Who doesn’t love pempek? From the classic submarine and lenjer to kulit, adaan, pistel, and even the grilled lenggang it’s no wonder this dish has fans all over Indonesia. 

Hold your horses. 
Where is Palembang? Well, Palembang is a city in South Sumatra, Indonesia, and it’s one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia. It sits along the Musi River and is famous for its iconic Ampera Bridge and, of course, its delicious local food pempek! If your friends love trying new dishes and exploring local cultures, Palembang is a fun place to discover.

A few days ago, I stopped by a small, simple shop and treated myself to some delicious Pempek Palembang. Even though it originally comes from Palembang, pempek made from processed mackerel fish has definitely become a favorite snack all around the country.

What makes pempek even more mouthwatering is the cuko sauce. It’s that special mix of tamarind, ebi (dried shrimp), garlic, and spicy cayenne pepper that gives it that bold, tangy kick. If you love spicy and sour flavors, you’ll totally get what I mean!

Sepiring Pempek Palembang siap dihidangkan
I took this photo just before enjoying them as a quick bite or street snack, not as a full meal. It's recommended to eat a proper meal first before digging into this kind of food


Now here’s the fun part not everyone knows there’s actually a proper way to eat pempek, especially according to the people of Palembang.

There are many kinds of pempek: the famous submarine (with egg inside), pempek lenjer (long and chewy), kulit (made from fish skin), adaan (round ones), tahu (with tofu), and of course, pempek lenggang, which is grilled with duck egg. Most of them are fried before serving except for a few that are grilled or steamed


Even though pempek is a famous local specialty in Palembang, it doesn’t mean the local people eat it every day and many locals love it especially for snacks, small meals, or when they have guests from outside the city.

But no, they don’t eat it every single day. Just like in other places, people in Palembang eat a variety of foods like rice, fish curry (pindang), soto, nasi goreng, and more. Imagine living in Italy people there don’t eat pizza or pasta every single day, even though it’s what they’re famous for. So in short: Palembang people love pempek, but they don’t live on it 24/7.

It’s a proud local dish always there, but not necessarily on today’s lunch menu 😊 Would you like to add this point into your blog post in a casual tone? I can help rewrite a paragraph for it. .


So how do most people eat pempek? Usually, they cut it into pieces, add cucumber slices on top, and pour cuko all over it. Sounds good, right?

But Palembang folks say, “Hold up, that’s not the real way!”

According to them, cuko should be served separately, not poured on the pempek. You’re supposed to dip each piece into the cuko, just like dipping fries into ketchup. And here's the interesting part they actually sip the cuko straight from the bowl or bottle, like drinking hot tea or coffee. Yep, that's the real deal

They believe this way makes the flavor even richer and more satisfying. And honestly? After trying it, I kinda agree So next time you’re about to enjoy some pempek, try it the Palembang way. Dip it, sip the cuko, and taste the magic. Trust me it hits different

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"

Have you ever imagined an Indonesian Marine suddenly appearing on the battlefield not in Asia but in the middle of the Russia–Ukraine war? Well, believe it or not, that's exactly what seems to have happened with Satria Arta Kumbara, a former member of the Indonesian Navy’s elite Marine Corps (Korps Marinir TNI AL).

Satria made headlines across Indonesia (and even abroad) after videos surfaced online showing him in a Russian military uniform. The videos, shared by a TikTok account named @zstorm689, quickly went viral. In one clip, Satria proudly wore his old Indonesian marine uniform, and in the next bam! he's suited up in Russian Army gear, reportedly preparing for combat against Ukraine.

Former TNI Navy Marine soldier, Satria Arta Kumbara, who joined Russian mercenary forces, suddenly expressed his desire to return to Indonesia. Photo from Tribun Jawa Tengah.
Former TNI Navy Marine soldier, Satria Arta Kumbara, who joined Russian mercenary forces, suddenly expressed his desire to return to Indonesia. Photo from Tribun Jawa Tengah Youtube Channel.

Former TNI Navy Marine soldier, Satria Arta Kumbara, who joined Russian mercenary forces, suddenly expressed his desire to return to Indonesia. Photo from Tribun Jawa Tengah.


