Tag : Indonesia - Asep Haryono | Kezia Syifa Maghfira May Lose Indonesian Citizenship After Joining the U.S. Army - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer:

This article is written for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on publicly available sources, general legal references, and media reports at the time of writing. It does not constitute legal advice or an official statement from any government authority. Individual cases related to citizenship status may vary depending on specific facts, official investigations, and legal decisions by the relevant authorities. Readers are encouraged to consult official government sources or legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Please sit and relax as you navigate this post. Enjoy. Thank you.  (Asep Haryono)

Kezia Syifa Maghfir?  Who is she anyway?

Well, Indonesian social media has recently been abuzz with the story of an Indonesian woman, Kezia Syifa Maghfira, who chose to pursue a career as a soldier in the United States Army. While many people praise her courage and achievement, this decision also carries serious legal consequences related to her Indonesian citizenship.

Kezia Syifa Maghfira, originally from Tangerang, West Java,Indonesia decided to join the U.S. Army at a young age. Her story went viral after photos and videos of her wearing an American military uniform circulated widely on social media. Many Indonesians expressed admiration and pride, seeing her journey as inspiring and impressive.

Kezia Syifa Maghfira, from Tangerang, West Java, Indonesia, decided to join the U.S. Army. Her decision went viral in Indonesia and was widely reported by local media, sparking intense public discussion. Photo courtesy of Media Indonesia Youtube Channel 

Find the video from Media Indonesia Channel
 

However, joining a foreign military is not a new issue for Indonesia.

This situation has happened before. Former Indonesian Marine Satria Arta Kumbara lost his Indonesian citizenship after joining Russian military forces without permission from the President of Indonesia. The Minister of Law and Human Rights later confirmed that, under Indonesian law, serving in a foreign military without approval leads to the automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship.

Read also Satria Arta Kumbara, the Mercenary Who Fought for Russia Is an Indonesian National.

Behind the praise and viral excitement, there is a serious legal issue that many people may not fully understand: the risk of losing Indonesian citizenship. What Indonesian law actually says, why this issue happens, and what young Indonesians should know before making similar decisions

My friends.....

I have no idea if People often say that joining the U.S. Army is not easy. I really have no idea about it, however from my perspective and assumption It requires strong physical ability, mental strength, discipline, and commitment. For some Indonesians living abroad, the U.S. military is also seen as a pathway to a better life, stable income, education, and faster access to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship.

From a personal achievement point of view, this looks impressive. But from a legal point of view in Indonesia, the situation is very sensitive. Indonesia has clear rules about citizenship. These rules are written in Law No. 12 of 2006 on Indonesian Citizenship.

According to Article 23(d) of this law, an Indonesian citizen can lose their citizenship if they enter service in a foreign military without permission from the President of the Republic of Indonesia (Now is Prabowo Subianto). This means joining any foreign army , including the U.S. Army , can cause automatic loss of Indonesian citizenship if there is no official presidential approval.

The Oath of Allegiance Issue
Another important point is the oath of allegiance. When someone joins the U.S. military, they must take an oath that includes loyalty to the United States and obedience to its Constitution and military command. Under Indonesian law, this matters a lot. Article 23(f) states that Indonesian citizenship can be lost if someone voluntarily swears loyalty to another country. So even if a person does not immediately become a U.S. citizen, taking the military oath alone can be enough to trigger the loss of Indonesian citizenship.

Dual Citizenship? Its a Confusion
This is where many people get confused. Indonesia does not recognize dual citizenship for adults. Only children can temporarily hold dual citizenship under special conditions, and they must choose one nationality when they become adults.

So if an adult Indonesian joins a foreign military and later becomes a citizen of another country, Indonesian citizenship is usually lost automatically.

From Indonesia’s perspective, it is seen as a transfer of loyalty away from the Republic of Indonesia. This difference in legal systems often causes shock when such cases go viral.

