Month: February 2025

On 24-26 Feb 2025, I had the privilege of teaching at the CIL-ANCORS Workshop on Maritime Boundary Delimitation held at National University of Singapore (NUS). This event is a regular program, and although this isn’t my first time being involved, it never ceases to be an exciting experience—one worth noting as both a lesson and a blessing.

It all started with Clive Schofield, my PhD supervisor, who brought me into this important project. He was the one who saw that I was worthy of both the opportunity and the responsibility. I know for sure that many of the animations I’ve created are being used as teaching materials in this workshop. Perhaps Clive would have felt uneasy if he hadn’t invited me. Whatever the reason, I am grateful.

Continue reading “Teaching at NUS, Singapore”

These days, we are witnessing various conflicts. Some people protest and take to the streets. Others grumble on social media. Their protests are directed at state organizers who are deemed incompetent. On the other hand, a significant portion of the population fiercely defends these state organizers. These defenders firmly believe and are ready to testify that the very officials being ridiculed by some are, in fact, good people—saviors of their lives.

Continue reading “When A State Becomes Hostile to Its People”

My piece on the passing of Prof. Hasjim Djalal somehow made its way to his son, Dino Patti Djalal. I have known Pak Dino for a couple of years, and he has been a great inspiration to me, especially in public speaking. So, when he reached out to me, it was already an honor. But what made it even more special was his request—he wanted to interview me about his father, Prof. Hasjim Djalal.

It did not take me long to say yes—of course! I flew to Jakarta from Yogyakarta on February 7, 2025, for the interview. Pak Dino is working on a documentary film about his father, and he is taking it very seriously. He invited a number of people to share their reflections on Prof. Hasjim, and I was fortunate to be one of them. Among the interviewees was Pak Marty Natalegawa, a towering figure in Indonesia’s diplomacy. To be in such company was truly an honor.

Continue reading “40 Minutes with Dino Djalal: A Conversation on Prof Hasjim Djalal”