May 9, 2025
May 7, 2025
I just finished reading How the World Became Rich: the Historical Origins of Economic Growth. This book is written by two highly accomplished economic historians. It discusses how the world became prosperous. In general, human progress has been extraordinary. The poorest person on earth today has a better standard of living than the wealthiest people in medieval times. For example, many diseases that killed aristocrats in the past now have treatments. There’s no denying that poverty still needs to be eradicated, and Koyama & Rubin argue that learning from history can offer solutions for making the world even more prosperous.
Aug 19, 2022
In my previous post, I wrote about my first-ever switch to a mechanical keyboard. My last non-mechanical keyboard was the Logitech MX Keys, which I bought for work from home. In that post I also described my journey to the Razer Huntsman, a keyboard that’s mechanical but technically optical.
Jul 5, 2021
Twitter is currently buzzing because of this post by BEM UI (the Student Executive Board of the University of Indonesia): JOKOWI: THE KING OF LIP SERVICE pic.twitter.com/EVkE1Fp7vz — BEM UI (@BEMUI_Official) June 26, 2021 Among the replies, several were interesting, essentially questioning BEM UI’s legitimacy in representing all UI students’ views. Some said BEM UI should not be used as a political tool. Others even attacked the chairperson and took issue with the fact that the BEM UI chair is a member of HMI (Islamic Students Association).
Jun 27, 2021
This semester has been incredibly busy. Lots of work, a presentation for one of my dissertation milestones, and teaching. On the teaching front, I was fortunate that during the pandemic, when the university cut staff heavily, I was among those kept on. The problem is that with fewer hires, I got buried in marking – checking assignments and final exams. Very stressful.
Dec 29, 2020
Hey folks. It’s been a long time since I’ve updated the blog. Things have been pretty crazy. All because of COVID-19. As you may know, this novel coronavirus has sent the whole world into a frenzy. The problems caused by the virus have been changing so fast, much faster than governments and ordinary people can react. When COVID-19 first started making headlines, I was shocked and didn’t know what to do. All I could do was watch the news. I’m currently in Australia, but half my mind is in Depok, where my family lives, especially my mother who is 70++. All I can do is offer prayers and support for my sibling who helps take care of our mother’s needs.
Mar 19, 2020
Introduction: A Visit to the Museum of Australian Democracy About a year ago, my wife and I visited a museum in Canberra called the Museum of Australian Democracy. The museum occupies Australia’s old Parliament House (the Parliament now works in a new building). Inside, there are all sorts of texts and explanations about political and democratic events in Australia, as well as information about former Prime Ministers. Taking photos outside is free, but entry costs 2 AUD per person. We thought it was well worth it. Here are a few photos of us.
Feb 22, 2020
Not long ago, the Ministry of Education and Culture’s YouTube channel released a new video: a presentation by Minister Nadiem Makarim on “Kampus Merdeka” (Freedom to Learn). For me, the Ministry of Education and Culture is the most important of all ministries. Not only because of its large budget, but because it is the ministry that shapes our future. I believe a nation can only be as great as what it teaches its children. These children are our future. So when Jokowi announced Nadiem as Minister, I was quite excited.
Jan 31, 2020
Australia is in mourning. Devastating bushfires have been ravaging the continent, specifically in New South Wales (NSW), now spreading to Victoria as well. This fire season has burned millions of hectares, a new record. Dozens have died and property damage has reached hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jan 12, 2020