This is not just theory. Indonesia has handled several real cases where citizens lost their citizenship after joining foreign militaries without permission. Government officials, including the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, have repeatedly confirmed that the law is clear and has been enforced.

Remember the rule is real.
An Indonesian citizen can lose their citizenship if they join the U.S. Army or any foreign military without presidential permission, especially if they take an oath of allegiance. However, each case still depends on details such as whether the person officially enlisted, whether they took the military oath, and whether presidential permission existed. Social media often simplifies these details, which can lead to misunderstanding.

This viral story is a reminder that big life decisions have serious legal consequences, especially when they involve another country’s military. Chasing dreams is important, and building a better future is natural. But understanding the law is just as important.

Before joining any foreign military, Indonesians should learn the legal consequences, consult official sources, and think carefully about their citizenship status. Once citizenship is lost, getting it back is not simple.

I share this viral story because it may be interesting for fellow bloggers abroad, especially those in the United States. For American bloggers reading this, I would love to hear your perspective and opinions as U.S. citizens.

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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 | Extreme Heat Hits Kalimantan: More Than 10 Days Without Rain - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer

I would like to say that the information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only. Weather conditions in Indonesia, especially in my area in West Kalimantan may change at any time and can vary between regions in all provinces in Indonesia. This article is based on publicly available information and official statements from BMKG at the time of writing as factual support documentations.

Readers especially Indonesians are advised to always refer to official updates and warnings from BMKG or local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date weather information.

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In the past week, many people in Kalimantan, includes in my area West Kalimantan, have been feeling unusually hot weather. Even though Indonesia in general is still in the rainy season, several areas in Kalimantan, that includes me in West Kalimantan, have experienced extreme heat, with daytime temperatures reaching 34 to 35 degrees Celsius. This condition has raised concerns among residents and authorities, especially because rain has been absent for more than 10 days in some regions.

According to data from BMKG (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika), this situation is not normal for the current season. Normally, Kalimantan receives frequent rainfall during this period, helping to keep temperatures lower and humidity balanced. However, recent weather patterns show a different picture.

More Than 10 Days Without Rain BMKG records show that several parts of Kalimantan have gone over 10 consecutive days without rain. This long dry period has caused the land surface to heat up more than usual. When the ground becomes dry, it absorbs and releases heat more quickly, making the air temperature feel even hotter during the day.

Many residents have reported feeling exhausted more easily, especially those who work outdoors. Farmers, construction workers, and street vendors are among the most affected, as they are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours. Even during the night, the air in some areas still feels warm, making it difficult for people to rest comfortably.

PHOTO 1

PHOTO 2

PHOTO 1 AND PHOTO 2 : Local boats, known in my area of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia as “Bandung,” are busy every day transporting passengers and cargo across the Kapuas River. Their activities can be affected by smoke caused by land clearing. If they are unable to sail, they cannot earn a living. Photo Istimewa

Hundreds of Hotspots Detected
Another worrying sign is the detection of hundreds of hotspots across Kalimantan. Hotspots are areas identified by satellites that show higher-than-normal surface temperatures. These hotspots are often associated with dry land conditions and can indicate early signs of forest and land fire risks.

BMKG clarifies that Indonesia’s rainy season does not mean it rains every day in every region. Weather patterns can shift temporarily due to regional and global atmospheric conditions. Short dry spells can still occur, even in the middle of the rainy season.

However, what makes this event stand out is the combination of long dry days, high temperatures, and increasing hotspots. This combination is what makes the current heat feel more intense and concerning.

BMKG and health authorities remind the public to pay close attention to their health during this period. Extreme heat can cause several health problems, such as: Dehydration, Heat exhaustion Dizziness and headaches, Fatigue and lack of concentration.

