Afternoon in Aceh, Night in Jakarta

That afternoon, the sky over Banda Aceh was a bright, clear blue as I prepared to fly to Jakarta. I felt a mix of emotions—tired yet excited, nervous yet curious. As the plane took off, it carried with it my longing, and the anticipation of experiencing the bustling rhythm of the capital city.

Several hours later, night had already fallen when the plane’s wheels touched the runway at Soekarno-Hatta. Jakarta greeted me with the glittering lights of the city, like a sea of stars scattered across the ground. From the airport, I headed straight to the city center, eager to enjoy my first night around the iconic HI Roundabout.

When I arrived, the atmosphere was busy, yet it felt so alive. The fountain at Bundaran HI reflected the glow of tall buildings, creating a breathtaking view I couldn’t forget. At one corner of the sidewalk, there was a small coffee vendor with simple plastic stools.

I sat down and ordered a cup of hot black coffee. The steam rose gently into the Jakarta night air. The taste was bitter and warm—perfect to accompany my tired body after a long journey. From where I sat, I watched cars passing by, tourists taking photos, and groups of young people laughing together by the roadside.

Even though it was just a simple cup of coffee on the sidewalk, there was a calmness that I couldn’t quite explain. It was like a small pause I needed to remind myself how precious life really is. I spent that night staring at Bundaran HI, sipping a humble cup of coffee—a small reward after a long journey from Aceh.