Trying to keep smiling


Striving: Daryanto heading back out to perform again, hoping to earn a little more for the day. Despite his personal losses last year, Daryanto tries to keep smiling. — Photos: Jakarta Post

IN some ways, Daryanto resembles DC Comics’ the Joker, albeit without the violence. His life may seem a tragedy but for him, it’s a comedy. At least, that’s how it came across in the way he smiled while speaking with me.

I met the 25-year-old on the first Sunday of this month at a busy intersection in Cilandak, South Jakarta. It was 3pm and the sun was shining relentlessly. He was standing on the roadside under a traffic light, dressed in a frog costume with a bobbling head, like a life-size localised Kermit the Frog. Clasped in his right hand was a small green basket.

Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Focus

Spa and sleep
The case for investing in care
Young Korean doctors seek plan B: cosmetic dermatology or overseas
‘Friendship marriage’ in Japan
Children of war: Hurt but not broken
How commercialising motherhood is guilt-tripping mums in Indonesia
An elusive club of ‘exes’
No, having kids right now doesn’t make you a ‘moron’
Editorial: AI not possible without the wealth of human knowledge
EU can be China’s more valuable partner

Others Also Read