Apocalypse Mart

With the growing popularity of Warung Madura (Madura Store), it seems that this phenomenon will become a trend in Indonesia. Everyone has responded positively to its presence due to its affordability. For me, the Madura store has its own charm. I am surrounded by Madura people since my brothers-in-law are Madura. From this closeness, I have gained interesting life perspectives from the Madura community that I can adapt. They are a people who possess a certain level of determination in life because they have a deep faith in their God, who is both friendly and steadfast. Writing the phrase “Open: 24 Hours, Close: Doomsday” on the sign at a Madura store reflects their bond with God. It’s as if they have a guarantee that God will guide them through every step of their lives, even until the end of time. This statement is both humorous and controversial. Yet, it is a reflection of a part of Indonesian society, especially the Madura people. We know that God, the Creator, is the one who designs all fates, but we also feel that God has a unique sense of humor, and God can test or surprise humans in ways that are unexpected.

When I read "Open: 24 Hours, Close: Doomsday," I smiled mischievously and thought about making the opposite story. I believe that if there is a beginning, there must also be an end. For me, doomsday is something inevitable, unlike in Hollywood movies that have been seen before. Because God has a sense of humor, perhaps the onset of the doomsday could start from something small and absurd or something large and serious. Actually, this is a classic story dilemma between control and acceptance. The store in this story is not just a place to survive, but also a metaphor for choices and consequences. We want to control the world around us, but we often forget what is most important in life.