#Design Stand Indonesia

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - August 15-21

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1. Smart hives and dancing robot bees could boost sustainable beekeeping

“[Researchers] developed a digital comb—a thin circuit board equipped with various sensors around which bees build their combs. Several of these in each hive can then transmit data to researchers, providing real-time monitoring. [… Digital comb] can [also] be activated to heat up certain parts of a beehive […] to keep the bees warm during the winter[…. N]ot only have [honeybee] colonies reacted positively, but swarm intelligence responds to the temperature changes by reducing the bees' own heat production, helping them save energy.”

2. Babirusa pigs born at London Zoo for first time

“Thanks to their gnarly tusks […] and hairless bodies, the pigs are often called "rat pigs" or "demon pigs” in their native Indonesia[….] “[The piglets] are already looking really strong and have so much energy - scampering around their home and chasing each other - it’s a joy to watch. They’re quite easy to tell apart thanks to their individual hair styles - one has a head of fuzzy red hair, while its sibling has a tuft of dark brown hair.””

3. 6,000 sheep will soon be grazing on 10,000 acres of Texas solar fields

“The animals are more efficient than lawn mowers, since they can get into the nooks and crannies under panel arrays[….] Mowing is also more likely to kick up rocks or other debris, damaging panels that then must be repaired, adding to costs. Agrivoltaics projects involving sheep have been shown to improve the quality of the soil, since their manure is a natural fertilizer. […] Using sheep instead of mowers also cuts down on fossil fuel use, while allowing native plants to mature and bloom.”

4. Florida is building the world's largest environmental restoration project

“Florida is embarking on an ambitious ecological restoration project in the Everglades: building a reservoir large enough to secure the state's water supply. […] As well as protecting the drinking water of South Floridians, the reservoir is also intended to dramatically reduce the algae-causing discharges that have previously shut down beaches and caused mass fish die-offs.”

5. The Right to Repair Movement Continues to Accelerate

“Consumers can now demand that manufacturers repair products [including mobile phones….] The liability period for product defects is extended by 12 months after repair, incentivising repairs over replacements. [… M]anufacturers may need to redesign products for easier disassembly, repair, and durability. This could include adopting modular designs, standardizing parts, and developing diagnostic tools for assessing the health of a particular product. In the long run, this could ultimately bring down both manufacturing and repair costs.”

6. Federal Judge Rules Trans Teen Can Play Soccer Just In Time For Her To Attend First Practice

“Today, standing in front of a courtroom, attorneys for Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle, two transgender girls, won an emergency temporary restraining order allowing Tirrell to continue playing soccer with her friends. […] Tirrell joined her soccer team last year and received full support from her teammates, who, according to the filing, are her biggest source of emotional support and acceptance.”

7. Pilot study uses recycled glass to grow plants for salsa ingredients

“"We're trying to reduce landfill waste at the same time as growing edible vegetables," says Andrea Quezada, a chemistry graduate student[….] Early results suggest that the plants grown in recyclable glass have faster growth rates and retain more water compared to those grown in 100% traditional soil. [… T]he pots that included any amount of recyclable glass [also] didn't have any fungal growth.”

8. Feds announce funding push for ropeless fishing gear that spares rare whales

“Federal fishing managers are promoting the use of ropeless gear in the lobster and crab fishing industries because of the plight of North Atlantic right whales. […] Lobster fishing is typically performed with traps on the ocean bottom that are connected to the surface via a vertical line. In ropeless fishing methods, fishermen use systems such an inflatable lift bag that brings the trap to the surface.”

9. Solar farms can benefit nature and boost biodiversity. Here’s how

“[… M]anaging solar farms as wildflower meadows can benefit bumblebee foraging and nesting, while larger solar farms can increase pollinator densities in surrounding landscapes[….] Solar farms have been found to boost the diversity and abundance of certain plants, invertebrates and birds, compared to that on farmland, if solar panels are integrated with vegetation, even in urban areas.”

10. National Wildlife Federation Forms Tribal Advisory Council to Guide Conservation Initiatives, Partnerships

“The council will provide expertise and consultation related to respecting Indigenous Knowledges; wildlife and natural resources; Indian law and policy; Free, Prior and Informed Consent[… as well as] help ensure the Federation’s actions honor and respect the experiences and sovereignty of Indigenous partners.”

August 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[morbidology]

Gereja Ayam, or "Chicken Church," is a peculiar architectural wonder nestled in the hills of Magelang, Indonesia. Designed by Daniel Alamsjah, a Christian man who claimed to have received a divine message to build a prayer house in the shape of a dove, Gereja Ayam stands out with its unique resemblance to a giant chicken.

Due to financial difficulties and resistance from the locals, the construction was never finished. After being halted back in 2000, the Chicken Church has since bee left abandoned.

[cowboybarzy]

NYC, Mat Barazl

You’re first vacation together. You’re nervous because you don’t like to fly. However, Mat doesn’t know this bc you’ve never flown together. You start to panic at take off ( you can go from there) you eventually make it your destination (somewhere tropical) and then you can go into as much or little detail as you would like. I hope this makes sense.

tysm for the request! I actually also am terrified to fly and one time this old lady next to me held my hand for takeoff and landing and it was super sweet!

word count: 1.3k

come along the world trip

📍bali, indonesia with mat barzal

"At this moment, we'd like to invite the first class and business class passengers to board the aircraft." Your boyfriend next to you stood, collecting his things. You couldn't stand up, nervously looking around the airport and out the window at the other airplanes in the sky. You hated flying. You didn't do it often and the few other times you did you always had panic attacks. The idea of being suspended in the air and having no control left you panicked the entire time and once turbulence were added, all you wanted to do was run.

"Babe, that's us," Mat said, waving a hand in front of you to get your attention. "I don't get to take a vacation often but when I do, I do it right."

You snapped out of your panicking and gave a small laugh while gathering your things. "Still asleep?," he asked jokingly, to which you nodded. You had to get up very early to leave for the airport and catch your flight and due to your discomfort about flying, you had barely slept that night.

You were able to board quickly and get comfortable in your extra specious seats. Maybe with this extra room you wouldn't feel as cramped and scared.

"You okay?," Mat asked after a while and leaned over his seat ledge to see you better, when he noticed your leg shaking and that you barley answered him in the last few minutes.

"Yeah!" You tried to sound enthusiastic, but failed. "I'm just excited."

"Me, too." He kissed you. "Sand, sun, ocean, you in a bikini. Yeah, this is gonna be good."

