Indonesia Shines at SEA Games 2025 with Strong Medal Haul

Indonesia closed the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand with one of its strongest performances in recent history, finishing second in the overall medal standings and bringing home a stunning array of medals from across the region’s biggest sporting event. Data Indonesia. The Indonesian contingent secured an impressive 91 gold medals, 111 silver medals, and 131 bronze medals, totaling 333 medals overall. This achievement exceeded expectations and surpassed the targets set by sports officials before the Games began. 

Several sports played major roles in Indonesia’s success:

Badminton The Indonesian badminton team dominated in the team events, with the men’s squad sweeping the finals 3-0 to claim gold. 

Triathlon & Aquathlon Indonesia impressed in endurance sports, sweeping team aquathlon golds in women’s, men’s, and mixed relays and adding to the nation’s medal count. 

Wushu The national wushu team once again proved its strength by topping the medal table within its discipline and earning multiple golds. https://kemenpora.go.id/

Futsal In a historic victory, the Indonesian men’s futsal team delivered a standout performance by defeating regional powerhouse Thailand in the final, earning the first-ever futsal gold medal for Indonesia at the SEA Games. 

Other sports where Indonesia claimed titles or top finishes included panahan (archery), dragon boat, pencak silat, and triathlon, highlighting the depth of talent across a wide range of events. This year’s SEA Games marked a significant milestone for Indonesian sports, demonstrating competitive depth beyond traditional strongholds like badminton and pencak silat. The strong finish also reflects improved athletic development and strategic preparation by national coaches and federations. Despite fierce competition from host nation Thailand and other regional rivals, Indonesia’s athletes showcased resilience, skill, and national pride throughout the event. With a surge of young talent making their mark, the performances at SEA Games 2025 hint at optimism for future tournaments, including the Asian Games and potentially the Olympic stage. 

As celebrations continue back home, the nation looks forward to honoring these achievements and supporting its athletes in the next chapter of international competition.

Yogyakarta’s Year End Tourism Boom Draws Crowds

December 27, 2025-Yogyakarta is bustling with tourists as the year‑end holiday season reaches its peak. The city and its surrounding regions have seen a significant surge in visitor numbers ahead of Christmas and New Year, making Yogyakarta one of Indonesia’s most crowded travel destinations this holiday period. Radar Purworejo.

According to tourism officials, an estimated 1.5 to 1.7 million tourists are expected to visit the Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) area during the Christmas New Year (Nataru) holidays, based on hotel bookings and transport reservations. Radar Purworejo Meanwhile, local data suggests that total visitors to the region including adjoining kabupaten could reach more than 7 million people, with predictions as high as 9.38 million over the festive season. Suarajogja.id. The surge has been visible on the roads and at major tourist attractions. Traffic congestion is common, especially around popular sites like Malioboro, Prambanan, and Borobudur, as an unusually high number of vehicles around 700,000 entering the city were recorded in the lead‑up to the holidays. Suarajogja.id

Malioboro itself has become a focal point for both domestic and regional travelers, with crowds filling pedestrian areas, markets, and nearby cafés. Many tourists comment that Yogyakarta remains a budget‑friendly destination compared to other cities, helping fuel the influx. Suarajogja.id

Tour operators and local authorities also reported increased demand for train and bus travel, prompting additional services to accommodate the rush of visitors. Many families, students, and couples have chosen Yogyakarta over other destinations, citing the city’s blend of cultural heritage, culinary attractions, and scenic landscapes as key draws. Suarajogja.id

Beyond the sheer numbers, holiday festivities and attractions have kept visitors engaged throughout the region. Traditional markets, street performances, and local craft stalls add to the festive atmosphere, while historical sites like Candi Prambanan and Keraton continue to attract large crowds. Antara News. Officials remain optimistic that the tourism boom will provide a significant economic boost, especially for small businesses in hospitality, food and beverage, and transportation sectors. Many hotel owners have reported near‑full bookings, and local restaurants and attractions are enjoying one of their busiest periods of the year. Radar Purworejo

As Yogyakarta thrives with holiday spirit and visitor enthusiasm, the city continues to earn its reputation as a top destination for year‑end travel in Indonesia. 

Avatar’s Newest Sequel Takes Fans Back to Pandora!

 

December 19, 2025-The wait is finally over! The newest installment of the Avatar franchise has officially hit theaters worldwide, sending fans of all ages into a frenzy. Directed by James Cameron, the film promises to deliver another visually stunning journey to the lush, vibrant world of Pandora, blending groundbreaking CGI with a gripping storyline that has been eagerly anticipated for years.

The sequel continues the epic saga of Jake Sully and Neytiri, exploring new regions of Pandora and introducing fascinating new characters that expand the universe even further. Early reviews praise the film’s breathtaking visuals, which push the boundaries of modern cinema, and its rich storytelling that balances action, emotion, and environmental messages. Many viewers have described the film as an “immersive cinematic experience” that feels both epic and intimate.

