Hey Dad, you know that I’m not good at showing any emotions to you, except anger. However, by writing this letter, I’d like to express my admiration to you as a citizen of Indonesia. I also want you to know that I admire you for many things, and this is only one of them. Dad, I think you are a good citizen of Indonesia because of many reasons but I’d like to emphasize two of them only now.
1. You have visited all of the provinces in Indonesia. I barely remember this, but if I’m not mistaken, in 2008, you finally visited the last province, Jambi. Journey completed. They were all duty calls, I know, but that would be my admiration and my jealousy as well. Dad, I’ve been dreaming of travelling across the country but aarrgghhh you never let me. You love me too much and that makes, perhaps, you think I would get lost somewhere in the middle of an uncivilized indigenous community. Besides, my only source of finance is you and now I rarely go to college thus you rarely give me money. Oh pity on my poor self. Wait, this is not a complaint letter and I should grumble no more. Don’t laugh, Dad, yes I know I can’t stop grumbling for the whole life. Great job, Dad, now you’ve finally been to everywhere in Indonesia. I’m sure every place has its unique and amusing places to visit. I’m always curious with the diverse culture and local people. Knowing how they live and adapt must be fascinating. Somehow that makes me think how vast Indonesia is. Indonesia’s culture cannot be represented by a kind of art only because every corner has its own difference and similarity. Next time, take me to wherever it is in Indonesia.
2. You have a deep knowledge of Indonesia history, especially those related with kingdoms and wayang story. I remember when I was in elementary and junior high school, you sometimes helped me memorizing the story behind each kingdom. Your history comprehension is not only about remembering names and events but also relating it to present events. You show me that we cannot forget our own history because that what shaped us now. Besides, the history of our beloved explains how great this country were about to become. Okay, I’m gonna learn a lot from you again, Dad. I also remember when I was a kid, you liked telling folklore story and also wayang story, from Rama and Shinta to Baratayudha. Literally, I’m amazed by how you can distinguish each wayang. I mean, really, they look the same. Not only knowing their names, but you also know every story behind it. And by saying every story, you really do know the details. Being a Javanese myself, and being a daughter of yours, I’m fully ashamed. You know what, Dad, you share wisdom through each character of wayang. From the story of each wayang, I know that someday kindness will conquer darkness. And again, you can always relate the wisdom of each character to present reality in which we never know what someone would be like but what we can do is be aware and be cautious but do not forget to be kindhearted.
Thank you for the stories you gave me. Thank you for the reality you taught me. Thank you for the dreams you let me wish. Thank you for being my father.
P.S: although I know you won’t find this letter, but if oh-God-only-knows you find this letter, please do not say a word to me. But, yes, this letter is for you, Dad.
Love as always,
swari
