Indonesia Expat - Issue 163

I S S U E N O . 16 3 | 6 – 19 A P R I L 2 0 16

J A K A R TA • J AVA • B A L I • L O M B O K • K A L I M A N TA N • S U M AT R A • S U L AW E S I • W E S T PA P U A

W W W . I N D O N E S I A E X P A T. B I Z

LEADING LAMUDI: STEVEN GHOOS

INVEST IN PROPERTY IN INDONESIA

JAKARTA'S PROPERTY RENTAL SCAMMERS TRAVEL TO SUMBAWA

TERRORISM IN SULAWESI'S POSO DISTRICT

THE PROPERTY ISSUE

issue 163 Indonesia expat

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Indonesia expat issue 163

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Letter from the Editor

Editor in Chief

Angela Richardson angela@indonesiaexpat.biz

Dear Readers,

Management

Edo Frese edo@indonesiaexpat.biz

Editorial Assistant

Caranissa Djatmiko letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

Sales & Advertising

Dian Mardianingsih (Jakarta) Ervina Tambun (Jakarta) Yongky Dhanunalendra (Bali) ads@indonesiaexpat.biz

Distribution & Admin

Juni Setiawan admin@indonesiaexpat.biz

Graphics

Frederick Ng

Finance

Lini Verawaty finance@indonesiaexpat.biz

Contributors

Cecillia Bae Andrzej Barski Stephanie Brookes Karen Davis Heru Nainggolan Lina Natalia Grace Susetyo May Tien Kenneth Yeung

Editorial Enquiries

letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

This issue we focus on property, a hot topic if the number of developments going up in the capital is anything to go by. Where I live in Jakarta, my apartment building is surrounded by not one, not two, but three property developments, skyscrapers towering above in nearly every direction you turn. In the evenings, I can hear the clanging of progress as I watch in awe the speed at which buildings are erected.

expose scammers in the rental market who have been targeting expats in Jakarta in Scams in the City. Please do read this, especially if you are currently on the lookout for property to rent in the capital.

In our Feature Story, we side step our theme and take a closer look at Central Sulawesi’s Poso District, an area undergoing a guerrilla war, rife with radical Muslim terrorists for many years. Heru Nainggolan takes a look at the history of violence in the area, and explores how authorities believe they are closing in on the terrorist group’s leader. We advise avoiding visiting Poso regency at this time for safety reasons.

We talk about investing in, buying and renting property, and we meet some expat business leaders in this industry, including Steven Ghoos, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Lamudi Indonesia, part of the Rocket Internet family.

Steven Ghoos finds this industry a thrill to work in because he believes, “Buying property is a very important decision, involving both rational and emotional aspects.”

Indonesia recently made it easier to invest in property, by getting rid of the double taxation rule on Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) trading. Lina Natalia explains how this bid aims to attract more business to the local property market, and speaks to industry giant Lippo

Group, which plans to make use of this new policy.

We do hope you enjoy this issue, and always remember to act rationally when investing in property!

Angela Richardson

We discuss the legal ways expats can own land and property in Indonesia, as written

by Andrzej Barski, an expat in Bali who has experience working in this industry. We also

Subscriptions

subscriptions@indonesiaexpat.biz

Events

events@indonesiaexpat.biz

Published by

PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia Alamanda Tower 25th floor Jl. T.B Simatupang kav 23–24 Jakarta 12430 T: 021 2965 7821 F: 021 2965 7821 Office hours: 09.00–17.00 Monday–Friday Indonesia Expat is published bi-weekly by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia. Opinions Expressed in this publication are those of the writers and the publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors, ommisions, or complaints arising there from.

No parts of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part, in print or electronically without permission of the publisher. All trademarks, logos, brands and designs are copyright and fully reserved by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia.

Letters from the Readers

I read your article on the permanent stay permit for foreigners (KITAP), entitled ‘The Phenomenon of the KITAP’ with interest.

I first came across this particular article on your Facebook page and noticed that it sparked quite a reaction from many readers, predominately expats. As an American expat married to an Indonesian lady, I have been through the KITAP application process myself, without an agent, and paid only Rp.5 million for the entire process. Like so many other readers, I wonder how agents can charge up to Rp.45 million for something that I can prove only costs a fraction of that cost?

I think people should be made aware of the alternative of obtaining a KITAP without an agent, which of course requires a lot more time and patience, and many more trips to your local immigration office, but could save you up to Rp.40 million! A good place to start would be by booking an appointment to talk to the NGO Perkawinan Campur (PerCa), who will be able to give you free advice, although donations are welcomed, and enlighten you on the paperwork you will need to prepare to begin your application process.

Other than that, I really enjoy your publication and find the articles you publish interesting and insightful.

Printed by

Jonathan (South Jakarta)

On The Cover

Construction in Jakarta's Mega Kuningan district.

By Vaibhav Mane.

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Issue 163

Contents 06 08 10 12 14

Feature Story

US Cooperates with National Police to Arrest Terrorist Leader in Sulawesi

Expat Business Featured Indonesia Just Made It Easier to Invest in Property, No More Double Taxation on REIT Trading Business Profile Lamudi: The Online Property Giant Meet the Expat Gary Joy: Property Matters

Expat Lifestyle Food and Drink W & S: Veni, Vidi Vino! I Came, I Saw, I Wine!

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Property Ladder Property Nightmare or Sound Investment?

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Travel Stunning Sumbawa

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Scams in the City Property Pitfalls

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Meet the Expat Jane Hawkins aka Jungle Jane: Living Light

Expat Outreach

The Environment Edge of the Ocean: Local Narratives of Marine Conservation in Raja Ampat

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Worthy Causes Architecture that Preserves Megacity Slums

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Announcements

25

Observations An Appeal for Neil and Ferdinant

26 27 28

Events Business Directory Classifieds

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US Cooperates with National Police to Arrest Terrorist Leader in Sulawesi Indonesia’s military has been fighting a guerrilla war with Muslim radicals in Sulawesi for years. Officials claim to be closing in on the group's leader.

BY HERU NAINGGOL AN

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

W

hat most people know about Sulawesi is that the island has breathtaking sights and a host of natural wonders. What they’re less likely to know is that the island is also the setting of a long-standing guerrilla war between the Indonesian military and a group of Muslim radicals. Skirmishes involving shootings, bombings and kidnappings have been going on for more than five years in the Poso region of Sulawesi. Now at the centre of the fight is a man named Santoso, Indonesia’s most wanted terrorist fugitive, and the country’s most high-profile supporter of the Islamic State (IS) movement.

“He is important, symbolically, as the only ‘commander’ who is actively engaged in a jihad on Indonesian soil,” says Sidney Jones, director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, in an interview with Indonesia Expat. “He managed to provide rudimentary military training to more than 100 would-be terrorists between 2011 and 2014.”

Santoso calls himself the “head of the army of IS in Indonesia”, as he was one of the first Indonesians to declare allegiance to the caliphate in early July 2014. However, his interest in ISIS is less ideological than

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instrumental. Santoso reportedly believes the link to the IS movement will get him more men and funds for his home-grown terrorist group, Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT), which has become something of an umbrella group for most local militants to rally behind in Indonesia.

The group is believed to be behind several attacks on police officers in Poso and other parts of Central Sulawesi in recent years. While terrorism experts say MIT is still some time away from becoming an organized group, its connections and Santoso’s extremist aspirations are troubling to authorities, with the number of casualties increasing.

“The number of people he or his men have killed in this period is probably about 20, most of them police,” says Jones.

Realizing the potential threat of MIT, the US targeted the group with sanctions last September over its alleged links to ISIS. Last Tuesday, the US State Department added Santoso to its list of specially designated global terrorists, freezing any US assets he may have had, and barring any American citizen from becoming affiliated with him.

“As a result of this designation, all property subject to US jurisdiction in which Santoso has any interest is blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with Santoso,” the US government said in a statement.

The inclusion of Santoso on the list allows American law enforcement officials to take action if needed, and thereby teamup with their Indonesian counterparts to disrupt Santoso’s operation. The US says the designation enables “coordinated action across the US government and with our international partners to disrupt the activities of terrorists, including by denying them access to the US financial system, and enabling US law enforcement actions.”

In response to Washington’s move, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir says the US is entitled to its appraisal of the Poso terrorist, signalling the archipelago’s own interest in seeing Santoso brought to justice.

“Our National Police have been serious in their pursuit and detention of terrorist suspects in Indonesia; the hunt [for terrorists] commenced long before [the label] and will continue to be pursued,” Nasir told the media.

Nasir adds that Jakarta will still need to verify the US State Department’s mechanisms for labelling Santoso a global threat, but he was sure that the decision was sound.

The manhunt for Santoso and his followers is still ongoing, with at least 2,500 military and National Police personnel deployed since January. National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti claims the target, believed to be in hiding in forests of Poso, is within their reach.

“His arrest is only a matter of time,” Haiti recently told The Jakarta Post, adding that the number of soldiers is sufficient, and their strategies are appropriate to confront Santoso’s guerrilla group. However, the police chief says the difficulty in arresting Santoso sits in geographical challenges.

He said, “We have also been hampered by the weather as it rains every day there.”

He added that the manhunt is also a race against time, as Santoso could gain more followers in the near future. Currently, the National Police estimates Santoso has only around 38 followers. Haiti claims that several recent arrests might lead the group to bring on new people. “Many Santoso followers have been arrested,” he said.

Heru Nainggolan is a Jakarta-based freelance writer and journalist that's been covering a variety of issues since 2011.

Skirmishes involving shootings, bombings, and kidnappings have been going on for more than five years in the Poso region of Sulawesi.

U.S. Army photo courtesy of 25th Combat Aviation Brigade

“It is likely that the group will recruit new members.”

According to Jones, Santoso had been able to recruit several Uighurs (indigenous Muslim people from Northwest China) to support his movement. “The most interesting thing about his operation is the fact that several Uighurs have joined him; the result of an agreement between Indonesians fighting with ISIS in Syria and Uighurs, whom they apparently met there. The agreement was to try and divert some of the thousands of Uighurs fleeing Xinjiang through Southeast Asia (they all want to get to Turkey from Malaysia) to Poso to strengthen Santoso's personnel,” says Jones.

So far, six ethnic Uighurs have joined Santoso. Two of them, Mus’ab and Faruq Magalasi, were killed during a shootout in Poso in mid-March. The police recently put four more Chinese Uighurs on their latest most-wanted list after determining they had joined MIT. Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Rudy Sufahriadi says that the manhunt has succeeded in cornering Santoso and his group. He claims the group is down in numbers after the military killed and

arrested several of its key members.

Reports also suggest the group is running out of supplies.

Sufahriadi says the joint operation has intensified its search for the group's hideout in Poso forests, focusing the search on Napu Valley, a location around three hours from the provincial capital of Palu.

During the manhunt that began in January, officials searched Torire Mountain in the Lore Peore sub-district and Talabose Mountain in the Central Lore sub-district.

Indonesia’s most wanted terrorist fugitive, and the country’s most high-profile supporter of the Islamic State (IS) movement, Santoso (in the middle) threatening the police through a YouTube video.

