Who am I?

A Sonderer on Merantau

I grew up in the world’s biggest city in the world’s most invisible country.

I am Muslim and Jewish, caught in between millennials and Gen Z, and am both Indonesian and American.

On my mother’s side, I hail from Sumatra, where the tradition of merantau is legendary.

We are known for traversing the archipelago, and the world—finding opportunity and defining our lives—on the way, in between—as lifelong sonderers.

My existence has always left me uneasy—an experience that is universal but unique in it’s context to each one of us.

Writing allows me to confront dogma and give shape to my universe.

I came into writing a little sideways on my own merantau.

It was events back home, growing pains here, and the passing of family that pushed me to commit to creative work, which I had always been interested in but afraid to dive into—now, here I am.

“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” - Chinua Achebe

In 2025, I completed my first manuscript, The Most Gentle People, which is currently under consideration by several publishers (stay tuned).

In addition to writing books (I am working on my second one, now!) I am the author of Indo Nesos, a bi-weekly newsletter about Indonesian culture, history, and current events; I also contribute to other outlets (I will be featured in Slant’d Magazine’s 7th Edition); and, lastly, I work on other projects on an ad hoc basis.

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Outside of creative work, I’ve also built a career working in the business of sports and entertainment. I’ve worked at the collegiate and professional team level, at a top Hollywood agency, and for two premier sports leagues. If you’re interested in working with me, click here to learn more.