“Bilik Migran” is a reflection of those who live a life of minimal choice. Went to the city hoping to find a space that gave the air, but it turns out that living in the city is like taking air into a half-sized lung. Panting. Running away from the crush of life in the village but forced to live and grow in a narrow room without the freedom of hope for a better life. They are urban migrants.

Luckily, every month throughout the year can work assisting household chores. If they were skilled and lucky, they could live almost decently. Oftentimes, however, the choices they have are ‘get nothing at all’ or ‘take anything the employer gives. Although then you have to think further than mathematics and rational economics because what is not enough must be fulfilled.

The children also took their share of going to town. If the number of siblings is more than the number of fingers on one hand, they are entrusted to relatives so that they live a more decent life. But not infrequently when their parents are old or even dead, they are without hope. Living in a village without shelter, so they go to the city, work for their family or relatives. Often a second-class society. They are called “anak tinggal”. Didn’t have many choices. If you are lucky you can change your destiny. Sometimes they are treated far from worthy, but they can’t move. No aim running, no safe place. There is the only acceptance that is fostered from day a day. Often what you do is refrain from dreaming too high.

“This activity was also funded by the International Relief Fund for Organizations in Culture and Education 2021 by the German Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institute and other partners: www.goethe.de/relieffund”