While Santoso and his group’s arrest may indeed only be a matter of time, Jones believes the MIT group poses no greater threat to Indonesia than other militant groups.

“The guerrillas pose no [immediate] threat to Indonesia [in general], and if the police managed to arrest Santoso tomorrow, it would not greatly lower the risk of terrorism,” says Jones. According to her, people should be more concerned with other local ISIS leaders.

She adds, “More terrorist attacks in Indonesia are likely, as local ISIS leaders compete at home and abroad to establish their supremacy. In particular, a trio of

Indonesians based with ISIS in Syria – Bahrumsyah (alias Abu Ibrahim), Salim Mubarok (alias Abu Jandal), and Bahrun Naim – are competing with each other

to encourage their contacts in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines to undertake attacks against enemies of the self-declared caliphate.” issue 163 Indonesia expat

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EXPAT BUSINESS FEATURED

Courtesy of BxHxTxCx

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Indonesia expat issue 163

Lina Natalia is a Jakarta-based freelance journalist covering a variety of issues related to business, news, culture, and economic policy. For more information, visit www.contentcollision.co.

The government has removed double taxation on Real Estate Investment Trust securities in a bid to attract more investors to the local property game.

BY LINA NATALIA

The Indonesian government launched an interesting economic policy package in October 2015. But not many realized the significance. The package removed double taxation for any investor putting money into a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) via the collective investment contract (CIC) system.

For those who are less savvy with property lingo, REIT is a term used to describe a company that owns, and in most cases, operates income-producing real estate.

REITs can be publicly traded on major stock exchanges.

Investors receive special tax considerations and typically high dividend yields. Similar to the way limited partners are treated at a venture capital firm, the CIC system lets investors pool funds into a ‘collective investment vehicle’ (CIV) rather than investing directly into real estate projects individually.

Previously, the government taxed investors twice for investing in property this way. Before the package was issued, the method was painful in Indonesia because backers were forced to hand over tax money on their dividends, but also on their activities, as the CIV was considered a corporate body in and of itself.

This is no longer the case, however, as the government has decided to simply apply a single taxation to investors who go through collective investment vehicles. Following the announcement, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said the government considered the collective investment contract and the collective investment vehicle to now be one single entity. At present, a singular tax rule should allow the REIT market to better flourish in Jakarta, and hopefully attract new investors.

"There will be no taxes collected on the dividends paid by the special purpose company to CIC investors,” said Brodjonegoro during a press conference. “If an underlying asset sale occurs through the special purpose company, no tax will be charged either.”

Executive Director of Jakarta-based real estate consultant firm Indonesia Property Watch, Ali Tranghanda appreciates the package, as REIT trading is already common in countries like Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia.

"REIT is an important instrument to collect cheap money from the stock market in many countries. Indonesia has 'Ciptadana' as one of its REITs, but the security was burdened with double taxation until recently," Tranghanda tells Indonesia Expat.

In Indonesia, REIT securities have so far only reached Rp.500 billion (US$37.65 million) in value. This is far less than in Malaysia, where they have reached US$7.53 billion.

Singapore recently clocked REIT securities at around US$45 billion. Indonesia, according to Tranghanda, will soon catch up with – or even overtake – Malaysia in terms of its property market size, likely due to more activity in the REIT market.

"REIT is a kind of investment in real estate, but it will not necessarily increase the property price. The new policy on REITs could even decrease mortgage interest from 12 percent to 8 or 9 percent. This will surely give more advantages to developers and customers alike," says Tranghanda.

Big developers are excited too. Following the announcement, real estate giant Lippo Group is planning to enjoy the policy. Currently, Lippo has two real estate investment trusts, together worth around US$2.57 billion on the Singapore Exchange.

The conglomerate plans to soon put one on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. CEO James Riady made no secret of saying the firm was taking this step to benefit from local tax incentives, specifically the recent removal of double taxation on REITs. "If we do not develop REITs, funding for future property projects will be difficult. These developments are very important decisions. We are expecting Lippo can manage the REITs, which may be worth over Rp.100 trillion (US$ 7.53 billion) within three to four years," Riady recently told The Jakarta Post.

Apart from Lippo, a mysterious conglomerate from Saudi Arabia will invest in Indonesia’s property and industry sectors. In early March, Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Franky Sibarani said the firm was the fifth largest company from Saudi Arabia, and that it was slated to visit sometime in March to study the investment plan.

"Indonesia is one of its primary target countries for investment. The opportunity is very real and they are very committed. If all goes well, this could be a golden opportunity of getting more investors from the Middle East to put their money in Indonesia," Sibarani said in a statement. While the firm’s name remains off the record, Sibarani claims the owner of the company is one of the richest men in Saudi Arabia, with a total wealth of US$1.4 billion.

Tranghanda is also optimistic about the outlook of Indonesia’s property sector thanks to favourable economic packages and recent infrastructure developments.

"Indonesia Property Watch calculated a growth of 16.6 percent in the local real estate sector in the last quarter of 2015. We predict in the second semester of this year, that growth will continue,” he says. “But the government has to reduce the acquisition cost of land and buildings to 1 percent [of their overall value]. It must also bring the income tax on real estate to 0.5 percent before the end of the first semester to attract more investors. At least five big property companies in Indonesia are ready to jump into REIT trading.”

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo signed a government regulation in December 2015 that allows foreigners who hold stay permits to buy certain forms of housing on a “right of use” basis. Expats can buy homes on state-owned or freehold land for an 80-year total term. Should the expat owner pass away, the home can be inherited by surviving heirs who also hold stay permits in Indonesia.

However, it’s important to note that without the right to own the land on which a home sits, foreigners should really think twice about buying a house in Indonesia. As per the regulation, you’re not really buying anything, but instead merely renting a home for 80 years. Future generations of your family may run into trouble later on. Also, should the government decide it has other plans for that particular piece of land, a foreigner homeowner would surely wind up in a weak negotiating position.

"It's usually not because of the foreign ownership rules that foreigners come to Indonesia in the first place,” clarifies Tranghanda. “Even without the law, they keep coming here anyway because they often have business in the country.

The law simply gives expats the 'right to use’ the property, not 'right to own.’”

The new law is intended to provide more legal certainty for foreigners who own residences. But still, overseas foreigners would be unable to buy property as an investment, as the regulation specifically requires them to live in Indonesia and have local business interests. In effect, this makes REIT trading a far more attractive way for expats to buy into Indonesia’s property game from abroad.

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EXPAT BUSINESS BUSINESS PROFILE

LAMUDI

The Online Property Giant

BY ANGEL A RICHARDSON

Lamudi is an online portal that connects property seekers with property suppliers, from land to residential and commercial, generating tens of thousands of leads every month. Present in 34 countries, the company has over 600 employees and funding of €55 million. Lamudi is part of the Rocket Internet family, known for sites such as Zalora and Lazada, and is backed by investor Oreedoo. We discuss the recovery of Indonesia’s property industry and the ins and outs of this growing enterprise with Managing Director and Co-Founder, Steven Ghoos.

high quality listings and from responsive agents; set up processes and develop solutions so that property seekers can find their dream home; build up our agent network and maintain relationships with our clients such as big property developers; make sure that we offer solutions to customers that are effective in generating leads; implement branding activities – all of which is achieved by our strong local team. Our product development and online marketing is done centrally in our Berlin head office.

Since Lamudi entered the Indonesian market in 2014, you’ve seen over a 700 percent property listing growth. How has this been achieved?

In Indonesia, it is not difficult to amass many listings. The challenge lies in collecting good quality updated listings from agents that are responsive to inquiries from property seekers. That is why we focus on good processes to make sure that we have the best listings in the industry, and work with the best agents only who respond fast and properly to inquiries from property seekers.

You co-founded Lamudi Indonesia. What attracted you to enter this emerging market?

Indonesia has a big potential, with the fourth largest population in the world and an economy that is still emerging. In terms of online, there are huge prospects as the Internet penetration rate is high and still growing (over 100 million people online in 2016).

What does your job as Managing Director entail?

I ensure the website is working well, with

What does your website offer users that other property listing sites don’t?

General feedback from our customers is that the leads provided through online portals do not usually have high quality.

Therefore, we created a system through which we pre-screen leads that are generated through online marketing, to make sure that they are high quality before we send these leads to our key customers and provide these property seekers with relevant property suggestions.

Also, we started providing differentiated online and offline marketing services to our key clients, to create customized campaigns for their property projects. As such, we offer services that a digital agency would do, but tailored to the property market from our experience and focus.

How does your online portal generate revenue?

Through listing fees and customized marketing services.

Can you share your thoughts on the property market in Indonesia at the moment?

2015 was not a good year for the property industry in Indonesia, and so far in 2016 there has been no improvement. The main obstacles are the high property taxes and the general lull in the economic situation, which makes people or investors wait to buy. We do see a rising trend in the lowand medium-income segment, with many government measures to support this rising middle class. Also, there are some areas that are in higher demand than central Jakarta, such as Tangerang, as the prices are not as high and the traffic situation is better.

Are you noticing any trends in your industry?

Online marketing is definitely growing in Indonesia. We see that the traditional solutions with marketplaces to put listings are not sufficient, and the industry, with Lamudi at its forefront, is creating better solutions to target better and provide better quality. We believe in a simple but user-friendly experience, while leveraging the existing online channels – Facebook, Google, Trovit, etc. – to improve the marketing effectiveness.

Which is more popular at the moment – renting or buying?

Buying. Renting (and also high rise) is still not as commonplace as in developed economies. However, there is a growing trend recently towards more renting and high rise, with the more educated young generation looking for more flexible and close-to-work housing solutions.

Are there areas in Indonesia that are attracting more property developers than others?

Some areas are Batam and Bintan, which are close to Singapore and to Jakarta at the same time.

BUSINESS SNIPPETS

Israel calls on normalizing ties with Indonesia

SOURCE

THE TIMES OF ISR AEL

As Israel increasingly looks to the East for security and trade cooperation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week called for the establishment of official diplomatic relations with the world’s most populous Muslim country.

and his bid to foster deeper ties with moderate Arab states and Asian economic powerhouses. However, Jakarta is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and is not thought to be considering upping its relationship with Jerusalem.

“It’s time for there to be official relations between Indonesia and Israel. We have many opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially in the fields of water technology and high-tech,” he told a visiting delegation of Indonesian journalists on March 28.

Netanyahu said the fostering of ties would come as part of shifting allegiances driven by anti-terror efforts and economic factors, hailing growing yet secret ties between Israel and the Arab world.

The brokering of ties with Indonesia and its population of some 250 million Muslims would be a major coup for Netanyahu 10

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“It’s time to change our relationship, because the reasons preventing it are no longer relevant,” he said, adding that Jerusalem and Jakarta were “allies” against the common threat of terrorism.

The prime minister told the delegation – visiting Israel as guests of the Foreign Ministry – “I have quite a few Facebook friends who are Indonesian.”

In recent years, Indonesia and Israel have signed a number of trade agreements aimed at encouraging the flow of goods between the two countries.

Indonesia exported over US$100 million worth of goods to Israel in 2015 and imported nearly US$80 million in goods from Israel.

According to a 2014 BBC poll, approximately 75 percent of Indonesians hold a negative view of Israel.

