While I enjoyed the sweet romance and characters in "The Best Thing," especially the thoughtful gesture of "ganchao tea" (which is licorice root tea, 甘草茶), it sparked a different story in my mind: the fascinating and often overlooked world of Indonesian Jamu. Just as the drama has its own unique appeal, so too does this traditional herbal medicine, deserving of its own recognition. Perhaps, like the subtly sweet and potentially soothing qualities of licorice root tea offered with care, Jamu holds its own unique power to soothe, heal, and connect us to Indonesia's rich heritage.
As a Balinese local , the Ogoh-Ogoh processions are a yearly spectacle, a powerful display of our spiritual beliefs. This year, the "Bibi Anu" Ogoh-Ogoh, crafted by Banjar Tengah Sesetan, stood out, its pregnant figure amidst a chaotic array of monstrous forms. It wasn't merely a visual spectacle; it was a profound representation of our cultural values, a mirror reflecting the delicate balance between life's fragility and the internal battles we all face.