoyed by millions of people every day.

 

So, if you are visiting Indonesia and want to grab a quick cup of coffee, you will have plenty of good choices. One sachet of instant coffee in Indonesia usually costs between Rp2,500 and Rp4,000 (about US$0.15–0.25). A box with five sachets generally costs around Rp13,000 to Rp20,000 (about US$0.75–1.25). This affordable price makes instant coffee a popular choice for millions of Indonesians every day..

 

If you are visiting Indonesia, take a few minutes to stop by a convenience store or a small neighborhood shop. You will find shelves filled with instant coffee in many different flavors and brands. They are affordable, easy to prepare, and offer a taste of everyday life in Indonesia. You might even want to take a few sachets home as a simple and unique souvenir for your family or friends.

Pontianak itself is often regarded as a paradise for coffee lovers. The city is home to countless coffee shops, cafés, and enthusiastic coffee communities. Whether you prefer traditional coffee, espresso-based drinks, or modern café beverages, you'll find plenty of places to enjoy a good cup of coffee while socializing with friends.

As for me, I still prefer instant coffee. It is commonly sold in small sachets that are inexpensive, practical, and easy to carry wherever I go. Whether I'm traveling by plane, taking a road trip, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, a few sachets easily fit into my bag. In Indonesia, one sachet usually costs around 4,000 rupiah less than a half of a 1 US . Most instant coffee products are blended beverages containing coffee, sugar, creamer, and flavorings, producing the sweet and creamy taste that I enjoy.

My appreciation for coffee grew even more when I had the opportunity to attend a coffee processing workshop in Pontianak. During the event, I learned about the craft of coffee preparation from Hidenori Izaki, the 2014 World Barista Champion from Japan, during one of his visits to the city.

Me and Hidenori Izaki during his coffee presentation held in Botany caffee in Pontianak last April 2017.
Me and Hidenori Izaki during his coffee presentation held in Botany caffee in Pontianak, Indonesia last April 2017.  

 

Video from World Coffee Championship


The workshop opened my eyes to the fascinating world of specialty coffee. I discovered that authentic coffee can naturally have a noticeable acidity, depending on the variety of beans, the roasting process, and the brewing method. This was quite different from the sweet and creamy instant coffee that I usually drink. Although I respect the craftsmanship behind specialty coffee, I realized that my own taste still leans toward the familiar comfort of instant coffee.

Coffee is more than just a beverage. It accompanies conversations with friends, quiet moments of reflection, long journeys, and busy mornings. Sometimes it helps us stay awake; other times it simply gives us an excuse to slow down and appreciate the moment.

In the end, coffee is deeply personal. Every cup tells a story of memories, places, friendships, and experiences.

This is the story behind my cup of coffee.

What about yours? 

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"



Indonesia's independence day, August 17

 


As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ continues to attract millions of football fans around the world, I have found myself visiting the official FIFA website almost every day. There is always something interesting to see, from the latest match results and player statistics to videos, photos, and tournament news. It is one of the best places to stay updated with everything happening during the competition, and I always enjoy spending a few minutes there after work.

During my visit last night, I became curious about the official merchandise and clicked on the FIFA Store. Like many football fans, I enjoy looking at jerseys and souvenirs even if I don't plan to buy them. Every World Cup has its own special collection, and I was interested to see what FIFA had prepared for this tournament. As I browsed through the store, one item immediately caught my attention. It was the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City Jersey – Limited Edition.

My first impression was very positive. The jersey is beautiful. It doesn't look like a traditional football shirt at all. Instead, it looks like a piece of art. The colorful illustrations, flowers, football players, musical instruments, and famous landmarks make it very different from ordinary jerseys. I can imagine collectors falling in love with it because the design is creative, unique, and full of character. Whoever designed it certainly deserves credit for creating something so eye-catching.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City Jersey - Limited Edition


FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City Jersey - Limited Edition
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City Jersey  Limited Edition. 
Photo from the official FIFA website


Then I noticed the price. The jersey costs US$375. That is insane.

