I have seen many of my fellow American bloggers let their favicon remain as the default “B.” I’m talking about blogs (often on Blogger/Blogspot) that still display the default orange “B” favicon the little icon that appears in the browser tab next to the site title.

That “B” is the standard Blogger logo favicon, and many bloggers never bother to replace it with their own custom one. This usually means they haven’t customized that part of their site settings, so the platform just uses the default branding.

I will not explain how to change that favicon to make a blog look more professional and branded you can easily find plenty of tutorials online on how to change the Blogger favicon (replace the default orange “B” logo with your own).




When It’s Fine to Keep the Default “B”. If your blog is purely personal, casual, or temporary.If you don’t care much about branding or standing out visually.If your audience already knows your site well and the “B” doesn’t bother them.

Updating your favicon is not mandatory, but it’s a small change that can make a big difference in branding and perceived quality like wearing a nice name tag at an event instead of the one they gave you at the door.

When choosing a favicon for your blog, keep in mind that it appears very small usually 16×16 or 32×32 pixels so clarity is everything. The ideal favicon is simple, iconic, and instantly recognizable. Instead of using a full personal photo, which will blur and lose detail at tiny sizes, opt for a clean, minimal design that represents your brand.

Good options include:
1. A simplified version of your logo remove small text and keep the main shape or symbol.

2. Your initials or monogram bold, clear lettering like “AH” for Asep Haryono.

3. A symbol tied to your niche such as a pen for a writing blog or a camera for photography.

4. A flat icon in your brand colors adds personality while staying sharp.


 Avoid detailed images, fine lines, and generic stock icons. Always design your favicon in a larger size first (SVG or high-res PNG), then scale it down for maximum sharpness.

A custom favicon isn’t mandatory, but it adds a professional touch, strengthens branding, and makes your site easier to recognize among many open tabs. Small detail, big impact and worth the few minutes to update.

Updating Your Blogger Favicon for Better Branding?

Its optional. 

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

Who Was Tommy Page?

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

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

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

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


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

All photos taken from BeritaSatu Youtube Channel



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


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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Madu Hutan Kalimantan
Forst Honey of Kalimantan


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

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

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

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



Ready to send to customers with cute packaging

Kalimantan Forest Honey 0.5 kg packaging

Kalimantan Forest Honey Packaged 1 kg
Wild Honey Packaging READY to Ship

1 US Dollar =
16.355 Indonesian Rupiah
Last updated · August 6th,  at 9:00 PM UTC

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

Yes, I still have a lot to learn marketing systems, advanced strategies, and maybe even creating my own brand in the future. But I’m not in a rush. Every big journey starts with a single step. This is mine.
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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KMP Tampomas II was a passenger ship owned by Pelni (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia), which is remembered for the tragic disaster known as the Tampomas Tragedy of 1981. The vessel caught fire and sank near the Masalembo Islands, located at 114°25′60″E — 5°30′0″S in the Java Sea (administratively part of East Java Province). “KMP” stands for Kapal Motor Penumpang (Motor Passenger Ship).

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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




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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Bendera Israel dan Amerika berdampingan


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

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

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

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

• Jewish Voice for Peace

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

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

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

Kesimpulannya
Jangan menilai seluruh agama hanya karena tindakan pemerintah. Mari kita jadi masyarakat yang cerdas dan berhati lembut. Kalau kita mau perdamaian, kita harus mau saling memahami, bukan saling menyudutkan.
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I recently received a few notifications containing responses to my article published on the online media platform titled “Why Is There Islamophobia in Western Culture?” which I posted a week ago. One of the comments came from a female writer who goes by the name “jasminsbreakfast.”

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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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Can you believe it? CNN Indonesia TV has been around for a whole decade! Since its very first broadcast on August 17, 2015, this trusted news channel has grown into a major player in the Indonesian media landscape. And now, in 2025, it’s going even further thanks to digital broadcasting.

What does this mean? Well, digital broadcasting has opened up brand new opportunities for CNN Indonesia TV to reach more people, especially those living in areas that were previously harder to access. The signal is clearer, the quality is higher (hello, HD!), and viewers across the country can now tune in more easily than ever before.

CNN Indonesia TV is now available in 36 broadcasting regions, covering a wide range of provinces and cities throughout the country. From Central Java, East Java, and Yogyakarta, all the way to Aceh, West Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, Papua, and even North Maluku CNN Indonesia is literally everywhere.

Photo from MaduraIndept


And it’s not just about being on-air. CNN Indonesia TV has also joined forces with Transmedia’s Multiplexer (MUX) service which includes Trans TV and Trans7 to provide even more reliable and high-quality news for the public. Whether you’re watching it on your TV screen or catching clips online, the goal is the same: to bring trustworthy and up-to-date news to everyone.