Children, elderly people, and those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable. People are advised to: • Drink enough water throughout the day, even if not feeling thirsty • Reduce outdoor activities during peak heat hours (around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) • Wear light, breathable clothing • Take breaks and rest in shaded or cool areas

My friends. Simple steps like these can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Fire Risk Remains a Serious Concern
With dry conditions and rising temperatures, the risk of forest and land fires remains a serious concern in Kalimantan. Past experiences have shown how devastating fires can be, affecting air quality, public health, transportation, and even neighboring countries. BMKG urges local governments, companies, and communities to stay alert. Early detection, quick response, and prevention are key to avoiding large-scale fires.

Residents are strongly encouraged not to burn land, even for traditional farming purposes, during this dry and hot period. One small spark can quickly turn into a large fire under these conditions. The good news is that BMKG predicts this extreme heat condition will gradually ease in the coming days. Changes in regional weather patterns are expected to bring more cloud cover and increase the chances of rainfall in Kalimantan.

However, BMKG also reminds the public that weather changes can be unpredictable. People should continue to follow official updates and warnings. This period of extreme heat in Kalimantan is a reminder of how dynamic and complex Indonesia’s weather system can be. Even during the rainy season, certain regions can experience dry and hot conditions due to shifting atmospheric patterns.

For now, the best approach is awareness and preparedness. By staying informed, taking care of health, and avoiding activities that increase fire risk, communities can reduce the impact of this extreme weather. As BMKG continues to monitor the situation, residents are encouraged to rely on official information and remain cautious until weather conditions fully stabilize.

To all my friends in Kalimantan province especially in my area West Kalinantan , Stay Alert and Stay Safe

Happy Weekend my friends 

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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 | ATR 42-500 Plane Crash in Indonesia: I Used to Fly on the Same Type - Powered by Blogger

Indonesia is in mourning following a tragic aircraft accident involving an ATR 42-500 turboprop plane operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT). The aircraft went missing during a domestic flight and was later found crashed in a mountainous area of South Sulawesi. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

The incident occurred on Friday, 17 January 2026. The ATR 42-500 aircraft, registered PK-THT, was flying from Adisutjipto Airport in Yogyakarta to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar. According to aviation officials, the plane lost contact with air traffic control while approaching Makassar. Before disappearing from radar, the pilot was asked to correct the aircraft’s position. Shortly afterward, all communication was lost.

There were 11 people on board, including 8 crew members and 3 passengers. Some passengers were reportedly officials from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, traveling for work-related duties. On Saturday, 18 January 2026, rescue teams found aircraft debris scattered on the mountain slopes at an altitude of around 1,300 to 1,400 meters above sea level, confirming the plane had crashed.

Below is a list of foreign media coverage for international audiences regarding the accident involving the crashed ATR 42-500 turboprop aircraft operated by Indonesia Air Transport (IAT):

• TRAGIC ACCIDENT: Indonesian Surveillance Plane Wreckage Found on Mount Bulusaraung | AP1Z- DWS News    

• Search underway after plane goes missing in Indonesia - Sky News Australia   

• Indonesia says one body found at wreckage site of missing surveillance plane - The Star

Debris from an ATR 42-500 aircraft was discovered by the Joint Search and Rescue Team at the summit of Mount Bulu Saraung, Makassar. Photo by Official YouTube channel inews.id

Watch the video

After reaching the crash site, teams discovered wreckage spread across the slope and nearby ravines. One victim’s body was recovered from a ravine estimated to be about 200 meters deep. Evacuation efforts have been slow due to the challenging terrain. Authorities have not yet released full victim details, as identification procedures are still ongoing. The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is leading the investigation. Officials emphasized that the exact cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed.

I used to fly on the same type of aircraft as the one that crashed: ATR 42-500..

Well, when I had the opportunity to use KALSTAR , the same type of ATR 42-500 mentioned above, when I flew to Salatiga from Pontianak , West Kalimantan, Indonesia to take part in the Local Leadership Day II on 7-9 March 2014 with the purpose of Semarang, Central Java,Indonesia. As far as I know, there were no direct flights from Pontianak to Salatiga except through the city of Semarang. The distance between Semarang and Salatiga is not too far away

I remember the first time I flew with a propeller. This is as I recall. Hopefully it's not a mistake. What if the wrong memory can be what huh? Since 1990, the plane first boarded until the end of 2011, always flying using a jet engine. That is, there is no propeller. So, so, when Karlstar got up, the jeroji feeling (read: nervous) immediately beat my feelings.