According to the Indonesian Navy, Satria went AWOL (absent without leave) on June 13, 2022, and never returned to duty. His desertion didn't go unnoticed he was tried in absentia by the Military Court in Jakarta and sentenced to one year in prison. On top of that, he was officially dismissed from the Navy and declared no longer a member of the TNI.

What raised even more eyebrows is that Satria doesn’t see himself as a mercenary. In an interview with Republika, he said, “I’m not a soldier for hire. I’m an organic member of the Russian Army.” According to him, he joined the Russian military not for money, but as a formal soldier. That’s a bold claim and one that's hard to verify, especially since the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there’s no official travel record of him going to Russia.

Now here’s where it gets even more serious. Under Indonesian law (UU No. 12 Tahun 2006), any Indonesian citizen who joins a foreign military without the President’s approval automatically loses their Indonesian citizenship. The Ministry of Law and Human Rights is now working with the Indonesian Embassy in Moscow to officially strip Satria of his citizenship. Once finalized, he’ll no longer be legally recognized as an Indonesian national.

Whether Satria joined through official channels or through private military networks like the Wagner Group is still unclear. But one thing is for sure: his story is a shocking and rare case of an Indonesian citizen directly involved in one of the most dangerous conflicts on the planet.

It’s a reminder that even in this digital age, individuals can make extreme, unpredictable life choices sometimes for ideology, sometimes for adventure, or maybe something else entirely.

So what do you think? Is Satria a patriot to his new cause? A traitor to his homeland? Or just a man lost between two worlds?

Let me know in the comments! 

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

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

It felt almost like a movie. It’s been a long time since something really sparked my curiosity but here we are. I had just finished watching a YouTube video titled “18-Year-Old Cashing $3,372 Stolen Check, Cries After She's Caught.” You know what caught my attention? When the police officer started reading her rights aloud.

That’s when I heard the phrase again: “Miranda Rights.” I’ve noticed this happens in many videos where police arrest a suspect there’s always that formal moment where they read something out loud. And this time, I decided to dig deeper.Aha! So it’s called Miranda Rights. This is exactly the thing I’ve always wanted to understand better.


So, what exactly are Miranda Rights?
The Miranda Rights are a set of legal protections that police officers in the United States must read to a person who is in custody and about to be interrogated. These rights are there to protect a suspect’s Fifth Amendment right the right not to say anything that might get them in trouble.

The term “Miranda” might sound like a fancy legal word, but actually, it comes from a real person: a man named Ernesto Miranda.

Back in 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested in Arizona for kidnapping and assault. The police questioned him and got a confession but there was a catch.He wasn’t told that he had the right to remain silent or that he could ask for a lawyer.

His case, Miranda v. Arizona, went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1966, the court ruled that suspects must be told their rights before being questioned. That ruling led to what we now call the Miranda Warning.

18-Year-Old Cashing $3,372 Stolen Check, Cries After She's Caught
The image from Watchdog Body Cam



The following is a full Miranda Warning say
“You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

You have the right to an attorney.

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.

Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?

With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”



Pretty powerful stuff, right? Why is this so important?Without being warned, a suspect might say something just out of fear or confusion and that can lead to unfair outcomes. The Miranda Rights are there to make sure people know their choices, especially in stressful situations.

So next time you hear those iconic lines on a TV show or in real news footage, you’ll know they’re not just words they’re the result of a historic legal case that changed how justice works in America.


No “Miranda Rights” in Indonesia?
The U.S. and Indonesia actually use two different legal systems. America follows what’s called a common law system, where court decisions (like the famous Miranda v. Arizona case) shape the law. Indonesia, on the other hand, uses a civil law system, which relies more on written laws and codes especially the KUHAP (Criminal Procedure Code)

That means here in Indonesia, there’s no law that says police must verbally read out your rights like they do in the U.S. But Don’t Suspects in Indonesia Have Rights Too?Yes, they do! According to KUHAP, when someone is arrested, they must be told: Why they’re being arrested, That they have the right to contact their family or a lawyer

However, there’s no requirement to read these rights out loud in a scripted way, like in American movies. Often, the rights are just included

What do you think about the Miranda Rights?

Should Indonesia have something similar?

