Ramadan 1441H: An Unusual Experience

Today muslims in the world welcoming special month, it is Ramadan 1441H. We are fasting for a month, keep our thought, heart, eyes and act to do only good things. Ramadan this year will be a very different and challenging experience due to COVID-19 pandemic. Fasting won't feel the same like previous. No pasar takjil, no bukber, no taraweeh together and more. This is going to be an extremely unusual Ramadan. At my age, I have never seen Ramadan with no taraweeh prayers in mosques or without iftar gatherings. I even started to miss the taraweeh prayer at the Istiqlal mosque. We are in difficult times right now. We all feel sad. We do. But, we have to be very patient. There can be no greater service than doing our part to protect our communities by staying home. We can still do a virtual iftars and nightly taraweeh prayers at home.

Ramadan has never been about iftar/suhoor parties with lavish displays of food and ironically, more food wastage in this blessed month. During fasting think of the millions of Muslims who won't be able to break their fast because of the miseries of pandemic. This crisis may actually help us get a better perspective on what Ramadan really means.  It seems remind us of the importance of shared compassion and support. We can do something to help such as Donate whatever you can: food, money, sympathy, or even good words. We have to stand shoulder to shoulder fighting this pandemic.

Taraweeh prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque in 2019 

Ramadan 1441H will be a month of simplicity. It is an opportunity to gain closeness to Allah and our Holy Qur’an with no distractions. Let us channel the spirit of Ramadan this year by being indulgent, wasting less food and consider those in need by lending a helping hand. Let us make this our best Ramadan ever. May Allah lift this pandemic from us, forgive us, wash our sins and make us pure in this holy month of Ramadan. 

Happy Ramadan...

Stay healthy!
Stay sane!
Stay alive!

Succulove (Succulent-Love)

Succulents are popping up everywhere these days. Succulents are easier to look after during #wfh since we have more free time to take care of them. I had never really taken an interest in caring for plants because I have killed almost every plant I have ever owned hahaha... But this time it's different. Look at this cute succulent. My succulent's name is Succulove (taken from Succulent-Love). This is a small and adorable succulents plant. There is something special about taking care of these tiny plant. I have been working hard to support and raise my succulent, as I am an over waterer. They are very low maintenance. They just need a lil' water once a week. They're also need some sun and warmth. If we put way too much water, the leaves would start crumbling.

It is such nice, hot weather today. My room doesn’t get a lot of direct light, so during my lunch break, I have been taking my succulents to the balcony to get sun and having lunch with them. My succulents are what’s keeping me sane this quarantine period. They comforts me by showing me the little things that can give me joy. Since I have them, I feel happier. They bring me peace and make me feel a little less lonely these days. Succulents are like aloe vera. They also have a lot of benefits for skin and hair. I am trying to grow a few more succulents as well during #wfh. 

So, how is everyone’s quarantine going? Succulove wants everyone to be safe and happy...

Working from Home (5)

I have Love-Hate-Relationship with Jakarta. Everyday they keeps torturing me with their traffic and air pollution. But still, I keep missing them.. I missed their tortures... An inner peace comes from a 4-weeks of social distancing and self-quarantine. I never see a beautiful clouds since I move here. It is such a bliss to have clear skies in Jakarta right now. It is a calm, quiet and sunny day across the street. It is unusual situation in Jakarta. It seems like this city wants to remind us how much we destroy our environment and planet. Last time I went to Jakarta, the air pollution just that bad. But Today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Jakarta shows Moderate score. It's a rare moment for the most polluted city in Indonesia. It’s takes a pandemic for Jakarta to achieve this. 

God, I miss open space so much... Staying inside for days at a time is bad for my health. I have become a bit pale over the last few days from staying home. Social distancing and self-quarantine does not mean to lock up inside and never see the sun. It means be responsible and avoid large groups of people. WFA is the new WFH. Work from anywhere and enjoy nature and zero commute time... An hour walking is good relief from the current self-isolation. It feels great to go for a walk and breathe in fresh air. 