A quick flashback did you know that CNN (Cable News Network) was originally founded in the United States by Ted Turner back in 1980? It's known worldwide as a pioneer in 24-hour news broadcasting. CNN Indonesia is the local adaptation of that global brand, brought to you by Trans Media through a collaboration with Turner International.

It all started with a news portal, CNNIndonesia.com, which launched on October 20, 2014. The television channel followed shortly after, making its debut a year later. Since then, it has grown steadily both in terms of content and coverage. CNN Indonesia’s main headquarters is located at the Transmedia Building on Jalan Kapten Pierre Tendean, South Jakarta. They also operate from Aldevco Octagon Building, also in South Jakarta, just to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

So, what makes CNN Indonesia TV stand out? It’s the commitment to clear, balanced, and professional journalism. In a world full of noise, this channel has consistently focused on delivering the facts no drama, no spin, just good journalism.

As the channel marks its 10th anniversary, it’s clear that CNN Indonesia TV is not just celebrating the past it’s looking toward the future. With digital broadcasting now in full swing, expect even broader coverage, better quality, and more innovative ways to stay informed.

Happy 10th anniversary, CNN Indonesia TV

Keep reaching further, reporting better, and inspiring trust across the nation.
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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Airplane blankets are often a lifesaver, especially on long flights or overnight flights when the cabin temperature can be chilly. However, despite the comfort they offer, an experienced flight attendant has a surprising warning regarding the use of airplane blankets.

Natalie Magee, a flight attendant with 20 years of experience, bluntly discourages passengers from using airplane blankets. Her reasoning is quite disgusting: airplane blankets can harbor fecal matter "Probably one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen is someone using a blanket to change their baby’s diaper," Magee told Travel + Leisure. She also added that the blankets could contain hair, food spills, mold, and other bodily fluids.

Illustration of a passenger using an airplane blanket. (istockphoto/izusek)


How Often Are Airplane Blankets Washed?
The big question that arises is, how often are these blankets washed? According to Magee, the frequency of washing depends largely on airline policy and the type of flight. She explained that most airlines have procedures for washing blankets after international flights. The blankets are washed in hot water, dried, and then sealed in a plastic bag for use on the next flight.

However, the situation is different for domestic flights. She indicated that blankets on domestic routes may not always be washed after each use. "On domestic flights, I’ve encountered blankets that are instructed to be folded back up and thrown back in the bin," Magee explained. So, what do you think? Do you often use airplane blankets on your flights?

Health Risks and Solutions for Passengers
Using potentially dirty blankets in an enclosed environment like an airplane can pose several health risks. The Times of India reported potential exposure to allergens, bacterial growth, and even skin infections. So, what can passengers do to stay comfortable and safe? Magee recommends bringing a personal blanket if traveling overnight or on long-haul flights.

However, if bringing a blanket is inconvenient, passengers can wear warm clothing or a thick jacket as a substitute while in the cabin. Furthermore, Magee offered one important tip: only use airplane blankets that are still sealed in a plastic bag. "If it’s not in a [closed] bag, it’s not hygienic," she concluded 

Next time you’re on a flight, you might want to think twice before reaching for that neatly folded blanket. Staying informed and prepared can make all the difference in your travel experience. Have you ever used an airplane blanket before? Did you feel it was clean? Share your thoughts in the comments below I’d love to hear your experience!

Thanks for reading, and happy (cleaner) travels
cheeerrsssssssssssss
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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Have you been following the news lately? Things are heating up between Cambodia and Thailand, and not in a good way. These two countries, both members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), are now facing a serious armed conflict that’s raising alarms across Southeast Asia. So what’s going on? And why does it matter to the rest of us in the region?

As a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, my country is a member of the South East Asian Countries, is so sad to see and watch our neighbor countries at war.

I want to speak up

The fighting started around disputed border areas, especially near old temple sites like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. But this isn’t just about ancient stones and mapsthere are deep political tensions, national pride, and military buildups involved. Now that both sides are using weapons like artillery and even fighter jets, it’s no longer just a border skirmish.

It's spreading beyond Cambodia and Thailand.

First, ASEAN’s Unity Is at Risk ASEAN has always promoted peace, non-interference, and friendly cooperation. Now, with two of its members at war, that peaceful image is starting to crack. People are asking: If ASEAN can’t stop this conflict, can it really keep the region stable?

Second , Trade and Tourism Are Suffering The Cambodia and Thailand border is a busy place for trade, small businesses, and tourism. With the conflict, many of those routes are now closed or unsafe. Truck drivers, market sellers, and hotel owners are feeling the hit. Tourists are canceling plans. Investment is slowing down. In short, the economy on both sides and even in nearby countries is being affected.

