Sepatu Bapak: Sebuah refleksi atas tindakan persekusi terhadap kaum transpuan

Jika teman-teman punya 3 menit untuk diluangkan, sekiranya sempat melihat video saya dengan mengikuti tautan ini. 

Click to watch reels

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘂 𝗕𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗸

Kemarin Bapak janji mau menemani beli sepatu
Karena sebentar lagi
Mau tahun ajaran baru

Sepatuku sudah bunyi-bunyi
Karena alasnya telah lebar menganga
Plak.. pluk… plak… pluk
Begitu kata si sepatu tanpa merek itu

Pokoknya harus jadi beli
Begitu ujarku
 
Sudah pukul tiga petang
Bapak belum juga terlihat bersiap pergi
Padahal aku sudah mandi

Besok saja
Kata Bapak, membuat bibirku manyun tiga senti
Bapak malu ke toko sepatu

Alasannya
Sambil menyeka dahi dengan handuk basah
Ada luka disana
Di dahinya yang lebar seperti dahiku

Tapi besok kan tokonya tutup Pak
Dan lusa aku sudah masuk sekolah
Aku mulai merengek
Masak iya aku pinjam sepatu Bapak?

Bapak tertawa
Tahu jelas maksudku sepatu yang mana
Sepatu warna merah menyala yang hak nya tinggi sekali

Mana nyaman dipakai sekolah
Walau ukuran kaki kita sama
Bapak bergurau
Saking besarnya kakiku

Aku ikut tergelak
Urung merajuk
Luluh sudah marahku melihat dahi bonyok Bapak
Yang nampak menyatu dengan sisa riasannya tadi malam

Lagipula, tinggal yang kiri sepatuku itu
Kata Bapak sambil mengelus kepangku
Aku diam saja

Kasihan sama Bapak sepatunya tinggal sebelah
Tapi senang karena alasan sepatunya yang sebelah hilang
Adalah karena dilempar Bapak
Membalas gerombolan lelaki sialan
Yang menimpuk bapak dan teman-temannya dengan batu
Saat semalam cari uang di jalan

Sepatu yang kanan ya pak yang hilang?
Aku memastikan
Iya, jawab Bapak tenang

Semoga kena orangnya ya Pak
dan semoga lukanya lebih parah dari luka di dahi Bapak
Doaku
Cukup dalam hati

Karena aku tahu, Bapak tak akan mengaminkan
💔👠🤍

Oleh Tressabel Hutasoit
(Ditulis pada tahun 2022 dan sayangnya masih relevan saat ini)

@tressabelhutasoit
@sukkhacitta
@awesomelasem

Bedah Karya: Buku "Untuk Perempuan Biasa"

Saya bersama Setara Sejahtera menyapa kembali 👋🏽

Kali ini dalam Bedah Karya: "Untuk Perempuan Biasa."

Dari beberapa isu Perempuan yang menjadi topik buku Untuk Perempuan Biasa, perbincangan kita hari ini akan berpusat pada:

1. Anggapan bahwa perempuan harus bisa dan mau punya anak
2. Menyoal pekerja seks komersial
3. Stigma anak Perempuan lebih cepat dewasa (?)

Mari bagikan pandangan teman-teman soal hal diatas.
Jika belum baca bukunya, bisa pesan di @bukunesiastore !

In @sukkhacitta and @awesomelasem

💙❤️
#tressabelwrites
#setarasejahtera
#untukperempuanbiasa

Kartini and other Indonesian Heroines

Photo from Kompas.com

Kartini's name slots so neatly into W.R. Supratman’s lyrics, “Ibu Kita Kartini,” you’d think the song was composed with her in mind. Her contribution to Indonesian women’s emancipation is so fragrant it perfumes the national memory — and one fragrant by‑product is the very freedom I have to write these words. Celebrating Kartini each year is well deserved, but doing so needn’t blind us to other heroines whose stories remain stubbornly hushed.