 

It is a nice day to do some re-rooting and getting back into alignment. I only go outside for essential trips: food, health or work reasons. Fresh air, sunlight, and some-sort-of social interaction keep me sane. But sadly, this isn't followed by the end of pandemic. We're all going through this together. Stay strong and load up on vitamin-D to strengthen our immune system. Still, don't forget to wear mask and keep the distance whenever you go out in public area. 

Hope the warm sun and the better air quality slows the transmission of Covid 19...
Stay healthy!
Stay sane!
Stay alive!

Working from Home (3)

Working from home and trying to stay sane? Entering 3rd week of #WFH, I really need to go to the office for the social interaction. It is so hard to keep up physical activity to stay healthy (and sane!) while we are cooped up at home. For people like me who are used to working in an office, making the shift to #WFH can get hectic. Things can get messy as the lines between your personal life and working hours start blurring. I believe there are many who doesn't have the kinds of jobs where #WFH is possible. Seriously, how do people who work in some kind of public service (doctor, police, banker, etc) do jobs when they have to sit in front of a screen all day. It is obviously a weird situation. Corona is bothering the mental health of people. This #WFH thing slowly driving me insane too. I have no idea what I am doing during this difficult period. I started to do such random things like making funny makeup looks or just read a dry humor books. I gotta do silly things just because I am totally bored. By making myself laugh, helps me remember not to take myself too serious.

Drilling Engineering Class (virtual)

Today's work "interactive" Teams chat of the day: "What are you guys doing to stay sane in the time of WFH?" My senior is very concerned about what we are doing to help our teams stay sane. We are aware that these times can be tough for some people that are alone or struggling with the quarantine. Yes, we need to pull through together and help each other out. Sometimes as humans we need each other to keep sane. How can we stay SANE during this crisis? We try to find an unique ways to stay connected. We don't always talk about work during virtual meetings. We take a 30 minutes for mental management break. We do virtual coffee breaks  with our work pals. We joined a Drilling Engineering Class (virtual) to refresh our mind while adding new insight. We even do a Netflix party where we can watch movie on Netflix with a friend at a distance and use a group text to comment via messenger. This is the best thing ever for movie time with our teams during quarantine. Totally synced playback, can pause for the entire group and chat together at the same time. It's lovely! Nice to have movie party with them. We hope we can do a drakor marathon together hahaha....

In this strange time, I hope you are also managing to stay safe, stay sane, and get some work done! Together we are stronger than COVID-19. 

Stay healthy!
Stay sane!
Stay alive!

Depot Miki Balikpapan

Kalimantan memang menjadi salah satu magnet bagi para pekerja minyak. Kekayaan sumber daya alam yang dimiliki pulau ini membuat banyak perusahaan minyak beroperasi di sini. Balikpapan menjadi kota pertama yang saya singgahi karena menjadi lokasi dimana terdapat bandara utama Kalimantan Timur yaitu Bandara Sepinggan. Kebetulan pesawat saya tiba di Balikpapan pada pagi hari. Saya sebagai pendatang baru di kota minyak ini, tentu saya ingin merasakan rutinitas pagi yang dijalankan oleh warga Balikpapan. Saya mengunjungi salah satu tempat sarapan yang cukup terkenal di Balikpapan yaitu Depot Miki Balikpapan.  

Depot ini memiliki konsep seperti foodcourt dimana kita bisa memesan sendiri makanan kita di stand yang kita inginkan. Setiap kali saya sarapan disini, tempat ini selalu ramai pengunjung. Depot ini menawarkan menu sarapan yang sarat akan karbohidrat kompleks seperti Nasi Kuning, Soto Banjar, Lontong Sayur, Bakmi Ayam hingga Bubur Ayam. Menu favorit saya adalah Nasi Kuning. Nasi Kuning disini agak berbeda dengan Nasi Kuning yang umum saya jumpai di Pulau Jawa. Nasinya agak sedikit lengket karena dicampur dengan beras ketan, serta memiliki citarasa khas Banjar. 