Third, Refugee Crisis at the Border. Over 160,000 people have already fled their homes. Many are seeking safety in nearby towns, shelters, or across the border. It’s a growing humanitarian crisis, and countries like Vietnam and Laos are worried about how it might spill over into their territories too.

Fourth. Global Powers Are Watching Here's where it gets tricky. If Thailand leans toward the West (like the U.S.), and Cambodia relies more on China’s support, it could drag in bigger international powers. That would turn a local fight into something more dangerous possibly a proxy conflict right in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Fifth. ASEAN’s Reputation Is on the Line This war is testing ASEAN like never before. Can the organization act quickly enough to mediate peace? Or will this be another case where words are plenty but actions are weak? Right now, ASEAN leaders are scrambling to hold emergency talks. Fingers crossed that something positive comes from that soon

Image from Freepix
.

Malaysia Steps In: A Voice of Peace
As the biggest country in ASEAN, Malaysia is known for its role as a peacemaker in the region. I am pleased that The Malaysia government has already offered to act as a mediator between Cambodia and Thailand, urging both sides to calm down and sit at the table. Malaysia has called for a ceasefire and opened the door for ASEAN-led dialogue. They’ve also been working with humanitarian groups to provide refugee support and food aid to those affected.

And it’s not just about helping others Malaysia knows that if this conflict spreads, it could affect regional trade, tourism, and security, including Malaysia itself. So, stepping in as a peace broker is not only the right thing to do it’s also a smart move for everyone.

Please stop the war

I often think of Southeast Asia as a peaceful region with friendly neighbors and lots of delicious food. But what’s happening between Cambodia and Thailand is a wake up call. It’s a reminder that peace needs effort, dialogue, and real leadership. Thankfully, countries like my country , Indonesia, are stepping up to help calm things down before it gets worse. Let’s hope the fighting stops soon for the sake of both countries, and for the entire region of the South East Asian

We have already witnessed the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the brutal battle between Palestine and Israel. So please, let’s not drag the peaceful South Asian countries into a high-tension situation that could escalate into a regional confrontation potentially even leading to World War III.
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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Hey coffee lovers! If you can’t start your day without that warm cup of joe, here’s some great news for you your favorite drink is not just tasty, it might actually be super good for your body and brain. .

My friends....
Believe it or not, your morning coffee might help protect your \brain in the long run. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most serious brain conditions out there, but some studies (like one from Lisbon Medical School) say caffeine may lower your risk by up to 65%. That’s huge, right?

Of course, don’t skip healthy food and exercise, but coffee might just give your brain an extra shield. Pretty cool, right? Ever feel like your fingers type faster after coffee? That’s not your imagination. Caffeine helps improve coordination and focus, especially for repetitive tasks like typing, editing, or sorting data. Next time you’re working through a long to-do list, let coffee be your little productivity buddy

Whenever I’m busy at my laptop, a glass of coffee is always by my side
Whenever I’m busy at my laptop, a glass of coffee
is always by my side


Burn Calories?
Yep, sounds wild but it’s true! Coffee can give your metabolism a nice little boost, even when you’re just chilling on the couch. One study showed that both young and older people burned more calories after drinking coffee. It’s like your body’s engine revs up a bit every time you sip!

This might surprise you: people with stage III colon cancer who drank two cups of coffee a day had a lower chance of the cancer coming back and even lived longer! It’s not a cure, of course, but it’s amazing to think coffee could help support recovery.

Whether you're into strong black coffee or a creamy cappuccino, you’re not just getting a caffeine fix, you’re also giving your body some extra love. So the next time you fire up your Ninja Coffee Maker, just remember: it’s not just delicious… it’s kinda magical too.

Coffee isn’t just about waking you up it could be keeping your brain healthy, helping your body burn fat, and even supporting long-term wellness. So, go ahead, sip smart, stay sharp, and enjoy every drop

Just drop it

If you were here with me now, would you mind grabbing a coffee with me on a beautiful afternoon for a lovely chill and chat?

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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I recently stumbled upon a hilarious TikTok video by @BuleTV1/shorts called "Rupiah Make This Foreigner Laugh Non Stop" ,that totally made my day. In the video, a foreigner was exchanging her Euro bills at an Indonesian money changer and what happened next was priceless.

As soon as she got her Rupiah, she burst out laughing. Why? Because she was shocked to see a huge stack of Indonesian banknotes laid out right in front of her. It was like a small mountain of money sitting on the desk

She had absolutely no idea how different the exchange rate was between the Euro and the Indonesian Rupiah. For context, 1 Euro is roughly equal to 19,132.29 Indonesian Rupiah. So even a modest amount of Euros can turn into hundreds of thousands or even millions of Rupiah. No wonder she was surprised!