Share your thoughts in the comments below 

I’d love to hear your opinions! 

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 there my all friends
How is it going.  Happy Tuesday

This question can feel controversial, but it’s an important one to talk about honestly. People often throw around the word “weaker” without even defining what they mean. So let’s break it down casually and respectfully.

When some people say "weaker," they might be referring to physical strength. Biologically speaking, yes, on average, men tend to have more muscle mass than women. But does that mean women are weaker overall? Not really.




Let’s not forget: women carry life, give birth, raise families, and bounce back from pain in ways that many men couldn’t imagine. That takes a kind of strength that isn’t about muscles or lifting weights it's about endurance, emotion, and mental resilience.

In many religious teachings, like Islam and Christianity, God didn’t create women to be less important or weaker. Instead, men and women are seen as different but equal in value. Each was given strengths that serve different purposes. For example, some believe men were designed to be protectors, and women as nurturers. But these roles are not strict or limiting they complement each other.

Here’s the thing: strength comes in many forms. Women have led countries, survived wars, raised children alone, and spoken truth to power. If that’s not strength, then I don’t know what is.

So, to answer the question No, I don’t believe God made women weaker than men. I believe God made us different for a reason, and both genders have strengths that the other may not have. That’s the beauty of balance.

What matters more than “who’s stronger” is how we treat each other. Do we respect women for who they are, or do we just compare them to men using unfair standards? It’s time we appreciate strength in all its forms even the quiet, emotional, or spiritual kind.
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 my friend. How is it going
How is your Sunday?

Do You Trust a Lot of People?. This is a question that really gets you thinking. It may sound simple, but it can actually reveal a lot about someone’s personality and life experience.


Some people are naturally open. They trust easily, give people the benefit of the doubt, and believe that most people are good at heart. And honestly, that’s a beautiful way to live but it doesn’t always work out so well. Then there are others who’ve been hurt before. Maybe they’ve had close friends betray them, or they've been taken advantage of, so now they’re extra cautious. They only trust a few, and the rest? Well, they keep them at a distance.

Illustration only

Somewhere in between.
I’ve had people in my life who proved to be trustworthy the kind of friends you can call at 2 a.m., or talk to when life feels too heavy. But I’ve also met people who smiled to my face and gossiped behind my back. People who disappeared when things got tough. So with time, I’ve learned to be more selective.

But here’s the thing we all need trust to survive. We trust the driver in the car next to us to stay in their lane. We trust the barista to make our coffee without poison in it (ha!). We trust friends to keep our secrets, partners to be faithful, and coworkers to do their jobs. Life simply doesn’t work without some level of trust.

That said, I don’t believe we should just trust everyone blindly. That’s not kindness that’s being naïve. Trust should be earned, not handed out like free samples at a supermarket. You can still be polite, respectful, and warm without giving people access to your personal life until they’ve shown they deserve it.

There’s also an important difference between being kind and being gullible. Kindness is a strength. But being gullible can get you hurt, used, or manipulated. So yes, be kind, but protect your energy too. Pay attention to people’s actions, not just their words.

Over time, I’ve realized that it’s not about the number of people you trust it’s about the quality. You don’t need a hundred friends. You just need a few who are genuine, loyal, and show up when it matters. Those are the ones worth trusting.


So, do I trust a lot of people?
No, not really. But the ones I do trust I trust them deeply. And that feels enough.
Would you trust many people if you could start over, or do you prefer keeping your circle small? Let me know your thoughts in the comments

I’d love to hear from you.

Let me hear from you

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"

For me, breakfast has become a daily routine that feels almost mandatory. It’s a long-standing habit I’ve grown used to over the years. Why? The answer is simple having breakfast helps me feel more energized and motivated to go through the day. Plus, people say that starting the day with breakfast can actually help reduce your lunch portion, so you don't end up feeling too full later.

Now, what kind of breakfast are we talking about? Well, that depends entirely on personal preference. Some people love cereal with a warm drink simple yet satisfying. Others go straight for a heavier meal like rice with side dishes. Some might just want bread with jam, or even a light snack paired with a cup of tea. It’s all up to you.

So, why Pizza Hut?