Nasi kuning dengan ikan haruan

Lauk pendamping yang paling menarik disini adalah ikan haruan masak habang (masak bumbu merah). Ikan haruan merupakan ikan predator air tawar (sejenis ikan gabus) yang mempunyai habitat hidup di sungai dan rawa-rawa. Depot ini menjadi salah satu kedai sarapan legendaris di kota Balikpapan. Buka dari jam 7 pagi hingga jam 3 sore WITA. Tempatnya sederhana dan tidak ada pendingin udara, sehingga akan terasa panas dan sumpek jika dalam kondisi padat pengunjung. Bagi kalian yang akan bertandang ke kota minyak ini, jangan lupa untuk sarapan di Depot Miki Balikpapan. 

Depot Miki Balikpapan
Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.93,
Klandasan Ilir, Balikpapan Indonesia

Belajar Literasi Finansial Sejak Dini

Kecerdasan finansial merupakan salah satu kecerdasan yang sangat dibutuhkan bagi setiap orang. Orang tua saya sebenarnya memiliki literasi finansial yang cukup baik, namun sayangnya kebiasaan ini tidak diterapkan kepada saya sejak dini. Orang tua saya sangat menyayangi saya, akan tetapi cenderung terlalu memanjakan saya. Saya terbiasa dimanjakan dengan fasilitas hidup dan kelimpahan. Namun, hal ini kemudian menjadi bumerang bagi saya sendiri. Saya tumbuh menjadi anak yang selalu bergantung pada orang tua. Saya tidak terbiasa menabung apalagi menyiapkan dana darurat. Hal ini dikarenakan orang tua selalu memenuhi kebutuhan finansial saya, sehingga saya tidak memiliki target dan tujuan finansial di masa depan. Disinilah saya merasa pentingnya literasi finansial sejak dini. Banyak masalah penting dalam hidup saya yang terjadi akibat kurang meleknya terhadap finansial. Salah satunya ketika saya sedang kuliah, orang tua saya saat itu juga mulai memasuki masa pensiun. Mereka secara perlahan berhenti mendukung saya secara finansial. Kestabilan finansial saya makin goyah menjelang semester-semester akhir. Saya akhirnya harus bekerja ekstra keras untuk dapat menopang biaya pendidikan. Saya aktif ikut beberapa proyek dosen, dan mengambil pekerjaan freelance. 

Belajar literasi finansial adalah salah satu keputusan terbaik dalam hidup saya. Sebelum kenal akun Jouska dan Big Alpha, saya memulai literasi finansial dengan membaca buku "Rich Dad Poor Dad" karangan Robert T. Kiyosaki. Buku ini membahas tentang fundamental keuangan yang dapat membuka pandangan kita terhadap persoalan finansial. Dari sini saya perlahan mulai belajar untuk menabung dan mengumpulkan dana darurat. Saya belajar merubah gaya hidup dan membeli yang saya butuhkan, bukan yang saya inginkan. Menurut saya, sudah waktunya lembaga pendidikan formal memasukkan literasi finansial ke dalam pelajaran kurikulum agar kita sebagai generasi milenial menjadi lebih aware dengan pinjaman-pinjaman online yang menyesatkan atau bahkan terhadap situasi darurat Covid-19 seperti saat ini. Selain itu, saya menemukan fakta bahwa literasi finansial perempuan cenderung lebih rendah daripada pria, padahal banyak keputusan aliran dana ada di tangan perempuan (istri). Oleh karena itu, mari kita sadar finansial sejak dini agar masa depan kita menjadi lebih baik.