I was curious, so I checked the latest exchange rate. It showed that 1 US Dollar equals Rp17,909. That means the US$375 jersey costs about Rp6.7 million in Indonesian money. When I saw that number, I stopped thinking about buying the jersey. Instead, I started thinking about what else I could buy with the same amount of money. For my family of five, Rp6.7 million is enough to buy groceries for about one month. To me, that is a lot of food compared to just one football jersey.

At first, I thought I had read it incorrectly, so I looked again. The price was correct. Out of curiosity, I converted it into Indonesian Rupiah, and the result was around Rp6.7 million. That was the moment when my excitement changed into surprise. I wasn't thinking about football anymore. I was thinking about my family's monthly expenses.

For many people, especially here in Indonesia, Rp6.7 million is not a small amount of money. In my case, it could buy groceries for my family of five for about a month. Rice, cooking oil, eggs, vegetables, fruit, chicken, fish, milk, coffee, sugar, and many other daily necessities could all be purchased with that amount. When I looked at the jersey again, I couldn't help smiling. It is beautiful, but I also imagined a supermarket trolley full of food instead

You may also read - When a foreigner feels like super rich in Indonesia.

Please don't misunderstand me. This article is not meant to criticize FIFA or complain about the price. I understand that this is a limited-edition collector's jersey, not an ordinary football shirt. Products like this are made for collectors and passionate fans who appreciate exclusive merchandise. For them, the price may be reasonable because they are buying something unique that may even become more valuable in the future.

However, my experience reminded me that the value of money is different in every country. What seems expensive but affordable for someone in one part of the world can represent a month's household budget somewhere else. That is simply the reality of different economies. As football fans, we all share the same love for the game, but our purchasing power is not always the same.

Even so, I enjoyed visiting the FIFA Store. Looking at the official merchandise is part of the World Cup experience, and I genuinely admire the creativity behind this jersey. Although I probably won't be buying one anytime soon, 

I have no problem appreciating its artistic design. Sometimes it is nice just to admire something, even if it is beyond our budget. In the end, I closed the FIFA Store, returned to reading the latest World Cup news, and continued enjoying the tournament. I realized that supporting football has never depended on owning the most expensive jersey. The excitement of watching a great match, celebrating a spectacular goal, and sharing the experience with friends and family is worth far more than any piece of clothing.

If someone asked me today whether I would spend Rp6.7 million on this limited-edition FIFA jersey, my answer would probably be no. I would rather use that money to buy groceries for my family and continue watching the World Cup wearing one of my old football shirts. It may not be a collector's item, but it still carries the same love for the beautiful game

Now it's your turn. If you had US$375 (about Rp6.7 million), would you buy this limited-edition FIFA jersey, or would you rather spend the money on groceries, a family holiday, or something else? There are no right or wrong answers.

I would love to hear what you think. 
Leave a comment below and join the conversation


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"

IDisclaimer

I visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 16 to 17, 2009. It was a really long time ago. I joined as an Indonesian young participant in the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) along with hundreds of youth participants from Southeast Asian countries, with Malaysia as the organizer. There are several tourism spots that are quite interesting to share here, including some unusual and unfamiliar things that you might find interesting. These are all the memories I have written here. 

 I hope you enjoy reading my travel notes. 
Thank you for visiting my blog
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I never imagined that I would have the chance to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2009. It has been quite a long time since then, but I still have many travel stories to share with all my blogging friends, including food experiences and many other interesting things. The trip happened very suddenly. 

What made it even more special was that my 2-day, 1-night visit to Kuala Lumpur was worth about Rp25,000,000 (around US$2,500 at the exchange rate of Rp10,000 per US dollar at that time). Just imagine how many klepon you could buy with that much money

It would not feel complete to visit Kuala Lumpur without seeing the famous Petronas Twin Towers, one of Malaysia's greatest landmarks. At that time, I went there with several other delegates from the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) Conference. We traveled by bus and left at around 10:00 a.m., oops, I almost said Indonesian time! It was Malaysia time, of course. 