That’s a good question. It just so happened that I had been curious for quite some time about the large Pizza Hut billboard perched right beside my office at Gajah Mada. I pass by it almost every day, but I rarely stop by to actually eat there. Every now and then, I do enjoy checking out promos or freebies, like I shared in one of my older blog posts: "How to Eat Thriftily at Pizza Hut" published on August 15, 2015.

Just a few weeks ago, I finally decided to treat myself to something different a breakfast at Pizza Hut! Looking at the menu, I picked a few items that caught my eye. I ordered a portion of Chicken Bubur, a glass of Green Tea, and a small serving of Omelette Fried Rice.

Of course, before the food made it to my stomach, I made sure to snap a few photos (see below)—because what's a good meal without a good memory to go with it?


This is the menu for Rice Omelete Platter. My order finally arrived accompanying 1 serving of chicken porridge and 1 small glass of Green Tea, which had arrived earlier. Photographed before eating. Hiehiehiehiee. Photo of Asep Haryono
This is the Rice Omelette Platter I ordered. It finally arrived to complete my breakfast combo, alongside a serving of Chicken Porridge and a small glass of Green Tea, which had arrived a bit earlier. Of course, I snapped a photo before digging in, hehehe!
Photo by: Asep Haryono


1 portion of chicken porridge that is ready to be enjoyed. Too bad there is no organic sauce like in chicken porridge in general. Just the sauce from the sauce, It's pretty spicy enough. Photo of Asep Haryono
One portion of chicken porridge, ready to be enjoyed!
Too bad it didn’t come with the usual organic soy sauce like most chicken porridge dishes. It only had the standard sauce provided but it was still quite spicy and flavorful.
Photo by: Asep Haryon

This is my breakfast menu for the day. 1 serving of chicken porridge, 1 small glass of Green Tea, and 1 small portion of Omelette Fried Rice. Only the chicken porridge and tea are ready. Nay omelette fried rice followed. Photo of Asep Haryono

This was my breakfast menu for the day:
One serving of chicken porridge, a small glass of green tea, and a small portion of omelette fried rice. Only the chicken porridge and tea arrived first my omelette fried rice came a little later.
Photo by: Asep Haryono


How About the Price?

Honestly, I was a bit reluctant to mention the price of the breakfast menu at Pizza Hut because people may interpret it differently depending on their perspective. But for the sake of updated culinary tourism information why not?

Here’s the breakdown of my breakfast that day:

  • Dilmah Green Tea – Rp 18,182

  • Chicken Porridge – Rp 14,545

  • Small Omelette Fried Rice – Rp 10,000

Free Breakfast Menu Options? Yes, Please!

Pizza Hut also offers a variety of free breakfast menu items of course, with terms and conditions. For example, if you purchase one of the following platters:

  • Chicken Porridge–Beef Mushroom Omelette Platter

  • Chicken Porridge–Beetato Omelette Platter

  • Tuna Toast–Egg-Eye Platter

  • Beetato Omelette Platter

  • Rice Omelette Platter

  • Beef-Mushroom Omelette Platter

  • Beef Egg Platter

Then you can choose one of the following breakfast items for free:

  • Oreo Jack

  • Hot Bread Pudding Chocolate

  • Chocolate Toast

  • Cheesegg Calizza

  • Chicken Porridge

  • Sunny Side Up

  • Dilmah Peach Tea

  • Vietnamese Coffee

Toast Lovers, Rejoice!

If you love having toast for breakfast, Pizza Hut has a few tasty options too:

  • Smoked Beef Toast – filled with smoked beef and cheese, topped with tartar sauce on French toast

  • Tuna Toast – tuna mixed with Italian herbs and coated in garlic butter sauce

  • Chocolate Toast – custard filling blended with rich chocolate syrup

And if pastries, pasta, or even fruit are more your thing don’t worry, Pizza Hut has those too. Everything is nutritious, well-presented, and perfect for a satisfying breakfast.

So, are you tempted?
Come and enjoy breakfast at Pizza Hut!

When I was dropping off my beloved wife at Supadi Airport, I noticed a sign prohibiting online taxis from picking up passengers in the airport area. On my way back to the parking lot where I had left my motorcycle, this caught my attention. I had previously read news from several online and print media outlets in Indonesia about incidents involving assaults by conventional taxi drivers on online taxi drivers in several major cities.