What’s often overlooked is that Kartini is Exhibit A for a simple truth: a woman’s access to knowledge and renown depends heavily on location, culture and class. Fortunately, Kartini used her privilege with admirable purpose.

Because of her position, it’s not fanciful to say she was, in part, a figure “made” by the Dutch. Her readiness to criticise was shaped, to some degree, by Dutch education she could access as an aristocrat.

At the time the Netherlands pursued an “ethical policy” — in plain terms, a politics of owing favours. The message became: Indonesian women who wished to progress must embrace Dutch education and the modes of thought it taught.

Through her letters, Kartini documented the oppression she endured in a rigidly patriarchal, feudal world. Her ideas were revolutionary, yet she never quite had the chance (or perhaps she held back) to realise them fully. A critic of polygamy, she was nonetheless compelled to become the fourth wife of the Regent of Rembang.

Still, Kartini rightly ranks among Indonesia’s national heroes.

Regrettably, her commemoration is often reduced by commercial interests to marketing slogans and shopping sprees.

So let us ask: why only Kartini Day? Why not an Indonesian Heroines Day?

That would prompt other names to rise into view.

1. In Aceh stood Cut Nyak Dien — a war commander whose slippery tactics baffled the Dutch.

2. Rahmah el Yunusiyah of West Sumatra founded schools for girls and refused Dutch subsidies to avoid colonial influence; Minangkabau has long produced female educators who rejected colonial aid.

3. Dewi Sartika in West Java established girls’ schools that taught equality.

4. How many realise that Rasuna Said — whose name graces a major thoroughfare — was a fiery emancipation activist who fiercely condemned injustice?

5. Keumalahayati, an Acehnese naval commander, led some 2,000 Inong Balee (war widows) in attacks on Dutch ships and forts in 1599; she is said to have slain Cornelis de Houtman in single combat.

Do add other names you recall — I’d love to hear them.

Kartini, as in her book "Duisternis tot Licht", was indeed a light after darkness.

But who else carried that light? Don’t they deserve celebration, too?

21 April is not a public holiday, yet the revelry persists: traditional dress, competitions — amusingly, or cringeworthy, many involve cooking in high heels — cheered in towns and schools alike.

To a point, darkness has yielded to light.

Which means today we have an opportunity. Even if we don kebaya and join the festivities, we can use the moment to share the stories of other heroines.

Today we have a new story to tell our children, girls and boys alike.

Today and tomorrow we are better placed to use that light as a lantern to illuminate the struggles of other women.

Thank you for the fight, Kartini. We’ll take the torch from here.

On 21 April 2026, yours truly would like to add:

Here’s to the young girls torn from their families by Dai Nippon (1942-1945) — harried, violated and cast away on Buru Island; some never found their way home.

(Ref: Perawan Remaja Dalam Cengkeraman Militer)

(The Indonesian version can be read here:here)

Hari Perempuan Internasional 2025: 5 (+1)Buku Bertema Perempuan

 

Tema Hari Perempuan Internasional tahun ini adalah #AccelerateAction. Aksi saya hari ini adalah merekomendasikan 5 buku tentang perempuan, versi saya dan @setarasejahtera

The Color Purple- Alice Walker

Yang brilian dari buku pemenang Pulitzer Prize ini adalah penulisan *"epistolary” nya. Walker membuat kita melihat perkembangan jiwa dan kecerdasan Celie- si karakter utama yang hidup di masa 1920-an. *surat menyurat

The Vagina Monologue- Eve Ensler

Buku ini merupakan episodic play yang mengeksplorasi isu seks consensual atau nonconsensual, serta objektifikasi perempuan dari sudut pandang perempuan dengan berbagai latar belakang.

Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk- Ahmad Tohari

Bagi saya ini adalah maha karya dari Ahmad Tohari. Lewat buku ini, kita diajak melihat berbagai elemen (juga paradoks) dari kehidupan seorang penari Ronggeng bernama Srintil.