You had no doubt about that. It was just getting to Bali that freaked you out and made you consider staying home. But it was your first vacation with him and the pictures you had seen of Bali looked absolutely amazing, so you just had to bite the bullet. Everything would be fine.

Once everyone was on board, it was finally time to leave. Your heartbeat increased dramatically when the plane started moving. Your hands gripped together tightly and your eyes shut tightly, too, turned away from your boyfriend. But that didn't stop him from noticing something was wrong.

"Hey!" He leaned over to your side again and placed his big hand on top of both of yours that were pulling at each other. "What's wrong?"

You couldn't ignore him any longer, so you turned to face him reluctantly. "I hate flying." Your voice was barely a whisper, hating to admit your fear.

"Oh, love." He tried to figure out how to pull you into his arms, but the first class seats were not designed for that. So he settled for his other hand that gently curled around the side of your face and caressed your cheek. "Why didn't you tell me?" You shrugged and in that moment the plane started speeding up, getting enough speed to take off. You shut your eyes again and your entire body went rigid. "It's ok. You're ok." He was able to kiss your forehead before being pushed back into his own seat. His hands stilled cradled you, definitely helping you get through it and once the plane settled in the air you could feel your heartbeat slow a bit.

"Better?" You slowly opened your eyes and looked directly into his green ones. You had fallen in love with them the first time you saw them and were amazed at how well they could calm you. You nodded, actually meaning it as your body began to relax a bit. As long as you didn't look out the window or there wouldn't be any turbulence, you could do this.

"Why didn't you tell me?," he asked again, gently. "We could have gone somewhere else that doesn't require flying or at least somewhere we wouldn't have to take multiple planes and fly for a day."

"No, it's ok. I have to get over this fear. And you got so excited talking about Bali, I didn't want to say no. I wanna go on this trip with you." He smiled when you did and softly placed his lips on yours.

"I love you. But next time please tell me about something big like this." You both laughed. "Honestly, we could have just gone down to Florida. Or even stayed on Long Island. They have beaches there I could see you walking around in a bikini in. That's all I need." You rolled your eyes.

"I promise. I want to see the wolf with you, though. Just don't let go of my hand." And he didn't. For the entirety of the flight, minus meal time, he held on to your hand and even when he dozed off he squeezed it every once in a while, letting you know that everything was going to be alright and that he was always by your side.

The rest of your travels wasn't any different. Takeoff and landing were still hard for you, but the actual flight was fairly smooth. You had a good book with you and the movie selection was great so there were a lot of distractions. Mat also kept you occupied and distracted which you were very thankful for. However, the flying anxiety prevented you from sleeping all day, even during your layover you barely slept a couple of hours. So when you finally, finally, made it to your private little villa right on the water, you crashed in bed almost immediately. You slept for hours and hours, now that the anxiety was gone and when you woke up, you felt like a brand new person.

"Morning, sleepy head." Mat, shirtless by the way, saw you stretch from outside and came walking into the bedroom. He climbed on the bed and laid down right on top of you. His lips started wandering along your cheeks and neck. "Sleep good?"

You nodded and rubbed your eyes again. "What time is it?"

"Almost six. At night." He grinned. If you remembered correctly you had gotten there at eight in the morning. "But I didn't want to wake you. You really needed the sleep."

Your arms wrapped around him, pulling him in first for a kiss and then a hug. Wordlessly, you stayed in bed like this for a while until you had woken up enough.

"Hungry?"

"Starving." Your little villa was part of a resort so Mat ordered room service and while you waited you took a little tour of the place and changed into a new outfit. It was basically one open room, which half walls separating the bathroom from the bedroom and from the living area with a small kitchen. On the deck was an outdoor shower, another sitting area and of course the pool from which you could jump right into the ocean.

"This is so beautiful." You we're standing on the deck looking out into the ocean where the sun was slowly starting to set. You leaned into your boyfriend who came to stand behind you and wrapped your arms around his neck.

"Worth the travel and flying?"

"Absolutely." He kissed your cheek and enjoyed the peaceful moment between the two of you.

After your meal, Mat practically changed you into your bikini himself and then carried you into the pool. The hot tub definitely got used a bit more though and that outdoor shower also got its first use of your stay...

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Radley Balko at The Watch:

Here’s a sentence I never imagined I’d need to write: It would be a bad idea for the U.S. to go to war with Mexico. And yet here we are. The thing about a candidate as historically dangerous, impulsive, and incompetent as Trump is that he routinely proposes stuff so off the wall that it would tank virtually any other campaign. But because of this, some of his nuttier ideas are overshadowed by everything else he does. In a previous post, I looked at one of these under-the-radar ideas — Trump’s catastrophic promise to deny federal funding to any school that requires kids to be vaccinated. Today, we’ll look at another — the Trump/Republican vow to bomb or invade Mexico. Trump has repeatedly threatened that, if elected again, he will bomb drug cartels and fentanyl manufacturing facilities in Mexico. He has also proposed sending assassination teams or special forces units into the country. He vowed to take these actions with or without the consent of the Mexican government. The Mexican government has been pretty clear about where it stands on this: They would not consent. So let’s be clear about what Trump is proposing: He’s proposing an invasion of Mexico. Which means he’s a proposing a war with Mexico.

Trump’s history with this threat suggests we should take it more seriously than the typical bluster he spouts during one of his campaign rally monoglogues. Rolling Stone reported last year that even then he had already asked his advisors to assemble a “battle plan” to enact shortly after he’s elected. He also reiterated his promise in an interview he and running mate JD Vance did with Fox News last month (Vance is also all for it). The origin of the war with Mexico idea dates back to the end of Trump’s first term, when, in response to rising fentanyl overdoses, he attempted to designate drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, despite the fact that they don’t fit any reasonable definition of a terrorist. He apparently thought this would allow him to bomb the cartels as if they were ISIS cells. It turns out that it isn’t that simple. You can’t simply call people “terrorists” and immediately start bombing the countries where said “terrorists” are operating without first consulting with the leaders of those countries. Mexico’s president promptly and resoundingly dismissed the idea. This apparently irked Trump enough to take the position he advocates today: Just bomb them, anyway.

[...] Destructive, counterproductive policy that treats foreign lives as disposable has long been the hallmark of U.S. overseas drug interdiction. We’ve funded the extra-judicial execution of drug offenders in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. We partnered with South American governments to shoot down suspect drug running planes without regard to the possible loss of innocent life — that is, until the policy claimed the lives of a U.S. missionary and her daughter. In Panama, the CIA (specifically, George H.W. Bush) propped up and facilitated the drug-running operation of brutal dictator Manuel Noriega. When Noriega was no longer useful for fighting communism, the U.S. then indicted him for said drug running, then (specifically, George H.W. Bush) invaded and bombed his country. We killed hundreds of Panamanian citizens in the process.