I deeply regret such acts of vigilantism.

Regardless of the reason, assault is a form of taking the law into one’s own hands, and it is punishable under the law. There should be no place for such behavior in a democracy like Indonesia. We already have established rules and laws to handle disputes. I am not a legal expert just a concerned citizen and a citizen journalist so allow me to share my opinion here.


Let us briefly revisit the legal framework surrounding internet-based transportation services like online taxis. Government Regulation No. 26 of 2017 issued by the Ministry of Transportation of The Republic of Indonesia clearly defines the upper and lower fare limits for online taxis. Services like GoCar, Grab, and Uber use an application-based system to operate.

There is a distinction between operational permits and transportation organizer permits. Online taxi services (Maybe like UBER in the US - redacted) are suspected of not fully completing their administrative requirements, particularly the Transportation Organizer Permit, which differs from the operational permit many currently hold

I took this photo with my mobile phone. The banner is in Bahasa Indonesia. They said "Online cabs are prohibited to pick any passenger at the area of Supadio Airport"
I took this photo with my mobile phone. The banner is in Bahasa Indonesia.
They said "Online cabs are prohibited to pick any passenger at the area of Supadio Airport"


Are Online Taxis Illegal?
As discussed above, providers of these online transport services should immediately process the appropriate Transportation Operation Permits, in accordance with Indonesia’s legal framework.

If these permits are not yet obtained, then the "illegal" label may be justified from an administrative standpoint. Indonesia is a country governed by the rule of law, and everyone is expected to follow regulations accordingly. Every person has the right to earn a halal (lawful) income, but that right must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.


The baggage claim section at Supadio Airport . 
Photo taken from DETIK COM

The look of Supadio Airport which has been planned to become an International airport shortly.  Photo taken from Kalbar Sepekan


To me, this seems to be a matter of administrative misunderstanding one that can be resolved through transparency and open dialogue.

On the other hand, let’s put an end to envy. Conventional taxis have their own segment of loyal customers, while online taxis have become popular among younger, tech-savvy generations who value convenience and affordability. Today, almost everything from ordering food to booking a ride can be done through a smartphone.

Let us uphold existing regulations, implement them fairly, and ensure compliance. God willing (Insya Allah), with cooperation and mutual understanding, there will be no more clashes or conflicts between conventional and online taxi providers.

At the end of the day, consumers are king. Everything should be viewed from the user’s perspective, with service and satisfaction as top priorities. Anyone running a business or an independent operation must respect and follow the law.

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"

I Was Targeted by a PayPal Scam on X. Here's What Happened and What You Should Know.  In today’s digital world, scams are becoming smarter, and even regular social media users like me can be targets. Just tonight, I received a suspicious direct message (DM) on X (formerly Twitter) from someone claiming to offer me $5,000 through PayPal.

The account looked shady, and the conversation only confirmed my doubts. I’m sharing my full experience here to help others stay alert and avoid falling into similar traps.

Be Alert @SteeleSwif96988,





The Message That Started It All
I received a DM from an account called @SteeleSwif96988, claiming to be named Debbie Steele-Swift. The profile was already suspicious: it had only 17 followers, had just joined in July 2025, and its bio read:

“Follow me and drop your Cashapp or PayPal and get spoiled with $5000 immediately with weekly allowance of $1,500 every weekly"

Part One

Part Two




Here’s how the DM conversation went:

Debbie: Congratulations 🎉 you have been picked that will be getting $5000 from me for the ongoing giveaway program this is my way of thanking you for following me and participating in my promotion! Are you ready to claim ?? Reply if YES


Me: YES

Debbie: Does your PayPal work

Me: It does

Debbie: What’s your PayPal Gmail

Me: For what?

Debbie: To remove your payment. Or send your PayPal username.

Me: Not interested

Debbie: Why?

Me: It seems to me you are a robot or a scammer. I do not know you.

That was the end of it. I blocked the account immediately.


My Investigation
To confirm my suspicion, I consulted my friends for a second opinion.

Here's what I found:


The account was a typical scam setup: new profile, vague identity, and an unrealistic offer. Requesting PayPal info is a common trick used in phishing scams or fake payment frauds. Scammers may send fake screenshots of payments or claim you must “verify” your account leading to identity theft or stolen money.