Tell us a bit about your mobile application. How many downloads have you had?

Mobile is very important for Indonesia, as most of the population will own a smartphone but no computer. That is why, since the beginning, we focused on developing our app. Right now we have more than 1 million people who have downloaded our app, either on iOS or Android.

How many unique visitors come to your website monthly and what are their demographics?

More than 500,000 monthly visitors, equally distributed between male and female. About 40 percent are between 25 to 34 years of age, with 80 percent between 18 to 44 years of age.

Lamudi Indonesia now has two offices, in Jakarta and Surabaya. Do you have plans to expand further?

Other key markets with our presence are Bandung and Bali. Besides these, we focus on other growth markets such as Makassar, Medan and Balikpapan. But our biggest market is Jabodetabek, which includes the regions around Jakarta that are currently being developed, such as Tangerang.

Lamudi partners with top agencies such as LJ Hooker and Harcourts. How does this B2B relationship work?

From the agency side, they introduce Lamudi online marketing solution to their agents, so that they become members of our platform. From our side we propose a good offer to market the agents’ listings online, while also educating and training the agencies on how to use online for more effective leads generation. There is still a long way to go to reap the full benefits from online marketing, but steadily we create more awareness through gatherings, training sessions and special competitions where the agents can win prizes for their efforts.

What are your targets for 2016?

Establishing ourselves as the preferred partner for our key customers and major developers in Indonesia. Since the market is a bit down at the moment, we want to

differentiate by providing innovative solutions that create value to our partners and customers. For property seekers, we want not only to become the marketplace with the most high-quality options, but also ensure that we provide the right suggestions for them.

You publish a quarterly magazine entitled Property Now. Your latest issue discusses the sustainable home. Is this something that is becoming more and more important in Indonesia?

We see that big developers are becoming more aware of the sustainability notion, also as a way to differentiate themselves from competitors. With current congestion and pollution in Jakarta, needless to say this could be a good strategy and attractive to potential property buyers. Hopefully the government will pick up on this also to create special measures for such efforts, as this is a longer-term focus that typically needs support from the government in the interest of the general public and tomorrow’s children of the nation.

You’re optimistic about Indonesia’s property market. Why is that?

Personally, I believe it will take some time for the property market to re-bounce, but the future property growth will be driven by the domestic rising middle class and sustained by a more diversified economy.

Hopefully the government can be more flexible on the taxation of high end property in the meantime, to ensure that enough players will be around for when the time comes to build those houses for the middle class. We saw in the past that it was a similar mistake not to develop more road and transportation infrastructure to anticipate future needs, of which we now all feel the consequences.

What excites you about working in the property industry?

Buying property is a very important decision, involving both rational and emotional aspects. This makes it dynamic and challenging. It is also very pleasant to work with property business partners who co-shaped this country.

To get in touch, e-mail steven.ghoos@lamudi.co.id or wecare@lamudi.co.id.

Visit www.lamudi.co.id for more information.

Telkom to bring Netflix rival to Indonesia SOURCE

THE JAK ARTA POST

State-owned telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) has announced plans to bring on-demand video streaming service, Hooq, to Indonesia in April.

The plan was initiated after the company blocked Netflix, the US-based video streaming service, from its platforms in January. The company operates a tripleplay service of landline phones, high speed internet, and pay TV services under the name of IndiHome.

"Hooq will enter the Indonesian market in April 2016," said Telkom's innovation director Indra Utoyo as quoted by Kontan.

co.id on Monday, adding that the plan had yet to be finalized.

Hooq is a joint-venture involving Singaporebased Singapore Telecommunication Limited, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. It has more than 10,000 movies in its directories, comprising Hollywood and Bollywood movies, and also Thai horror movies.

It is currently available in countries such as Thailand, Philippines and India, but is far behind Netflix, which operates in 190 countries. In Indonesia, it has been running a Twitter account since August 2015.

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EXPAT BUSINESS MEET THE EXPAT

Gary, how did your Indonesia journey begin?

My journey to Indonesia started one fateful evening when I was working at an investment company late at night. I caught my reflection in the window and I knew I hated what I was doing with my life. I quit my job the next day, and joined an international school in the UK which then transferred me to Indonesia. I have not looked back since!

MEET GARY JOY

Property Matters Gary Joy is originally from Bournemouth, a seaside town on the south coast of England.

In January, he founded Let’s Move Indonesia (LMI), an online property portal which focuses on the user’s needs. Currently LMI are running a successful referrals system, which claims to be “the easiest money you will ever make”.

When was LMI founded and for what reason?

LMI was officially launched in January 2016, although it had been something I had wanted to do for a while. In 2013 I tried to find an apartment in Jakarta; I used all the available websites and agencies, and simply put, they didn’t offer a good enough service.

Information was not updated, the website functionalities didn’t work, the service was average at best and I wasted a lot of time and energy. Flash forward to 2015 and once again I couldn’t find a reliable website. I knew then that someone had to change it, so I founded LMI with the objective of providing the most complete property portal.

Your company offers free property-related advice. What are the main questions that you get asked?

One of the most common questions we receive is about land and development.

Lots of Indonesians have land they want to develop, but do not know how. We work with some local companies who help people evaluate their land and build something new.

When designing and creating LMI we listened to what our users wanted, and studied the most successful real estate websites in the world. We are proud to have created the most interactive and professional property website in Indonesia.

If any of our users want free, no obligation advice about anything property related, we can refer you to some of the most reliable and professional companies in Indonesia.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about getting on the property ladder here in Indonesia?

Do your research! Indonesians tend to get their mortgage financing from their bank or a developer. Ask around, check other banks and make sure you are getting the best rate available. LMI hopes to have an in-house finance team before the end of 2016, whereby we will offer free advice on all financial products. Watch this space.

Where is your ‘property of the week’ currently?

Currently our property of the week is a stunning penthouse in the Verde development in Kuningan, pictured below. It really is a fantastic property.

Everyone at out office wants to live there!

What three words would you use to describe the property industry in Indonesia right now?

Exciting, experimental and intriguing.

Do you think the property bubble could burst?

Having been a sub-prime mortgage advisor in the UK in 2008, I have already worked and lived through a property burst. Of course, things will change in Indonesia, they cannot continue exactly as they are, but for those who play the game smart there will always be opportunities. My advice would be to never over commit yourself and you should be relatively safe.

What about in Bali - will prices continue to rise?

The prices cannot continue to rise as rapidly as they have in recent years. I predict numbers will steadily increase, but not at the phenomenal rate they have been.

We have also become the home of serviced offices and can help our users find office space throughout Indonesia.

You pride yourself on being an Indonesian company. Why do you think this is important in your industry?

In a country where local businesses have traditionally been taken advantage of by international companies, our aim is to promote Indonesian business and provide professional standards. We appreciate the power of local expertise and we work closely with Indonesian companies offering a range of services. LMI has sought out the best relocation, financial, legal, removal and construction companies for our users, so they do not have to waste their time searching for advice.

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How do you ensure the agents you use are legitimate?

All the property on our website is promoted and sold by our own agents and affiliate partners. We also introduced a first to Indonesia property websites, by allowing our users to rate the performance of our agents to ensure all agents were giving professional service.

What makes LMI different?

We are quickly becoming the trendsetters of the property market and offer many firsts to Indonesia, all aimed at making our users’ lives easier. Our main business is real estate – both new developments and secondary homes in Jakarta – but we are expanding our range and reach rapidly.

What are you responsible for at LMI? I meet all the new developments, serviced office managers and affiliate partners we have in place. I valuate properties, manage the website, clean the office, write articles, manage the social media; you name it, no job is too big or too small. I believe in leading by example and hope I can encourage others around me to take pride and ownership in everything they do.

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How does one become an agent of LMI? To become an agent of LMI you need to be proactive, enthusiastic, likeable and professional. We provide extensive training with all agents to ensure professional standards. To join us, one would need to send their CV and cover letter to joinus@ letsmoveindonesia.com.

“If you refer a property to us and we are successful at listing and selling or renting it, we will pay you a 10 percent commission from any agent’s fee we receive.”

Can you walk us through your referrals scheme and how it could benefit the general public?

It is very simple. If you refer a property to us and we are successful at listing and selling or renting it, we will pay you a 10 percent commission from any agent’s fee we receive. It is quite literally the easiest money you will ever make. This strategy has been very successful for everyone involved.

What would you like to see improve in terms of the property industry in Indonesia?

I think more emphasis should be placed on property developers to make sure the surrounding areas are sufficient to handle their new developments. More often than not, new builds are created with little consideration for how this will affect traffic and the local environment.

Do you see yourself staying in Indonesia for the long term?

I do; although my ultimate dream would be to move to Bali so I can be closer to the sea.

What important life lessons have you learned from your time as an Indonesian expat?

Patience was never a virtue I possessed.

I used to think things could only work my way or not at all. Living in Indonesia and seeing the resourcefulness of the Indonesian people has really opened my eyes about how to do things differently.

Our website really is testament to that statement and this is evident in our products and services which we offer.

To get in touch, e-mail: info@letsmoveindonesia.com or call +62 (021) 8063 1916

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EXPAT LIFESTYLE FOOD AND DRINK May Tien is an award-winning home cook and champion of dispersive cuisines.

VENI, VEDI VINO!

I Came, I Saw, I Wine!

A South Jakarta hot spot for oenophiles and foodies

BY MAY TIEN

Tucked neatly away at the end of a long hall of cafes and restaurants at the openair Cilandak Town Square (aka CITOS) is an expansive bottle shop and full-service restaurant aptly named W&S (Wine & Spirits). The moment you walk into the space it’s as if you have entered Jakarta’s take on the foodie Mecca Dean and Deluca, but in this instance, for all things wine and spirits related. The smooth lines and whitetiled walls are even strangely reminiscent of the eponymous fine food purveyors, and provide a very conducive atmosphere for slowly browsing their large retail bottle collection. It is the destination spot for budding oenophiles and hip urbanites in South Jakarta.

For many who are uninitiated in wine, selecting a bottle for a group may be somewhat intimidating at most establishments. Whether you desire entrylevel Chilean reds to pair with burgers from the kitchen or you select a gorgeous 2008 Barolo ripe for slowly savouring over the course of the evening, at W&S, there is a wide range of wines from around the world to accommodate all palates and occasions.

And if you still don’t know what to buy after spending a good 30 minutes browsing, there are wine experts who can help you decide. However, if wine isn’t your thing and you’d rather have cocktails, there is a full bar and spirits on offer. Whiskey, scotch and bourbons all have a strong presence in the bottle shop. Step into the Limited Products room and for the person with the

W&S Bottle Shop-Eatery

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“I would suggest the aforementioned 2008 Beni di Batasiolo Briccolina Barolo at the higher price point; ask the staff to decant the bottle and enjoy it with only the best of friends – good wine should never be wasted on people whose company you don’t enjoy.” large expense account there is a lovely bottle of Bunnahabhain XXV Single Malt Scotch Whisky just waiting to be snapped up.

