Insulted But Remaining Calm, Unexpectedly Forgiven: Bahlil's Plot Twist

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MindFuel

Tangerang, October 26, 2025, 19:00

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, is back in the public spotlight after his name was widely discussed on social media due to a meme that was considered offensive to him. Instead of getting angry or taking legal action, Bahlil chose an unexpected response, he forgave the creator and distributors of the meme.

“And I think, yes, if there are memes, I forgive them. It's okay. Actually, criticizing policies is fine. But if it's personal, if it's racist, I don't think that's good,” said Bahlil at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Friday (10/24/2025).    

Bahlil said that he had been accustomed to being insulted since he was a child. He recounted his origins as a villager and not from a family of officials.

“I have indeed been accustomed to being insulted since I was a child. Because I am not the child of an official, I am the child of people from the village. My mother was only a laundry worker in people's homes, my father was a construction worker,” he said.

“So this insulting has been happening since I was in elementary school, when I was still a child. So in my opinion, it's okay,” continued Bahlil. 

Bahlil's move has sparked mixed reactions online. Many netizens have praised his calmness and forgiving attitude, calling him an example of an official who does not easily get emotional amid intense public criticism.

Some even view this story as “the coolest plot twist in the political world this week.”

Bahlil's attitude demonstrates that in this fast-paced, emotionally charged digital age, humor and forgiveness can be a form of strength in themselves. Perhaps it's true what they say: not everything that goes viral needs to be met with anger  sometimes, a smile and a cup of coffee are enough.

Source: https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/6194020/perintahkan-cabut-laporan-bahlil-maafkan-penyebar-meme-di-medsos-asal-tidak-rasis-saya-biasa-dihina-sejak-sd

The Culture of “Healing”: A Mental Need or Just a Trend?

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MindFuel

Tangerang, October 19, 2025, 18:00

On the phone screen, the evening waves glistened golden. A teenager wrote the caption: “Healing first, so I can be sane.” From coffee-scented cafes in Bandung to the white sands of Bali, the word ‘healing’ has become the mantra of the younger generation. It is no longer just about self-recovery, but a symbol of a relaxed lifestyle and “me time.”

This phenomenon is most commonly seen among teenagers and young workers (Gen Z and early millennials). They claim that “healing” activities help relieve stress from college assignments or work. However, psychologists believe that not all forms of “healing” truly address the mental aspects that a person needs. Some focus solely on temporary pleasures like vacationing or shopping, without truly understanding the root causes of their stress. In reality, true healing should involve a process of self-reflection and deeper emotional recovery.

This trend grew rapidly after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people felt bored due to social restrictions. Since 2021, local tourist destinations and urban cafes have begun to use the term “healing spot” to attract visitors who want to “calm themselves.” Now, in almost every major city, the concept of a “healing-friendly” place can be found easily.

According to a NielsenIQ survey (2025), 69% of Indonesian consumers say that emotional and mental health is now more important than it was five years ago. This shows a growing awareness of the importance of life balance. However, on the other hand, the term “healing” is also often exploited commercially by the tourism and lifestyle industries, making it more of a social trend than a genuine psychological need.

Some people consider healing to be a healthy way to maintain mental balance, as long as it is done consciously. However, others see it as a form of temporary escape. For most young people, healing is now more about social experiences and self-expression on social media something that “must be posted” in order to appear happy and stress-free.

Healing culture reflects two sides of the current generation: the need for real mental calm, coupled with the urge to constantly follow social media trends. Perhaps true healing isn't about the place or activity, but about a person's ability to be at peace with themselves without having to prove it through posts.

Source: 

https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/2025/niq-indonesian-consumers-reassess-health-priorities-seek-greater-transparency-support-and-smart-solutions/?

Why Muslims struggle to progress, especially in Indonesia?

 

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October 5, 2025, 20:00

 INSIGHT HARBOR 

Honestly, I am a graduate of an Islamic boarding school, and sometimes I wonder why Muslims in Indonesia the largest Muslim population in the world still find it so difficult to progress. The answer is not always about economics or politics, but about the way of thinking. Many people still believe more in mystical things than in hard work and knowledge. For example, seeking blessings at the graves of holy people, taking “sacred” water that is said to bring good fortune, or believing that certain wells have special powers. Yet Islam itself teaches us to ask directly from Allah, not through objects or places.

This phenomenon can be found in many regions, even in today's digital age. On the one hand, people are diligent in their worship, but on the other hand, they are still easily swayed by irrational beliefs. Ultimately, time and energy are wasted on mystical rituals, rather than on learning, innovating, or working hard. Compare this to other countries where Muslims are a minority or even have no religion, they are able to progress because they think rationally, use science, and are disciplined. Meanwhile, here, many still blame “fate” when life is difficult.

So, actually, what makes it difficult for us to progress is not Islam itself, but the way some people understand Islam. We often forget that Islam is a very logical religion that encourages people to learn and think critically. But if the mindset is still to believe in “blessed water” or “prayers through stones,” when will we ever progress? How can we change? We must start with education and self-awareness. We must return to the basic teachings: tawakal (trust in God) comes after effort, not reliance on mystical things. If this mindset can be changed, I am sure that Indonesian Muslims will be much more advanced and independent.

Especially since there are people who often say,

“The world isn't important, what's important is the afterlife.”

me :  "Aarghhhhhhhhh"

We also have to think rationally!!!