Another Victoria's Secrets

the suite room interior

sunset from our room at 23rd floor

We decided to go somewhere other than home this Lebaran (Eid Al-Fitr) so we used the hotel voucher at J.W. Marriott and upgraded it into the suite room. The room was spacious enough for the four of us--Mom, Oma, my brother and me--plus my sister and her husband who visited. I finished reading Gaiman's Ocean at the End of The Lane there instead of doing nothing for the afternoon.

0.5L lager beer for each of us (and 0.3L of flavored one for Mom)

pork knuckle and sausage platter

We went to Grand Indonesia after sunset and had dinner at Paulaner Bräuhaus. It was my first time there, although my sister and brothers had been there for thousands of times already. We had this one big portion of pork knuckle, sausage platter and each 0.5L Hell (lager) Bier. It was one of the best culinary I've tasted but I know it shouldn't be eaten too often for they're all the fat in the world. LOL.

the ammunition: 4.5 caliber bullets and target papers

The next day was a lazy pampering day at the hotel until it was time to check out. We went to Blok M Plaza to wait for the shooting club (they open at 2 p.m. that day) and my brother-in-law's family. The shooting range is at 4th floor, inside the Amazone Games, right in front of Matahari Dept. Store. They have hand guns and rifles and we picked both.

target paper on adjustable strings we can move forward and backward

the weapons: rented hand gun and rifle

For hand guns, the packages were IDR 25,000.- for 15 bullets and IDR 35,000.- for 25 bullets. The target paper is 20x20cm. The price for air rifle was IDR 35,000.- for 15 bullets and IDR 40,000.- for 30 bullets. After loading the 4.5 caliber bullets, we can shoot at the target and see the result by pressing the red buttons to get the target paper closer.

me, on the rifle

Some benefits for capable of shooting:

1. Learn the technique 
2. Knowing the function of both handgun and rifle
3. Practice your accuracy 
4. Practice focusing while aiming to the target
5. Practice eyes and hand synchronization
6. Practice to keep your calm
7. Release the tension of stress
8. Enhance your courage and bravery
9. Remove any hesitation
10. Increase your self-confidence

My tips: Use one target paper for each person, so you can see how precise your shots and progress at the result paper.
And REMEMBER to always point the barrels onto the shooting range side (to avoid any accident of getting shot) !!

and this one, the hand gun

I like the hand gun better, for it is more challenging, shooting at 5 meters distance. The rifle has its own viewfinder so it is easier to shoot, but then again its target paper is much smaller--it was 10x10cm, or to shoot in longer distance. The rifle is pretty heavy and the challenge is when you have to shoot on your shoulder instead of preying on the table. I guess this one's a pretty easy sport, but I like archery much better. I hope these skills would come handy one day (;

first round: my brother's and my shots on one paper--not too bad, right?

If you are interested on shooting, contact:

Shooting Club (member of Perbakin)
Blok M Plaza Unit 4F at 4th floor, inside Amazone Games
021-7209288 ext 228
open 10.00-21.00 everyday

the recurve bow, arrows and target boards

Yesterday I went to Lapangan Panahan Senayan with my mother. We met my sister and her husband there, as well as Camui and her friends. Camui asked me to join her on this archery since two weeks ago (for the booking) and I had been wanting to do this since I saw her Instagram post about this. And yesterday was the day that I finally tried it!

the bracers on left arms

At first we all had to geared up. It means wearing the bracer (arm guard / protector) on the inside of left arm to keep it from being hit by the string, and a right-hand finger tab to be used for the three fingers in the middle for pulling the string. We were introduced to the bows (we used the modern / takedown recurve one, the brand of mine was Sirius)

preparing the arrow to the bow

Next, the coach told us the dos and don'ts in the archery field: nobody is going around at the field during arching time (the arrows could go someplace we could not control and it would be dangerous to wander about), and there will be time for us to take the arrows. We were given 4-5 arrows each, and one target board for three people. Then he told us how to pull out the arrow from the target board (don't pull it from the end because it could bent, pull it straight at the tip.)

the right body position to do archery

Then how to do it:

1. Stand up facing right (unless you're left-handed) and the target board is at your left.
2. Stretch your both hands wide, then bend the right one, place your thumb on your right cheek.
3. Face left, and aim the target. This is the right body position to do archery.

