Family is the heart of a home. Family has different definitions and shapes but they are all alike in the love and loyalty to each other. A roof above your head can be called a house, but the care and joy shared underneath it is what builds a home. Somewhere in the city lives Ibnu, Vienny, and little Asa, a warm family that is the beating heart of the home we’re about to enter.
A light rain started over the city and came pelting down. Even without the sunshine, warmth and coziness still encompass the home of Ibnu, Vienny, and little Asa. We are fortunate to be invited to their home on a rainy Saturday. As soon as we enter, there are hints here and there of a home well-lived. Warm food on the table with little Asa eating, a bowl of freshly cut fruits in the kitchen, bits of toys and books scattered in the living room, slow tempo jazzy tunes humming from the TV⎯ a scene I very much relate to in my living room.
Ibnu and Vienny are no strangers to art. Ibnu is a musician, record producer, creative director, and the vocalist and guitarist in the band Matter Halo. His creative journey began with Matter Halo, an Indonesian musical group that Ibnu co-founded and has evolved through his own studio where he crafts warm and engaging experiences for artists and brands. “Balancing my professional life with my life at home shapes who I am and inspires my work every day,” says Ibnu. Vienny is an interior designer and full-time mother who works in the esteemed Andra Matin Studio. Vienny shares her values of respect for others, truthfulness about her views, goals and intention, and commitment to kindness and calmness as her core values. “I believe in continuous learning and self improvement, striving to be better each day,” Vienny added.
The combination of these two artistic souls can be felt through their home with art dotted around the house. As interesting as their jobs are their approach to life and parenting. Little Asa, the star of the day, the most adorable, warm, friendly little human being, is the center gravitation of their life. Vienny and Ibnu unconventionally don’t use nannies or helpers with little Asa, and it creates a connection between the three of them like no other. Their soothing hums calming Asa; their little teamwork of cooking and getting Asa to eat; and Asa’s little voice calling “Apak” and “Ibu” every 5 minutes to check on them nearby.
NEW CHAPTER: PARENTHOOD
They are blessed with Asa just a couple of months after they wed. This happy surprise was greeted with an eagerness to care and dedicate their time for Asa wholeheartedly. They recalled the first night they went home with Asa from the hospital; it was the first night that they were filled with anxiety and also dopamine rush from pure excitement and love. As clueless as they are on the first night together as a new family, they made it work. Their life together as a family has been a journey of growth, love, and unwavering support. They shared that starting their family earlier than planned brought unexpected challenges.
“We embrace them with our mantra, ‘remember to love.’ This reminds us that even during tough times, our love for each other remains strong, and we always strive for what's best for our family. We want Asa to grow in a home full of love and hope.” — Ibnu & Vienny
As their new chapter as parents begin, it’s amazing how they find ways to fuel their passion everyday. For Ibnu, it’s a mix of simple joys and self-exploration. Ibnu loves doodling in his daily journal about the things that excites him each day, which keeps him grounded and inspired. “Music is another big part of my life; it’s both a source of comfort and a way to explore my own creativity. By staying true to myself, I believe I can be the best version of me and positively impact those around me,” described Ibnu.
For Vienny, she is constantly exploring different activities to discover her true passions. Vienny shares that she is dedicated to personal growth and strives to positively impact everyone around her, especially Asa & Ibnu. Vienny added, “The pride in the woman I become motivates me to contribute meaningfully and align my actions with my values and goals.”
Having to balance work life and family, they try their best to live a slow life. For them living a slow life means embracing mindfulness and being fully present each day. It’s about finding joy in every moment, even on busy or challenging days. They believe by practicing gratitude, it’ll help them see the world differently and start noticing the good things over the bad ones. On most days, while Vienny works and goes to the office three days a week, Ibnu cares for Asa at home, grateful that he’s able to work with flexible hours from his home studio. It was touching to see the bond of how a present father could bring so much security and gentleness seen in Asa.
“RAGAM” of emotions
“Parenthood has taught us that life is full of surprises, especially after having a child. We're dedicated to personal and familial growth, striving to offer the best and be our best selves for Asa. We're committed to listening actively and developing empathy and sympathy, creating a nurturing home filled with love and hope where Asa can grow and flourish.”
“Just as Asa's name means hope, we always wish for the best for our future and those around us. May our days be bright, and may our dreams come true one day! :-)”
The joy and stories of Ibnu and Vienny’s heartwarming household can be seen through their social media account @kakek_____nenek. There, they document their journey such as their trips to the museum or the coziness of their home, which slowly gets filled with the toys and books that Asa loves. In time, this home will change– it will be chaotic at times as Ibnu puts it– but the love will grow, their stories will have all different kinds of emotions, but the memories will stay. I believe the time they willingly sacrifice to put little Asa first will later be their biggest story of success.