Satu Juta Penumpang Transjakarta

Pemandangan ini yang biasa saya lihat setiap pulang kantor bila melintasi kawasan segitiga emas Jakarta. Bisa dibilang sepanjang jalan Sudirman-Thamrin ini surganya transportasi publik di Jakarta. Transjakarta, KRL, MRT, LRT (coming soon), kereta bandara, bahkan shuttle bus gratis GR1 dan GR2. Namun, pelayanan transportasi publik kita masih belum terintregasi dengan baik. Jadwal dan durasi perjalanan yang tidak tepat waktu. Resiko antrian, desak-desakan dan berdiri selama commuting pada saat rush hour membuat sebagian masyarakat lebih menyukai membawa kendaraan pribadi. Memang agak sulit untuk merubah mindset masyarakat dari naik kendaraan pribadi ke transportasi publik. Ini karena rasa bangga/prestige naik transportasi publik masih rendah. Menurut saya jalan keluarnya ya pelayanannya harus dibenahi. 

Andai pelayanan transportasi publik sudah terintegrasi, aman, nyaman, dan on-time sudah bisa dipastikan semua masyarakat akan beralih ke angkutan umum. Bisa istirahat dan gak perlu mikir bayar cicilan kendaraan tiap bulan. Dari segi finansial pun (asik mulai ngomongin cuan nih), investasi dalam bentuk kendaraan itu tidak menguntungkan. Kita harus bayar pajak per tahun dan kena depresiasi sehingga kalau dijual gak bisa setinggi harga saat kita beli. Apalagi kalau kita belinya nyicil.FYI, pengguna Transjakarta kemarin resmi mencapai 1 juta orang per hari sedangkan pengguna KRL udah 1 juta per hari dari sejak tahun lalu. Ini membuktikan bahwa mindset masyarakat kita sebenarnya bisa diubah secara perlahan. Tinggal diiringi dengan fasilitas dan pelayanannya aja yang harus memadai. Semoga warga di pelosok daerah lain bisa segera merasakan ketersediaan transportasi publik yang aman dan nyaman.

Asso. Drilling Engineer

Worked as an Asso. Drilling Engineer, I have been involved in developing aerated drilling fluid for Geothermal wells projects. Geothermal formation has different characteristic comparing oil and gas formation. Geothermal mainly has igneous rock while oil and gas mostly sedimentary rock. The Geothermal well drilling process is basically similar to the process of drilling the wells of oil or gas. Formation pressure found in geothermal drilling is smaller than the hydrostatic pressure of the mud used when drilling. Therefore, when drilling mud is applied, its pressure will exceed the formation pressure. Then drilling mud will be lost and enter to the formation itself.

For the drilling team, understanding pore and fracture pressure is the key to optimize the aerated drilling implementation. Aerated fluids is common remedy for lost circulation in geothermal drilling. The bottom hole pressure (BHP) or ECD is to be maintained such that it will ‘balance’ the pore pressure. The utilisation of aerated fluids allows for full circulation of drilling fluids and drilling cuttings back to the surface while drilling through permeable formations. During the planning phase, software and formulas spreadsheet were used to model the pressure profile.

I have an experience to work in drilling engineering area (office and site). I have got to spend several weeks working on a land drilling rig. On my first day, I was introduced to the whole team and got an insight of what it really means to put safety first. I also learnt about the nature of office and site work, which, I believe, will help me decide on my future plans. I was working with projects that take months to complete and use the most advanced technology in the industry.  This was the first time I had to actively think about the task at hand and use all my knowledge. I also noticed how software engineers work at a typical engineering job. It was an amazing experience and great to meet all the people who work at drilling rig in the different locations. I am very grateful that I was offered this incredible opportunity.

Pertamina Drilling Way

This morning, I read an article on the “Energia” which discusses about the Pertamina’s journey to create drilling standardization for all Pertamina’s subsidiaries. An oil and gas industry relies on the sophistication and success of drilling operations. In other words, there has never been an oil and gas natural resource obtained commercially without drilling. Drilling operations is a vital role to continue the plan of the subsurface team (Exploration), so that oil can be lifted to surface to be produced. Without these activities, the presence of petroleum and gas cannot be proven and produced to the surface. It also needs a high investment. To rent a rig only, for example, reaches 30 thousand dollars per day. In additions, the rig performance is depends on its maintenance. Therefore, an appropriate inspection must be done regularly.