Don’t let me scare you, though, with my talk of expense accounts and rare (in Jakarta) Islay whisky. The best aspect of the bottle shop is its relative affordability. A bottle of the 2012 Beringer Founder’s Estate Pinot Noir is Rp.450,000, which for most of us in Jakarta, is a relative bargain compared to other drinkable pinot noirs. However, if you really want my opinion on the matter, I would suggest the aforementioned 2008 Beni di Batasiolo Briccolina Barolo at the higher price point; ask the staff to decant the bottle and enjoy it with only the best of friends – good wine should never be wasted on people whose company you don’t enjoy.

And what better way to shower your friends and family with your appreciation than with a gift basket filled with a lovely wine bottle or two, complete with wine glasses, chocolate, nuts or whatever else you may want to include.

Cilandak Town Square GF-D048 Jalan TB. Simatupang Kav. 17 Jakarta 12430

Another nice aspect of W&S is their flexibility. You can purchase bottles for consumption on-site, to take home, and bottles can even be delivered to your office or home if you are crunched for time before your next big dinner party. For the underaged and alcohol-free, there are refreshing mocktails that are as pretty to look at as they are to drink.

Should you choose to dine at W&S, Chef Arnold Budiawan has created a menu based on American comfort food. The Pan-seared Dory and Rotisserie Chicken are tasty; one whole juicy chicken can feed a party of four and is accompanied by a couple of side dishes. Tip: pair the rotisserie chicken with a bottle of well-chilled 2014 New Zealand Babich Chardonnay. Chef Budiawan has had extensive experience cooking in the USA, with stints in Las Vegas, Washington DC and Los Angeles, and his menu reflects that time spent in such great American food centres.

For special occasions and private parties, the staff are extremely helpful in devising set menus from Rp.175,000-250,000 and making wine selections based on your preferences. W&S also holds special events once a month that oftentimes involve dinner with wine pairings and brand ambassadors who showcase their wares, most recently with the popular California label Beringer.

Afternoons are peaceful and quiet, with the main dining room a conducive environment for business meetings or leisurely family lunches. Evenings are a different matter.

Happy hour consists of beer and cocktail specials, but as 8pm rolls around, the resident DJ takes over on Wednesday through Saturday nights and spins tunes into the wee hours for the young and beautiful. Every Thursday evening W&S also hosts The Parade, a live band that plays Top 40 tunes.

All in all, W&S caters to quite a diverse clientele who really enjoy their wine and cocktails. The staff is extremely competent and willing to work with their clients, whether it be a single bottle purchase or creating a set menu for a private event.

There is nothing that comes close in South Jakarta to W&S in terms of ambiance, service and bottle selection, but this should not come as a surprise, as it is born from the same people who own and operate Bluegrass Bar and Grill.

Telephone: +62 (0) 21 7592 0249 Instagram: @wineandspiritsjkt Facebook: WineandSpirits Bottleshop-Eatery Jakarta

EXPAT LIFESTYLE PROPERTY LADDER Andrzej is a writer and trusted property specialist. You can follow Andrzej on LinkedIn (id.linkedin.com/in/andybarski)

Property Nightmare or Sound Investment?

BY ANDR ZEJ BARSKI

Will Rogers (the actor, writer and real-life cowboy) said it best: "Don't wait to buy land. Buy land and wait." It was true for him at the turn of the 20th century and it's certainly true today, even in Indonesia.

I can see some readers nodding as they sip their coffee, knowing that Mr. Rogers makes sense because they recognize property is the safest investment out there, but there's a voice in the back of the kitchen and it wants to be heard. "Not in Indonesia, buddy. Expats can't 'own' land here."

Mr. Sceptical McSmirky is right, of course. Expats can't own land like an Indonesian can, or maybe not like you can at home. No amount of complaining about how bad the system is will change the Indonesian constitution. Trust me on that one. But McSmirky is overlooking the fact that you can own as an expat so long as you follow procedures.

There are specific foreign ownership rules and regulations which were updated in December 2015 that do make it easier for foreigners to own land and property under Hak Pakai (Right to Use) and Hak Sewa (Leasehold) for residential properties and Hak Guna Bangunan (Right to Build) for commercial titles. If someone tells you different or suggests you use a nominee to get a Freehold or Hak Milik title, don't turn and walk away, run as fast as you can!

Unfortunately, the nominee loophole has been going on in some places for many years now and I dare say it still is, but take note: it's wrong and is best avoided.

Imagine how you'd feel if you were led to believe you actually had a freehold title and it turns out you don't because the so called nominee agreement was proof of the intention to defraud the government out of land taxes. Initially there's shock and disbelief, and McSmirky is right there fuelling the fire of regret. "Told you so!" There's a legal battle, which you're never going to win because the foundation of your case is built on an illegality. You didn't follow the rules. You end up losing everything; the land, the house, the lot. It's not a pretty picture but it does happen. Don't let it happen to you.

Some people are uncomfortable with either Hak Pakai or Hak Sewa and so should consider creating a foreign owned company called a PMA. (The process for this has also been streamlined.) The PMA can legally have a Right to Build (HGB) certificate. You own the company and the company owns the property. Simple. Straight forward. And most importantly, legal!

A simple understanding of these regulations helps enormously in your house-buying journey. Why? Because your search becomes more focused, allowing you to concentrate on the most important question: what do you want and why?

Seems totally obvious I know, but you'd be surprised at how many people don't really know what they want. Know if you're buying for lifestyle or investment. Know why.

Know the pitfalls. Know how much land you'll need. Know a realistic price range. Know you're going to need a real estate agent and be prepared to listen. You'll need to talk to people.

Some advice: create a folder to save images, colours, textures and ideas and start an ‘Inspiration Board’. Fill it with things that inspire you. The more you think about each aspect of what you want the more you'll be able to focus and this will allow you to share this knowledge and get to know the people who can help you find it better.

There's always an inherent danger associated with online research and too much information can be as bad as none at all, so be focused and mindful. Use social media more.

LinkedIn is so much more than a way to find a job; it's a great resource for specialists in the property business.

You'll find them commenting about market trends and initiatives, sharing insights as to how they run their business and what's important to them. Find positive people. Remember a property purchase is intrinsically emotional and tapping into this energy can have very constructive and long-term effects, which go beyond the purchase.

The good news is the good companies are in tune with this and call it the Customer Experience (CX). Basically they're trying to improve how you feel about them rather than sell you something. Sure, they make their money on commissions, so a sale is important but the priority is the experience. The logic is that you're more likely to make a purchase if you feel good about the company and the people you're dealing with.

At least that's the theory.

the keyboard. It's simple; if an agent can't be bothered to reply to your email enquiry correctly they're not bothered about you as a person.

That first touch point is so important. It needs to reassure, to empathize and to fill you with confidence. Remember you're a buyer. You want to buy, of course you do, but you also need to connect. When it happens you'll know you've found your guardian agent.

Your guardian agent should listen and reassure. She doesn't try to bamboozle you with how the IMB and licensing are still in process. She doesn't try to tie you into a 'nominee structure'. She tells you about the tax and the maintenance fees. She's honest, and knowledgeable about the government's latest initiatives to make the whole home-owning process for expats easier. She applauds the latest, now eleventh economic stimulus package. She half-expects things to change and flip and flop but she's positive about the direction things are heading. Her enthusiasm is infectious and you feel comfortable with her guidance. She seems as genuinely and honestly interested as you are in your investment and what your dreams are.

She'll also suggest you take third party legal advice. Take it.

She'll give you choices and you should opt for the one you feel most comfortable with. There should be no pressure to go with one person or the other.

So, yes it's OK for foreigners to buy land in Indonesia. Take Will Rogers's advice and invest in property, but remember to follow the rules when you do. It will make your life easier.

To avoid any unnecessary heartache and financial meltdown remember these five key facets to buying property: 1. Understand why you're buying and research all aspects (legal as well as property) 2. Follow the rules and regulations you learn from research 3. Find an agent that listens - your Guardian Agent 4. Take third party legal advice 5. Don't take shortcuts (see rule #2) Good luck and enjoy the journey!

An easy way to test the water is to send that all-important first enquiry email to as many agents as tickles your fancy.

How quickly do you get a response? Is it generic and automated? How do you feel? A speedy and personalized response says a lot about the people on the other side of

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EXPAT LIFESTYLE TRAVEL Stephanie is a travel writer and blogger with tales from Indonesia and beyond.

Please see www.travelwriter.ws and follow her on www.facebook.com/stephtravelwriter

Stunning SUMBAWA

BY STEPHANIE BROOKES

Few visitors travel beyond the popular neighbouring islands of Lombok and Bali, but voyage a little eastwards and Sumbawa Island offers a peaceful escape from developed tourism areas. Lesserknown West Sumbawa reveals hidden coves, deserted beaches, and remote traditional villages with people living close to the land.

Traditional villages perched high in the mountains provide perfect vantage points for soaking in dramatic sunsets and the stunning coastline. Sumbawa is a sprawling island with vast tracks of jagged peninsulas, volcanic mountains and idyllic, powdery white beaches, perfect for swimming.

Culture Sumbawa is like two islands, divided by geography and language: Sumbawa in the West (Samawa ethnic group) and Bima (Mbojo ethnic group) to the East.

The island has historical links with the Makassarese people of South Sulawesi and the Chinese who traded in these waters for hundreds of years.

Around 85 percent of Sumbawa’s terrain is mountainous. The plains yield prosperous crops and excellent returns to farmers who have long enjoyed the benefits of the fertile volcanic soil, enriched by the dramatic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. The Guinness Book of World Records describes this event as “the biggest volcanic eruption in modern history”. The top third of the mountain was blown off and over 150 cubic kilometres of rock and ash was showered across the valley.

Mount Tambora, North Sumbawa Tambora belongs to two regencies; Bima and Dompu. The best way to get there is flying to Bima airport, and then driving to Pancasila village or Calabai village in the Dompu Regency. You then overnight in Calabai or Pancasila village, and begin your trekking to Mount Tambora. There are three route options. It is necessary to plan all aspects of the trek in advance, and allow two days and one night from Pancasila or Calabai village.

The walk is for experienced climbers only and has its challenges. You must be physically fit and prepared for some discomfort and dangers. You will slash your way through virgin forest as the trail is not well worn, and, in fact, in 2009 only three groups climbed the mountain. Since records have been kept (2004), only 50 people per year have made the trek to the summit.

The most powerful volcanic explosion of all time reduced the height of the mountain from 4,200 metres to 2,800 metres, and the sound of the explosion reached as far as Jakarta. This is a climbing adventure for the brave at heart.

Jelenga Beach (Scar Reef) Surfers from all around the world come here to surf the infamous left-hander, which can be surfed on any tide. Travelling around Sumbawa can be a bit on the fly, as many smaller hotels do not have reliable phone or internet connection. Travelling with a guide who has reliable contacts and local knowledge makes independent travel a whole lot easier.

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Moyo

Sumbawa

Bima Saleh Bay

West Indian Ocean Sumbawa

West Sumbawa Contacts

• Sumbawa Tour Guide and Driver Contact person: Pak Takwa E-mail: takwasajidin@yahoo.com Phone: +62 812 384 39828 • West Sumbawa Regency Tourism Contact person: Pak Hadi www.disparekraf.sumbawabaratkab.go.id E-mail: agabergaz@yahoo.com

How to Get There

By Boat: Public ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa departs daily from Labuan Kayangan (East Lombok) to Poto Tano (West Sumbawa). Travel time is two hours.

