Close Connection

They first met during a gathering between friends at an Italian restaurant now closed. But Eliana Putri Antonio and Syarif Bastaman grew even closer and are still married happily to each other. “It was a happy second chance for both of us,” says Eliana. “You need luck to find your soulmate, sincerity to base the relationship on, and blessing from the One above to help keep it together—especially when your partner had a serious relationship previously.”

Syarif then adds that a marriage is ideally until death doth part, but sometimes there are problems that leave divorce a better choice than lifelong incompatibility and strife. “When it does come to that point, do not be afraid to seek an amicable divorce,” he says. “We need to be honest and to prepare ourselves by learning from past experiences upon coming into a second marriage, which will help achieve a happier union.” As such, amid Syarif ’s busy time running his company and Eliana’s packed schedule in creating jewellery for EPAJEWEL, the two share many sweet moments of togetherness, from a shared hobby of travelling to small daily intimate moments.

“I love our pillow-talk time the most because those moments keep us connected to each other,” Eliana says. “Yes, I’m the type of person who likes to give daily reports,” Syarif chimes in. “I can’t go a day without sharing about the day’s happenings—the whole 100 per cent of all the details and even 101 per cent with all the trimmings.”