Namaku Hiroko- Nh Dini

Disini, Nh Dini bercerita tentang Hiroko, seorang perempuan muda dari sebuah desa kecil di Jepang. Daya tarik buku ini adalah perjalanan cadas Hiroko dan perkembangan karakternya dalam mencapai cita-cita.

Gadis Pantai- Pramoedya Ananta Toer

Novel ini bercerita mengenai perempuan muda dari desa nelayan yang terpaksa menikah dengan priyayi. Gadis Pantai menuturkan gambaran mengenai situasi feodalisme di daerah Jawa pada zaman dulu. Dan saya baru tahu bahwa cerita ini terinspirasi dari nenek Pram sendiri.

Untuk Perempuan Biasa- Yours truly

Kumpulan prosa-prosa pendek yang membahas berbagai isu perempuan, khususnya yang dipengaruhi oleh konstruk sosial dan budaya di Indonesia.

Semoga rekomendasi saya memperkaya wawasan literasi teman-teman semua.

Selamat merakayan Hari perempuan Internasional dan wujudkan #SetaraSejahtera!

On Career and Style

Since I made a significant career change in 2018, things haven't been easy. But I know it was one of the best decisions I've ever made! 

Despite facing challenges, I'm still here (with my first published book about to go for a second print!), maintaining a steady relationship with my retainer clients, and setting healthy boundaries with ex-clients (no bridges burnt).  

Lately, I've been reading career tips to boost my creativity and evaluate if there's more I can do to improve. You know, the usual questions: Am I being productive enough? Will this self-employed path sustain me? Should I always dress up even when I work from home? Why can't my dogs stay quiet whenever I am on a work call?

The most pressing question that comes up from time to time is: "Am I charging my clients fairly or sometimes too low?" If you've been wondering the same, particularly the latter part, here's something reassuring to read.

As for the dress up part, it's a yes for me. 

Emily Henderson, Stylist and Interior Designer

There is something inside us, especially women, that tells us that if our work is something we love to do it should somehow be worth less. But, the exact opposite is true: the more you love to do something, the easier you make it look, the faster you are at it, the more VALUABLE you are because of your passion. So, while we all love to get paid in kisses, praise and genuine appreciation, know that Our talent, skills, and expertise are worth banknotes (The Business of Design)

Maintaining a certain standard guides us on how to determine our rates and how to approach otherwise uncomfortable dealing situations a.k.a when to say no when it does not meet your time and skills. 

(Kebaya top from Sejauh Mata Memandang , Dragon hand-painted sarong from Awesome Lasem, Shoes from MKS's Shoes.

I feel alright about my neck

 

Ephron's notable "I feel bad about my neck." crossed my mind the second my husband showed me the photo he had just taken.

I almost missed his proud ear-to-ear smile and glued myself to the deep crow's feet around my eyes.

"Gosh. This is forty-four." I moaned.

"That's you celebrating your first book," he said.

And just like that, he was Mr. Right.

ps: I am curious, if you are over 40, how do you respond to all the changes in you? 

Pre menopausal syndrome? wrinkles? the uncertain waves of emotions? Or are you smooth sailing like nothing happens?

The waiting room

by Ponomariova_Maria

To the woman holding back her tears behind closed doors

To the ones squalling with fury and those who have yet to hold another stick that says: "It is a no."

A deep breath and a tight hug

To the ones waiting and those who, with all their hearts, are convinced it is time for a different plan, a pivot, or a full-stop
To the big-dark-eyed ones trying to look away as she spotted another woman's glow 
Here’s a smile that signs “I do that too.”

To those who've collected children's books for years hoping that someday, on a perfect day, she gets to read them together with someone she's been waiting for
someone small, all smiles, and smells so sweet, someone uniquely part of her and her loved one
A limerick and a song or two 

To all of you out there
I am here, shelving another hardcover classic and saying that I am thinking about you.

