Erlina Rakhmawati

An anthology explores the lives of four women as they navigate the societal pressures of womanhood.

Fertility is a complex topic, one that is easily reduced to outdated versions of gender roles and women to women concepts of an identity rooted in motherhood. A stigma around childless women is perhaps most heavily levied upon those who could but who choose to not bear children. kOsOng draws on the experiences of five Indonesian women as they confront this issue within themselves and in their relationships.

Tupiah, a 42-year-old mother who is pregnant with her fifth child, found herself in a remarkable situation one night. With unwavering determination, Tupiah decided to step out to cover her husband's neighbourhood watch duty, as he was unable to fulfil his responsibilities. She brought along some snacks as a token of appreciation for the watchmen stationed at the guard post. To her surprise, when she arrived at the guard post, she didn't encounter the watchmen but rather other mothers who were came also filling in for their husbands. In that unexpected moment, a strong sisterhood blossomed among them as they collectively confronted a thief. Their empathy, courage, and sense of unity were put to the test.