I don't know the feeling of anxiety, jeroji (nervousness), kinds of raging inside this chest. Well, in short, my Karlstar plane is for Pontianak - Semarang flight at 07.55 WIB, it turns out to be around 25 (twenty five) minutes.

The first time to fly with Karstar has been greeted with a delay. And after all my business was finished I immediately went on board with a position near the Window. I always like to choose a seat near Window. The reason is clear, I always like to see clouds of clouds in height and moments when landing and taking off from Windows. Here I say in the photo below

Inside the Kalstar Airplane Cabin before taking off from Pontianak Supadio Airport to Ahmad Yani Semarang. Photo of Asep Haryono

There are two information on Kalstar. Tabloid inflight shop and flight safety instructions. The goods in the inflight shop are expensive. You buy. If you want it, please. Photo of Asep Haryono

 The Kalstar aircraft propeller, complete with its exhaust stack, was captured by my camera. The photo was taken from my window seat. Photo Asep Haryono

 The control panel above the Kalstar aircraft seat includes the lights and a small air conditioner. Unfortunately, the air conditioner didn’t feel cold. I had to keep moving while working on this Kalstar flight. Photo: Asep Haryono

 Here is the snack: a glass of mineral water and a package of soft bread containing two pieces. Earlier, we also received one piece of wafer. Photo: Asep Haryono

When landing at Ahmad Yani International Airport in the city of Semarang (Central Java) on 7 March 2014 I took a picture of the plane. Beautiful is the physical form. Photo of Asep Haryono

NOTE :
While the aircraft type is the same, those images above is NOT the exact aircraft involved in the crash. This is only a representative image of an ATR 42-500; however, the description can give you a clear sense of what it feels like to be on board the ATR 42-500 that crashed.


My Thoughts for Passengers
This tragic accident has deeply saddened many people, especially the families of those on board. However, it is important for passengers to not let fear take over when thinking about air travel.

Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel. Every accident is taken very seriously, and aviation authorities carefully investigate each case to understand what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. These investigations help improve safety standards, pilot training, navigation systems, and operating procedures

Indonesia’s aviation sector continues to learn and improve, especially when operating in challenging environments such as mountainous regions and remote islands. Airlines, pilots, and regulators all share the same goal: keeping passengers safe.

For passengers, it is natural to feel worried after hearing news like this. But it is important to remember that millions of flights operate safely every year, including aircraft like the ATR series that are widely used around the world. The best way to honor the victims is not through fear, but through continued trust in safety improvements and respect for the investigation process. Authorities will release clear findings once the investigation is complete.

My thoughts remain with the victims and their families, while we move forward with hope, caution, and confidence in safer skies.

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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 | First Time Flying a Drone - Powered by Blogger

Hello guys How is it going?
Happy Sunday

It’s very tiring and exhausting to write about sensitive or heavy topics such as the Minnesota shooting, the U.S. attack on Venezuela, and similar issues. I just want to relax with this episode a hobby. It feels like an interesting and captivating topic, right? Who doesn’t have a hobby? Everyone does. I have a few hobbies too.

Today’s story is a simple thing to me. I have a new hobby instead of reading books, blogging, listening to radio, cooking, cycling, jogging, that is flying a drone. A drone? Absolutely. Why not

The first time I really noticed a drone was one afternoon in my neighborhood. I was walking near a small soccer field when I saw a group of young men standing together, all looking up at the sky. At first, I didn’t understand what they were watching. Then I saw it a small flying object moving smoothly above the field. It was a drone.

One of the young men was controlling it with a remote. The drone was flying high, turning left and right, going up and down. It looked very cool. Later, he showed me some photos and videos that he had taken with it. The quality was amazing. From that moment, I felt very curious. When I looked up at the drone flying above my head, I felt like I was flying with it too.

