Prologue
Concerning the surprising turn of events in China, the Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo
To :
Sutrisno Bontas
012 Tempus Street.
Wonogiri Regency, Special Region Of Yogyakarta
29 August 2016
Dear Friend,
I sincerely hope that you are doing well, and the weather in Wonogiri stays the same and comfortable, with the cold, gentle breeze. With your crops, be plentiful and nurtured by rain. And without further ado, I must talk to you about this current concern.
This current concern of mine is the turn of events in the China Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo. My reaction was both a mix of silent disappointment and genuine astonishment. That news has me sitting in my chair, pondering for hours. In my opinion, Indonesia would’ve easily claimed that award; the displays of Indonesia were astounding and backed up with real infrastructure development back at home. Though I had to begrudgingly accept that victory, I cannot rid this feeling of dread at the consequences felt back at home.
For now, my friend, we can only sit and await what God has planned for our splendid nation.
Sincerely, your dearest friend
Replying to your current concern about the turn of events during the expo, and concerning the good news that I have in store.
To :
Sri Wahyuni
2036 Mawar Street.
North Jakarta, Jakarta
3 September 2016
For my dearest companion,
Fortunately, today I am quite fine, and yes, the weather here is a mix of windy days and rainy days that cultivate my farm. This concern of yours does really intrigue me, and it is also a topic to be concerned about. But I also have some decent news in store for you.
My own felt reaction is a divide between disappointment in Indonesia and a remarkable respect for Japan’s exhibit, which I have been following on television. And yes, I have this sense of dread at what kind of consequences this failure will bring to Indonesia as a whole. But I also have a different topic in store for you that will hopefully lighten this otherwise dreary letter to you, dear friend.
I have heard from the media that there will be a new pen pal program administered by the national post service of Indonesia. From my understanding, it will be a great way to enhance empathy and literacy skills, especially in children. But not only that, I see my own interest in meeting new people and sharing delightful stories with them. I’m looking forwards towards trying this new experience, but I still won’t forget you, my dearest conservationist and my closest companion.
With that, I hope you have a nice day, and thank you so much for giving me a chance to reply to you. And I do hope God blesses you either in work or your personal pursuits in life.
Sincerely also your dearest friend.
The current concern is with Indonesia’s well-being and my own overall well-being within these dire times.
To :
Sutrisno Bontas
012 Tempus Street.
Wonogiri Regency, Special Region Of Yogyakarta
13 September 2016
Dear Friend,
I do not know if this letter will ever reach you in the faraway regency of Wonogiri, but perhaps there will be a sliver of hope and a chance that it will find and be delivered to you, my dear friend. Though the current escalation of the concern is dire, I will still write this letter to you in this refined, polished, and polite tone and manner. May this letter find you well.
I find that the current economic circumstances are laid bare, exhibiting the consequences of our country's failure within the expo that has taken place far away in China, especially within the range of tourism. The economic consequences and the result of our failure are felt in immense waves, especially towards our younger generations. I can’t help but sympathize with the circumstances that are being felt in our younger generations, having just entered our country’s workspace and experiencing the difficulty of ascension of the social and economic ladder.
Last week, I took an expedition towards Tanjung Puting National Park, and what I have observed is that while within Jakarta, the state of innovation and construction is acceptable, though in Kalimantan, it was not present. And whilst I was “scrolling” through the digital media, I discovered the lowered optimism towards this country, as seen within their online statements.
And I’d like to state my circumstances, that is, my recent termination from the conservation efforts, or in a simpler version, I got fired. Now I don’t know what to do or what job I take, I genuinely don’t know, God please help me.
Please forgive me for my sudden tone change, excuse my rudeness, for it is caused by my magnitude of stress, dear friend. And unfortunately, the white daisies that I had been supervising and ought to show them to you on one fine day had previously withered away. With the selling of my personal and dearly beloved items for a chance of a living for the day, though it was a profound wound to me, I must and still have to auction off my prized possessions. Now I have learned a painful yet valuable lesson: “Freedom is ultimately a prize in today's world”.
Sincerely, your dearest friend.
