Baby steps towards digital detox
An Instagram account with the handle nobleman**** (since taken down) posted a reel about a contest where participants who stayed in an isolated cabin (no details of the location) for 60 days would stand to win US$2mil (RM8.5mil).
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The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Traditional puppet ban in Indonesian capital threatens buskers
In the sweltering streets of Jakarta, Indonesia, buskers carry towering, hollow puppets and pass around a bucket for donations. Now, they fear becoming outlaws. City authorities say they will crack down on use of the sacred ondel-ondel puppets, which can stand as tall as a truck, and they are drafting legislation to remove what they view as a street nuisance. Performances featuring the puppets – originally used by Jakarta's Betawi people to ward off evil spirits – will be allowed only at set events. The ban could leave many ondel-ondel buskers in Jakarta without a job. 'I am confused and anxious. I fear getting raided or even arrested. But what can I do? I need money to eat,' said Adi Sutisna, a 26-year-old Jakarta native who works as an ondel-ondel busker. A row of unfinished ondel-ondel puppets, large traditional figures from Jakarta's Betawi culture originally used to ward off evil spirits. Photo: AFP Adi, who only graduated from elementary school, has been working as an ondel-ondel busker for seven years, earning US$7 (RM29.70) on a good day to provide for his wife and five-year-old daughter. Ondel-ondel is the pride of the native Jakarta tribe, the Betawi people. Traditional performances were accompanied by instruments for festive and celebratory events, including weddings, circumcisions, and welcome ceremonies for honourable guests. Cyril Raoul Hakim, spokesman for Jakarta governor Pramono Anung, said that the ban was still being drafted with 'the preservation of Betawi culture' in mind and it would be put to legislators soon. 'We hope it will be passed not too long from now,' he said. For survival Over time, ondel-ondel have been increasingly used by buskers who sway the puppets to music from loudspeakers, seeking money on the roadside, at traffic lights, and in the alleyways of Jakarta's densely populated neighbourhoods. The city administration has long wanted to ban ondel-ondel busking, arguing that the practice sullies the dignity of the cultural icon. Street performers playing the traditional Indonesian bamboo instruments angklung as they walk past ondel-ondel puppets. Photo: AFP Bureaucrats believe roadside busking undermines the puppets' cultural significance. But many Jakartans rely on the entertainment to bring in much-needed cash. According to government data, the number of people living below the poverty line in metropolitan Jakarta – a megalopolis of 11 million people – was up from 362,000 in 2019 to 449,000 as of September 2024. The Central Statistics Bureau says the poverty line in Indonesia in 2025 is just over one dollar a day. 'The ondel-ondel is heavy; it is very hot inside,' said Adi. 'But I do it anyway because if I don't, my wife and my kid won't be able to eat.' For the right reasons The planned ban has left authentic ondel-ondel performers and makers torn about the preservation of their culture and the plight of the buskers. Performers such as Fadillah Akbar believe the cultural symbol must be revered, and should not be used to beg for money. 'The problem is that they beg on the street – that's a disturbance, and it bothers my soul,' said the 33-year-old ondel-ondel artist. He believes ondel-ondel must come in pairs, a woman and a man, and be accompanied by traditional live music instead of a recorded song playing on loudspeakers. Ondel-ondel performer Fadillah, who recently performed at Japan's Expo 2025 in Osaka, posing in front of his puppet warehouse. Photo: AFP 'Of course, I feel bad for the buskers, especially since I know many of them, but it is a cultural icon whose dignity must be upheld,' Fadillah said. The head of Jakarta's public order agency, Satriadi Gunawan, said ondel-ondel busking disturbed road users with loudspeakers and requests for money. 'In Betawi culture, upholding ondel-ondel's dignity is important, and now it is often used to beg for money,' he said. But some historians disagree, saying limiting the puppet presence on Jakarta's streets could hurt efforts to keep the dwindling tradition alive. 'Banning ondel-ondel busking in the name of culture signifies their lack of understanding for tradition,' said Jakarta-based historian J.J. Rizal. 'It proves that not only does the city government not understand culture, but it also endangers the preservation of art.' – AFP