I also sent one of my friends a screenshot of the profile photo and it confirmed the profile had all the signs of a scammer generic photo, fake bio, and manipulative language like “get spoiled.


What You Should Do If This Happens to You

1. Do NOT share your PayPal email or bank details with strangers.
2. If you get a DM like this, block and report the account immediately.
3. Enable two-factor authentication on your financial accounts.
4. If you already gave them your email, watch for phishing emails or fake PayPal notifications.
5. Always trust your gut  if it feels off, it probably is.


Stay Safe,  Be Cautious
I'm sharing this story not because I was fooled, but because I almost could have been. These scams are becoming more personal and well-disguised. It's our job to stay alert and educate each other. If you found this useful, feel free to share this post or drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s help stop online scams  one warning at a time.
.

Your Turn!
Have you ever received a suspicious message offering free money?

Share your story in the comments or help others stay safe by sharing this article on your social media.

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"

 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"

Pacu Jalur, the Kuantan Singingi Tradition from Indonesia that Went Viral and InternationalSocial media has recently been buzzing with viral Pacu Jalur videos, where a small child is seen dancing at the tip of a long boat racing quickly down the river, accompanied by dozens of rowers paddling in unison.

The agile performance of the dancing child captivated netizens and has been described as having "farming aura," a popular term among Gen Z to describe an appealing and charming appearance. The image of a child joyfully dancing at the front of a fast-moving boat has recently gone viral on social media. His charismatic movements have been parodied by netizens from all over the world. That child is Rayyan Arkan Dikha.

The Pacu Jalur tradition, a long boat rowing competition typical of Kuantan Singingi, Riau, suddenly became the focus of the world. The reason is the energetic movements of a child dancer at the end of the boat known as "Anak Coki," who went viral on TikTok and global social media. 


This image taken from AF MEDIA Youtube


In that now-iconic moment, Rayyan stood confidently at the tip of a speeding boat barefoot, in traditional dark blue attire, wearing cool black shades, and completely unfazed by the wild paddling behind him. With steady hands, subtle movements, and calm presence, he became an instant legend.

This wasn’t a movie scene this was real life, and it happened during a centuries-old tradition called Pacu Jalur. Let me paint the picture for you. Literally.


Pacu Jalur Goes Viral?
Pacu Jalur is more than just a race. It’s a deep-rooted cultural tradition in Kuantan Singingi, Riau, where long boats  some stretching over 20 meters are crewed by dozens of synchronized rowers. But the real star is the child performer standing right at the front, called the Togak Luan, whose job is to inspire the team and delight the crowd.

Rayyan, just 11 years old, had done this before it wasn’t his first performance. But this time, something magical happened. A video of his calm, graceful dance while the boat sped down the river was posted online and the internet lost its mind.


Pacu Jalur,  One of Stunning Indonesian cultures goes viral abroad
Pacu Jalur,  One of Stunning Indonesian cultures goes viral abroad



Within days, the clip exploded. Viewers around the world called it “aura farming” slang for radiating natural charisma and coolness. Rayyan’s poised moves, set against the chaotic paddling behind him, turned him into a global meme, a TikTok trend, and even a cultural icon.

People everywhere from anime fans to athletes began recreating the scene. Even football giants like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AC Milan jumped on the trend with parody videos. Formula 1 drivers, influencers, and celebrities joined the fun. Suddenly, the whole world was dancing on imaginary boats.


A Symbol of Culture
Back home in Indonesia, people were amazed and proud. Ryan wasn’t just a cute viral kid he became a symbol of cultural pride. The provincial government of Riau even named him a cultural ambassador, using his popularity to help promote local heritage on a global stage.

And he’s still the same kid. Rayyan goes to school, helps his family, and still practices traditional dances. He had no idea the world would be watching he was simply doing what he loves.

What makes this story so beautiful is how a quiet moment on a river sparked a global conversation about tradition, culture, and youth confidence. Rayyan didn’t need a microphone or a stage. He just needed a boat, a traditional outfit, and the courage to stand tall literally.