We did not know the route very well, so we simply asked people for directions until we finally arrived. Unfortunately, we could not go up to the top of the Twin Towers because there was an emergency drill that day for fire safety and anti-terrorism training

For a moment, I remembered the exciting 1999 movie Entrapment, starring Sean Connery as Mac and the beautiful Catherine Zeta-Jones as Gin. Some scenes from the movie were filmed at the Petronas Twin Towers, so it was really exciting to stand there in person. Very cool! Then I started wondering what it would be like if a movie like that were filmed in Jakarta at the National Monument (Monas). Would that be possible? I think it could be, if someone really wanted to make it happen! Haha

AWESOME: The Petronas Twin Towers stand tall and impressive. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to go up to the top during this visit. Maybe next time!hoto by Asep Haryono

AWESOME: The Petronas Twin Towers stand tall and impressive. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to go up to the top during this visit. Maybe next time. Photo by Asep Haryono



A fun stroll around the Petronas Twin Towers with my fellow Indonesian delegates! 🇮🇩 I filmed this video myself, so please forgive the occasional shaky footage. Back then, I was using an ancient smartphone that probably belonged in a museum.


 This was me just goofing around during the coffee break between sessions on the first day of the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) – South East Asian Youth for Personal Change (SEAchange), held on November 16–17, 2009, at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC).I was doing a fake "live report" right under the massive dome of this magnificent building, pretending to be a TV reporter. No important news, really... I was just shamelessly showing off that I was there! 


CLEAN: The streets were clean, well organized, and not very crowded. It was a working day, so I wondered where everyone was. Why were the roads so quiet?  Photo by Asep Haryono

CLEAN: The streets were clean, well organized, and not very crowded. It was a working day, so I wondered where everyone was. Why were the roads so quiet?

Photo by Asep Haryono


Walking around Kuala Lumpur was a pleasant experience. The city was clean, and I hardly heard any car horns at all. According to some local people, using the horn is not encouraged there, and it may even be against the rules. 

I also noticed that public telephones for emergency services, such as the fire department and the police, could be used without inserting any coins first. They connected directly to the emergency services. The roads were busy with traffic, but everything was well organized. I think this is possible because the people of Kuala Lumpur have a good sense of responsibility and take pride in their city. At least, that was my impression.

For dinner, all of us wanted to enjoy local food from the street stalls. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of the food. I do have a short video, but I was worried it would take too long to upload to YouTube because the internet connection was not very fast at that time. One thing I still remember is trying Nasi Lemak with curry chicken. It was quite affordable, costing only about 5 Malaysian Ringgit, which was around Rp18,000–20,000 at that time.

FUN FACT. 
One of the street foods I tasted that night was satay, which was cooked in a different way from the way it is prepared in my country, Indonesia. Beef or chicken satay is usually grilled over charcoal and fanned by hand. However, this was not the case in Kuala Lumpur. Instead of grilling it over charcoal, they boiled it in hot water. The local people said it was healthier than grilling it over charcoal because the smoke could be harmful to our bodies. Hmmm... that makes sense. 

That was much cheaper than what I once saw on the internet about a Padang restaurant in Sydney. According to the menu I found online, just one corn fritter (perkedel jagung) cost about AUD 2, or around Rp20,000. And that's for only one corn fritter! Haha. (Have I ever been to Sydney? Not yet! So how do I know the prices? I looked them up on the internet. Haha!)

After remembering this trip, I really wanted to visit Kuala Lumpur again in futrue. In fact, I wanted to go there so much that I even created a new blog header featuring Kuala Lumpur. I had already started planning the trip, although I did not know which month I would be able to go. God willing (Insya Allah), I hoped it would happen. 

Ungkapan Protes Terhadap Pemerintah?

PROTEST: I asked a local resident in Kuala Lumpur about ISA. I was told that it stood for the Internal Security Act, a law that was said to restrict certain protests and activities against the government. It reminded me of Indonesia's anti-terrorism law, although the two are not exactly the same.