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Taste of Japan in Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Bukit Jalil has been transformed into a cultural haven with spectacular performances for the Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa' Japan! Together Here. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star MALAYSIANS will not need to board a plane to experience the vibrant culture of Japan this week. Pavilion Bukit Jalil is hosting Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa, Japan! Together Here'. The five-day celebration, which ends tomorrow, is organised in collaboration with Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (Jagam). The festival brings the essence of Japan to Kuala Lumpur, featuring traditional performances, authentic street food, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities throughout the mall. Highlights include Japanese pop music as well as Yosakoi and Bon Odori dance performances Look out for comedy performances by 3 Gaga Heads and a show by idol group KLP48 today and tomorrow. People enjoying the performances at the mall and recording the show. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap said it was part of their mission to create an immersive experience beyond retail. 'We believe in curating experiences that go beyond shopping – bringing people together and enriching lives with the best the world has to offer. 'Through our collaboration with Jagam, we are proud to present an authentic cultural journey where families and friends can discover the rich traditions and modern delights of Japan,' she said in a media statement. According to Yap, the festival is a celebration of connection, learning and shared memories that inspire visitors long after they leave. Other attractions include a bonsai showcase highlighting the intricate art of Japanese miniature trees, a Tamagotchi Pop-Up by Cotton Blue and the Doko Koko Pop-Up by Nijigen. Visitors can also explore displays of traditional arts and crafts, enjoy cosplay performances today and tomorrow, and witness a maguro cutting show today, which is a demonstration of the traditional Japanese technique of butchering a whole bluefin tuna. Grab the opportunity to try on a yukata for RM40 at the venue too.
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Starchild: The unique friendships of Malaysian kids
The International Day of Friendship is celebrated on July 30. Declared by the United Nations in 2011, it signifies how friendships between people, cultures and nations can promote peace and unity. Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Do you have a best friend or several best friends? A close friend is someone we can laugh with, share secrets with, and count on when we need help. They stand by us during happy times and sad moments too. That's why having a good friend is so special. Friends make our lives more colourful too. A best friend doesn't have to be someone who is exactly like us. In fact, many best friends are different from each other! What matters most is being kind, respectful and understanding. A good friend listens when you talk, cheers you up when you are sad, and celebrates your achievements – no matter how big or small. Some people may have one best friend, while others may have a group of close friends. Either way, having good friends makes school more fun and life more exciting. You will always have someone to play games with, do homework together, and share stories during recess! Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, My Best Friend. "My best friend is Yu Ze. He always shares his snacks with me. He helps me with my homework. He is good at making me laugh with his comics. He is friendly and caring. I am happy to have a friend like Yu Ze," says Gian Zhe Cheng, nine. Ho Shin Hong, 9 Ho Shin Hong, nine, writes: 'I have two best friends. Their names are Ye-Za and Raj. We play together during recess and help each other in class. I am happy to have kind friends like them.' Kyra Grace Chang Kai Er, 11 'My best friend is Ariel. We sit next to each other in class. She always discusses homework with me when I don't understand something. We like to talk to each other. Ariel is a great friend,' says Kya Loo Qing Xin, nine. Ariel Li Xin Yue, 9 'My best friend is Kya. She always shares her colour pencils with me. We love to draw and colour together. She is kind and funny. I like being her best friend,' says nine-year-old Ariel Li Xin Yue. Kya Loo Qing Xin, 9 'Cayra and Hayley are my best friends in school. We have known each other for four years. We like to chit-chat and invent stories for our comics strips which we draw during free time in class. We share lots of fun and laughter together; memories that I shall treasure for many years to come,' says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. ITEM: We are celebrating Hari Merdeka on August 31! This day is very special to all Malaysians, as we will be marking 68 years of independence. This year's theme is 'Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni' (Malaysia Madani: The People Cared For). Starchild wants to know – what makes you proud to be Malaysian? Is it our delicious food, colourful festivals, or the many cultures and traditions that make Malaysia unique? Maybe it is our beautiful nature or the kindness of our people. Show us your love for Malaysia by sending in your letters, stories or drawings. Let's celebrate Merdeka together! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by Aug 15. Please put 'STARCHILD: Merdeka' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in JPEG format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