Places of Interest

Poto Tano: The harbour port town for ferries to and from Lombok.

Seran Village: Located 10km from Poto Tano, this is the location of a 1,000-yearold cemetery.

Mantar Village: Accessible by 4Wd – 1 hour from Poto Tano.

Mantar Paragliding with Pak Effendy Haris. E-mail: effendy_haris@yahoo.com or call: 081331728311

Jelenga Beach

Scar Reef Hotel: Snorkelling facilities, fishing, hiking and surfing. www.scarreefhotel.com

We found a lovely little villa right on Jelenga Beach (located about 1.5 hours from Poto Tano). Scar Reef Beachfront Hotel has a gorgeous tropical garden that spills out onto a serene white sandy beach. The rooms are spacious and well appointed.

of the staff ’s motorbikes after dinner and heading up to a nearby hill to get 3G reception, where even the local doctor was chatting to his girlfriend on the phone. You know you are far from tourism when you have experiences like this.

There was not another soul on the beach when we arrived, and this did not change for three days. I instantly found a hammock strung across a beach bale and settled in for a few days of swimming in the pristine warm waters. The only other people staying were surfers, who went out very early each morning, and were not seen again till late in the afternoon. The peace and quiet was just heavenly.

West Sumbawa’s Beaches

Jelenga Township is internet challenged, so one must be inventive if requiring communication with the outside world.

This involved jumping on the back of one

Sekongkang Beach is the most well-known surf spot, and nearby, Yoyo surf break attracts surfers from Australia to Hawaii.

These beaches are located on the southwestern part of West Sumbawa Regency and are a 35-minute drive from the nearest point of Maluk, or 1.5 hours from Taliwang.

For non-surfers, be sure to check out Maluk, a lovely beach located an hour’s drive from Taliwang. It has the purest white sand and calm waters. Do not be surprised if you are the only one here. Exploring this West Sumbawa coastline is definitely worth a couple of days.

There are many examples of smaller low-key resort style accommodation and low-impact tourism. Rantung Beach Hotel has 12 guest rooms with ensuites. The beachfront cafe serves fresh Indonesian and Western cuisine. With a fresh juice or icy cold beer in hand, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Guided spearfishing and snorkelling are offered here and a great way to finish the day is to throw your catch of the day on the barbeque and watch the stars appear above you. Room rates here start at only US$15 a night.

Moyo Island Moyo Island is located in the north of Sumbawa. The travel distance from Sumbawa Harbour is approximately 1.5 hours (by wooden boat) or 40 minutes by speedboat, or you can fly there from Bali.

A stunning, mountainous island, Moyo is covered mostly by protected forests.

The dense forest is home to a plethora of wildlife including deer, wild boar, wild cattle, monkeys, and various types of birds.

The island of Moyo claims to have some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia, made famous by a visit from the late Lady Diana.

Insider I met a local, Pak Hadi Zamzuri Al Mahsyat, from the Tourism and Creativity Economy Department of West Sumbawa Regency, who gave me some local insight into this region. “I love Totang Rasa Restaurant. An excellent choice for lunch or dinner,” he said when asked about his favourite place to eat. “Another favourite is Tanamira Restaurant, and if you like sweets and snacks call into Amat Loka in the afternoon for a traditional snack called Palopo.”

Pak Hadi explained there is no museum or gallery, and what draws most people to Taliwang are the buffalo and the local horse races. Held once every two weeks except for during Ramadan, people love to gather and enjoy these races. The races are held in different districts, and this organization looks after the scheduling. “Just check with me at the Tourism office and I can find out for you, or your local guide can advise.”

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Kenneth Yeung is a Jakarta-based editor

Property Pitfalls

BY KENNE TH YEUNG

“Quality means operating under the highest standards of ethical behavior!”

That’s a boast by KCR Property Indonesia, which has been ripping off renters by issuing fake lease agreements.

A property agency in Jakarta has been scamming expatriates by renting out apartments for terms longer than actual leases.

The fraudulent agency is part of a company called PT Kharisma Chindo Resources, run by Elsa Theresya Wardhani and her husband, who goes by the name of Richard Verning and also calls himself Richie and Rick P.

Several tenants, mostly Indian nationals, who rented via KCR, encountered problems when attempting to have security deposits returned. It subsequently emerged that more than a dozen families had been duped by the company and locked out of their apartments.

Anyone who has rented via KCR should double-check with their landlords that their lease agreement is in order. KCR offers apartments and houses for rent throughout Jakarta, especially in Kuningan and Kemang.

Rick P presently lists rental properties on www.rumah123.com. He has also used www.livinginindonesiaforum.org to offer an apartment for US$3,500 a month for a minimum of two years. His nationality could not be verified, but some of the victims have reported him to the Indian Embassy.

KCR’s website, www.kcrpropertyindonesia. com, which was still online at the end of March, carries the ironic slogan, “Service You Deserve. People You Trust”. The site claims the company has been operating since 2008, although it was not registered until 2013. In addition to property rentals

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It is not unknown for scammers, acting as agents and/or owners, to sell properties using forged certificates. Often, such properties have only been rented from the real owner for a short period.

Fraudulent villa sales are a common problem in Bali, as is false advertising on property websites, with victims being tricked into making advance deposits for properties.

One expatriate woman last year used Elsa’s services to find an apartment in Jakarta.

She paid for two years’ rental in advance to a bank account under the name of Hari Jadi and received a signed lease agreement.

A few weeks ago, the apartment’s owner visited with a one-year lease agreement, reminding the woman she would have to vacate soon, as the year was almost up.

When the two parties examined the leases, they realized their signatures had been forged by Elsa and the bank account details were different on both leases. They tried calling the agent, but all three of her known telephone numbers were inactive.

KCR’s registered address is at the Taman Rasuna Apartments in South Jakarta.

Security guards at the complex say Elsa has not been seen there for over two weeks and that many police officers have been looking for her since March. One guard says debt collectors had also often been looking for her.

investment for foreigners, be sure to check the authenticity of the land certificate with the National Land Agency (BPN).

Embassy Sale Foreigners cannot own land under freehold title in Indonesia, but that has not stopped plenty of expatriates from engaging in land scams. Some of these swindles have involved diplomats – usually as victims, but there was at least one exception, when an ambassador sold his embassy’s land and buildings.

A screenshot of KCR's website, a property agency in Jakarta that has been scamming expatriates by renting out apartments for terms longer than actual leases

and sales, KCR also offers visa services, cleaning services, relocation and moving, design and construction services, and rodent control.

At a glance, the website may look professional but it is rife with clumsy spelling and grammar, such as “human resourches” and “carriers” instead of “careers”. Text that is error-free has been swiped from other websites. For example, KCR’s vision of “Deliver sustainable value through innovation” is plagiarized from Santa Fe Relocation Services.

Elsewhere, entire paragraphs of KCR’s spiel have been lifted from a UK-based relocation company called Sterling. For example: “Many of our early clients still work with us today, and in a recent client survey 90% had either actively recommended us, or would if asked. We like to think that’s because we work hard to understand the challenges and goals of the companies we work with so we can be more than just another service provider.”

Even KCR’s pest control section, which mentions “leaving dead rats up in the attic”, has been lifted from the website of a Florida-based pest extermination company.

Mustafa Anwer Husain, former Pakistan ambassador to Indonesia, in July 2001 resolved to sell the embassy's land and buildings in Menteng, Central Jakarta, to an Indonesian company

It remains to be seen whether police will track down Elsa and Richie. An earlier case of apartment rental fraud, reported in this column in September 2015, did not result in the arrest of the perpetrator, Naomi Catharina Sahita, as her victims were asylum seekers who felt too intimidated by police to pursue legal action.

If you’re planning on purchasing a property in Indonesia, which can be a high-risk

In 2000, Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf decided his country could save money by owning, rather than renting embassies and diplomatic residences. No problem in Indonesia, as founding president Sukarno had gifted Pakistan an embassy building and an ambassador’s residence.

Nevertheless, the Pakistan Ambassador to Indonesia at that time, Mustafa Anwer Husain, a retired major general, in July 2001 resolved to sell the embassy’s land and buildings in Menteng, Central Jakarta, to an Indonesian company. The sale was finalized in February 2002. The Pakistan media has alleged the properties were sold below market value and that kickbacks were received by the ambassador.

Husain, who had studied at the Indonesian Army Staff and Command College in 1969-70 and later served as an instructor of Musharraf, made the sale without seeking approval from the Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry. The deputy ambassador, Mushtaq Rizvi, blew the whistle on the allegedly illegal sale and was reassigned as “an officer on special duty” – tantamount to a suspension.

An inter-ministerial committee objected to the sale, but law enforcers lacked the motivation or clout to go after one of Musharraf’s military cronies. Following Musharraf’s fall from power in 2008, Pakistan has been investigating the sale and legislators now are demanding action be taken against the former ambassador.

Accessing evidence of alleged real estate corruption from Indonesia will be challenging for Pakistan’s anti-graft agencies. At least within Indonesia, police should be able to apprehend local property scammers, provided the perpetrators are not in the corridors of power.

EXPAT LIFESTYLE

MEET THE EXPAT Karen Davis is a NYC artist and writer

JANE HAWKINS AKA JUNGLE JANE

Living Light Jane Hawkins is a jewellery designer who has called Bali home for over 30 years. Along with her husband Peter Decker, the couple have created a unique residential community with an emphasis on treading lightly on this planet, set in beautiful Sayan, Ubud.

BY K AREN DAVIS

What is the concept of Living Light Community?

Living Light Bali is a new Residential Community in Sayan in Ubud, Bali. The concept of the community is to ‘live lightly’, making as little disruption to nature and our surroundings as possible. As community members, we will share resources, knowledge and friendship and emphasize principles of cooperation rather than competition.

What led you to create this kind of alternative residence?

I have lived all over the world from Africa to New York to Australia and Asia. Life was busy and full and moving past far too quickly.

I wanted to downsize to a simple, easy living lifestyle, able to make conscious choices and be surrounded by a like-minded community.

How many residents have bought homes and how many are available for sale?

There are 16 homes in the community and 14 sold out as of completion at the end of 2014. Being a migratory community here in Bali means there is always transition and change going on. Owners also offer a number of the homes for long-term rentals to people who would like to live in this kind of community, sharing pop-up dinners, evening activities, movie nights, exercise classes and cultural evenings.

What were some of the challenges you and Peter encountered in creating your mutual vision?

We are proud to say that after four long and hard working years – both from initial planning, building and completion of the common areas and individual homes, as well as the organizational structure and systems for ongoing running of the community – Peter and I are still happily married! Under financial constraints, we did everything ourselves, except we had a financial planner for the initial two years. This was exhausting and it has taken a year to recover.

Jane, tell me about your background and what brought you to Bali originally?

I was born and raised on a farm in Kenya and university-educated in England. Wanting to move to New York, I began a jewellery design business inspired by my African heritage.