I had never flown a drone before, but after seeing that, I wanted to try. I didn’t want to buy an expensive one right away, because I was still a beginner. Two weeks later, I started searching online for a cheap drone that I could use just for practice. There were many expensive drones with very beautiful cameras and advanced features, but they were far beyond my budget.

Finally, I found a small drone called the E99. It was more like a toy drone, but it had two cameras and could still record video and take photos. The price was only about 162,000 rupiahs, which is less than 11 US dollars. For a beginner like me, that was perfect. I thought,

“If I crash it, at least it won’t be too painful for my wallet.” I said in my heart

This drone is an E99 model, which I purchased from Shopee for around 160,000 rupiahs (less than 10 USD). It is one of the cheapest drone types in Indonesia and is more like a toy, but it’s a good start for a beginner like me.
Photo: Asep Haryono /Samsung Galaxy a10s

I bought the drone through online shopping, so I had to wait for it to arrive. Waiting for a new gadget feels very long, doesn’t it? After about one week, the package finally arrived at my house. I was so excited. I opened the box carefully and saw everything inside: the drone itself, a remote control, a few batteries, a USB charging cable, and a small manual book in Mandarin and English language.

The E99 drone had dual cameras and could fly for about 6 to 10 minutes on one battery. That is not very long, but it is normal for cheap drones. I was ready to try it, but then I found another problem.

The manual book said that I needed to install a special app on my phone to see what the drone camera was recording. But my phone at that time was an old Samsung Galaxy A10s. When I tried to install the app, it didn’t work. My phone was not strong enough to support the app.

So, I had to make another decision. I bought a newer phone, a Samsung A26. After that, the app could be installed successfully. Finally, everything was ready.

The first time I flew the drone, I did it inside my room. I was too afraid to fly it outside. I followed the instructions in the manual and watched some YouTube tutorials. Even with a small “toy” drone like the E99, flying it was not easy at all.

I moved the joystick a little, and the drone went up. I moved it too much, and it suddenly flew forward. A few times, it hit the wall or the curtain. I was trying to record video while also controlling the drone, and that was very difficult. I felt like I needed more hands!

But even with all the mistakes, I was very happy. Seeing the room from above on my phone screen felt magical. It was like having my own little flying camera.

After a few days of practice indoors, I felt more confident. Then one day, I decided to fly the drone outside. That decision changed everything.

Outside, the space was much bigger, and the wind was stronger. At first, the drone flew well. It went up, higher and higher. I was enjoying the view and forgot one very important thing: this was a cheap drone with a limited control range.

Suddenly, the drone was very high in the sky, probably more than 20 meters. Then I realized something was wrong. The drone was no longer responding to my remote control. It was out of range, and the wind was pushing it.

I panicked.

I remembered that there was an emergency button on the remote to stop the drone. I thought that if I pressed it, the drone would return to me or land safely.

I pressed the button.

What happened next was horrible.

The drone did not fly back to me. It did not land slowly. It stopped in the air and fell straight down like a stone.

I watched in shock as my little drone dropped into some bushes far away. I ran to the place where I thought it had fallen, but I couldn’t find it. I searched and searched, but it was gone. OMG

BUSH : Take a look at the red arrow I added to this photo of bush. It shows the bush where my drone fell. I couldn’t reach it or find it because the area is very difficult to access and there may be snakes there. The bush is near my home, my friends after the house on the right side of the picture is my house.
Photo Asep Haryono / Samsung Galaxy a10s

My drone was lost. Just like that.

I couldn’t believe it. I felt sad, stupid, and disappointed. But at the same time, I knew this was part of learning.

Later, I joined some online chat groups with drone pilots and beginners like me. I told them my story. They were not surprised. Many of them had lost drones before too.

They gave me a lot of advice. They said beginners should not fly too high, especially with cheap drones. They said to avoid strong wind and to keep the drone within 10 meters if possible. They also said to always know the limits of your drone and your remote control.