The (re)birth of feminism

 

This is not a pregnancy announcement post.

It is, however, an attempt to evoke the dilation of a giant rebirth called Feminism.

Over the last ten years, I've written stories and poems circling one significant theme. A theme that speaks of the uterus and uses the word vagina sans apologetic nuance.

The theme is sewed in a satirical tone and with mostly dark endings, if not left undone.

A dear friend once asked if I would write different stories after I re-marry. This question, I believe, is based on one general assumption. That feminists are all mad.

Yes. We all are.

Not many realize this anger comes from tragic stories; death over what we wear (and do not); abuse simply because we say no (and when we say yes); voices kept shut (because, really, who would believe her story?); doors to education slammed (if we're lucky enough not being shot in the head); and ways for justice remain dark.

But we are also hopeful. At least, I am.

Me marrying the man I love does not change my mind about what I advocate. If anything, it fuels it.

Feminism allows a bond to be vulnerable and brave about making decisions and after one's dream.

Being comfortable telling your partner that you do not want to go for a round of IVF or to tell them you're broke and need them to support you for a while.

To confidently tell them you want both last names to be part of your child's, to take turns being gentle or firm.

But those are only the small things.

There's a reason why Gender Equality is UNSDG #5.

From a bigger perspective, Feminism force is thriving towards the well-being of a family, society, country, and even the world.

Fewer would give in to child marriage, many stomping for better education, malnutrition would end, and wage parity would deliver stability to all stakeholders.

And perhaps we could all sleep better at night.

As Merriam Webster dictionary states, Feminism; is a belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes expressed through organized activity on behalf of women's rights.

Simple, but the road is long.

Now take a deep breath, world.

We are about to give birth ❤⭐

A Sustainable Dream Coming True

While typing away, I am realising that sustainability has become the latest buzzword in the fashion industry. Awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry has skyrocketed, but how has this translated into action and results? 

Sustainability related keywords have increased 75% year on year, and your IG explore button now directs you to endless shopping options, with the promise of an environmentally-friendly dream; ethically made clothing that sits perfectly on your shoulder and flows beautifully right to your knees. Classy design, sustainability, and ethics! 

I first encountered SukkhaCitta in 2018, the same year I decided to leave my comfortable corporate desk and trail-blaze my way into a self-employed creative discipline (calling it an industry makes me feel uncomfortable). 

“I just want to share and tell stories about people - I just want to write,” I remember telling my former employer. They thought I was mental. I don’t think they were wrong. 

Slow yet steady progress was made, as I watched this seed grew into my own WordPixAsia.  

Questioned by many, I was full of self-doubt, and many sleepless nights ensued. Who will trust you? How long are we going to last? What if they don’t like my ideas? 

SukkhaCitta  quietly celebrates a mighty fifth anniversary this week, sharing one story that has touched my heart.  A mother (who made the clothing you purchased) witnessing her daughter graduating from high school.

I say “quietly” because there’s no blatant marketing gimmick like a special prize, and I say “mighty” because of the mother and daughter’s successes. These tangible results speak louder than words for this sustainable and classy fashion house. 

My wobbly first steps taken both professionally with WordPixAsia, and personally as a pretend extrovert, have been challenging. Today I am celebrating my third year since I first signed on my first client. I also realise that two years ago I turned down a project representing what I believe is wrong when it comes to nature and women’s welfare. I needed the fast-easy money, but I long for sustainable welfare more. 

If I were to mother a child someday, and he or she asked “Ibu, did you know anything about child labour or deforestation?” I do not want to say “I know. But I did not do anything about it.” 

I am still here, telling stories that will help other women, and animals as they have no sounding board, and I can humbly say there is no looking back. 

 You may walk timidly  for what you believe in. But keep walking. 

 You may bite your tongue every now and then. But keep speaking.