As for Mexico itself, in the mid-2000s the U.S. incentivized the country’s government to enlist its own military in the drug war. That policy toppled some cartels, but also spawned destabilizing turf wars and violence as rival factions vied to replace them. The winners then and the military have since been fighting for nearly two decades. The death toll is now approaching half a million people. When asked about the carnage, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton basically said in 2011 that tens of thousands of dead Mexicans was a price the U.S. was willing to pay to keep harmful drugs away from Americans. (It did not keep illicit drugs away from Americans.) The arguably most destructive U.S. overseas anti-drug program was Plan Colombia, Bill Clinton’s drug eradication program that poisoned farmland, fostered rampant corruption, and pushed that country into a civil war that has killed tens of thousands of people. This too did not keep illicit drugs away from Americans.

[...]

It will backfire

Even drug cartels have a code. They go out of their way to avoid harming U.S. law enforcement, and they don’t target U.S. citizens. When underlings have violated this code, or when U.S. citizens have suffered collateral harm, the cartels have bent over backwards to make amends. The last thing they want is to bring the full force and weight of the U.S. government upon themselves. This of course doesn’t excuse the times drug violence has harmed American citizens. We should naturally seek justice in those cases. But while what Trump is proposing won’t end the illicit drug trade, it will create an existential threat to the current cartels. It will back them into a corner. Cartels avoid U.S. casualties because they want to remain in operation. If they know the United States is sending its military to kill them, there’s no incentive to adhere to the code. They’re likely to lash out — against U.S. law enforcement, U.S. citizens, possibly U.S. politicians.

[...]

Mexico isn’t our enemy

Depending on how you measure it, Mexico is either our first, second, or third biggest trade partner. Any military action taken without consent of the Mexican government would bring most of that trade to a screeching halt. That risks about $855 billion in annual commerce. It would threaten millions of jobs, particularly in California, Texas, Louisiana, and the industrial Midwest. When Trump threatened to completely shut down the border during his first term, economists warned it would result in a shortage the goods from Mexico, including computers, cars and car parts, gas, chemicals, and produce (goodbye avocados!). Mexico is also a big consumer for U.S. agriculture. So corn, soybeans, poultry, pork, and dairy farmers would also take a hit. We’d also see major interruptions in supply chains that flow through Mexico. When the Border Patrol shut down just one official crossing in San Diego for just a few hours in 2019, businesses in that city lost $5.3 million. All of this economic damage would come in addition to the calamitous economic effects of Trump’s other disastrous campaign promises, like across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations.

Radley Balko perfectly describes why going to war with Mexico is a reckless and costly idea.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Barong - Day 25

Race: Avatar

Alignment: Light-Neutral

April 24th, 2024

I'd like to start this daily demon spotlight with an admittance of bias. Barong is my favorite demon in the series, bar none. In celebration of making it to 25 (!!) days of this series, I've decided to let the holy cat out of the bag. Barong is the demon that introduced me to Balinese mythology, has saved my hide several times throughout the series, and has an adorable and unique design to boot. He stands right next to, if not above Black Frost and Chernobog in my book. Past that, though, I would also like to say- thank you all for sticking with me for 25 days! It's been so damn fun, and I plan on continuing this series for months, if not years to come. I know it's a little early for the ivories, but the small community that has been built up over time has given me so much life and energy!

With that sappy stuff out of the way...

Today's demon of the day lies in the form of the great panther, protector of mankind, and host of all things good, Barong. Bali mythology is surprisingly easy to look through, having solid roots and foundations, as well as its origin being in a somewhat small subset of Indonesia, though this isn't to say it's not complex. Balinese mythology takes a unique form, one similar to the worship of Ame-no-Uzume, wherein several of its stories aren't plays nor grand tales, but rather, fascinatingly hypnotic dances. Barong's appearance in these dances is that of a glamorously decorated (and very ambiguous) animal that I would personally say looks somewhat, vaguely similar to a lion?

However, the type of animal it is isn't that important, and admittedly just makes me confused. What is important is Barong's role in Balinese mythology, that being of a protector of humanity itself- in the mythos surrounding Barong and its eternal rival Rangda, Barong represents good health, good fortune, and has reign over all the spirits that inhabit the small province. The most prominent myth featuring the great avatar is recanted in the famous Kris dance, a dance representing Barong battling with Rangda. During the hypnotic trawl, dancers bring swords dangerously close to hurting themselves, though they emerge unscathed, watched over by two dancers in an ornate harness holding up the avatar of Barong who dances furiously behind them.

The dance begins with two monkeys and Barong engaging in dance, though quickly escalates as witches sent by Rangda attack the frolicking group. The dance-drama escalates from there as Barong tries to reign back control over the kingdom, which had found itself under siege by Rangda, eventually leading to the most iconic scene of the play, wherein two palace guards stab themselves with kali daggers in a desperate trance under Rangda's control- though they emerge unscathed as Barong comes to the rescue and engages in battle with the witch, protecting the guards with his holy magic. After a long and fraught dance between Barong and its rival, eventually, the holy avatar emerges victorious, and the kingdom is returned to peace and prosperity.

Barong is not just an artefact of the dance, though- he's an important figure in Balinese tradition, one held in reverence and good spirits, and the dance is simply held to represent the eternal struggle between good and evil, as well as celebrate the triumph of the love and goodness that Barong represents. People equipped in Barong costumes even, on occasion, parade around Balinese towns in order to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Barong is locked in a never-ending battle against Rangda and the forces of darkness, yet never gives up hope; As a Bali volunteer in the Bali Volunteer Program puts it, "Once the trance is over, Barong and his supporters finally overthrow Rangda. But she does not die. Instead, she reincarnates and Barong must defeat her again. The fight never stops. It is symbolic of light’s eternal strife against darkness."

In the SMT series, Barong is depicted faithfully, though far more blue than red. Decorated in jewels and studded in silver, the Balinese lion dances in combat, easily connecting to the dance-dramas the beast is so frequently depicted in. Interestingly, a common series staple is that of Rangda and Barong's fusion leading to Shiva, and while unconfirmed, I have an idea as to why this may be the case. While Barong and Rangda are from completely different mythologies, they both represent opposing forces of light and dark, something that Shiva, a god of destruction who is not evil, is an inherent blend of- Shiva is both light and dark, good and evil, while Barong is good, light, and Rangda is evil, dark.