While selling my jewellery in New York, I came across some beautiful fabrics that were made in Indonesia and would not leave my thoughts. Two weeks later, I followed my heart (and fabrics!) across the oceans to Bali. That was many moons ago and for more than 30 years I have designed and worked here in Bali.

How did you earn the moniker ‘Jungle Jane’?

I think Jungle Jane comes from me being a wilderness freak! I love to go, fearlessly, to the furthest reaches of the world, exploring both sea and land. My love for remote places has led me to lead and set up yearly tours, boat trips and treks for groups of good friends.

How did you and Peter meet and marry?

Jane: I had decided I would never marry again! Then, at a party, I saw Peter and knew I had to talk to him. We have never stopped talking since!

Peter: I fell immediately in love at a party.

I knew right away that I wanted to marry her. After five years of happily living together, we both felt safe enough to marry.

What makes you happiest? What makes you laugh?

Jane: Living with Peter and spending quality time with him and my two boys, Morgan and Jamie. I laugh all the time; Africans laugh all the time. I don’t take myself and life too seriously or argue with reality.

Peter: Having met and married Jane and then created our dream together. Human behaviour makes me laugh! I love acting out caricatures and make myself and others laugh.

What are your future plans to expand on the Tri Hita Karana Balinese philosophy?

The members of Living Light are committed to sustainability within the 'Tri Hita Karana' Balinese philosophy – our relationship to the environment, our relationship to other beings, our relationship to universal energies.

The Living Light Community is an international neighbourhood of

“The concept of the community is to ‘live lightly’, making as little disruption to nature and our surroundings as possible.” individuals, couples and families, living in charming, ecologically designed and energy efficient homes for a gracious tropical lifestyle. Communal facilities and homes are designed on feng shui principles, with an awareness of usable living space and correct ‘harmonious placement’ of elements.

What do your community members benefit from when staying at Living Light?

The combination of private homes and shared communal facilities provides members with all the benefits of comfortable and secure but independent living with the fun and camaraderie of joining in group activities, if desired. The Community plan revolves around sound ecological development principles: 40 percent buildings in relation to 60 percent gardens and walkways. The site is built on an orchard, comprised of native cacao, bamboo, palm and durian trees and is preserving farmland (not taking another rice field out of production).

How do you reduce living costs for your community?

The community reduces individual living costs with shared resources and expenses: electrical and water costs are reduced, one large pool reduces the cost of individual pools, shared maintenance and service staff are cost efficient.

Owners are part of the Living Light Sayan Membership Community which share management, maintenance and Living Light guidelines.

And tell us about your strategic location in Sayan.

The village of Sayan is considered the premier location in central Bali, within walking/biking distance of the cultural hub of Ubud. The property is surrounded by hiking paths, through the rice fields and river valleys of the area, and is one hour’s drive to the airport.

Living Light Bali supports various community outreach activities, giving back to the community by providing employment opportunities, training and education. We support local businesses.

For more information visit www.living-light-bali.com

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EXPAT OUTREACH THE ENVIRONMENT Grace is a freelance writer, former TV journalist, and aspiring documentarist with a passion for Indonesian history and culture. Now in her 6th year in Jakarta, Grace has lived in various countries and looks forward to exploring more places. Contact her at g.c.susetyo@gmail.com

Edge of the Ocean

Local Narratives of Marine Conservation in Raja Ampat

BY GR ACE SUSE T YO

Expensive dive resorts and ecotourism seem to be the first things that come to most people’s minds at the mention of Raja Ampat. My recent visit confirmed the rumours I’ve heard of the archipelago’s incomparable beauty and biodiversity.

Nevertheless, something else brought me here: a desire to get to know the people who call it home, and their take on the rise of conservation and eco-tourism endeavours claiming to save their homeland.

My first sights of Raja Ampat were those cruising along the Sagewin Strait – a migratory path for cetaceans such as dolphins and pilot whales. Two of the main islands of the ‘Four Kings’, Batanta to my right and Salawati to my left, flaunt their heavily forested hills. Despite being merely five kilometres apart, Batanta and Salawati are known for very different birds and dive sites.

After a three-hour ride from Sorong, our speedboat parked in Deer, a lush coastal village surrounded by calming turquoise waters in Kofiau Island. A sign reads Lokasi Sasi, meaning that it is a customary conservation spot where the indigenous community sets a taboo on catching fish, sea cucumbers, prawns and shellfish, seasonally lifting the taboo for harvest.

In Deer I stayed with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which has been working together with the indigenous peoples of Kofiau and Misool to exercise participative conservation based on the principles of indigenous knowledge. We visited local elder Costan Mambrasar to hear about the local perspective of conservation.

Costan’s ancestors, originally from Biak, paddled to Kofiau in canoes by way of the Bird’s Head and Waigeo over several generations. Though the inhabitants of Kofiau self-identify as Papuans, their history and culture bear strong Moluccan influences, reflected in their traditional dress, wedding customs, and accounts of war and trade with kingdoms of the Spice Islands.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Fam in Raja Ampat by Angela Richardson | View of Mt Bonfar and Coral Reefs from Balal village, Kofiau island by Grace Susetyo | Indigenous fisherwomen from Mayalibit Bay, Waigeo island by Grace Susetyo

“...people are upset when investors claim land and water for business activities without prior informed consent, or when conservationists challenge the community’s sense of guardianship of their ancestors’ homelands...”

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Memories of Costan’s childhood showed that while some things were abundant, others were obtained only with hard work. “We’ve always eaten sago and root crops, but sago trees aren’t native here. We’ve had to paddle as far as Misool and Salawati – a week’s journey – to collect them. It was only in the mid-20th century that the Dutch initiated sago plantations in Tolobi and Deer,” he recalled.

“We didn’t have to go very far for fish though. We lived in floating homes and fished through a hole in the floor using lines made from bark. When someone became ill or gave birth, we’d collect bark from trees in the forest and make our own medicine.”

According to Costan, sasi is not a local tradition but rather a Maluku custom introduced in the 21st century for conservation interests. The indigenous people of Raja Ampat recognize clan-based rights to land and natural resources – with these rights come responsibilities to take care of the environment.

“There used to be no such thing as marine pollution or destruction. Those started when Papua was ‘returned to Ibu Pertiwi’,” said Costan, referring euphemistically to the Indonesian annexation in 1963.

Under the Dutch New Guinea administration, Dutch navy patrol made it impossible for Indonesian fishermen to penetrate Raja Ampat. Fishermen from Sulawesi have since freely fished in Papuan waters using bombs and potassium, causing grave damage to Raja Ampat’s delicate marine ecosystems. On land, concessions were also given to logging companies.

Costan appreciates the presence of organizations such as TNC that calls attention to endangered species and destructive fishing practices. “Thanks to TNC’s work, people in a number of villages in Kofiau have given up bombing and potassium,” he said. “Even when most of the damage is done by people who are not originally from Raja Ampat, environmental campaigns empower us to be at the forefront of protecting our own homeland. This includes saying no to businesses that have exploitative interests in Raja Ampat.”

From Kofiau, I moved on to Waisai, the Raja Ampat capital in Waigeo. A stopover in Mansuar allowed me to snorkel the jetty in Swandarek, which was bursting with colourful schools of fish and coral, livelier than ones I’ve seen in Ratatotok, the Togians, or Selayar-Takabonerate. “Kawasan Konservasi Laut Daerah (KKLD) marine conservation zoning has allowed such life to thrive in these waters,” said an accompanying TNC staff.

In Waisai I met Udin, an indigenous leader from the Mayalibit Bay area in Waigeo. Despite his profession as a forest ranger, Udin has seen less amiable relationships with conservation since the introduction of the governmentbacked KKLD. In contrast to the seasonal sasi, KKLD spells a permanent ban from harvesting resources. “A ban means that people lose access to their livelihoods. That’s why before declaring conservation areas people need to be properly informed how this empowers them to gain a better livelihood.”

On my visit to the Bay, Udin’s family invited me on a fishing trip. I assumed that in this secluded location away from bombers, trawlers and pollution, fish would be plentiful. My conscience agonized when our catch size averaged less than 12 centimetres for species that should be able to grow much bigger. But after spending the whole morning on the boat, I realized that lunch was going to be either those or nothing.

A big push that urges conservation in Raja Ampat is of course tourism. In a conversation with Udin’s aunt Musfidah, a respected community elder, I learned that the community has nothing against conservation or tourism.

Rather, people are upset when investors claim land and water for business activities without prior informed consent, or when conservationists challenge the community’s sense of guardianship of their ancestors’ homelands; especially at the expense of indigenous livelihoods.

“I don’t think it is too much to ask businesses and organizations to recognize indigenous communities as the rightful inhabitants of the land, and to invite them for participative collaborations subject to the approval of customary protocols. But what often happens is that outsiders come and stay, do their business, while indigenous landowners just sit back and watch the outsiders enjoy the fruits of labour they never were invited to be part of,” said Musfidah.

She added that the regency government also charges fees for tourists that come to Raja Ampat, supposedly for conservation purposes, but these funds rarely make it to the communities that need it the most. Instead, the government tourism office tends to treat locals like poor people, using the funds to distribute mung beans for children, raskin (subsidized rice rations for the poor) for families, and wheelie bins for beach clean-ups. “We don’t need to beg for these things, we have our own,” she said.

Elsewhere, NGOs such as TNC rely on corporate sponsorship to run their programmes, which in some cases do a better job at building personal relationships with community members, identifying their needs, and designing campaigns that transform behaviours. However, even the most independent of NGOs work within timebound projects, limited geographical scopes, and flawed government policy frames.

Musfidah said that transfer of knowledge and technology are crucial for empowering the indigenous people of Raja Ampat to stay on top of socioeconomic developments and environmental conservation interests. These, she adds, should be on top of business and conservation agendas in Raja Ampat.

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EXPAT OUTREACH WORTHY CAUSES

Architecture that Preserves Megacity Slums The existence of slums within a megacity could be considered problematic, but there are ways to tackle this issue. Last month I attended the exhibition ‘Think Global, Build Social – Architectures for a Better World’ at the University of Indonesia to find out how alternative architecture can help sustain slums in urban areas.

BY CAR ANISSA DJATMIKO

What is even more valuable about this exhibition is that it not only showcases changing trends in architecture along with the rise of megacities, but also offers different ways of perceiving the existence of slums as well as providing solutions to the tricky situation of having them within such a metropolitan setting.

“The whole scope of the exhibition was basically to reflect on the shift in architecture that of course finds it still very popular to build fancy concrete and glass architecture, but as the world is being confounded with more and more megacities and more and more slums, they have become a reality. I think the shift is that you don’t try to battle the slums but you try to develop architecture that makes the reality of these slums more bearable,” Sohns explains.

Compared to other countries, Sohns finds that Indonesia is relatively better at maintaining these slums, specifically due to diverse conditions that every country deals with when it comes to poverty. “I think the extent of the poverty is quite different in many different countries and I would say that for now Indonesia is still quite lucky in the way that these slums slash kampung or slum-like areas are very intact, so they are quite well-functioning systems.”

She also adds that although they certainly raise questions as to what will become of them in the future, slums can actually be an interesting aspect of a large city.