I learned a lot from that mistake.

Yes, I lost my first drone. But I also gained experience. Now I know that flying a drone is not just about fun it is also about skill, patience, and responsibility.

One day, I will buy another drone. And this time, I will be much more careful. Maybe I will still crash sometimes. Maybe I will still make mistakes. But that is how we learn. After all, every pilot has a first flight… and sometimes, a first crash too.

Am still learning it
The E99 drone uses a remote that works together with a mobile phone. The drone camera is controlled through an app called wifi_cam. First, you turn on the drone.

This E99 drone uses both a remote control and a cellphone to view the camera feed through the drone’s Wi-Fi connection. You can control the drone either with the remote or with your phone. I prefer using the remote to fly the drone while watching the live view through the drone’s camera on my cellphone. Photo: Asep Haryono

Then you turn on the remote. After that, you open the wifi_cam app on your phone and connect it to the drone’s Wi-Fi. When it is connected, you need to calibrate the drone. Once everything is ready, you can see what the drone sees on your phone screen. You use your phone to take photos and videos, while the remote is used to move the drone left, right, up, and down.

Sadly, my first drone is now gone in the bushes somewhere

This is a type of my dream advanced drone, one that already has a screen on the remote, so I won’t need to use my phone anymore. Photo courtesy of Shopee Indonesia

.

But I am not giving up. I plan to buy a slightly more advanced drone, one that already has a screen on the remote, so I won’t need to use my phone anymore. That will make flying much easier and safer.

As a beginner, I have learned that it is very important to follow advice from more experienced drone pilots. I will fly lower, avoid strong wind, and always keep the drone within range of the remote. Even though I lost my first drone, I still love flying. When a drone is in the air, it feels like I am flying too like a bird in the sky.

Have you ever flown a drone or lost one like I did?

Share your story in the comments below I’d love to hear your experience and tips for beginners like 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 : Indonesia, Keseharian - Asep Haryono | Breaking News: Deadly Floods Hit Sumatra, At least 1,177 people have died - Powered by Blogger

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and official statements as of January 1, 2026. Figures may change as rescue operations continue. This content is written for informational purposes only.

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Indonesia is facing one of its worst natural disasters in recent years as massive floods and landslides continue to devastate parts of Sumatra. According to the latest official data released on January 1, 2026, at least 1,177 people have been confirmed dead, while 148 others are still missing, Around 242,000 people are displaced, living in temporary shelters or with family and friends. . The disaster has affected thousands of families and forced many to leave their homes.

Heavy rainfall over several weeks caused rivers to overflow and hillsides to collapse in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Entire villages were flooded within hours, leaving residents with little time to escape. Roads, bridges, schools, and homes were destroyed, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.



Impact Across Provinces
The disaster has caused severe damage across three provinces:

• Aceh: Around 530 deaths reported, with dozens still missing 

• North Sumatra: About 365 deaths, many villages heavily damaged 

• West Sumatra: At least 262 deaths, landslides hit rural areas hard

These numbers show how widespread and serious the disaster is.


Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. Many now live in temporary shelters such as schools, mosques, and public buildings. Access to clean water, food, and medical care remains a challenge in some locations.

Children, elderly people, and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable. Aid organizations and volunteers continue to distribute food, drinking water, blankets, and medicine.

Pray for Sumatera  A moment of hope and humanity amid the devastating floods in Sumatera, Indonesia, as communities endure loss and rescuers work tirelessly to save lives.

Government and Community Response
The Indonesian government has declared emergency status in affected areas and promised support for recovery and rebuilding. Emergency funds have been released to help victims and repair critical infrastructure.

At the same time, local communities have shown strong solidarity. Volunteers from different regions are helping with evacuation, logistics, and emotional support for survivors.

Looking Ahead
As the new year begins, Indonesia faces a long recovery process. Authorities stress the importance of preparedness and early warning systems to reduce future risks. Climate experts warn that extreme weather events may become more frequent.