So next time you’re scrolling and see a dancing kid in sunglasses on a boat, remember: you’re looking at Rayyan Arkan Dikha from Riau, Indonesia the boy who turned Pacu Jalur into a worldwide trend. That is cool, Huh

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"

I have looked at several official websites, both business and personal, where people intentionally display their real personal information online to be viewed by people around the world especially for business purposes. They clearly include their real contact details (address, phone number, email address) so that potential customers can contact them for more information about their products.

On the other hand, I’ve found that many individuals online are not interested in providing their personal contact details. Instead, they prefer to use general chat options such as Facebook Messenger or the Facebook comment section, which feel safer than exposing their private information. This is understandable.

FYI. This is my actual laptop I use every day at my home. I purchased online a few years ago. Old fashion tupe with very old window version
FYI. This is my actual laptop I use every day at my home. I purchased online a few years ago. Old fashion type with very old window version as well.


Privacy vs. Visibility:
In today’s digital world, there's an interesting contrast happening across social media and online platforms. On one side, many individuals especially bloggers and everyday internet users are becoming increasingly cautious about sharing personal information. On the other side, online businesses are expected to be transparent, providing real addresses, phone numbers, and contact details to build trust. So why is this happening, and what risks are involved?

Many social media users are now choosing to keep their phone numbers, real names, and even profile pictures private. And it’s easy to understand why. With rising concerns about cyberbullying, scams, identity theft, and doxxing, protecting your personal data online is no longer optional it’s essential.

Online anonymity also offers freedom. People want to express themselves, join conversations, or comment freely without fear of judgment or harassment. That’s why you often see pseudonyms and avatars instead of real faces on platforms like Reddit, TikTok, or Twitter.


"It doesn't happen to me. If you visit my blog, you’ll clearly see that all my contact details are publicly displayed. My email, phone number, and other personal information are real.

I'm not afraid of being scammed or having someone misuse my contact details or photos for their own benefit. All my friends already know me well. Even though I haven’t experienced any serious online scams in years,

I will definitely stay more cautious with all my online activities moving forward"




For Businesses Must Be Transparent
In contrast, online businesses operate in a completely different environment. They need to be visible and accessible. Potential customers want to know they’re dealing with a real, trustworthy business. That means showing an actual address, business phone number, and clear identity. Without that, people simply won’t buy.

Also, for legal reasons, platforms like Google Business, Facebook Pages, or marketplaces like Amazon often require verified business details. This builds credibility, ensures accountability, and helps with online visibility in search engines.

Scammers Are Watching

Here’s the twist. While businesses need to be transparent, that same visibility also makes them prime targets for scammers. Public contact details are often scraped from websites or social media and used for: Fake orders or refund scams, Phishing emails pretending to be customers or banks, Business identity theft (cloning websites or brand pages), Phone calls using social engineering to steal information, The more open you are, the more exposed you become,

How to Be Smart and Stay Safe
Balancing online visibility with security starts by being mindful of what you share. It’s a good idea to use only essential information like a business phone, a professional email address, and a general location such as your city while keeping personal details private. Strengthening your digital presence is also important. Make sure your website uses HTTPS, update your plugins regularly, and install basic security tools such as firewalls to prevent unwanted access.

It helps to separate personal and business accounts so your professional activity doesn't overlap with your private life. For instance, using different platforms or profiles for your business keeps things organized and more secure. When you receive unexpected emails, messages, or payment notifications, take a moment to double-check their source. Verifying things before responding can prevent unnecessary risks or misunderstandings.

Also, keep an eye on how your brand appears online. Every so often, search your business name to make sure it hasn’t been copied or misused. If something looks suspicious, acting early can protect your reputation and customer trust. Taking these thoughtful steps helps you stay visible, credible, and safe in the digital world.

The online world is full of opportunity, but also full of risk. For individuals, privacy is protection. For businesses, visibility is survival. The key is to find the sweet spot where you're open enough to grow, but cautious enough to stay safe.

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow bloggers, small business owners, or anyone trying to grow their online presence safely. Have your own tips or stories to share? Drop a comment below or message me I’d love to hear your thoughts!

I think that will be all for now my friend

Just be cool

Stay smart, stay safe, and keep creating
.
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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