Megacities – defined as large cities with a population of over 10 million people – are a huge phenomenon with cities around the world like Tokyo, Delhi, Manila, Shanghai, and New York, comprising at least 20 million people, falling into this category. In 2015, Indonesia’s very own capital of Jakarta was the world’s second largest city according to reports from Demographia World Urban Areas.

But regardless of the rapid growth of megacities, we are still seeing the existence of slums taking up space in such metropolises. For Jakarta, this is especially true as the city is faced with many of them. Having said that, removing these slum areas may not be the best idea, even though the government has previously expressed the desire to be slum-free by 2019.

One of the ways to cater to the coexistence of megacity and slum is through building architecture that aims to improve the prosperity of those who live in these lessprivileged areas. The exhibition Think Global, Build Social – Architectures for a Better World demonstrates how architecture seeks to tackle this issue without having to eliminate slum areas, displaying 15 models that rely on affordable materials and are also accepted by the community.

Speaking to Indonesia Expat, organizer of the event and Head of Cultural Programmes of Goethe Institut Indonesia Katrin Sohns, reveals that the exhibition developed by

Dua Tangan Cukup

“It is still quite special that you have currently in the middle of the city’s central district, these kampung areas.

It might also be something worth preserving but then also the pressure of economical demand is getting bigger so they are big challenges”

Deutsches Architekturmuseum in Frankfurt, Germany, is part of a ‘world tour’ attempting to introduce alternative approaches to preserving slum areas within a megacity.

Before Indonesia, the exhibition was shown in Vietnam and will head to Lagos after it ends here. The event was held in two of the country’s top universities, the University of Indonesia and Bandung Institute of Technology, both perfect for attracting visitors and students who could potentially become key opinion leaders in the future.

The models presented in the exhibition have been implemented in real life and among them are the establishments of the Green School in both Bali and Sulawesi. These schools exemplify how architecture can foster the community in socially beneficial ways.

“It is still quite special that you have currently in the middle of the city’s central district, these kampung areas. It might also be something worth preserving but then also the pressure of economical demand is getting bigger so they are big challenges.”

Although the case of megacities proves to be very common in a global context, Sohns still thinks that it is important for people to keep the conversation close to their respective countries or backgrounds. In other words, cities should not be concerned with imitating the Western model, but should instead find a way to address the issue they are having in a local context that will contribute to an even broader discussion on megacities.

“It is rather how you shape the realities of these megacities consisting of 32 million people and more, and the issue that you have and the way you tackle them that I think will definitely be a global discourse that will also be a relevant one,” she concludes.

In essence, the exhibition Think Global, Build Social – Architectures for a Better World shows us that megacities can still work on compromising between maintaining prestige and providing care for the community.

For more information on upcoming exhibitions and events please visit www.goethe.de

Actions From Across The Archipelago

Travel with a Purpose Travelling can be considered a journey to self-discovery or a way to spend quality time with friends and family. But wouldn’t it be great if it could also provide both social and environmental benefits?

In 2015, Jonathan Gilben and Jonathan Tal founded GoEco, a volunteer organization that invites people from all around the world to travel whilst also partaking in volunteer projects. Gilben and Tal introduced their concept of ‘volunteer tourism’ in Israel, and today their volunteer projects exist all around the world, from Africa, Asia, and Europe, to South America.

As the largest archipelago in the world consisting of approximately 18,000 islands, Indonesia is known for its vast biodiversity. Accordingly, GoEco has set up several volunteer projects in the beautiful regions of the country, which focus on environmental or educational aspects.

Orangutan Conservation Expedition in Sumatra allows volunteers to conduct research on the survival of the endangered species while also exploring the tropical rainforest there. Bali Sea Turtle Rescue allows volunteers to work closely with injured and rescued sea turtles in an area surrounded by breathtaking marine life. Also in Bali, volunteers can be involved in education, teaching English to underprivileged children in villages that surround the cultural tourism hub of Ubud.

The fees for the aforementioned projects vary depending on the duration of stay, which can range from two to 12 weeks.

Volunteer tourism gives travellers not only an exciting adventure, but also the opportunity to give back to the local community and the environment, thus bringing about change. This is a reminder that travelling is an experience that comes with the responsibility of caring for the world we live in.

For more information please visit www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-asia/indonesia

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Speaking to Indonesia Expat, Principal Janet DesJardins shared that each student carried with them 0.5-1 litre of water to simulate what children in Africa must go through to obtain water. “We are observing what it would be like for children in Africa to walk 25-30 kilometres with many kilograms of water on their back every day just to be able to have clean drinking water.”

The simulation was attended by students from 27 different nations, 50 parents and around 20 staff members. Prior to the simulation, it was explained to the students what World Water Day was about, and they were educated on importance of water and why they should care about it. They were also made aware of the problems that Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, still faces when it comes to access to clean water, as well as the impact that flooding causes.

Netherland International School students celebrate World Water Day

Indonesia Gives Australian Tourists Free Entry

Jakarta

The students were responsive to the issue, especially as many of them have not had to worry about access to clean water back in their hometowns. “A lot of students come from the Netherlands and they have access to free and clean drinking water, so their experiences might have been different in the past,” DesJardins said. “Now they are thinking about why it’s different here, how it affects them, and how they affect the environment.”

On March 22, the world celebrated Water Day, and the students of Netherland International School Jakarta partook on this occasion with an activity called Walks for Water. The school held a simulation for primary students from grades 1-6, aged 6-12 years, to educate them about the value of having access to clean water.

The Netherland International School’s celebration of World Water Day was also part of a fundraising effort, where collected funds will be donated to programmes like scholarships and building a well in Africa, among many others.

Indonesia The Indonesian government has officially granted free entry to Australian tourists, bringing a total of 169 countries to the visa-free list.

The new rule, which came into effect on March 22, came from President Joko Widodo, who last week signed a decree waiving the visit fee for an additional 79 countries. This came as a relief to Australian travellers, as previously Indonesia's southern neighbour had been included among other countries to be granted free entry, only to be excluded at the last minute due to tensions over the execution of members of the Bali Nine.

The visa-free policy is one of the government’s plans to attract more tourists to Indonesia, as they are aiming to attract a minimum of 20 million foreign visitors to the country over the next five years. Australians previously had to pay US$35 for a 30-day visa on arrival.

Radisson Batam team gets hands-on for Earth Hour and World Water Day Batam Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam took part in Earth Hour and World Water Day 2016 by cleaning the hotel surroundings on March 19. Over 100 staff members and managers from the hotel joined the clean-up action, making the surrounding areas clean for a better and healthier lifestyle.

“At the Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam, we continuously work towards improving the environment

Every year, more than 1 million Australians visit Indonesia, contributing about Rp.18 trillion to the Indonesian economy. Accordingly, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Paul Grigson, considers the decision of adding Australia to the visa-free list to be "smart and timely", expecting that it will add approximately Rp.3.4 trillion into the Indonesian economy.

Archipelago International Ranks Number One Room Production in Indonesia

Those who are still required to apply for an Indonesian visa from Australia are visitors wishing to stay for longer than 30 days or are visiting for journalistic purposes.

In 2015, Indonesia recorded a 19 percent increase in tourists from countries that received free-visa access.

Countries included in the visa-free policy are Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, the Philippines, Chile, Hong Kong, Russia, South Korea, Japan, the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates, among many others.

Indonesians travelling to Australia, however, do not yet enjoy free visas, something that Indonesia Institute president Ross Taylor said was "astonishing". The Australian government still requires Indonesians pay AU$130 per person to apply for a tourist visa, which involves the applicant filling in approximately 15 pages of forms. "And we wonder why so many Indonesians choose to travel elsewhere on holidays," Taylor said.

and reducing the environmental impacts of our activities.

We also work towards creating environmental awareness among our employees, future customers, suppliers and the community,” said Veronique Sirault, the hotel’s General Manager.

Indonesia Archipelago International, Indonesia's fastest growing hotel management chain, has received the Top Producing Hotel Chain Award 2015 by Hotelbeds, a global distributor of accommodation and ancillary products to the world’s travel trade.

Hotelbeds' business expansion to Indonesia and cooperation with Archipelago International following a partnership deal in 2014, has allowed the two companies to work closely together and achieve the biggest increase in business in Hotelbeds' history. In 2015, the cooperation brought a 60 percent increment – the highest performance results compared to all other hotel management chains in Indonesia and pulling in business from other markets beyond Indonesia.

The accolade follows ten other recent awards granted to the Corporate Sales and Marketing team, strengthening Archipelago International’s strategy to centrally manage various sales and marketing efforts for their hotels.

The team has successfully demonstrated their ability to manage Hotelbeds’ offline and online booking systems, selling accommodation worldwide, conveniently.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with the Hotelbeds team and I'm happy to see all our hard work, late nights and strategic sessions have paid off. It continues to be our goal to bring our hotels the most support in our management style, with education, guidance and especially revenue,” says Tenaiya Brookfield, VP of Sales and Marketing Archipelago International.

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* Answers in the next edition!

CROSSWORD

Across

1. Violent confrontation (7,6) 8. 22nd letter of the alphabet (3) 9. Biblical division (9) 10. Double-dealing, like Janus? (3-5) 11. Collar – crop – jacket – school (4) 13. Heavy staff (6) 14. Central American republic (6) 16. Member of religious community (4) 17. Cue cards (anag) – doomed (8) 20. Downfall (9) 21. Ailing (3) 22. Green liqueur (5,2,6)

DOWN

1. Turning pin (5) 2. Feature of Blackpool (3,6,4) 3. They disappear quickly! (3,5) 4. Walter Elias, film producer (6) 5. Greek hero of the Trojan War – Dutch soccer team (4) 6. Carbohydrate-free regimen (3,6,4) 7. Interstate understanding (7) 12. Order – series (8) 13. Fine white linen (7) 15. Not extinct (of volcano) (6) 18. Dig (5) 19. Trick – joke – jest (4)

ANSWERS OF ISSUE 162 ACROSS —1. Newt 3. Children 9. Probing 10. Gavel 11. Topaz 12. Anchor 14. Spit and polish 17. Shufti 19. Alibi 22. Relic 23. Hoodlum 24. Birds eye 25. Stun DOWN — 1. Nepotism 2. Whoop 4. High and mighty 5. Logic 6. Ravioli 7. Null 8. Piazza 13. Chairman 15. Inhaler 16. Orator 18. Focus 20. Inlet

Free flow white rice, only in Indonesia.

Spotted by Tom in South Jakarta Send your funny pictures to letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

IS MADE POSSIBLE BY:

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OBSERVATIONS Cecillia Bae attended Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) for eight years and graduated in May 2015. She is now a student at Emory University.

An Appeal for Neil and Ferdinant

BY CECILLIA BAE

The phrase “this is a nightmare” is so often tossed around for events and occurrences that often have minimal impact in our lives. On June 5, 2014, Neil Bantleman and Ferdinant Tjiong, as well as their friends and families, faced a nightmare, a real, inexplicable nightmare that would not disappear after a day, week, or month, but one that would terrorize their lives for years to come.