Photo by Asep Haryono


CLEAR: Taking the bus was easy because the fare was clearly displayed. There was no need to worry about having enough money. The bus fare was 1 Malaysian Ringgit. Can you guess how much that was in Indonesian Rupiah at the time?  Photo by Asep Haryono

CLEAR: Taking the bus was easy because the fare was clearly displayed. There was no need to worry about having enough money. The bus fare was 1 Malaysian Ringgit. Can you guess how much that was in Indonesian Rupiah at the time?

Photo by Asep Haryono


seklias mirip Pencoblosan PEMILU padahal ini WC NEAT: This is not a voting booth! It is the entrance to a public toilet in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors paid a small fee by putting the money into a collection box before entering.  Photo by Asep Haryono

NEAT: This is not a voting booth! It is the entrance to a public toilet in a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors paid a small fee by putting the money into a collection box before entering.

Photo by Asep Haryono



SHOPPING AT DAY. Here, I was filming one of my fellow Indonesian delegates during the Youth Engagement Summit (YES) 2009 while we were wandering around a shop at Kuala Lumpur's Central Market one afternoon.The two shopkeepers were super friendly and loved joking around, so of course we couldn't resist having a little fun with them! 

Recorded by Asep Haryono.



SHOPPING AT NIGTH : On our last night before flying back to Indonesia, I tagged along with my fellow Indonesian delegates for a little night shopping adventure near our hotel in Malacca.The streets were lively, the food stalls were everywhere, and the atmosphere was just fantastic! This video captures the fun of bargaining for souvenir keychainsbecause no shopping trip is complete without a little friendly haggling! 

Recorded by Asep Haryono.


AIRASIA: I am standing in front of the AirAsia airline backdrop. This photo was taken during a break at the Southeast Asia Youth Engagement Summit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2009.  Photo by Asep Haryono.

AIRASIA: I am standing in front of the AirAsia airline backdrop. This photo was taken during a break at the Southeast Asia Youth Engagement Summit in Kuala Lumpur in November 2009.

Photo by Asep Haryono.



A few days earlier last May 2026, I had also received a package from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Jakarta (through the Embassy of Malaysia). It contained a book, brochures, leaflets, and a Visit Malaysia 2026 tourist map. I was sure these travel materials would help me plan my next visit to Kuala Lumpur much better.

Well, it was still just a plan. God willing (Insya Allah), everything would go smoothly and I would be able to visit Kuala Lumpur again. 


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"





Hello every one. First of all, I would like to say to all my fellow bloggers from the US , My most sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, July 4. Wishing you all success and a rewarding year ahead. 

Good news for WhatsApp users! 

WhatsApp is introducing a new feature called Usernames. This feature will allow people to contact you without seeing your phone number. For many years, anyone who wanted to chat with you on WhatsApp needed your phone number. With this new feature, that is going to change. 

It is important to know that you will still need a phone number to create and verify your WhatsApp account. However, after your account is set up, you will be able to choose a unique username.Instead of sharing your phone number, you can simply share your username. People can then find and message you using that username, while your phone number stays private. 

This is good news for people who care about privacy. It can also make it safer to chat with new people without giving them your personal phone number. 

Here are some important things to know about the new feature: 
  1. You will still need a phone number to register your WhatsApp account. 
  2. You can choose your own unique username. 
  3. People can contact you using your username instead of your phone number. 
  4. Your phone number will remain hidden from people who only know your username.
  5.  There will not be a public directory where everyone can search for usernames.
  6.  Usernames are expected to be between 3 and 35 characters long. 

This feature is similar to what Telegram and Signal already offer. It gives users more privacy and more control over their personal information.At the moment, WhatsApp is rolling out this feature gradually. 

This means not everyone will receive it at the same time. If you do not see it yet, you may need to wait until it becomes available in your country or for your account. Overall, this is a welcome update. It gives WhatsApp users better privacy while making it easier to connect with others. 

A smartphone with messages on the screen
A smartphone with messages on the screen
Photo Asep Haryono



What do you think about this new feature?
Many people have been waiting for a feature like this, and it could make WhatsApp even more useful in the future. What do you think about WhatsApp usernames? Will you use a username instead of sharing your phone number? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 

The new username feature is a positive step for WhatsApp users around the world. It gives people another way to stay connected while protecting their personal phone numbers. If you value your privacy, this is good news. 

