The Teacher from Sarawak

Going to school on the other side of the border is a typical phenomenon in border areas.

January 8, 2002

Arnadus quickly pedals his bike when he sees the small boat driver on the Sekayam river wave his hand. It's a signal that the boat's about to leave. Just like Umar Bakrie—the simple teacher in Iwan Fals' song—Arnadus' old bike staggers this way and that, trying to avoid the numerous holes in the narrow path. The aging bike shrieks in protest as Arnadus pushes it to its limit until he finally steps on the rotting brake.

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