All in all, Balinese myth's hypnotic dances and beautiful performances lend to an amazingly designed demon that truly fulfills all it sets out to do, represents an underrepresented mythology, and stands out as my personal favorite demon in the series. Next to Chernobog and Black Frost, of course. And also Parvati. And Mother Harlot. Am I just edgy?

[indigokashmir]

Tropical Living. A home in Cartagena, Colombia.

Home of jewellery designer Chiqui de Echavarría.

A sitting area is centered around an Indonesian rattan sofa bed, complemented by a Moroccan bench, a Turkish pouf, and sconces designed by Juan Montoya.

Entrance: In the entrance hall, an Italian church altar dating back to the 17th century serves as a focal point, adorned with Moroccan candlesticks and an antique vase from Indonesia. An Indian mirror, an Indonesian ceramic planter, and a Moroccan carved wooden door and pendant contribute to the eclectic atmosphere. The flooring boasts antique Colombian mosaic tiles, while a 17th-century church pedestal stands as a wooden sculpture.

The staircase banister showcases the intricate handiwork of a local artisan, while the pendant lighting is of Moroccan origin. Adding a touch of cultural flair, the tapestry adorning the space is a suzani from Central Asia.

A sofa bed from Indonesia takes center stage, adorned with batik pillows and an ikat. The accompanying teak bench and cocktail table also hail from Indonesia, while an Art Deco armchair from Colombia adds a distinctive touch. Completing the ensemble, the fiber-and-leather rugs are crafted by Mamayana.

Photography by Ricardo Labougle, all photos via  Elledecor. 

[miyakuli]

A Space for the Unbound

Stand by Me

After the emotional When the Past was Around, a game I was particularly fond of, Mojiken and Toge Productions are back with another hard-hitting title. A Space for the Unbound plunges us into Indonesia in the 90s, where we follow young high-school students Raya and Atma as they confront the end of their world (I won't reveal any more than that, as the story is well worth the candle). What can I say, I can only recommend it, because once again, it's a game that left a deep mark on me:

❤ A truly moving story that touches on singularly human and mature themes. The script skilfully juggles between sweet moments and much more psychologically harsh scenes, and easily draws us in with the way it gradually distils clues about our characters and the world around us. And I'm not even going to mention the masterful ending - I still think about it with great emotion. A little gem of writing! ❤ Endearing characters, both human and animal ;) (ps: you can pet and name all the animals in the game, I'm screaming!) ❤ I'm a big fan of pixel art, and I can say that in terms of design, it's superb. From the detailed and nostalgic backgrounds, to the distinctive and memorable chara-designs, to the beautiful gameplay animations and cinematic sequences… it's a real treat! ❤ Not to mention the excellent soundtrack that accompanies the game. The music is pleasant, comforting at times, but also emotionally charged in the strong moments. And yes, the song at the end totally helped to make me cry :') ❤ Gameplay-wise, it's partly a fairly basic point & click, with little puzzles here and there that aren't too hard, but the game also offers different gameplay phases (such as QTEs and even an Ace Attorney-style court phase :p), so there's never any real sense of redundancy.

+/- I found all the quests relevant, even the more secondary ones; each one allows us to really learn about the protagonists' neighbourhood and its residents, and therefore to really feel at home there, which reinforces the nostalgic aspect of the game. On the other hand, some of them perhaps take up a little too much time for what they add to the story.

✖ Some actions require you to go back and forth quite a bit at times (and long!) ✖ Atma walks so slowly that you end up running all the time. So what's the point of the walking option x)

This is the second game from this studio that has brought tears to my eyes. They have a real talent for gently conveying emotion, through both storytelling and gameplay. I regret not having played it sooner, as it would definitely have got my vote at the Game Awards 2023, where it was nominated in the 'Game for Impact' category. Because yes, I'm not likely to forget it, and as the game wanted to teach me, cherishing your fondest memories is important for living and moving forward <3

➡ My Steam page

[zalrb]

where is the line between a character with high morals and a character with a holier-than-thou attitude. and why do viewers constantly equate one with the other - like with bonnie and stefan.

Someone who is holier-than-thou is basically this meme

and antis effectively think that's what's happening, but Stefan will just be like .... so we shouldn't use humans for our own amusement

Bonnie, at least in the beginning, serves to be the morality police who the writers designate to be like what the hell, Wrong is Wrong. She's the person who's like

So, she's meant to be righteous rather than self-righteous.

So, if you want to talk about self-righteous, let's talk about Hermione, who isn't necessarily wrong, in fact most of the time she's right, and it's not that she doesn't have empathy, there are plenty of times in the books where we see that expressed but she also has a compulsive need to let everyone know that she was right and that she was righteous and it can overrule her empathy

And he left the bathroom without another word, leaving Harry to stare into the cracked mirror, feeling sicker, he was sure, than Ron had ever felt in his life. “I won’t say ‘I told you so,’ ” said Hermione, an hour later in the common room. “Leave it, Hermione,” said Ron angrily. Harry had never made it to dinner; he had no appetite at all. He had just finished telling Ron, Hermione, and Ginny what had happened [...]

“I told you there was something wrong with that Prince person,” Hermione said, evidently unable to stop herself. “And I was right, wasn’t I?” “No, I don’t think you were,” said Harry stubbornly. He was having a bad enough time without Hermione lecturing him”

So if Elena had come to Hermione in this situation

she would probably be empathetic but it's also possible that she would also feel the need to let Elena know that her way was the right way, that she chose to do something wrong and she should've listened and if she had only listened she wouldn't be feeling like this.

Pick a character, any character, in The West Wing. They are written to have a sense of idealism and morality and desire to do good and be good but they are also written to be smug and self-righteous and in need of humbling.

So, in this episode, the White House is hosting a State Dinner, and their guest is the president of Indonesia. And Toby writes a speech for the US president that chastises Indonesia for violating human rights

and then after the dinner demands a favour from a senior aide in the Indonesian president's staff

who then proceeds to tell Toby to go to hell because of his self-righteousness and his hypocrisy

now people think this is Stefan. They think he has no leg to stand on because he's done terrible things and they think that makes him a hypocrite which therefore makes him self-righteous because how dare he lecture others with all of his sins but what they refuse to process, and I have many posts about this, is that it's the fact that he knows what it's like to do terrible things, the fact that he has to live with the terrible things he's done and that the things themselves are, well, terrible that compels him to try and help people not do terrible things

he is motivated by empathy rather than moral superiority

[autoini]

BMW Displays X7 and i5 at the 2024 Jakarta Arts Event

BMW Group Indonesia has solidified its long-standing commitment to supporting the arts and culture by becoming an official strategic partner for Art Jakarta 2024. This collaboration adds another milestone to the company’s history of more than five decades of involvement in art-related initiatives. At the event, BMW provided exclusive mobility solutions for VIP guests, showcasing two of its luxurious models: the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport and three BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport units. These cars represent the perfect blend of luxury, innovation, and sustainability, offering both art enthusiasts and artists an exceptional experience during one of Southeast Asia’s most prestigious art events.