After getting used with the body position, you can now prepare your bow and arrow. It's pretty easy, as long as you can aim. This is how:

1. Place the stick of the arrow on the left side of the bow. There is a hook you can place it on, and put the end of the arrow on the bow string.
2. Hold the bow with your left hand, hand on the grip just below the arrow hook.
3. Place three of your right fingers hooked slightly, just below the arrow end on the bow string.
4. Lift the bow up above your forehead; right hand hold loose of the string; left hand stretched straight on your left body. Make sure the inside of your arm is turned right, to so your hand was straight without any part bulging out. This is important to keep your arm getting hit by the string.
5. While pulling the string way back (until your right thumb touches your right cheek), aim the target with your right eye. Make sure the view is clear and nobody was around the target field. The step 4-5 should take just about 3 seconds.
6. Then, release the fingers hook and watch as your arrow fly fast to the target board.

aim with your right eye, because it's closer to the bow

Some benefits of mastering archery:

1. Learn the techniques
2. Know the function of the bow and arrow and the art of archery
3. Practice to focus
4. Practice your accuracy
5. Practice the eyes and arms synchronization
6. Practice to be calm and release some tension
7. Enhance your bravery
8. Remove the hesitation
9. Increase your self-confidence
10. Somehow just be cooler than your other friends (;

the arrows with yellow ends were mine. they hit blue & red but yellow area, too!

I guess this is a pretty easy sport anyone could do, because I could hit mostly the yellow area already on my first 2 hours of practice for 10m distance target. We had fun, although we prefer to do it next time in smaller group, because with almost 30 people we practiced with yesterday it was quite packed and we got fewer shots. I'd do it again soon, probably next month. If you wanna join me, leave me a comment!


If you are interested on trying, contact:

Jakarta Archery Club 
Lapangan Panahan Senayan 
(message me for getting the coach's phone number)
The price is IDR 100,000 per 2 hours of practice.

I had a tarot reading the other day, the first one in the past seven-eight years, perhaps. This tarot was special because the cards are from wayang characters and gave me new insight about life and myself in general. So I got this Pergiwa-Pergiwati as my main character card. I had never thought of these characters before, but now I do. These girls are twin daughters of Arjuna, whose guardian is Bathara Baruna (God of Seas) and turned out it is quite similar to my horoscope sign: Pisces (twin fishes).


Pergiwa is faithful, gracious, patient, quiet and always polite, and finally married Gatotkaca, son of Wrekudara (Bima). Pergiwati is loyal, honest, restful, quiet, always polite, easy to love and not easily offended, and she married Raden Pancawala, son of Puntadewa (Yudhistira). Both are indeed (more or less) the traits of Pisces women.

painting of Gatotkaca and Arjuna's twin daughters - via setkab

So, just like the twins, I have two choices in life, to be more of Pergiwa or Pergiwati. I would have to choose between Gatotkaca or Pancawala--just like the case I've been dealing with lately. The next cards I drew were all related to Mahabharata epic, either by coincidence or not (but I believe in the power of tarot, so for me it was not), and got an Arjuna-Banowati (and Gunungan/surprise) card for a choice (which should be a match) and Wrekudara card for the other choice.

I was so glad to get the Gunungan card, not just that it contains surprise, but actually a hidden treasure beneath

I guess I'll stick to my Arjuna-Banowati cards (choice) for they're already a match. As how their love story went, I know my life would not be that easy, but just like their true love, I'll live it with inner peace and comfort in my heart. So I know, I'll be just okay. By the way, tarot is not something reliable, but good to know for comparison or explanation of something you're dealing with that you can't solve alone. You can have it "just for fun" and discover how true it could relate to your problems!


