Like New Zealand, the topic of presidential election is heating up. Back in the days - we only had 3 political parties and now we have 32 (and counting so I heard). I guess, it is good to have options but having too many options would be a problem for a country of 200 M population.

What bugs me the most is not about the number of political parties but the number of celebrities who have dipped their toes in the world of Indonesian politics. Quite of few of these so-called celebrities are running in the candidacy for the "house of representative". Some, if not most don't even have any background or experience in politics. For me they are there because these political parties are trying to buy the fans' vote (can't buy my vote though!). I think these celebs should stick to what they're doing best (or the lack thereof) .. which is creating sensation to entertain people (oh wait.., I think they have!)

Are we in the making of Republik Dangdut?

Only time will tell.

• From 10 degrees to 30 degrees
• From country strategies and exchange numbers to colour scheme and dress styles
• From working 2 jobs to none
• From alumni and AIESEC friends to highschool friends, old friends, long-lost friends, CCF friends and cousins
• From changing the world through exchange to changing the world through direct actions
• From Al Jazeera News to infotainment, election debates and the Gossip Girl series
• From flying at least every 3 months to nada
• From walking and busing to hopping into a chauffeured car
• From once a week phonecall to several times a day
• From fresh, crisp, cold air to hot, humid, polluted air
• From independence to dependence
• From 300K people to 12 M people
• From the waterfront and cafes to malls
• From a bubble of idealism to reality
  

The one thing that never changes is being surrounded by friends ... and now family. Apart from having to adjust life to those differences, life's good.