BMW's Ongoing Support for Art and Culture

For over 50 years, BMW has been a dedicated supporter of arts and culture, both locally and globally. BMW Group Indonesia’s participation in Art Jakarta 2024 demonstrates its commitment to continuing this legacy. Held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) Kemayoran from October 4-6, 2024, this highly anticipated event attracted a wide audience, from local art lovers to expatriates, all of whom came to admire the vast array of modern art displayed. By participating in the event, BMW Indonesia had the opportunity to showcase its high-end vehicles, such as the BMW X7 and BMW i5, which symbolized the brand’s technological prowess and alignment with artistic elegance.

Peter Medalla, President Director of BMW Indonesia, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He stated, "This collaboration goes beyond mobility solutions; it highlights BMW’s ongoing commitment to arts and culture. Supporting art has been an integral part of BMW’s mission globally for over 50 years, and we are proud to continue this tradition in Indonesia."

BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport and BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport at Art Jakarta 2024

Two standout models were featured at the event: the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport and the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport. Both vehicles reflect BMW’s dedication to combining luxury, performance, and innovation, catering to diverse needs while maintaining the brand’s signature style.

BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport: A Jewel of Luxury and Performance

The BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport is a luxury SUV that seamlessly blends power with elegance. Its bold design features the classic kidney grille, illuminated by BMW’s distinctive “Iconic Glow” technology, while the separated headlights give it a striking road presence. This large and stylish SUV has garnered attention at Art Jakarta for its sporty yet sophisticated appearance, further enhanced by the M Sport package. This package includes sleek 21-inch M rims and meticulously crafted exterior details that emphasize its dynamic performance.

Under the hood, the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport is powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This combination delivers an impressive 381 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque, ensuring a smooth yet powerful driving experience. The eight-speed Sports Steptronic transmission adds to its responsive and refined ride, making it a favorite among those who appreciate both luxury and performance.

BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport: The Future of Electric Sophistication

In contrast, the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport represents BMW’s forward-thinking approach to electrification. This premium electric sedan not only boasts a sleek and modern design but also offers the comfort and sophistication that BMW is known for. With a length of 5,060 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, and a height of 1,515 mm, the BMW i5 provides ample space for passengers, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable ride.

Externally, the BMW i5 maintains the brand’s classic design elements, including signature headlights and the iconic kidney grille. The 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels, paired with dark blue metallic M Sport brakes, add a sporty touch to this already elegant vehicle. The BMW i5 is powered by a single electric motor mounted at the rear, producing 340 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. This allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just six seconds, with a top speed of 193 km/h.

One of the most impressive aspects of the BMW i5 is its driving range. Thanks to its 81.2 kWh battery, the car can travel up to 582 km on a single charge (based on WLTP values), making it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance electric vehicle. This sedan is ideal for eco-conscious drivers who still want to enjoy the luxurious driving experience that BMW provides.

Availability and Pricing in Indonesia

Both the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport and the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport are now available for purchase at authorized BMW dealers throughout Indonesia. The X7 xDrive40i M Sport is priced at IDR 2.457 billion (off-the-road), while the i5 eDrive40 M Sport has an off-the-road price of IDR 2.177 billion. Both models come fully equipped with the latest technology and features, ensuring an unparalleled driving experience for their owners.

BMW’s Integration of Innovation, Luxury, and Art

BMW’s participation in Art Jakarta 2024 highlights how the brand seamlessly integrates innovation, luxury, and art. By showcasing two models—the X7 xDrive40i M Sport and the i5 eDrive40 M Sport—BMW demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both the automotive and cultural worlds.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport, in particular, reflects the brand’s future focus on sustainable mobility. As the world moves toward a greener future, BMW is leading the way with its electric vehicle lineup, offering environmentally friendly solutions without compromising on performance or luxury. At the same time, the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport provides VIP guests with the ultimate luxury driving experience, combining elegance, power, and cutting-edge technology.

Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Art, Innovation, and Mobility

BMW Group Indonesia’s collaboration with Art Jakarta 2024 is a testament to the company’s ongoing support for the arts and its commitment to innovation. The participation of BMW in this prestigious event not only elevated the luxury and sophistication of the exhibition but also underscored the brand’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable mobility.

By offering exclusive mobility solutions for VIP guests and showcasing two of its top models—the BMW X7 xDrive40i M Sport and the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport—BMW Indonesia demonstrated how luxury, innovation, and sustainability can go hand in hand. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, BMW remains at the forefront, leading the charge in both technological advancements and cultural contributions.

For more updated information about the automotive market, the latest cars & bikes, Please visit our website https://www.autoini.com

[scurvydogs]

Please stand with the people of Palestine against the genocide currently happening. 🇵🇸

There are a multitude of ways that you can donate money to aid the people of Palestine. One way is to purchase a kufiya from kufiya.org

‼️PLEASE NOTE: you can only preorder as there is currently a blockade and they are unable to ship out orders at this time but they will send out orders as soon as possible. ‼️

To quote from their site under ‘About Hirbawi®’ :

“The symbolic “Kufiya” (aka “Shemagh” / “Keffiyeh”) garment is more important today than ever. Traditionally worn over the head or shoulders by farmers, the last century has seen a revival of the Kufiya as it became synonymous with the quest for Palestinian freedom and independence.

Adopted by freedom fighters in the 1930’s Arab Revolt, this traditional arabic scarf or headress became the uniform Palestinian rebels, in their resistance against the occupation of the British Empire. Not long after, in continued solidarity with Palestinian heritage and independence from Israeli occupation, the Kufiya ascended into a powerful symbol of Palestinian struggle and freedom.

Today the Palestinian Kufiya, famous for its black & white pattern, is worn across the world by those standing in solidarity with Palestine – in the US, Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia, and of course the Middle East. It has become a meaningful fashion item worn by political activists, musicians, artists, and designers around the world.”

Please not only purchase a kufiya to symbolize your support for Palestine, but to also financially aid the people any way you can.

Here are some organizations you can give aid by donating to and please feel free to add others:

[buildingislam]

What is Islamic Architecture?