If you are interested to have your situation read, come to: 

Teras Omah Yado
Jl. Yado I/E8, Radio Dalam, South Jakarta
and pay for IDR 70,000 per tarot session

muay thai mitts--essential, but you can just borrow them at the dojo

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon (tigermuaythai). Muay means "to bind into rounded form". This physical and mental discipline which includes combat on shins is known as "the art of eight limbs" because it is characterized by the combined use of fists, elbows, knees, shins, being associated with a good physical preparation that makes a full-contact fighter very efficient (wiki).

handwraps--get yourself the elastic one, 4yard long or more

I had never, ever in my life thought of doing muay thai, ever. Yes, I've had tae kwon do and capoeira before. The tae kwon do was the only martial art we had in our house complex when I was in elementary school in Jakarta, back in 1990-1992, and the capoeira I had during my final project in university, in Bandung. I was interested in capoeira mostly because of its smooth, dance-like moves, and would always prefer something more beautiful than any body combat.

me in my Everlast yellow handwrap

But a month ago, I was afternoon jogging with my sister in the house complex and she was interested in visiting the sport club. She had done muay thai before so it wasn't a new thing for her, but for me it was seriously and utterly a new thing. We finally joined the first free trial practice and turned out I enjoyed it! That was what made me come back again, and had been doing this for almost 2 months now--which is a record. So I guess you won't mess with me because I'm getting serious with this here! (;


If you are around BSD City area, join me at Muay Thai Atlantis!

Sport Club Atlantis
De Latinos Complex, Rawa Buntu, BSD City
LINE: yudhistiraboxer - +6281 2855 123 71

I met a lot of new people today. I was invited to an iftar gathering with other writers of Penulis Buku Kompas. This was the first time I attended a gathering like this, and I had fun there. I came at 5 p.m. where everybody else was already there, especially the editorial staff of my publisher. I met inspiring great people today and I felt so little among them, being one of the youngest there.


During the early dinner I had more conversation (because I sat near him) with this Human Relation Director of PT Indofood, Mr. Josef Bataona. He is a Floresian, which made me more interested in talking with him for he has so much to share, both about his hometown (Lamalera, NTT) and his inspiring life story (which he wrote in a Kisah Rp10.000 Yang Mengubah Hidupku). I was honored to have heard his stories, which should be a treasure.

with Rushdy Hoesein, Imelda Bachtiar, Josef Bataona and Bondan Winarno

Some of the other writers attending were Rushdy Hoesein (Terobosan Sukarno dalam Perundingan Linggajati, 2015), Iwan Ong Santosa (Peranakan Tionghoa di Nusantara, 2014), Bondan Winarno (100 Maknyus, 2014), Rene Suhardono (Your Journey to be Ultimate U, 2014), Erikar Lebang (Food Combining di Bulan Ramadhan, 2014), Ully Hermono (Gusti Noeroel, 2014), Imelda Bachtiar (editor of Saya, Soeriadi dan Tanah Air, 2012), and Danthe Hidajat.

listening to Mr. Rushdy Hoesein's speech

I was so glad that I could be part of this event, and especially that I have PBK as my publisher. I feel mostly welcomed and important with all the friendly staffs of the editorial, and I learn a lot with them. PBK really support me with my book (which I later found, not all publishers are like this) and myself to thrive more. Thank goodness that Gerbang Nuswantara could be part of the big family!

the gift from my sister, because I gave her 'way' for getting married first

For most of first daughter, being "skipped" by younger one to be married first could cause a lot of problems such as broken heart, offensive, to hatred (or self-hatred). But for me, my sister's wedding was a relieve; that the burden for "one of the children must get married" is no longer upon my shoulder. I was relieved that my sister could find a man who'll take care of her and Mom could be a lot relaxed now that one of the children is married.

tools for "ribbon cutting" ceremony, as sign that older siblings give way for little sister to get married before them

The preparation for the wedding took us about 7 months, since Maruli Panggabean came to our house and proposed my sister in front of the family on Nov 1st, 2014. Since then, I worked with Kak Mona (Maruli's sister in law) and the family to prepare the party and turned out we made it! We found venue, contacted all the vendors all by ourselves and didn't hire a wedding organizer, so I think it's pretty much a great collaboration between us the in-laws on making this happened.

the second room we stayed at J.W. Marriott; we had the connected rooms

A day before the wedding, we (Mom, Bent, Clemy and I) checked in at J.W. Marriott Hotel, Mega Kuningan, because our house is far away at the suburb and we needed to be closer to Central Jakarta on the day so we booked the hotel rooms earlier. We pampered ourselves for the day, didn't have any widodaren as other bride do due to the lack of time, distance and saving some energy.

the bride's last dinner as bachelorette; it was small and simple but intimate

On Saturday, June 20th, 2015, We woke up at 4 a.m., took shower and hurried drove to the groom's house at Menteng. We all had our make-up and dress-up there for practicality reason. The bride, mothers and Kak Mona had Anindita made them look beautiful, while Rica (the maid of honor), Kezia (Kak Mona's daughter/bridesmaid) and I had Susan Parto.

