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Indonesian Embassy introduces batik-making in Laos

The Indonesian Embassy held a workshop entitled “How to make nice batik” on Sept. 24 at the Vientiane Center Mall, Vientiane, Laos. The workshop was held in conjunction with the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Indonesian-Laotian bilateral relations.

“We chose to hold a batik workshop because it is our deeply rooted culture and technically easy to do. We want to introduce more Indonesian culture to Laos,” said Wishnu Krisnamurthi, the head of the organizing committee of the 60th Anniversary RI-Laos event.

Three things to check before buying an ‘umrah’ package.

Those wanting to go on umrah (minor haj) might be overwhelmed when seeing the number of packages and services on offer and a recent graft case has made them even more wary.

However, not all bargain umrah packages are scams. Here are the three things to check before buying one:

Additional costs

Bargain umrah packages can be bought for less than Rp 20 million (US$1,503). However, prior to payment, customers are advised to check all additional costs, like umrah visa application, letters of administration and more. Ramadhina Travel consultant Yanti told Kompas.com that these packages usually have additional costs for visa application as well as other items related to the trip.

Survive the book: How to read and actually understand non-fiction

Reading can be overwhelming for some people, especially when it comes to nonfiction.

My last job was at a startup and we had a monthly book club. Sadly, I am a slow reader and considered myself to be too busy (don’t we all?). However, our director was so keen for us to read properly, he would sit down with us once a month to discuss what we had read. 

To survive from the judgmental stares, I needed to find a shortcut. I figured that reading executive summaries or reviews would help me get by in the monthly discussion. Guess what: it didn’t. So I decided to find how other people read nonfiction and adapt their methods to make my own strategy.

This strategy is intended to help in reading effectively and retain as much information as possible. If you are reading fiction, or just reading for pleasure, please forego this strategy. It will ruin the immersive experience and taint your love of words, as you will not be able to admire the lyrical and poetic prose that makes literature, literature.

Maudy Ayunda on chasing dreams: ‘Be authentic’

Indonesian singer and actress Maudy Ayunda says confidence and staying true to yourself are key to achieving goals, as well as pulling off great style. 

“I think it’s important to be confident, also to be authentic first. Be genuine with what you do,” Maudy said. 

As the new face of Pomelo, Maudy was speaking at the Thailand-based fashion label’s Fall Collection launch in Jakarta last week, which took the theme “Chase The Dream.” 

In a world where social media has become a big part of daily life, Maudy noted it was easier to lose sight and become distracted from previously set goals.