Islamic Architecture is an architectural style that dominates Muslim-majority countries around the world such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and many more, but is not limited to these locations. Islamic architecture can be found across the globe - though the architecture in other locations may not hold all the main characteristics - there are definite elements that have been incorporated into the western, modern world, (The Spruce., 2022).

This architectural style is associated with the religion of Islam, and has evolved from various other architectural styles like that of Mesopotamian and Roman.

Islamic architecture has several characteristics that are recognisable to even the untrained eye; the use of colour, geometric shapes, symmetry, patterns and calligraphy define the architectural style (Invaluable., 2020). This style of architecture is typically associated with religious establishments in Islam such as the Mosque, but is not restricted to this, the style extends to palaces, tombs, forts and public buildings. One of the oldest elements to identifying Islamic architecture is the presence of Minarets and domes. Minarets are tower-like structures with small windows and enclosed spiral staircases made for muezzins (a man who calls Muslims to pray) to call to worshippers from a high point. The minarets often feature one or more balconies. The forms of the minarets commonly seen range from thick, squat, spiral ramps to soaring, delicate, pencil-thin spires, with the base usually being square in shape. The number of minarets located in a Mosque will vary from one to six and they stand as landmarks of Islam.

Grand Mosque of Samarra and the spiralling Malwiya Minaret (Adventures of Nicole., 2022).

Domes (like several other architectural movements such as Renaissance and Byzantine) are also a regular feature of islamic architecture.

The first Islamic design featuring a dome is a 7th century shrine in Jerusalem - Dome of the Rock, Arabic Qubbat al-Ṣakhrah. Dome of the Rock was built by Umayyad caliph (chief Muslim civil and religious ruler of the first Muslim dynasty) 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwān. The structure is situated on a flat elevated plaza known to Muslims as 'The Noble Sanctuary' (al-Haram al-Sharīf), and the rock above which the dome is located is the spot the propet Muhammad was taken up into heaven for an encounter with God (Mi'rāj), (Britannica., 2014).

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 691-692 CE.

Most domes rest on pendentives which are constructional devices used to place circular domes over square or rectangular shaped rooms. You can recognise pendentives as Islamic architecture by its decorative tiles or muqarnas - a form of ornamental vaulting, (IvyPanda.,2020).

Diagram of pendentives.

Muqarnas and decorative tiles example.

The most important piece of indo-Islamic architecture os the tomb of the Shah Rukn-i-Alam in Multan. This tomb was built between 1320 and 1324 CE by Giyath al-Din Tughluq in the pre-mughal, architectural style, Giyath was the governor of Diplapor (a city in the Okara District of the Punjab, Pakistan) and is thought to have been built to serve as a tomb for himself. However, it was presented to the family of the renowned Sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh (Sacred Sites., 2020). The tomb is an octagonal shape, 35m high and structured by red brick with a visible frame of beams and shisam wood, and further designed with the use of carved brick, wood blue and white faience mosaic tiles with raised relief patterns. The octagon is decorated with geometric, floral, and arabesque designs and calligraphic motifs. The interior was originally plastered but is now bare and the sarcophagus is surrounded by 72 of his descendants. The saint is still held in high esteem and the tomb is the focus of over 100,000 pilgrims from all over South Asia who visit in order to commemorate his memory, (Unesco., 2004).

Shah Rukn-i-Alam, Multan, Pakistan.

Arches are yet another prominent feature of identifying Islamic architecture, and their placements usually define the entrances to buildings and rooms. There are several types of arches including: Pointed Arches, Ogee Arches, Horseshoe Arches, and Multifoil Arches. The double arched system of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, the pointed arches of the Al-Aqsa masque provide excellent examples of how arches become indispensable features of Islamic architecture (Rethinking the Future., 2023).

Double Arches of Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

The majority of mosques and palaces falling under the style of Islamic architecture feature courtyards and can house large gatherings of people during festive occasions and prayers. The courtyards will feature fountains for the people to perform ablution before prayers.

Now that there has been an introduction into what it takes to create for Islamic styled architecture, the rest of the blog is open to deeper dives of certain establishments, countries, and architects themselves,

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

Summer Marshall-Miller

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Hohenadel, K. (2022) The Spruce. Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-islamic-architecture-5120474 (Accessed 20 January, 2023)

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. (2014) Encyclopaedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/mosque (Accessed: 20 January, 2023)

Unknown Author (2020) Invaluable. Available at: https://www.invaluable.com/blog/islamic-art-patterns/ (Accessed: 21 January, 2023)

IvyPanda (2020) 'Muqarnas in Islamic Architecture'. Available at: https://ivypanda.com/essays/muqarnas-in-islamic-architecture/ (Accessed: 24 January 2023)

UNESCO (2004) Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam. Available at:https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1884/#:~:text=The%20tomb%20of%20Shah%20Rukn,saint%20following%20the%20latter%27s%20death (Accessed 7th December 2022).

Unknown Author (2023) Rethinking the Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/architectural-styles/a2589-10-distinctive-elements-of-islamic-architecture/ (Accessed: 23 January 2023).

Nicole Smoot (2022) The Adventures of Nicole. Available at: https://adventuresoflilnicki.com/samarra-iraq/ (Accessed: 23 January 2023).

[usafphantom2]

Ukraine asks France for Rafale or Mirage fighters and radars for Su-27

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/29/2023 - 08:40am in Military, War Zones

At the moment, the Ukrainian armed forces have the promise to receive F-16 fighters, as well as an existing opportunity for some Swedish SAAB Gripen fighters. However, a discussion in the French parliament makes it clear that Kiev has reached Paris for “some kind of delivery”. That is, delivery of "Rafale or Mirage 2000" fighters.

The Opex360 website reports that French deputy Julien Bayu made the comment on the sidelines of the French Parliament. "There is an urgent request that we must pass on: supply of Rafale and/or Mirage 2000D, as well as radars to equip Ukrainian Sukhoi and MiGs," wrote opex360, quoting Bayu.

Bayu's additional comment further clarifies the "requests" and "intentions". The French deputy is ready to support an agreement that includes the participation of third parties so that relations with Russia do not deteriorate (to the extent that they remain intact). “The alternative is to provide these Rafales and Mirages to countries that have F-16 or MiG-29 so that these F-16 and MiG-29 can be transferred to Ukraine,” says Bayu.

On radars, Ukraine needs to make its combat aircraft available effective. If Western missiles are placed under their wings, the radars should also be of a similar type of manufacture.

Interoperability ensures effective communication between the missile and the radar system. The radar provides important information about the location, speed and trajectory of the target, which is essential for accurate tracking and interception of the missile.