the car's flower arrangement by Emerys Florist

maid of honor, bride, mother of bride and sister of bride; we drove by ourselves to the hotel!

the groom opened the bride's veil

We were finally ready at 9.30 and drove back to J.W. Marriott for the "cut the ribbon" ceremony as a symbol that older siblings are giving way for the bride to get married first, that we gave our blessings for the happiness of the bride and groom. So after the groom "asked" the bride's mother blessing, he asked older siblings for our blessings, too, then we cut the ribbon and walked before the bride & groom for our own good future.

sisters and mother in law

mothers of bride and groom

We went back to Menteng, had lunch and prepare for the holy matrimony. At 1 p.m. we were all gathered at HKBP Menteng Church, at Jl. Jambu, for family picture and civil registration. At 2 p.m., the family and church's council entered and took our place, then the bride and her mother entered the room. It was a very touching and tearful moment, with a beautiful song sung by Latinka Stephanie Sidabutar.

Mr. and Mrs. Panggabean; the Amang (father) and Inang (mother) of the groom

the bride entrance at church; mother gave her daughter to awaiting groom

vows and rings exchange

The holy matrimony was beautiful, with great song choices. I always thought Catholic's holy matrimony still has it all, with prayer to Saint Mary and more intimate moments with parents and all, but this one (in HKBP version) was very touchy and quite unforgettable. We didn't spend too much time at the church and hurried to the reception building, Sampoerna Strategic Square due to limited time.

Kak Nia, Clemency, Kak Mona and me--we're now all legally sisters!

the ballroom reception décor; it's classic elegant with touch of champagne gold

After some touch ups, dressed up and photographed, we were finally ready at 7 p.m. for the reception. When we entered the ballroom, the guests were already filled the room half-full. We had an entrance  procession of the family before finally the bride and groom, and had Bang Tigor Tanjung to say some forewords, had the groom's best friend speech, as well as the bride's best friend/maid of honor, Rica.

little bodyguards: Bennet, Bram and William, to guard the bride and groom

The wedding procession was pretty much standard, with cake cutting, cake feeding, champagne toasting and all. Then the guests started to congratulate the newlyweds and parents on stage, to eat and mingle. We had Truly Entertainment band played the songs picked by the couple (but also many weren't sung) but some special guests presented their own songs, like Angelika Samara (our cousin), Bang Partahi and Ruhut Sitompul (the groom's cousins) on stage.

Angelika singing

Sitompul Brothers singing a Batak song

me and my wedding gift for her; poem reading

so glad she liked it!

We had about 1,500 people at the party so it took a while till the line finished greeting the couple, so we had to cut them for my gift. I, too, had prepared a poem for my sister that I made just about a week before the wedding. I printed it and decorated the print in a frame with some photographs and 3D cut-outs and had it waited in the newlywed's bedroom, but I still thought that I needed to read it out loud in front of the guests, so there I went, with my trembling voice, reading a poem for my bride sister. I was glad that she (and her husband) liked it!

this wedding had made my writer aunt dressed up so pretty!

of course, my bestie since 1993: Nalya the law lecturer <3 i="">

and my lovely gank: Timen, Achel and Bobby <3 i="">

The party was said to be great, especially with the extraordinarily perfect elegant décor by Grasida, sweet 5-tier wedding cake by Gordon Blue, great food catering by Bali Indah, and photo gallery by Costes Portrait. We finished all past 11 p.m. and we were extremely exhausted--but the wedded couple were still on and they had this after party at De Burse Bar at Equity Tower. So the cousins went there with the couple's friends, too. We really finished all at 2.30 a.m. and I went to sleep at 3.30 a.m.!

my brother Benedict among the Tanjung Family; I love this pic!

It wasn't all over for me because we stayed over at our cousin's house and finally reached home at 8 p.m. the next day (it was truly really very exhausting for me but I had some massage at Cozy Spa at BSD so it was getting better) and the recovery is still going on till now, a week later (I got cough and gastric ulcer and had bed rested for 2 days yesterday) but we're all very happy to become a big family with our in-laws, and wish the very best for the newlyweds.

legally wed!