Naufal, a weary middle-aged Javanese man, comes with the family’s soto bowls, placing them on the table. Ahmad’s parents make conversation with Naudal. Ahmad, who had been playing Nintendo DS, closes the console and gets to his food, and begins to get curious about Naufal’s story.

Here’s your soto, nice and fresh!

Naufal, how are you doing, brother?

And how are the wife and kids back home?

They’re okay, I haven’t had the chance to see them since Lebaran.

They’re back home in Central Java. I usually visit them every few months, but business has been tough lately.

Where do they live?

Sorry to hear that.

Yes, things have been getting harder. Regulations are stricter. Some sellers have gotten sick or old, and can’t take the hard work anymore.

Lebaran: The Muslim festive period

Naufal, a weary middle-aged Javanese man, comes with the family’s soto bowls, placing them on the table. Ahmad’s parents make conversation with Naudal. Ahmad, who had been playing Nintendo DS, closes the console and gets to his food, and begins to get curious about Naufal’s story.

Here’s your soto, nice and fresh!

And how are the wife and kids back home?

Naufal, how are you doing, brother?

They’re okay, I haven’t had the chance to see them since Lebaran.

Where do they live?

They’re back home in Central Java. I usually visit them every few months, but business has been tough lately.

Sorry to hear that.

Yes, things have been getting harder. Regulations are stricter. Some sellers have gotten sick or old, and can’t take the hard work anymore.

Lebaran: The Muslim festive period