For now, the focus remains on finding the missing, helping survivors, and honoring those who lost their lives. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the power of nature and the importance of unity, compassion, and resilience.

May Allah SWT grant mercy to those who passed away, strength to the survivors, and patience to the families affected by this tragedy. Ameen 

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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 | Bonnie Blue and the Harassment of the Indonesian Flag in London - Powered by Blogger

Recently, the name Bonnie Blue became popular on social media in Indonesia. Many people were confused and asked what really happened.

Hold your horses. Who Is Bonnie Blue?
Bonnie Blue is a British online content creator. Earlier this month, she was in Bali and got into trouble with Indonesian authorities. After an investigation, she was deported from Indonesia and banned from returning for several years. At that point, many Indonesians thought the issue was finished.

Read also - When Freedom Meets Tradition: The Bonnie Blue Bali Case

However, things got worse.

After returning to the UK, a video appeared online showing Bonnie Blue near the Indonesian Embassy in London. In the video, she wore the Indonesian flag attached to her clothing in a way that made it drag on the ground while she walked. For many Indonesians, this felt very disrespectful.

In the video, she was seen wearing the Indonesian national flag (Merah Putih) attached to her clothes in a way that made it touch and drag on the ground while she walked. We saw this as extremely disrespectful to  a simbol of a sovereign of a country Of Indonesia
Source : MIFA TV Youtube Channel

Following the immoral content case in Bali,
Bonnie Blue is up to no good again by insulting the Indonesian flag
See the video

Source : VIVA Youtube Channel

Freedom of Speech or Disrespect?
After the controversy involving Bonnie Blue and the Indonesian flag, some people began asking an important question: Was this freedom of speech, or did it cross a line?

Freedom of speech allows people to express opinions, criticism, and ideas without fear. It protects open discussion, even when opinions are unpopular. However, freedom of speech is not unlimited.

In this case, the issue is not about expressing an opinion or criticizing Indonesia, my country. I have an opinion that the controversy comes from how the Indonesian national flag was treated. A national flag is not just fabric. It represents a sovereign country, its people, and its history.

For many Indonesians, seeing the Merah Putih dragged on the ground felt like a deliberate act of disrespect, not a form of political or artistic expression. That is why the reaction was strong and emotional.

Is it harassment? That depends on local laws, especially since the incident happened outside Indonesia. Is it hate? Some people believe it shows contempt toward a nation, even if it was meant as provocation or attention-seeking.

This situation reminds us that freedom of expression works best when balanced with cultural awareness and respect. In a connected world, actions can travel far and their impact can be bigger than expected.

My friends...

The Indonesian flag is not just a symbol. It represents independence, history, and sacrifice. That’s why people reacted strongly. Social media quickly filled with criticism, and public figures also spoke out.

The Indonesian government later made a formal complaint to British authorities. Even though the incident happened outside Indonesia, officials said that disrespecting a national flag is not acceptable.

Many Indonesians see her actions as disrespectful to the Indonesian flag, which is why the reaction was so strong. Please do not do that again.

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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 | Eating with Bare Hands in Indonesia - Powered by Blogger

Indonesia is one of the most incredible countries in the world, known for its rich national character and diverse cultures. Today, Indonesia is gaining more international recognition not only for its amazing cuisines, but also for its deeply rooted cultural heritage. Among these traditions, two simple yet powerful practices often surprise and captivate people from other parts of the world: kissing hands known in Bahasa Indonesia as cium tangan and eating with bare hands.

At first glance, these practices may seem old-fashioned or even unusual, especially to people who come from highly modern and fast-paced societies. In many countries, physical contact such as hand-kissing may feel too personal, and eating without cutlery may be considered impolite. However, in Indonesia, these traditions carry deep meanings. They reflect values of respect, humility, togetherness, gratitude, and strong emotional bonds between people.

