WHISPERS From The EAST

By Nilora In a world inundated with advertising’s myriad faces, each vying for our attention, they’re designed to tantalize our senses, beckoning us to explore their offerings. These cleverly crafted messages are a tapestry of persuasion and allure, with the hope that we’ll yield to their siren call. But not all ads are born equal; some transcend their role as mere marketing tools and become powerful reminders of our duties and responsibilities. Take a moment to consider this peculiar advertisement (see the photos). It’s the kind of ad that tickles your funny bone and, at the same time, delivers a profoundly resonant message. Whenever it shares the stage with its peers, this advertisement consistently stands out, captivating my gaze and coaxing a smile from my lips. This ad, in all its whimsical glory, issues a compelling challenge to all who cross its path: If you thoughtlessly drop litter, your once-dignified nose will undergo a remarkable transformation. It will take on the uncanny

In the bustling digital world of Cyber Kompas Online, on a crisp October day in 2007, I found myself immersed in the celebration of a musical maestro and the wisdom of an Irish writer, worlds apart yet strangely connected. Gesang Martohartono, the revered composer of the soul-stirring Bengawan Solo, had just marked his 90th birthday on the 1st of October. Solo’s community had bestowed upon him a heartfelt gift - a lifelong promise of health. A gesture, some might say, timed with the grace of twilight years. However, delving into Gesang’s “Tips for a Long Life,” published a few months prior, reveals a man who would undoubtedly accept this honour with humble gratitude. One might expect longevity advice from a maestro to revolve around diets and culinary secrets, but Gesang’s counsel transcended the mundane. His life’s philosophy, simple yet profound, resonates with wisdom we could all embrace: “Enjoy what you have in moderation,” he’d say. “If you’re angry, don’t let it consume you; cont

In the most unexpected places and moments, one can find profound gratitude. “I’m grateful I went to jail… jail saved me,” were the words of a man who visited me this evening. He shared that for approximately 7/8 years, he was heavily involved in alcohol and drugs, including heroin. He viewed his 18-month prison sentence as a period of grace. Now, it’s been 20 months since he touched alcohol. He sees his success as inseparable from his faith in God’s strength. Although he still resides in a hostel with 18 other occupants and relies on sick benefits, he’s grateful for the experience. According to him, many others in different places aren’t as fortunate. He perceives God as in the story of “footprints.” For him, God never abandoned him. God was always with him even in the toughest times. I added that his faith in God must be coupled with diligent effort. It’s not just about praying; he also needs to strive and work hard for a better life. That’s “Ora et Labora.” “I don’t want to c

In the fast-paced world of today, where technology connects us across oceans and cultures, it’s often the simple moments of connection that remind us of the beauty of human relationships. As I gazed at the screen displaying photographs of my friends from KKMK in Puncak, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing. “I wish I were there,” a British friend of mine remarked, his voice laced with envy. “Why?” I inquired, curious about the source of his yearning. His response, “They are young… I wish we had many of them here,” struck a chord deep within me. For after months spent working in a parish in Bristol, England, the absence of youthful exuberance had left me with a profound sense of “loss.” It is with gratitude in my heart that I reflect on the time I spent assisting at Arnoldus Bekasi Parish in 2004, an experience that brought me in close contact with the vibrant members of KKMK Arnoldus Bekasi. Three in One: Prayer, Charity, and Recreation My immersion into the world of KKMK b