Hello everyone,

My name is Isti, I am from Indonesia and I have been a lurker for this site for almost to years now. I came across this website when I was learning about skepticism and I just could't stop. I was afraid to join because of my limited English and I always think that this is not newbie friendly. Maybe I was wrong.

I am an atheist, and it's not an easy to be atheist in Indonesia. If you're not familiar with Indonesia, it's considered against the law to be an atheist and the religious extremist keeps growing. A man was sent to jail few years ago because he posted an atheism related status on his Facebook. He was charged with religious blasphemy. I only told my close friends about it (and to strangers on the internet).

I just want to say I am so glad to finally find courage to sign up and say something in this website. I hope I can contribute more than just introduction in the future.

I knew LW for quite a while and didn't bother to sign up because I have limited English and there is very high entry barrier for participation here (not newbie friendly). I was pretty much a lurker, until now, when I came across this post.

And Jonathan, this is me Isti, I believe that you are the Jonathan Maddison I met long time ago in Starbucks in a mall in Jakarta at the Jakarta Non Believer group. The bule you were talking has left Indonesia and now currently lives in Minnesota. I am now one of the moderator in Jakarta. I tried to set up an event, but when no one signed up. Later did I know the event was gone. It's nowhere to be found so I gave up. I hang out with people from the Indonesian Atheist, which I also think might be a good place to start.

I will definitely come and will bring friends. RSVP for 2015.

(What are the odds that I found you here, Jonathan?)