Growing Up with These Traditions
When I was a child, especially during my elementary school years, I saw many children my age naturally practicing these traditions in their daily lives. Kissing our parents’ hands before going to school or after returning home was not something we learned from textbooks or formal lessons it was simply part of everyday life. We did it almost automatically, without being told, because we saw adults and older siblings doing the same.


Read also - "Sambal:" More Than Just a Spicy Sauce for Indonesians


Eating with bare hands during family meals was also very common. Whether it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sitting together and sharing food using our hands created a special atmosphere. There was a sense of closeness and equality at the table. No one felt distant or superior. Everyone shared the same dishes, the same space, and the same experience.

These simple routines shaped our attitudes from a very young age. They taught us manners, respect, and emotional awareness in a natural way. They were not strict rules enforced by fear or punishment, but habits formed through love, repetition, and example

This is my hand as I eat a traditional Indonesian meal with bare hands, a daily practice rooted in simplicity and togetherness.  Photo by me

I am on the right side having meals with bare hands in Bali together with staff and personnel from KangGuru Indonesia, most of them Australian nationals, sharing a relaxed and friendly moment.

Samuel Donner is a U.S.-based content creator and social media personality, best known for his work on TikTok and other platforms. He is recognized as a TikTok star and online personality, and he is also involved in podcasting and storytelling content.Recently, he visited Bali for his content and was seen enjoying meals with his bare hands, just like the local Balinese people.
Source : IG @samueldonner

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The Meaning Behind Eating with Bare Hands
Eating with bare hands is not just about tradition it is also about connection. In many parts of Indonesia, food is enjoyed not only with the mouth, but also with the sense of touch. Using hands allows people to feel the texture and temperature of the food, creating a more intimate and mindful eating experience.

This practice also symbolizes togetherness. When people eat with their hands from shared dishes, it encourages patience, sharing, and mutual respect. People become more aware of others at the table. They take only what they need and make sure everyone has enough. In this way, eating becomes a social activity, not just a physical necessity.

For many Indonesians, eating with bare hands also represents simplicity and humility. It reminds us that happiness does not always come from luxury or sophistication. Sometimes, it comes from simple moments sharing rice, side dishes, and laughter with family or friends.

Seen Through Foreign Eyes
In recent years, many foreigners have shown interest in these Indonesian traditions. Through YouTube videos, travel vlogs, and cultural documentaries, people from different countries have expressed admiration for the simplicity and warmth of Indonesian daily life.

Many of them say they feel touched by how children respect their parents and elders. Some are surprised to see families eating together, using their hands, laughing, and talking without distractions. For people who live in stressful and highly individualistic environments, these scenes feel peaceful and meaningful.

What Indonesians often consider ordinary turns out to be extraordinary to outsiders. These traditions represent something many people are searching for: connection, calmness, and genuine human interaction.

Adopting Indonesian Values
For foreigners who live in Indonesia for a long time, these practices often become familiar and comfortable. Some begin to practice kissing hands or “cium tangan” in Indonesian language when greeting older Indonesians. Others start eating with bare hands, especially when sharing meals with local families.


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Slowly, without realizing it, they adopt parts of Indonesian culture into their own lives. What once felt strange or outdated begins to feel logical and deeply human. These traditions stop being seen as cultural curiosities and instead become meaningful life lessons.

Tradition in a Modern World
In a world that is becoming more digital and fast-paced, traditions like especially eating with bare hands may seem old-fashioned. However, they offer an important reminder: modern life does not have to erase human values. Technology can move forward, cities can grow taller, and lifestyles can change but respect, humility, and togetherness should remain. Indonesian culture shows that tradition and modernity can coexist. Simple gestures can still carry powerful meanings.

Through eating with bare hands and cium tangan, Indonesia quietly teaches the world that true progress is not only about innovation and speed. It is also about staying connected to family, to community, and to our shared humanity.

My friends...

Have you ever experienced eating with bare hands or greeting elders with cium tangan in Indonesia?

Share your thoughts, memories, or experiences in the comments below and let’s keep this cultural conversation alive ..


Happy weekend everyone

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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"