Happy International Women’s Day. Now what?

First held in New York City on February 28, 1909 as “Women’s Day”, the United Nations first celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th, 1975, making this year’s celebration the 46th International Women’s Day. The second one to be held during the Covid-19 pandemic period.

This is also the year where David Bowie’s question, “Is there life on Mars?” may soon be answered. Meanwhile a long list remains of unmet women’s demands. Legal and political equality, freedom from violence, gender discrimination in the workplace, to name but a few. And do not forget   a griming fact of women being paid 11 percent less than male counterparts.

Every 8th March, we look forward to seeing trending hashtags and relevant postings, pictures and quotes highlighting the topic. The future is female, girl boss, viva vagina. I am all up for it. But put your screen down for a second, preferably after you read this, and ask yourselves: How can we reduce this list of unmet demands? 

We do not need to wait for the day to launch our own company and hire hundreds of women. 

There are also small steps we can take at home and work on a daily basis. Following this year’s theme #ChooseToChallenge, here are some, but please feel free to add more of your own ideas!

    Illustration by @runiscribbles

1. Pick a cause and stick with it. It can be a support group for victims of abuse, signing a petition supporting a legislative bill for the elimination of sexual violence (RUU PKS... DPR, we are looking at you), or participate in campaigns and small businesses founded by women. You can also check here: UNWomen 

2. If you have a woman working for you at home; a helper, a gardener, or a dog-carer, ask them this: “Do you have your own bank account? Be prepared to hear them say “No.” or “No, but my husband does.” 

Accompany them to the bank, help with the application form and suggest that you transfer their salary into that account. Owning something with your name on it is truly a positive boost for self-actualization. And that is a big step in owning their identity as they begin to consider saving for the future. 

 3. If you are Indonesian, you will be familiar with the BPJS. This government-funded insurance scheme is a world apart from the smooth-sailing process you get if you enter a private hospital - but it is still a huge help for those in need. I am nowhere near to close in working with them, nor am I part of the government force, but with bittersweet experience with family members fighting cancer, I can say first hand that BPJS works - big time! The lowest premium is less than IDR 50,000 per month, and I like to believe we can all afford to absorb that for our maid or gardener. Once that they have that sense of security, their work ethic and loyalty will be even stronger

4. Some domestic workers cannot afford to pay someone to watch their kids while they work. So, allow them to bring their kid to work if possible. Set some ground rules but let them understand that you are doing this so that she (your maid) can work and provide for her family (for example, in my case, my helper’s kid cannot play with some of my dogs, as they are very wary of strangers) 

5. It is time for the media and also us, to stop prefixing job titles with gender: for example, FEMALE CEO, FEMALE Chef, and FEMALE General Manager. Unless we want to cite MALE in every single professional position too

6. Have conversations with young girls about their favourite sports, most exciting subject at school (three of the girls I asked said: Recess and Maths!), and what they like most about their friends and family. We tend to default to commenting on their looks and their clothes, things we do not ask boys! They are good conversations, but there is more to little girls than only that. And that is on us

7. Understand an individual’s right to choose. Women can decide to live their lives differently. Differently from one another. Differently from social expectations. Differently from their mother’s, and father’s, expectations. Differently from family and friend’s expectations. It is an individual’s choice that is not an attack to others just because it's different.

So often we are caught up in society’s construct of “ideal” that we judge other women for their way of life, and sometimes, we lean into the nuance of sexism, bigotry, and sometimes victim-blaming. “Why are you still unmarried?” “Why not a natural birth instead of a C-section?” “Are you sure you can be a full-time working mum, without a tradeoff someplace?” 

But toxic patriarchy is not the only force we need to confront. There is an equally toxic so-called culture amongst us women, where we are too quick to judge other women, instead of understanding, supporting and seeing the bigger picture. Let us be careful that a woman’s worse enemy does not become other women. 

