Finding an Identity

It has been two years since we started the WEEKENDER. While that is nothing compared to the 25 years and counting of The Jakarta Post, I believe we have found our own identity over the past 24 issues. My intention from the outset was to produce a magazine that reflects Indonesia today for our readers, who are drawn from diverse backgrounds – Indonesians and expatriates, from all over the world. Wherever we come from, we share an interest in Indonesia.

Indonesia today is the theme of this month’s issue. I saw down with Edward “Edo” Hutabarat, the fashion designer whose creativity has helped popularize batik among Jakarta high society, to find out his views on national pride. We also examine the modern Indonesian “personality”, and those Indonesians who break out from the conventional crowd to find themselves.

Of special meaning to me is this month’s Two of a Kind, about former high school exchange student Laurel MacLaren and her host sister, Yustine. Laurel returned to Indonesia to live and work, while Yustine has lived in different parts of the world. Hearing what the two women learned from each other all those years ago was particularly interesting to me, as I was part of the same group of high schoolers with Laurel (she was here in Jakarta for the year, I was sent to Padang).  Hearing what she had to say helped me put my experience in perspective all these years on.

At two years old, the WEEKENDER has improved but, of course, there is more that can be done. Whatever happens in the future, I hope the magazine will continue to grow and develop, and that I have contributed, in some small way, to what it is. And my enduring hope is that it will provide a refreshing perspective on this country, and be a good read. 

Bruce Emond

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