Sejoli Sejauh: Desy & Brian

Desy Fatmala Makhmud and Brian Bima Toro Yudi Hendrawan share a story of long-distance devotion that began in 2014. What started as brief text messages gradually evolved into a deeper connection, despite being separated by different islands—Desy in Takengon, Central Aceh, and Brian in Jakarta. Their first in-person meeting took place in 2015 on Desy’s campus in Jakarta, after which Brian returned to his work in Ambon.

For nearly eight years, they maintained their bond through occasional visits and ongoing communication. They navigated limited opportunities to meet, sharing everyday stories and discussing future possibilities, yet allowing room for each other’s personal lives. In October 2021, they held an engagement ceremony, followed by their wedding on July 18, 2022.

A special moment in their journey was choosing the Kebaya Panjang Ombak Laut and Long Sleeve Shirt Ombak Laut from Sejauh Mata Memandang for one of their wedding occasions. Desy first learned about Sejauh Mata Memandang from the film “Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2” and was drawn to how the brand cares for the environment through various initiatives. Desy and Brian felt it was meaningful to wear pieces that embody respect for nature, making their celebration feel even more personal.

Desy believes in buying clothes and other items thoughtfully, prioritizing what she truly needs to minimize waste. She applies a “one in, one out” rule, passing on older clothing to someone else who might need it rather than letting it sit unused. She also admires people like Rara Sekar and Soraya Cassandra, who emphasize the importance of growing one’s own food and recognizing nature’s potential—ideas that align well with Desy’s background in landscape architecture.

As for #SejauhManaKamuPeduli, Desy and Brian start with simple steps, such as cutting back on single-use plastics, gathering rainwater for practical household needs, and promoting environment-based designs in their work. For them, each small habit is part of a bigger commitment to caring for each other and for the Earth.