If you have already decided on your next move, let’s pick up our smart gadget again and post your hashtags to celebrate this important day!

Menyoal Hakikat Perempuan Sejati

Ini Siswi. Primadona nya Camp Leakey yang berlokasi di Tanjung Puting- Kalimantan Tengah.

Tanjung Puting (dan tiga camp didalamnya; Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanggui, Tanjung Harapan) adalah taman nasional dimana di dalam tiga camp tersebut, Orangutan yang sempat menjadi korban poaching pembakaran hutan direhabilitasi ulang oleh para rangers sebelum bisa dilepas kembali ke alam bebas. Tapi tulisan ini bukan hendak membahas mengenai tamaknya deforestrasi industri kelapa sawit. 

Itu nanti saja.

Tulisan ini, tentang perempuan.

Kenapa Siswi disebut primadona? Well, sebenarnya itu julukan si paruh baya ini dulu. Sebagai seorang perempuan, Siswi tergolong cantik dan menggairahkan. Buat para Orangutan tentu. 
Sifatnya yang percaya diri dan pesonanya yang memikat lewat bulu merah dan mata besarnya yang seperti telaga menjadikan Siswi seorang alpha-female. 
Dan Siswi dulu berhasil membuat King Tom (alpha male di Camp leakey bertekuk lutut)

Suatu hari, Siswi mengalami musibah keguguran. Sejak itu diketahui bahwa Siswi memiliki tumor didekat rahimnya yang bisa berakibat fatal jika tidak segera dioperasi. Tim dokter ahli akhirnya didatangkan oleh Prof. Birute dan tim’nya. Menyelamatkan nyawa perempuan dahsyat ini, walau artinya mereka harus mengangkat rahim Siswi.

Setelah pulih, Siswi si primadona kembali ke hutan. 
Sayangnya, tanpa Siswi sangka, para Orangutan jantan tidak lagi melihat Siswi menggairahkan. 
Baunya beda, phreromone yang dulu memikat, sekarang sudah tidak tercium lagi. Siswi dianggap tak akan mampu menghasilkan keturunan lagi. Jadi buat apa didekati?

Harap dicatat; untuk bisa mendapatkan pengakuan sebagai “Pejantan sejati”, Orangutan jantan harus berhasil punya anak. Jadi naluri kebinatangan mereka bereaksi secara alamiah didalam hal ini. Nothing personal. It’s nature.

Ada manusia yang merasa? Silakan berhenti membaca tulisan saya.

Oh, dan terakhir saya kesana tahun lalu, Tom sedang dekat dengan Arya. Seorang Orangutan betina muda yang belum berusia 20 tahun dan masih subur pastinya.

Tersinggung? Kan saya sudah bilang, berhenti membaca tulisan ini….

Akhirnya, Siswi jadi lebih sering berteman dengan para rangers di hutan. 
Makanya, mudah sekali bertemu dengan Siswi kalau kita berkunjung ke Camp Leakey. Karena dia sering duduk di dermaga penyebrangan sungai sekonyer kedalam Camp. 

Siswi agak nyentrik, bahkan sering dibilang biang kerok. Karena selalu mengikuti cara hidup para rangers disana. Kadang Siswai suka ikut mandi, minta mencobai teh yang sedang dinimati rangers, atau sok ikut membantu memperbaiki jembatan. Kalau nyentrik'nya keluar, Siswi tak segan mengganggu tamu dengan ulahnya. 
Yang terjadi didepan mata saya saat itu; Siswi harus dirayu pakai payung supaya mau bergeser dari dermaga. Supaya saya dan teman-teman lain bisa lewat dan naik ke perahu kelotok.

Lucu? Mungkin.

Tapi, sebagai seorang skeptic sejati… saya justru merasa sedih. 

Siswi merasa ditolak, jadilah ia pencari perhatian kelas berat. 
Siswi merasa tidak cantik lagi, jadilah dia galak sama perempuan lain. 
Terutama sama siapa tebak? Yes, Arya!