At the worldwide premiere, celebrities and fans shared their excitement on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, posting red carpet photos, reaction videos, and behind-the-scenes snippets. Hashtags related to the movie quickly went trending globally, proving that the hype around Avatar is stronger than ever. Fans have been particularly thrilled by the return of beloved characters, while also being introduced to compelling new figures who promise to shake up Pandora’s political and social dynamics.

The film also explores deeper environmental themes, emphasizing the importance of nature, conservation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings a signature of the Avatar series. From epic battles to heartwarming personal moments, the sequel combines spectacular action sequences with touching emotional arcs that resonate with audiences of all ages.

For moviegoers, the experience isn’t just about watching a film it’s about stepping into a fully realized world where every frame feels alive. Advanced 3D and immersive sound design heighten the sensation of being on Pandora, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

Tickets are selling rapidly, with screenings expected to be fully booked in many regions. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead to secure their seats, as the global excitement shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a fan of epic adventures, stunning visuals, or thought-provoking stories, Avatar’s latest sequel promises a cinematic journey that is not to be missed.

Romance Alert: Justin Hubner and Jennifer Coppen

December 24, 2025-Indonesian actress Jennifer Coppen has officially announced her engagement to professional footballer Justin Hubner. The happy news was revealed through posts on Instagram and TikTok, quickly going viral and gaining attention from fans, celebrities, and media alike.

In the shared photos and videos, Justin Hubner can be seen proposing in a beautifully arranged romantic setting. Jennifer’s reaction was filled with tears of joy and heartfelt smiles, capturing a moment of pure emotion that resonated with followers around the world. Fans immediately flooded the posts with congratulatory messages, expressing excitement and support for the couple.

Jennifer Coppen, who has been a prominent figure in Indonesian television and entertainment, shared that the engagement marks a “new chapter” in their relationship. Justin Hubner, known for his professional career in football both domestically and internationally, expressed his happiness and love in a heartfelt caption accompanying the post.

While the couple has not yet revealed specific wedding plans, social media users are eagerly anticipating updates. The engagement has sparked conversations across platforms, highlighting the growing trend of celebrities sharing major personal milestones with fans online.

With their combined charm, talent, and social media influence, Jennifer Coppen and Justin Hubner’s engagement has captured the hearts of many, cementing them as one of Indonesia’s most talked-about couples of the year.

Learning English Through TikTok: Helpful Tool or Just a Trend?

TikTok has become more than just an entertainment platform. For many Indonesian learners, it has turned into an unexpected space for learning English. Short videos explaining vocabulary, pronunciation, and daily expressions now appear alongside dance trends and comedy skits. While this method feels modern and accessible, it also raises questions about how effective it truly is.

Source: VT Klinik Inggris Account

One clear advantage of learning English through TikTok is exposure. Learners are constantly hearing natural pronunciation, slang, and everyday expressions that are rarely found in textbooks. The informal tone makes English feel less intimidating, especially for beginners who often feel anxious in formal learning settings.

However, TikTok’s strength is also its weakness. The short duration of videos limits depth. Complex grammar, context, and critical language skills cannot be fully explained in 30 to 60 seconds. As a result, learners may understand certain phrases but struggle to use them accurately in real conversations.

Another concern is inconsistency. Not all creators are qualified educators, and some content oversimplifies or even misrepresents language rules. Without guidance, learners may pick up incorrect usage while believing they are learning “authentic” English.

Despite these limitations, TikTok can still play a meaningful role if used wisely. It works best as a supplementary tool rather than a main learning source. When combined with structured practice such as speaking, writing, and feedback TikTok content can boost motivation and confidence.

In the end, TikTok does not replace formal language learning, but it reshapes how learners engage with English. The real challenge lies not in the platform itself, but in how learners choose to use it
passively scrolling or actively learning.

Blok M’s Viral Bites: Me and My Siblings Tries the Hype

Source: Google Image

Blok M has long been a hotspot for shopping and nightlife but lately, its streets are buzzing with a new attraction: viral food. From towering desserts to cheesy snacks, the area has become a playground for foodies chasing the latest trend.

Chris wanted to try everything. She started with a little salt bread and then moved on to the fudgy brownie that everyone had been talking about. “It’s fun to try what everyone online is raving about,” Chris said. “Even a small bite makes it exciting.”

Little Salt Bread

The little salt bread was simple but surprisingly addictive, offering the perfect balance of saltiness and softness. Meanwhile, the fudgy brownie stole the show rich, chocolatey, and so gooey that each bite felt like a celebration. For Chris, it wasn’t just about the taste; it was about experiencing the trend in real life.