As the feature becomes available, many users will likely choose to share their usernames instead of their phone numbers. It is another example of how messaging apps continue to improve both convenience and security. 

Will you use a WhatsApp username when it becomes available? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for reading. 

Please share this article with your friends if you found it useful. 

Thank you my friends.  

Happy Saturday. 

Happy Weekend
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"

Hello everyone. How is it going. 

Have you ever tried Klepon, one of Indonesia's most popular traditional snacks? Although I don't know exactly which region of Indonesia it originally came from, Klepon is now enjoyed throughout the country. This small green rice cake may look simple, but it hides a delicious surprise inside that keeps people coming back for more. 

Although it is a simple traditional snack, it is especially tempting for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is loved not only by older generations but also by many young people.

A note 
Indonesia, we call it kue klepon. The word kue is often translated as cake, but Klepon is not like a birthday cake or sponge cake. It is a traditional Indonesian rice cake made from glutinous rice flour. Each ball is coated with fresh grated coconut and filled with melted palm sugar. When you take a bite, the sweet syrup flows into your mouth. Klepon is one of Indonesia's most popular traditional foods and can be found in many markets across the country. If you ever visit Indonesia, I hope you will have the chance to taste this delicious treat.. 

This delicious snack is made from glutinous rice flour and is coated with freshly grated coconut. Inside each soft, chewy ball is melted palm sugar. When you bite into it, the sweet syrup bursts into your mouth, making Klepon a truly delightful treat. It is perfect as a morning snack, an afternoon treat, or even something to serve to guests.


Affordable and Easy to Find 
One of the reasons Klepon is so popular is that it is both affordable and easy to find. It is widely sold in traditional markets across Indonesia. Here in Pontianak, West Kalimantan where I live, you can buy Klepon from market stalls, roadside vendors, and even mobile carts. 

Klepon comes in different sizes, although most are small enough to be eaten in one or two bites. Unlike meatballs, which sometimes come in giant sizes, I have never seen a giant Klepon! 

The largest ones I have seen are about the size of a golf ball.  OMG

KLEPON :  This is a piece of Klepon that tempts anyone who likes it. Klepon delicious and delicious for those who like. Photo of Asep Haryon
KLEPON :  This is a piece of Klepon that tempts anyone who likes it. Klepon delicious and delicious for those who like. Photo of Asep Haryono


A regular-sized 
Klepon usually costs around Rp1,000 (one thousand Indonesian Rupiah) each, making it an inexpensive snack that almost everyone can enjoy. It is often sold together with other traditional cakes, especially Putu, another favorite Indonesian snack. If you ever visit Indonesia, don't miss the chance to try Klepon. 

FUNNY FACTS. As of today, July 2, 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 1 US Dollar (USD) = 17,985.4 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Exchange rates change throughout the day due to market activity, so the exact rate may vary slightly depending on your bank or money exchange service.  
At today's exchange rate of 1 USD = Rp17,985.4, a Rp1,000 klepon costs about 5.56% of one U.S. dollar. In other words, US$1 can buy approximately 17 klepon, with a small amount of rupiah remaining. 

It may look simple, but its sweet surprise inside makes it one of Indonesia's most unforgettable traditional treats. What makes klepon so special is the warm liquid palm sugar hidden inside. In Indonesia, some people jokingly call it "Bursting Klepon" because when you bite into a medium or large klepon, the hot palm sugar syrup can suddenly burst into your mouth. 

If you're not careful, it may even splatter onto your shirt!. LoL

That sweet surprise is exactly what makes Klepon so enjoyable. The combination of its soft, chewy texture, freshly grated coconut coating, and warm melted palm sugar creates a delicious experience that keeps people coming back for more. 

Making perfect Klepon is not as easy as it looks. Experienced cooks know that the cooking time is very important. If the Klepon is boiled for too long, it can become too soft and lose its chewy texture. When cooked just right, however, each bite is soft, chewy, and filled with rich, sweet palm sugar. 

I hope you'll have the chance to enjoy this delicious Indonesian traditional snack someday

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"

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