So, what is “Pertamina Drilling Way”? Pertamina Drilling Way (PDW) as part of Priority Initiative made by Pertamina’s Upstream Directorate in order to improve drilling performance. The PDW is summarized in a guidebook as a guide to standardizing the upstream director’s subsidiary drilling activities. For example, most drilling designs are carried out according to the company custom. They might claim it as a best practices for their field case which is (sometimes) contrary to engineering aspects. The last two cases are the most valid examples. One overseas, namely, the incident in the Gulf of Mexico which makes BP almost bankrupted. One more from within the country, namely the Lapindo case, a heartbreaking tragedy that has hitherto have not ended yet.

PT Pertamina (Persero) needs a great miles to compile Pertamina Drilling Way (PDW). PDW does not automatically guarantee an increase in production. It only makes sure the drilling goes according to the plan and run safely. There is no case in the middle of the drilling operations, the rig was damaged which makes the activities had to be stopped due to the technical/non-technical issues. So far there are three companies that carry out these guidances, namely PHE, PGE, and PEP. From this fact, it is clear how important and central a drilling activity is to bring Pertamina into operational excellences.

Reference:
Energi Asia (Energia), Edisi Tahun I Volume 10
 

When You Feel Like Quitting, Remember Why You Started

A great philosopher once said: one bad things doesn’t mean your life is over. So, don’t let one day ruin everything for you. It is just a bad day, not a bad life. If you wanna stop, remember why did you start??? Why did you do this, when you are about to give up??? If you give up, it means you never want it at the first place. If you tired, please rest. It is okay to feel anxiety or self doubt. Just take a deep breathe and keep your head up. 

Start over your mind to remember your purpose and those people who believe in you. Remember what their hopes and smiles were made of. Remember how heavy your first step was. Remember why did you hold on to that thing for so long. Some people never tired of filling your heart with garbage. 

They might be makes you stressy depressy lemon zesty. But, all you need to do is throw that lemon back at their life. A beautiful garden requires so much work. Someday, better days will come and you’ll get what you deserve. No matter how dark or lost your days may seen, there is a sunshine that lies ahead of you. Take a coffee and relax your nerves for a brighter day.

Life After Graduation (2)

Entering the “real world” after graduation for Second Time (First Bachelors degree, Second Masters degree). I am feeling lost, scared, lonely, and confused. In Psychology, it is a normal symptoms which is common in a person’s 20s-30s. This is literally thing called “quarter life crisis”. For everyone out there who are struggling with your quarter-life crisis, you are not alone. I am feeling anxious too, because no one ever told me how to be an adult. There are so many issues that I am dealing with: career, imperfections, social life, spiritual and etc. I am facing the truth that people will come and go. Most of them will go and you’ll live in a smaller circle. 

How to deal with quarter life crisis? I am trying to avoid overthinking and stop comparing my life with others. I believe everyone has their own path and it also mine. Envying other people is just ruin my happiness. Lastly, I am looking to psychologist/professional help to provide better suggestion on how to deal with it. If you find yourself can’t stop to overthinking, manic reaction, anxiety, or an inability to sleep. These are a signs that it is time for professional help. You can see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or mental health professional. 

Data is the new oil, is it true?

Petroleum is the most valuable commodity in the history of the world. But, many people says 2020 will be the year of data. Is data worth more than oil? Data is more valuable than oil. It can be used by many people simultaneously without being depleted. In a digital economy, companies have started treating data like an asset. We live in an age where running business with the help of data is the new standard. Data help us to know which of your products are currently hot items on the market. It is an important information that reflect personal data of costumers on the web searches. Google and Facebook have made billion dollar businesses from this data.

“If data were petroleum in the artificial intelligence era,

then China would be Saudi Arabia”

The founder and chief executive of Beijing-based Sinovation Ventures told that China would be the new Saudi Arabia. China is the country with massive number of internet users (greater than the United States and Europe) which provide the big data. China is projected to lead the world in artificial intelligence in less than 10 years to become the largest economy. If data is ‘the new oil’, then the data scientist functions much like an oil refinery, converting data into insights that can both save money and generate capital.

