In a time before the internet connected every corner of the
globe, a simpler form of communication was flourishing in small villages: briking.
This term, used to describe amateur radio or intercom-based communication,
created vibrant communities bound together by airwaves. What began as a humble
hobby grew into a popular pastime, influencing social interactions, sparking
innovation, and fostering a unique sense of togetherness among its
participants.
In the 1980s, many Indonesian households lacked access to
modern communication technologies. For families living in remote villages,
televisions were a luxury, and entertainment options were limited. It was in
this context that Basuki Rahmat and many others discovered the joy of briking.
Briking involved using intercoms and radios to
communicate between homes, often over distances of several kilometers. Wires
were strung from house to house, creating a physical network that allowed
people to chat from their own homes. It wasn’t just about the practicalities of
staying in touch—it was about the sheer fun and novelty of talking over the
airwaves.
“I was still in junior high when my father bought me an
intercom set,” recalls Basuki. “I was the youngest breaker at the time,
joining a community where people connected without having to leave their homes.
It was a new and exciting way to stay connected.”
Part of what made briking so special was the language
that developed among its users. Those involved in amateur radio often spoke in
a way that was distinct from their everyday conversations. Terms like break,
roger, and copy became common. Call signs—official names given to
each radio operator—added a layer of identity and pride to the practice.
Members even created their own slang, fostering a unique subculture.
“It was fun to learn the codes and interact using a language
that was different from what we normally used,” Basuki says with a nostalgic
smile.
For many, briking wasn’t just about idle chatter. It
became a platform for sharing knowledge, stories, and even local news. In areas
with limited access to mass media, intercoms became a way to bridge the
information gap. Late-night chat sessions, spontaneous conversations, and
organized events like quizzes or karaoke were common.
In a time when most people relied on face-to-face
interactions, briking provided a new form of social engagement that kept
communities connected, even when they were apart. Whether chatting about local
happenings, providing disaster relief updates, or simply sharing a laugh, the
radio waves were alive with voices.
The spirit of briking was about more than just
technology—it was about the people who kept the practice alive. Basuki and
others like him were active participants in the local amateur radio
communities, volunteering their time and knowledge to help install intercom
networks, assist newcomers, and maintain the equipment.
“It was not uncommon for us to spend days helping a new
breaker set up their system, running cables across rooftops, connecting the
wires. At the end of the day, we’d all sit together, enjoying a meal, sharing
stories. Those were the moments that made it all worthwhile,” Basuki recalls.
By the 1990s, briking had become a widespread
phenomenon, especially in rural areas. It also started having a positive
economic impact. Some, like Basuki, turned their expertise into small
businesses, selling and assembling intercoms at affordable prices. Others
organized briking meetups and events, creating opportunities for
participants to connect in person.
Despite its growth, briking never lost its sense of
community. It remained a grassroots movement, with people using simple tools to
achieve remarkable feats of communication.
While modern communication technologies like smartphones and
the internet have largely replaced briking, for those who experienced
it, the memories remain vivid. Basuki continues to be an active member of the
Radio Antar Penduduk Indonesia (RAPI) organization, keeping the legacy of
amateur radio alive.
“Most of the younger generation today don’t know what briking
is,” Basuki says. “But for those of us who lived through its golden era, it was
more than just a hobby—it was a way of life. We built connections, made
friends, and even helped our communities during emergencies. In its own way, briking
was our version of the internet.”
Though the airwaves may have quieted, the spirit of briking
continues to live on in the hearts of those who embraced it. It represents a
time when technology brought people together, fostering creativity, innovation,
and camaraderie. As the world moves forward, these memories serve as a reminder
that even the simplest tools can have a lasting impact when they’re powered by
the human desire to connect.
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