Coordination is also important. When the missile is launched, it must integrate perfectly with the radar tracking and targeting capabilities. This integration allows the radar to continuously update the missile with real-time target information, allowing mid-stroke corrections and greater accuracy.

In addition, the compatibility between the missile and the radar facilitates interoperability within the fighter fleet. Last but not least, this compatibility simplifies logistics and maintenance. When the missile and radar are designed to be compatible, it allows easier interchangeability and reduces the need for specialized equipment or modifications.

Speculation about whether Ukraine would receive French fighters dates back at least to the beginning of this year. The French government has repeatedly stated that there are requests from Ukraine, but for this type of military assistance [combat jets] to be provided, Paris will have to see if, according to certain criteria, such a supply will not threaten the national security of the country.

On March 23, about 30 Ukrainian pilots began receiving accelerated training to pilot the French Mirage 2000 fighters. The training has already lasted about a month and a half. According to the newspaper Le Figaro, the training takes place at the air bases of Mont de Marsan and Nancy.

A photograph shows a French Rafale fighter participating in a French Air Force training exercise under VOLFA 2022 at the Mont-de-Marsan military base on October 6, 2022. (Photo: Thibaud MORITZ / AFP)

The French online portal Intelligence Online [IO] reported that Ukraine expects to receive at least 40 Mirage 2000-9 fighters. The investigation of the IO itself leads to possible suppliers, among which the names of the United Arab Emirates [United Arab Emirates], Indonesia and Greece stand out.

At the moment, Paris is officially silent. A visit by the French defense minister to Kiev is scheduled for the end of this month. But it is Lecornu's next visit that is fueling speculation about the delivery of the Rafale or Mirage.

However, after Bayu's speech, Lecornu also made his comment. He said that such a request exists and is not the first. However, similar requests were made to other countries, not just France.

However, according to Lecornu, Kiev has requests for higher priority military aid from France. These include "ground equipment, artillery, air defense, which will again become a key theme for the winter because it will not only be about protecting the battlefield, but also the civil and energy infrastructure, as we see the resumption of Russian deep attacks".

Tags: Armée de l'air - French Air Force/French Air ForceMilitary AviationDassault Mirage 2000Ukrainian Air ForceWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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[dwellordream]

thoughts on TLOU Episode 2

the set design on this episode was incredible. i loved the shot of ellie sleeping on the patch of grass in that room, as well as the sewer sequence, complete with lilypads and frogs. 

the shot of the ruined cityscape looking like an alien planet was also great. it lends a really fantastical element to the show that i think a lot of other post-apocalypse media lacks.

the opening flashback to Indonesia reminded me a lot of the book World War Z in how it portrayed the earliest days of the outbreak. I appreciate that they humanized the Indonesian characters and didn’t portray them as mindless thugs or stupidly incompetent. 

I appreciated that they added a lot more bonding between ellie, tess, and joel. we can see how easily ellie becomes attached to new people, especially stable adults. 

while tess and joel can be very brusque with her, they also crack jokes and treat her like an adult, which is nice. bella’s acting as ellie continues to stand-out, and anna torv did a wonderful job portraying tess’ grit and dry humor. 

i think changing the way the Fireflies were massacred was a smart idea. introducing FEDRA again as a threat only for them to vanish after this episode would feel half-baked, and they still let tess sacrifice herself to save joel and ellie. 

having ellie get bit a second time, for the comparison between her and tess’ wounds, was also nice, because it makes it more obvious why joel would accept that ellie’s immunity was not a one-time fluke. 

i continue to love the show’s use of vivid greens and yellows. i’m glad they don’t wash everything out to be grey and brown. it lends to the sense of childish wonder and excitement through ellie’s eyes, and also helps convey the season that they’re in. 

[s4g2]

Crafting Digital Bridges Across Borders: S4G2 Marketing Agency's Global SEO and Web Design Symphony

In a digital epoch where boundaries are increasingly blurred, the art of connecting brands to diverse global audiences is more nuanced than ever. S4G2 Marketing Agency, with its roots firmly planted in India's rich technological and cultural soils, stands at the forefront of this global digital renaissance, offering bespoke SEO and web design services that transcend geographical confines.

India's Digital Ingenuity Meets Global Ambitions

India, a land steeped in history yet surging towards the future, shapes our unique perspective. It’s from this vibrant confluence of tradition and innovation that we draw our strength, enabling us to tailor our services to a myriad of international markets, from the cobbled streets of Europe to the soaring skylines of North America.

Designing Digital Dreams Across Continents

European Elegance Meets Digital Precision: Crafting digital experiences for the European market means balancing timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. Whether it's the rustic charm of Greece or the sleek sophistication of Sweden, our strategies resonate with each nation's heart and soul.

The North American Digital Frontier: In the USA and Canada, where trends are born and competition is fierce, our strategies are all about cutting-edge technology and innovation, ensuring businesses stand out in a saturated market.

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S4G2's Global Digital Mantra

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Customized Digital Journeys: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each project is a new story, and we ensure it's told in a way that aligns perfectly with the client’s vision and market demands.

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Connect with us today, and let's start scripting your global success story, one digital milestone at a time.

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[quantumfiddlesticks]

Hello! Fellow worldbuilding enthusiast here to invite you to infodump about the national flags you created cause 1. they are SO COOL AND PRETTY, 2. I'd love to learn the symbology behind them, and 3. what program did you use to make them?

Hi!!! oh man I’m excited to talk about all these. I’m doing this for a shared high fantasy TTRPG setting called Cahyali, and each country takes some heavy inspiration from real world places (so it’s not as much heavy lifting as completely original settings, but I’ve been in the trenches researching 1800s history all over the world). I’m refreshing this setting and not creating it from scratch, so there’s definitely some toponyms that don’t totally make sense but I gotta work with what I got :,)

I’ll go in the order the flags were made to explain them! They’re all hand-drawn using ProCreate (though I did trace and reference from medieval drawings and national crests for some of the more complex designs)

Green flag with flower and two dragons: The flag of Ruefang, a country based on China and Japan. The flower is also the emblem of the country’s central governing body, and stands not only for that government’s five divisions but also for the five classical elements of Chinese philosophy: fire, earth, wood, metal, and water. The dragons (aside from being significant in Chinese culture) have history in Ruefang, as they rescued the land from an infernal invasion several centuries ago and pushed the land into a golden age.

Black flag with blue stripe & caduceus: The flag of Dahabu, based on Egypt and Turkey. This nation actually colonized the entire world millennia ago, and spread their pantheon of fourteen primary gods across the world. They fell due to a magical calamity that also scorched their homeland, and water has since become an extremely valuable resource. The central blue stripe represents a life-giving river, the black is fertile soil on the banks, and the emblem in the middle includes a caduceus for the goddess of life (Dahabu’s highest goddess) as well as the shape of a papyrus plant.