References:

1. https://www.economist.com/business/2017/07/15/china-may-match-or-beat-america-in-ai

2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielcohen/2019/06/07/as-china-challenges-the-u-s-in-ai-big-data-and-machine-learning-are-reshaping-the-energy-industry/

3. https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/china-is-to-data-what-saudi-arabia-is-to-oil-kaifu-lee-tells-ai-forum

Keep Moving Forward

Whenever people from your past spread negative stuff about you, just remember that all they know is a past version of you, and now you’re not that person anymore. You don’t need to fight back or prove anything, just keep moving forward. What’s done is done and what’s gone is gone. One of the life’s most valuable lessons is learning how to let go and move on. Looking back at your good memories is fine but never let the past stop you from moving forward. If you want to fly on the sky, you need to be an eagle. If you want to move forward, you need to let go of the past and don’t let negative people drag you down. 

As we grow older and wiser, we have to let go of those childish thought and push ourselves forward to overcome our weaknesses and make them strengths. You cannot walk through the open door while looking back with feelings of unforgiveness, angriness, revenge etc. You need to clean those cobwebs to see that open door. Once you’re able to move on and close old doors, new doors will open, better opportunities will arise and, you will begin creating a story that moves you forward. Don't let the shadows of your past darken the doorsteps of your future. When you let in what's happening now you will find it easier to let go of the past and, live fully in the present. 

Bon Chic, Bon Genre

There is a Parisian slang which says that ‘Bon Chic, Bon Genre‘, which means ‘Good style, Good attitude’. The expression is sometimes shortened to “BCBG”. It used in France to refer to people who are clean, neat, fragrant, well-educated, and well-connected. Almost every woman likes to see handsome and athletic man. But the truth was not the “physical attractiveness” of a man who really wanted by a woman. Attitude, personality and intelligence also determine the extent to which men can attract women.

Just like most men who like women look neat and attractive, women are so. They will be more interested in anywhere near the man who is clean, fragrant and tidy than men who dressed carelessly and filthy. Not because women just like men with a parlente style like a James Bond. Although they are not fashionable, but if it looks clean and well maintained will make her interested. The most common reason, because women believe a man who cares about himself, then he will care for his girlfriend. Instead the man who black hoof, sweatshirts or pants that were left dirty and smelly body, shall be deemed unable to care for themselves and certainly do not care about women.

And the one last thing….Women like a men who are well educated, well connected and have a good personality. Although sometimes intelligent men are arrogant and selfish but, when the man who are intelligent and have a good attitude. They will have a special place in the women’s eyes.

First Day of High School

Hello... Years pass, and I am a high school students right now. The first day of high school feels like a whole new world for me. Today is the day I will begin my journey of high school. Today is a new canvas for me to create whatever I desire. A fresh try, one more start. Let's be real, I am a night owl, not a morning person. But, it's a new day and new week. So, I woke up early this morning. I feel excited but, nervous. I drink more water, eat breakfast, and wear a fresh new uniform with popping shoes. It puts me in a good mood and a smile on my face. What a great start to a new day. 

The transition from Middle to High school isn't always easy for me. It is hard to find my way around at first. There are tons of homework and assignments in each class already. Worries about making new friends, having a multi period schedule, and more complex class materials. I remember the fear of meeting my teacher in my chemist class. I can't even memorize the periodic table of elements. It is a strange time to be alive. My favorite subject is English (my teacher made it real easy :D) closely followed by physics (specifically classical physics) because it explains truth. It also explains a big concept in just few words. The teachers have been great at helping me in class. I wasn’t nervous or intimidated. I felt really comfortable.

I am so excited to start this chapter. My first day of high school taught me more about myself than academics. It was okay if we didn't learn much about the subject of the class as long as we learned to be better people along the way.  As long as you're with the people you love and can make you happy, you can't ask for more.  I learned how to grow up in a very short time. I create memories, either good or bad, because I realize that high school life wouldn't be the same when you enter college. This is the best time of my life.