The crowds at these spots are a mix of students, young professionals, and social media enthusiasts, all eager to snap a photo before tasting the food. Local vendors say going viral is both exciting and challenging. “Sometimes it gets overwhelming,” said one staff member at the brownie stall, “but seeing people enjoy our creations makes it all worthwhile.”

For Chris, visiting Blok M’s viral food spots is more than tasting trendy dishes it’s about sharing experiences, creating memories, and being part of a larger food-loving community. Each bite tells a story, one that blends flavor, fun, and a little digital magic.

Cancel Culture: Accountability or Online Bullying?

Source: Google Image

In recent years, cancel culture has become a common response to public mistakes made online. A problematic tweet, an offensive joke, or a controversial opinion can quickly lead to mass criticism, boycotts, and social exclusion. While cancel culture is often justified as a form of accountability, it raises an important question: does it actually promote justice, or does it simply turn into online bullying?

On one hand, holding people accountable matters. Public figures and influencers have platforms that shape opinions, and harmful behavior should not be ignored. Cancel culture gives marginalized voices the power to speak up and demand responsibility, especially when traditional systems fail to do so. In this sense, it can function as a tool for social awareness and change.

However, the problem begins when accountability turns into punishment without reflection. Online outrage often leaves no space for dialogue, learning, or growth. People are judged based on one moment, stripped of context, and reduced to their worst mistake. Apologies are frequently dismissed as insincere, and personal attacks replace constructive criticism.

Source: Google Image

This environment creates fear rather than understanding. Instead of encouraging people to reflect and improve, cancel culture can silence them. Many become afraid to speak honestly, worried that one misstep could define their entire identity. In this way, cancel culture risks becoming less about justice and more about public humiliation.

True accountability should involve education, responsibility, and the opportunity to change. Calling out harmful behavior is necessary, but it should be done with fairness and empathy. Without these elements, cancel culture loses its moral purpose and becomes another form of digital aggression.

Ultimately, the goal should not be to cancel people, but to challenge ideas, correct harm, and allow growth. A society that values learning should create space for mistakes, not only punishment.

Beauty in One Shade? Questioning Indonesia’s Fair Skin Ideal

Source: Google Image

In Indonesia, discussions about beauty often revolve around one recurring idea: fair skin. Lighter skin is still widely associated with attractiveness, cleanliness, and even success. Compliments like “you look prettier now that you’re whiter” are common, and advertisements for skin whitening products continue to dominate the beauty industry. Over time, fair skin has quietly become the standard.

This obsession with skin color does not appear naturally. It is shaped by media representation, historical influences, and the beauty industry, which consistently portrays fair skin as ideal. As a result, many people grow up believing that their natural skin tone is something that needs to be changed, not accepted.

Souce: Google Image

For individuals with darker or medium skin tones, this pressure can feel personal. Comments that are meant as praise often carry hidden messages, suggesting that lighter skin is more desirable than their original appearance. Such narratives slowly affect self-confidence and create unnecessary insecurity, especially among young people.

Social media further reinforces this standard. Filters that automatically brighten skin and beauty trends that favor certain looks reduce Indonesia’s rich diversity into a single image of beauty. Faces that do not fit this ideal are often overlooked, while uniform appearances receive more validation.

Beauty should not be measured by proximity to a particular skin color. Indonesia is home to diverse ethnicities and skin tones, and this diversity is part of its identity. Reducing beauty to fairness alone ignores that reality and limits how people value themselves.

Perhaps it is time to question why fair skin is still treated as a goal. True beauty should not pressure people to change who they are just to be accepted. Instead, it should allow every skin tone to be seen, respected, and appreciated as it is.

Still Writing, Still Surviving: Life After the First Thesis Panic

 A few weeks after the seventh semester began, the panic surrounding the word thesis hasn’t disappeared. Instead, it has changed shape. For Dara, the confusion about choosing a topic has slowly turned into something more concrete. After several consultations with her supervisor, she finally narrowed her ideas down to two possible topics. “It’s still not fixed,” she said, “but at least now I know what I’m working toward.”

This stage, many students realize, is less about perfection and more about persistence. Revisions come more often than expected. What seemed like a “good enough” idea last week can suddenly feel weak after one feedback session. Yet, small progress like approved titles or corrected proposals feels like a quiet victory.

Group chats that were once filled with complaints now mix anxiety with encouragement. Students share supervisor schedules, reference links, and sometimes just emotional support. Behind the jokes and late-night messages, there is a shared understanding: everyone is struggling, just in different ways.

The pressure hasn’t gone away, but it no longer feels paralyzing. It has become part of the routine. Slowly, students learn that writing a thesis is not a single moment of brilliance, but a long process of doubt, revision, and growth. They may still feel tired and unsure. But compared to the first week, they are no longer standing still. They are moving forward, one paragraph, one revision, and one meeting at a time.