She held up the stack of cash with wide eyes and laughed, saying it felt like she had just won a jackpot. That’s when it really hit her: Spending Euros in Indonesia can make you feel like a millionaire!

Rupiah Makes This Foreigner Laughing
Image from @BuleTV1/shorts

Stack of Indonesian Rupiahs


Currency Shock Is Real
This moment is a perfect example of what I’d call “currency shock.” It’s when travelers realize how much (or how little) their home currency is worth in another country. And in Indonesia, that shock can feel pretty dramatic.

Imagine coming from Europe where €10 is just enough for a basic lunch, and suddenly that same amount gives you over 190,000 Rupiah. You walk into a local warung (small restaurant), pay with a single Euro bill, and come out with a full meal, a drink, and maybe even dessert!

Another example is a TikTok video by a user named @AmericanTurk, who showed off his fancy solo dinner at a high-end restaurant in New York City. His video tittle “POV. Solo Fine Dining at an Exclusive Restaurant” What caught my attention wasn’t the food itself though yes, it looked great but the price tag. He spent $300 (about 3.3 million Rupiah) for one meal… and he was dining alone. As an Indonesian, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of mixed emotions watching that clip. 

You can read here.

FYI, that’s what most people in my country earn in a month.” The average monthly salary for many Indonesians is around $300 USD, sometimes even less. That amount can cover groceries, bills, school expenses, and daily needs for an entire family of three or more for weeks.

So seeing someone spend it in less than an hour on a solo dinner felt... honestly, a bit crazy to me.

More Than Just a Funny Moment
While the video is funny and lighthearted, it also reminds us of how different the cost of living is from one country to another. What seems like “a lot of money” in one place might not be the same elsewhere. That’s why travelers should always check the exchange rates and learn a bit about the local economy before landing in a new country.

It also shows the charm of traveling to places like Indonesia. For tourists coming from Europe, Australia, or the US, your money can go a long way here. You get to enjoy amazing food, cultural experiences, shopping, and beach holidays without breaking the bank.


A Tip for First-Time Travelers
If it’s your first time traveling to Indonesia, don’t panic when you see the numbers. Yes, buying a cup of coffee for 25,000 sounds scary but that’s just around €1.30. It takes a little getting used to, but after a few days, you’ll become a pro at doing the math in your head. And hey when you pull out your wallet and pay with a 100,000 Rupiah bill, it kind of feels like you’re holding VIP cash.

That TikTok video gave us all a good laugh, but it also offered a fun little lesson in travel and money. So if you're planning to visit Indonesia anytime soon, be ready for a surprise when you exchange your cash. Who knows? You might end up laughing just like that foreigner especially when you realize you’re suddenly a "millionaire" for a few days!

Have you ever experienced currency shock while traveling abroad?

Ok my friends

Drop your story in the comments below I’d love to hear your funny (or confusing) money moments! And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it with your fellow travelers or anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia 
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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The Government of the Republic of Indonesia once again commemorates National Children's Day (Hari Anak Nasional) on July 23, 2025, carrying the main theme: "Great Children, Strong Indonesia Towards a Golden Indonesia 2045."

According to the official guidelines for the 41st National Children’s Day, this year’s theme highlights the importance of raising empowered children who will help build a strong and prosperous Indonesia by the year 2045.

National Children’s Day is held every July 23rd as a key campaign to promote the fulfillment of children's rights including their rights to life, growth, development, and active participation in a way that respects their dignity and humanity.

Interestingly, July 23rd is not just National Children’s Day. It also coincides with several other observances:

• No Television Day
• Worm Awareness Day
• World Sjögren’s Day

Each of these days serves a different purpose  from educating the public on children's rights and media literacy to raising awareness about parasitic infections and autoimmune diseases.

Its Me (On the left) with children


Our National Logo



History of National Children’s Day
The date July\ 23rd was chosen as National Children’s Day to commemorate the enactment of Law No. 4 of 1979 on Child Welfare, which marked a milestone in Indonesia’s effort to ensure children's well-being.

According to the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kemen PPPA), children are the nation’s greatest asset and future leaders. Therefore, they deserve the full protection of the state to grow into well-rounded individuals physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

This is in line with Article 28B (2) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, which guarantees every child the right to life, growth, development, and protection from violence and discrimination.

Not Just a Celebration
The celebration of National Children's Day is more than just a symbolic gesture. It’s a reminder to all of us the government, communities, and families to take real, actionable steps to protect and fulfill children’s rights.

Let’s work together to build an Indonesia where every child can grow up safely, joyfully, and full of hope because strong children mean a strong nation

Selamat Hari Anak Nasional 2025.
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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