Pak Guru Maur

If you’re learning Bahasa Indonesia, you’ve probably noticed that people don’t always speak exactly like the textbook. That’s because, just like in any language, Indonesians use a lot of informal words in daily conversations. Two words that are very common in spoken Indonesian—but rarely explained in beginner textbooks—are "tuh" and "nih." I haven’t written about these two before, because I usually write based on what I hear when I watch movies. And you can’t choose what people say in movies! I have to listen, watch carefully, and take notes. If I hear someone say "tuh" or "nih" , then I can use it as a real example. I want to make sure you hear how Indonesians actually use the words in real life. That’s why it takes some time. But since these two words are very common and useful, I’ll try to explain them now with examples based on how I’ve heard them being used. Even if I don’t have direct quotes from a movie, I promise these examples are ...

Okay, have you ever seen a banana that looks like it’s hugging another banana? Like, two bananas stuck together in one peel? If you haven’t, let me introduce you to something we call pisang dempet in Indonesia. So, what is pisang dempet ? Basically, “pisang” means banana, and “dempet” means stuck together or fused. So, pisang dempet is a twin banana, or sometimes even triplet, but all joined in one skin. It’s kind of rare, but when you find one, it feels like a little surprise. People usually smile and say, “Wah, pisang dempet! Lucky!” Not Just a Funny Banana At first, you might think it’s just a funny-looking banana, but in Indonesia, some people believe it’s more than that. Some say it brings good luck. Others say it has special energy. And believe it or not, there are people who say pisang dempet is a sign of something good coming, like rezeki (fortune), or maybe good news. Old people sometimes say, “If you eat pisang dempet, you’ll get double the benefits,” because it’s like t...

Pottery is more than just making bowls and mugs. It’s a fun and creative way to make useful, beautiful things with your hands. Whether you're a beginner or someone who enjoys working with clay for fun, there are endless pottery ideas to explore. In this article, we’ll look at two great examples from the pictures you shared. The first picture shows textured clay pieces made using molds. The second picture shows a clever and artistic birdhouse made from a ceramic jug. Both are great sources of inspiration, and we’ll talk about how you can try similar pottery projects yourself. Pottery Idea #1: Playing with Texture and Shape Using Molds The first image shows five clay pieces that have been shaped in molds. Each one has a unique texture: curved lines, waves, and dotted patterns. These textures are not just decorative—they also add a nice touch and feel to the final product. This is one of the most fun pottery ideas for beginners. Instead of shaping clay by hand, you use molds to ...

Rice is one of the most important foods in Indonesia. Almost every Indonesian eats rice every day. For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, rice is always there. Some people even say, “If I don’t eat rice, I don’t feel full.” But why do Indonesian people eat rice so much? Let’s explore the reasons. Photo by Suhairy Tri Yadhi 1. Cultural Tradition Rice is not just food in Indonesia. It is part of the culture. For hundreds of years, rice has been the main food in the country. People in villages grow rice in the fields. The process of growing, harvesting, and cooking rice has been passed down from generation to generation. In traditional ceremonies, rice is often used as an offering. In weddings or religious events, rice is always served. That shows how deep rice is connected with Indonesian life. 2. Easy to Find Indonesia is an agricultural country. The land is fertile and good for farming. Many farmers grow rice across the country. Because of this, rice is easy to find in the market. You can...