Heavy Wave

         Before 1998, Indonesia was in the golden era of its economy. However, when Southeast Asia countries got hit hard by economic crisis in 1997, Indonesia’s economic situation went south. According to the local newspaper in Solo, Indonesia, at that period, Indonesia got the hardest hit by the crisis. It was not only for its economy but also for its political conditions. In addition, the same year in 1997, Indonesia had a presidential election. The party that had ruled for thirty-two years won the election. The same President, President Soeharto, is well-known for his dictatorship and the most corrupt government. During the presidential transformation between 1997-1998, Indonesia’s economy showed a massive decline. There was a rumor spread across Indonesia, that the winner of the Presidential Election was cheating on the election. With all the rumors spreading across Indonesia regarding cheating and corruption along with the economic failure, this made the public and the supporters of the presidential winner upset. As a result, a tremendous riot to overthrow the current government happened during that time. In 1998, Indonesia was in a state of chaos and the economy was crushed. Massive unemployment followed by a high inflation rate and public distrust for the government contributed to the chaos. These short and long-term effects of the economic crisis seeped into all aspects of Indonesia’s economic structures, including my family, my family business, and myself. 

The economy in Indonesia had been slowing down, and my family business went downhill little by little. On top of massive unemployment, the government decided to raise the gasoline price. On the other hand, the rupiah, Indonesia currency, had become weaker. When the currency became weaker this was an indication of inflation. Moreover, the cost of production in my family business tripled compared to before the economic crisis. The prices for almost all of the components needed for the production went up three or four times than usual. These uncertain conditions and the news of rising gasoline prices by the government put the majority of people in Indonesia in difficult circumstances. Their situation was as unsteady as a boat on the heavy waves. Many people panicked and started to stock up essentials and gasoline supplies before the prices went up. Consequently, there was shortage of essentials and gasoline in the market, and it caused all the prices to be more expensive before the gasoline price surged. 

Furthermore, Indonesia’s economic crisis caused financial hardship and ruined my parents’ relationship. My family business barely made enough money to run the business and to provide for my family. There were almost no customers for the business nearly every day. There was no chances for most people in Indonesia to buy other more than bare essentials. Eventually, my parents laid off all their staff because they could not afford their salaries. I still remember vividly when my parents were arguing all the time. The debts, the groceries, the payments for school, and others that needed to be paid were delayed. For this reason, my father was barely at home because he was swamped maintaining the family business by himself. A few years later, my family business was closed permanently. 

If I could turn back time, I would, for my family’s sake. Nevertheless, all these situations made me more resilient and independent, and I became the breadwinner for my family. Regret did not change anything afterward. After I graduated from high school, I decided to go to work instead of going to college to help my parents. My parents had been through a lot of hardship for all those years. It was a hard decision to give up college and look for a job, since I was accepted in one of the good universities in Medan, Indonesia. My parents insisted that I go to college. However, I did not want to burden my parents with expensive college expenses. I eventually moved to Medan, not to go to college but to get a job. I got a job as a sales marketing agent. After a few years of dedication, I got promoted to a better position. Finally, I made a decent income over the years, and I sent some of my income to my parents every month to cover my parents' living expenses. Additionally, I have been able to pay for my siblings' educations, even up to this present.  

In the end, the short and long-term effects of Indonesia’s economic crisis had taught me a lot of lessons. If my family business had not been ruined by the economic crisis in Indonesia in that period, I might not be as resilient and strong as I am today. Perhaps I would never have landed my feet in the United States. Every setback is a setup for a comeback, and now, I come back stronger than before. There is a turning point after a dark situation. In my humble opinion, if someone never gives up in life and is always positive, the challenging situations will bring more opportunities to grow for the better.