Tikno Viewpoint

Two sides of the wish. Circulation of beverages containing ethyl alcohol (alcoholic beverage), such as Beers, Tequila, Vodka, Martell, Johnny Walker, Hennessy, Wine, etc, seems to still be a prolonged debate in Indonesia as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia / English: Indonesian Ulema Council ) as the highest Muslim authority in Indonesia has issued a Fatwa that stated "Haram" ( Haraam / forbidden) for these type of drinks. I believe that all religions in Indonesia (Islam, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu) including all good parents do not want their children to be a drunkard. In this case, I think, Muslim community is more extreme against this alcoholic beverage. On the other hand, Pancasila is the philosophical fundamentals of the state, and the national motto is "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity). The country need to protect pluralism and diversity in the society under "one umbrella". It...

A story about enemy (an essay). When the fierce battle between two group of armies has ended, there's someone who still confused and then asking two question to each soldier on the both side: "Did you know anyone who you kill?" Then, each one on the two group answered NO. "Well, did all your victims on this battlefield ever make any mistake on you?" Again the answer is NO. So my question to readers of this blog : Who is your real enemy? A story about friend (true story). Long time ago I had a friend who was rich and charitable. I know he had a lot of friends when he still in good condition. But then he was often sickly and most of his wealth has depleted due to medical treatment. One day I met him at his house. I felt like he live lonely. Along with our talk, I suggest him to call his friends to gather together with the hope he will feel good after that. Did you know of his answer to me? He said: "I feels most of my friends just like stay in my memory. They...

The escalation of same-sex marriage sometimes intrigues me to think about this phenomenon. Often I think of the analogy of a cell that mutates to become resistant against antibiotics, so I'm imagining whether human genes are also mutating to become resistant against the complexity of love, in order to find an alternative way. Along with the development of this phenomenon, scientists, who I think stand in a neutral position, need to do "laboratory research" to find a new formula like this: Chromosome X + X = resulting a baby. Chromosome Y + Y = resulting a baby. Usually, supporters of same-sex marriage always use the keyword "human rights" to get their rights. Hmm... humans create "human rights", and then these "rights" are being used to get another "unusual right". In this opportunity, let me share my statistical forecast, which was in my imagination, namely: If the trend of gay marriage goes up, then the trend of plastic surgery by...

The effect of global warming is like the effect of smoking. Both of them no immediately impact. The impact of smoking will slowly but certainly will reduce your quota to live. Maybe the impact of global warming / climate change will not immediately or directly affecting present generation but I believe it will inherit a huge disaster (like time-bomb) for the next generations, that is our own descendants. Human habit is likely not concern to (neglect) the matters that has no fatal impact immediately, like discard old batteries in the gutter, the use of bombs or potassium cyanide to catch fish, as well as drinking alcoholic beverage and smoking habits. If the effect of global warming has its direct impact immediately on human life, then I'm sure those cynical groups on this issue will come together with us. I'm aware that this post is just a small contribution to raise the awareness of global warming issue. I have inspired by Neil who already create a special page on his blog wi...

One day in January 2010, I visited my grandfather (father of my mother) and my grandmother (grandmother of my wife). I can feel how happy they are with my presence, as well as myself. I can see despite their spirit remain alive, but I can not deny that their physical ability has decreased naturally. So, I start to think how if I'm getting old like them. While thinking of it, suddenly my mind remembered a touching story that was discovered by my family. Whatever I have feel and imagine, I pour it into this poetry. Hopefully your love to the elderly and your parents will be more. When I Get Old. When I spill vegetable broth on my clothes, when I no longer remember how to tie a tie, when I no longer remember how to tie shoelaces, remember the times how I taught and guided you to do that. When I am senile and constantly repeat words that bore you, please be patient to listen to me, do not interrupt me, in your childhood, with affection I kept repeating a fairy tale to you, which I have...

Former President Abdurrahman Wahid (known as Gus Dur ) has died on December 30, 2009 at 18:45 in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) Jakarta, because of illness. This is the most shocking news in Indonesia. Why? Because, Gus Dur is a teacher of the nation, guardian of democracy and justice, always emphasize the importance of togetherness between the majority and minority, inter-ethnics and inter-religious, so that Indonesia become a great nation. If you have more time, please also read this . I am an Indonesian citizen, and what I said about him is NOT because he has gone, but truthfully from the deepest of my heart. Mr. Gus Dur, the leader of my heart, I pray your soul rest in peace. My tear is for you and I love you full. Remember...! Charisma of a leader is a gift from God. Unlike the leaders who want to look "authoritative" because that is something that can be conditioned, so that impressed as (look like) authoritative person.

Perahu Retak -- Cracked Boat Artist : Franky Sahilatua Creator : Emha Ainun Nadjib Perahu negeriku, perahu bangsaku, menyusuri gelombang. My country's boat, my nation's boat, traverses the wave. Semangat rakyatku, kibar benderaku, menyeruak lautan. My citizen's spirit, flying my flag, pushing the sea. Langit membentang cakrawala di depan, melambaikan tantangan. The sky stretches the firmament ahead, waving the challenge. Di atas tanahku, dari dalam airku, tumbuh kebahagiaan. On my land, from within my water, happiness arise. Di sawah kampungku, di jalan kotaku, terbit kesejahteraan. In paddy-fields of my village, in the streets of my city, welfare arise. Tapi kuheran di tengah perjalanan, muncullah ketimpangan. But I'm wonder in the middle of the journey, discrepancy appear. Aku heran, aku heran, yang salah dipertahankan. I'm wonder, I'm wonder, which is wrong was maintained. Aku heran, aku heran, yang benar disingkirkan. I'm wonder,...