Saat ini, mungkin kalian berpikir saya seperti sedang membahas mengenai teman-teman manusia. Bukan, ini purely Orangutan. Yang punya kesamaan genetic 97% dengan kita.

Makes so much more sense now?

Yang bisa saya syukuri, Siswi tetap sehat. Dia akan selalu aman dan bahagia disana. Animal Instinct yang membuat para orangutan jantan tidak mau sama Siswi lagi adalah proses alam yang tak bisa diubah.

Tapi, bagaimana dengan nasib saudara-saudara perempuan Siswi yang lain (yang punya kesamaan genetic sebanyak 97%)?
Alias manusia.

Bagaimana jika seorang perempuan (manusia) hanya dianggap sempurna jika ia berhasil menghadirkan manusia-manusia kecil kedunia ini lewat rahimnya? 
Padahal ia tidak bisa.

Bagaimana jika 3% dari ketidaksamaan itu membuat si perempuan punya logika yang justru berbeda

“Saya tidak mau punya anak.” Karena (mau adopsi/tidak mau saja/takut melahirkan/dunia sudah edan/my body my rule)

Apakah pilihan-pilihan itu akan menjadikan posisi perempuan (yang manusia) jadi sama seperti Siswi? Dianggap tak berguna. Dihakimi karena tak memenuhi kodrat. Disingkirkan alam?

Sehingga harus sering main-main sendirian di dermaga.

Atau justru lebih buruk?

Dihina di lingkungan, diceraikan, dianggap aneh. Terutama oleh perempuan lain yang sibuk adu argumentasi mengenai  ASI versus susu formula. Yang mana Ibu sejati. Kata mereka.

Akhirnya para perempuan yang hidupnya mirip seperti Siswi ini cuma bisa diam.

Entah mau mengutuki rahim dan kelamin atau justru mempertanyakan kehendak Tuhannya.

Kembali ke Siswi. Yang buat saya adalah tetap perempuan sejati.

Apakah Siswi punya pilihan lain? Selain ya sesekali judesin Arya.

Apa Siswi bia mennulis blog atau bikin campaign soal #rewritetherules atau soal #feminisme?

Tidak. 

Tapi paling tidak… dibatas pemikirannya yang tak se”mulia” manusia, Siswi bisa berdamai dengan kehidupannya sekarang. Toh, ranger malah sering memanjakannya. Siswi juga tak harus berpikir soal “Siapa yang akan mengurusnya saat tua nanti.”

Bagaimana dengan mahkluk perempuan lain?

Akhir tahun ini, kalau Tuhan dan semesta mengijinkan, saya akan bertemu Siswi lagi.

Mungkin akan berusaha menatap matanya walau tak bisa terlalu dekat.

A homo sapiens and a Pongo pygmaeus.

But eye to eye. Woman to woman.

Mungkin Siswi bisa menularkan kekuatannya kepada saya karena sebagai sesama perempuan, Siswi dan saya sama-sama pernah keguguran.

Mungkin akan ada sepercik sinar kebijakan di dalam jiwa Siswi yang bisa saya serap dan pelajari.

Untuk kemudian saya bagi untuk perempuan lain di dermaga lain atau lelaki yang mungkin ingin bisa seperti King Tom.

Atau pada diri saya sendiri.

xoxo

Tressabel Hutasoit-  

Homo sapiens-

(Update 2018: King Tom dikabarkan sudah tidak tampak lagi di Camp Leakey. Dugaan para rangers adalah, Tom kalah kelahi hingga lari ke pedalaman hutan liar. Sebagaimana mantan Orangutan  alpha lainnya. Pengganti Tom adalah yang berhasil mengalahkannya, yaitu Carlos. Siswi punya hobi baru: berkelahi dengan Carlos yang sudah membuat cinta sejatinya pergi.)