Red and black flag with firebird: The banner of Pthora under the Ember Army dominion, based on Russia. This emblem is directly referenced from the real-life Russian crest, and not only represents fire giving life in the cold but also the future-seeing powers of firebirds in this setting, and the ability of Pthora to return from disaster. The Ember Army are… not good folks, mostly maintaining power through fear and propaganda. The red and black are the army’s colors.

Black flag with ouroboros and five circles: The banner of Itlan-Youali, an underground civilization based on the Aztecs. The serpent is a depiction of their god, a deity of cycles - day and night, life and death, past and future. The five circles are five “suns”: these are actually unique crystal formations within the caverns that have been carved to deliver light down below like fiber-optic cables. The colors on the circles represent day and night, and the serpent’s colors represent blood and soul.

Blue flag with six-winged dragonfly: The flag of Ley’Ork, based on America. The colors are just picked from the US flag, and the dragonfly (stingfly) is an animal that exists in the country and is known for its ingenuity in hunting and survival; it was chosen for the Ley’Ork national symbol due to the country’s value on ingenuity (though recently that value has just become Capitalist Dystopia Supreme). The 21 stars are the country’s 21 states.

Purple flag with three eyes: The flag of Ulos, based on Polynesia and Indonesia. This country is democratic and places a huge value on the pursuits of magic and wizardry. The eyes represent the people as well as the three branches of their government, and the celestial symbols surrounding it (stars, moon, rays, etc) are symbolic of the magic that’s so central to the culture.

Pink flag with unicorns: The flag of Arenti, based on France, Italy, and a bit of Spain. This country’s culture is INCREDIBLY romantic (in the classical sense) and places value on art and expression. The full goblet represents abundance, and the unicorns represent the artistic spirit. The rose and other plant life around the edges represent tenacity and the strength of the human heart. Finally, the pink and peach backdrop represents values of respectability and gentleness, respectively.

I’ll be making more flags in the future! This is just above half of the countries that exist in this world :,D much work to be done

[youngsoutheastasianleaders]

YSEALI Seeds: SETARA Project – The Equality for Criminal Children

About the Project

SETARA Project stands for “Sekolah Tahanan Penjara Anak” which is an educational platform specifically designed for children who are incarcerated with the aim of enhancing their soft skills and fostering literacy. The project is being conducted in an institution which serves as a detention center for children in the Bengkulu Province of Indonesia. This project is divided into 2 programs. First, the soft skills improvement program through insight and self-motivation, teaching two languages (English and Arabic), and improving moral values through religious activities. Second, fostering literacy through the creation of a library in the children detention center by providing books and training librarians as the administrators of the library.

Why do you care about this specific topic/issue?

This detention center has already rehabilitated 92 children. Most of them are children who committed crimes due to environmental influences and a lack of attention from their closest family. These days, juvenile detention centers are focused on counseling and formal education without focusing on soft skills, moral values and literacy, even though soft skills and literacy are important for their successful reintegration into society following their release. Furthermore, most of these children were expelled from school and deemed as social outcasts. Therefore, it is our aim to advocate for educational equality, ensuring that they receive a comparable education to other children their age.

Why did you decide to start this project?

Our project is the sequel of a project that was completed at a correction facility in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu, Indonesia in 2018. Essentially, we believe there are four reasons why this project should be continued. Firstly, there is no program related to improving soft skills and literacy at the detention center in the Bengkulu province. Second, the previous project was successful and widely praised by the local governments, so this needs to be continued at the province level with wider objectives. Third, the previous project was held in the public prison, not in the children detention center, so the outcomes are less effective for the children. Lastly, we believe children who are in the children detention center have the right to learn equally.

What are your goals for this project?

Our goal is to support the fight for equality of education and fostering literacy for children in detention centers so that they can compete globally with the help of skills from the classes we provide. The following are the specific goals we aim to achieve based on our activities:

Inspirative Class: Raising inspiration that is hampered in the residents of the children detention center. 

Religion Class: Encouraging the children of the detention center to always be mindful of God as the Lord of nature and the practice of obeying his rules.

Worship Practices Class: Assisting children of the detention center in practicing the pillars of worship required in their religion.

Language Class: Introducing foreign languages to children of the detention center so that they will be able to compete in the global world after serving their detention.

Fostering Literacy: Establishing a library in the children's detention environment as a facility for children to explore more knowledge through books.

How will YSEALI Seeds help you achieve your goals?

To support the children struggling for equal rights, we need funds to buy books and other library equipment to promote literacy. YSEALI Seeds gave us the funding we needed so we could focus on improving their skills and literacy without worrying about the funding. Furthermore, YSEALI Seeds also has equipped us in developing ideas to implement from the project planning stage, enabling the activities we carry out in the children’s detention center to have a significant impact on the development of the children.

What have you accomplished and implement so far?

The SETARA Project was launched on March 8, 2023. Since then, we have carried out several activities. Firstly, we have successfully recruited 10 volunteers and 10 facilitators who will actively participate in all our activities for the year ahead. Secondly, we conducted comprehensive training sessions for all volunteers and facilitators to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge. Thirdly, we have set up a library by providing books and library equipment, as well as having trained prison officers and children on library management. Fourth, we implemented training classes as part of our soft skill training sessions. These achievements signify the progress made by the SETARA Project as we remain committed to continuing our efforts to create a positive impact on the lives of the children.

What are the most significant lessons learned you’ve experienced so far?

There's nothing like seeing the children smile from ear to ear and letting go of all their burdens. On the other hand, they have a past that doesn't need to be talked about, but they are still children with sincerity in their actions and honesty in their tears. They are great and they are working to be better.

What are the success stories you can share with others who would like to do the same type of activity and/or project like yours?

Our greatest success in implementing this project was when we successfully convinced the authorities at the children’s detention center to allow us to conduct activities with the children. Gaining access to carry out activities within the detention center was not easy, but we managed to do it. Therefore we are able to share knowledge and fulfill the right of education for the children.

Another successful achievement was when the projects we implemented had a positive impact on the children. They regained their enthusiasm for life and education after participating in the inspirative classes we organized. They now have unlimited access to education with the establishment of the library within the facility. Despite being confined, they are free to read books to quench their thirst for knowledge.

These achievements have significantly contributed to the well-being and educational opportunities for the children and we are proud of the positive transformations we have witnessed within the detention center.