After baseless allegations of child sexual abuse – with no evidence in sight – were made against the two teachers who had been working at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), appalling violations of basic human rights and of a justice system were committed, as Neil and Ferdinant were taken into custody on July 14, 2014. To the horror of friends, family members, and the JIS community, this detainment soon unfolded into the incarceration of two innocent men.

While the phrase ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is a common proverb to many, in this horrendously flawed case and justice system, the phrase ‘guilty until proven innocent’ remains the terrifying reality.

In response, communities both inside and outside Indonesia fought. They fought, they rallied, not only for these two men who are beloved husbands, family members, friends, and mentors to many, but also for the basic necessity of human rights, a necessity that had apparently been taken for granted. Students, teachers, and members of communities from countries around the world persevered by taking action in any way possible – signing petitions, joining Facebook groups, globally spreading the news of the case through Facebook and Twitter statuses, wearing apparel branded #FreeNeilandFerdi, and so forth.

After more than a year of fighting and support, supporters breathed a deep sigh of relief, as Neil and Ferdi finally received their freedom. Even so, this was a year and two months too late; a year and two months of robbed freedom for these two men, and detrimental consequences that could easily haunt them for a lifetime. However, it finally seemed like the nightmare that had been so all-encompassing had finally ceased.

But, like all dire situations, there is hope. On February 29, Canadian Ambassador Donald Bobiash guaranteed Neil the Canadian government’s “relentless” efforts to end his incarceration. Furthermore, the two men must first wait for the Supreme Court’s full written verdict, and afterwards, prepare for a judicial review. Said review would deliberate new evidence presented by the defence by a different panel of judges.

Yet again, injustice prevailed. A shock decision was made by the Supreme Court on February 24, in which the acquittal of Neil and Ferdi was overturned. Furthermore, the two men now face a sentence of 11 years in prison, increased from the ten years they faced close to a year ago. Friends, family members, and supporters could do nothing but watch with shock at the inexplicably appalling situation that had unfolded before them.

We, too, must fight on. Every signed petition, worn wristband and/or t-shirt, Tweet, Facebook post, and weekly vigil for Neil, Ferdi, and the six cleaners also baselessly incarcerated for the same alleged crime (one of whom sadly died during interrogation), is another step closer to ultimate peace and liberty. Every newly informed supporter rallying for their freedom brings us another step closer to the justice of these men. Adding to the gathered hope, courage, and determined strength of the people of Jakarta fighting for their rights, each supporter helps guarantee whatever small amount of justice may be left.

Even with the constant flood of devastating news, it is important to pause. We must pause in order to remember that with the influx of political and legal information, it is often easy to forget the most important aspect of this case – the humanitarian aspect. For it is the humanitarian aspect of this case that the media often fail to delve into; the basic fact that Neil and Ferdi are human beings, human beings barbarically deprived of the basic freedom we are all unconditionally granted. They are husband, beloved family member, neighbour, friend, mentor, and supporter to many.

They are teachers who arrived with dreams of mentoring, supporting, and changing the lives of students, but who instead are living behind bars due to a baseless, horrifying financial scheme. That in itself is the most horrifying and heartbreaking of all.

I compose this behind my laptop screen, 10,393 miles away from Jakarta, the place I call home. I hope and pray that even just one more person reading this plea will feel the same aching pain in their hearts as they learn about this atrocious and tragic injustice. One more person who will then feel the same unfaltering resolve to do anything, grand or small, to bring us one step, one baby step closer to freedom and righteousness. In the end, this is nothing more than a simple plea to fight this crime not only against these seven innocent people, but also against all of humanity.

For more information: www.freeneilandferdi.org

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If you want your event to be posted here, please contact +62 (0) 21 2965 7821 or e-mail: events@indonesiaexpat.biz

EVENTS

JAKARTA Arts & Culture

Hidden Creativity in Public Space by Su Tomesen 17 March – 27 April 2016 Since the opening in March, Su Tomesen’s exhibition ‘Jejak, K r e a t i v i t a s Te r s e m b u n y i d i Tempat Umu m’ (Tra c e s, Hidden Creativ ity in Public S pa c e) s t i l l c ont i nue s t h i s month where the artist explores traces of interventions within informal economies in public areas. The exhibition displays 87 photographs from around the globe, the v ideos Ja la n and Barbershop and also the installation Color Bar from Belgrade. The event is free of charge and takes place at Erasmus Huis. For more information please visit www.sutomesen.nl

Piano Recital: Giovanni Allevi 8 April 2016 The Embassy of Italy and the Italian Institute of Culture are organizing a Piano Recital concert by one of the most talented Italian pianists and composers, Giovanni Allevi. The concert will be held at Pusat Perfilman Haji Usmar Ismail Hall. Giovanni Allevi is known for playing classical music and has performed in various venues from Carnegie Hall to the Beijing Olympic Games, in front of thousands. Unlike the works of avant-garde composers, Allevi’s compositions are straight, intimate, evocative and appealing.

Often described as a ‘classical rebel’, his music effor tlessly combines European rhythmic and melodic tradition with modern sounds and images. For more information please visit www. iicjakarta.esteri.it/IIC_Jakarta

Madagascar Live!

5-7 May 2016 Do you love A lex t he L ion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo?

That’s right, the cast of the film Ma d a ga sc a r a re c om i ng t o Jakarta in May! Madagascar Live! is a theatrical show based on the famous DreamWorks animation film released in 2005 which tells the story of a group of animals from Ney York’s Central Park Zoo escaping and finding themselves setting forth in an unexpected journey to Madagascar. The cast will start their international tour in Istanbul, Turkey, before heading to Europe, The Middle Ea st and A sia . The musical

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will showcase stunning visuals complementing the scenes of fun dancing and singing, including their hit song ‘Move it, Move it’. The event will take place in Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City. The show is produced by IEG association with DreamWorks Theatricals.

For more information please visit www.sorak-gemilang.com

Shrek the Musical 5 – 22 May 2016 Shrek the Musical is coming to Jakarta! Based on the Oscarwinning DreamWorks Animation film, we finally get the chance to see our favourite ogre on stage.

Shrek brings a hilarious yet valuable story that defies the typical fairytale, when an ogre – as opposed to a handsome prince – comes to rescue a feisty princess.

The story also features villainous Lord Farquaad, gleeful Donkey, and more. The musical is based on a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole, Good People).

It will be directed by Stephen Sposito and choreographed by Chris Bailey. Fans of the film will get to see the live version on stage at Ciputra Theatre. For more information please visit www. ciputraartpreneur.com

Jakarta Players presents Eurydice 22-24 April 2016 On the day of her wedding, Eurydice falls victim to a tragic accident that sends her into the under world. Eur ydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love, Orpheus. Full of dark humor, lyrical beauty, and wit, Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice transforms a traditional myth into a visceral, contemporary meditation on love.

Directed by Swedian Lie, the play features a cast of seven, including t he awa rd-w i n n i ng a c t re ss Mar issa A nita a s Eur ydice.

Eurydice will be staged at the Auditorium of Institut Français d'Indonésie (IFI) in Thamrin, Central Jakarta. Seats are limited, so please buy your tickets early.

Tickets are available at www. jakartaplayers.org. Enquiries: thejakartaplayers@gmail.com Conference How Uber is Getting Southeast Asia with Alan Jiang 13 April 2016 Grupara Inc. presents a sharing session with Uber’s international launcher Alan Jiang who has helped launched the application in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Ho

Chi Minh City, Singapore, and Jakarta. Uber is a technology platform that matches drivers with riders with the mission of providing the people with transportation that is quick and reliable, as well as empowering drivers with alternative income opportunities. Uber is currently available in over 300 cities around the globe and has changed the way transportation runs in urban areas by combining both technology and business innovation. Uber has sparked controversy, with taxi drivers especially unhappy as these applications impede their business. There will be lots more to discuss during this sharing session that will take place at Freeware Spaces Kemang. For more information please visit http://bit.ly/1SqbQxV

Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture 25-26 April 2016 Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture is back for its third time, gathering 300 global leaders rang ing from business, government, media, academia and NGOs. The forum aims to make recommendations on i mpr o v i ng a g r ic u lt u r a l commodities which include coffee, corn, dairy, palm oil, rice and sugar. These leaders will also be seeking about ways to increase productivity, sustain land use, make equitable opportunity for small-holder farmers and improve rural livelihoods. The speakers who will attend include Adam Schwarz, CEO of Asia Group Adv isors; A mran Sulaiman, Minister of Agriculture; Aruna Rachakonda, Head, Marketing and Product Management at ASEAN & Pakistan, Monsanto; Biranchi Upadhyaya, Regional Director of Hivos International, Southeast Asia; Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, Markets, WWF, US; and more. The event will take place at Grand Hyatt. For more information please visit www. responsiblebusiness.com

six years ago in Shanghai. He has since expanded his services all over Asia and is currently working on 400-600 tax returns annually. About 99 percent of his clients are expats who live in Asia. The situation with the IRS and overseas US expats will be the main topic as Mertz will be giving advice on how to get the filings right and all the materials required. Guests will gain more insights while enjoying a buffet dinner and drinks included in the price of USD$50. The event will take place at Hacienda Mexican Bar and Grill, Pondok Indah.

For more information please visit www.expattaxblog.com/ tax-seminar-2016-jakarta Networking

Jakarta Business Networkers Make the right connections to help develop and grow your business over bre a k fa s t . At Ja k a r t a Business Networkers (JBN), all attendees are encouraged to help other attendees by exchanging referrals and introducing them to their target audience. JBN is all about helping you grow your business. Promote your business, personal brand or portfolio each week to the rest of the attendees and explain to the group the type of referrals you would like to receive. JBN professional networking sessions are from 7-8.30am every Tuesday at Sapori Deli, Fairmont Jakarta, and Thursday at Mercantile Athletic Club, WTC, Sudirman.

RSVP: info@jbnetworkers.com

BALI Music

travellers, music lovers, and everyone who is in for the ultimate experience of Bali’s nightlife.

Bottles of Belvedere are chilled for Rp.1,000,000 ++. For more information please visit jenjabali. com/event/danny-howells Arts & Culture

Ubud Food Festival 2016 27-29 May 2016 Ubud Food Festiva l w ill be showcasing Indonesia’s culinary scene, innovative chefs and local produce. The festival is an annual project held by Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati with hopes of improving the lives of Indonesians through community-building a nd c u lt u r a l pr o g r a m me s .

This year, Ubud Food Festival will unite some of Indonesia’s leading culinary f igures and also international restaurateurs to help shape and enhance the nat ion’s food industr y. The programmes vary from cooking demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses, special events, food forums, film screenings, markets, food tours and many more. The event is associated with the upcoming Ubud Writers and Readers Festival and Bali Emerging Writers Festival. For more information please visit http://ubudfoodfestival.com Conference

TEDxUbud 2016 28 May 2015 TEDxUbud is back this year for its fifth time with the theme ‘Small Things, Great Things’. TEDx was created with a mission of connecting people through ideas.

In Bali, the event was first held in 2011 and has gathered people and organizations from all around the world with extraordinary goals. This year, they are set to bring a curated group of 300 cha nge -ma kers, innovat ors and also public f ig ures who will get involved in a full-day of discussions, performances and also exciting networking. For more information please visit tedxubud.com

BALI & JAVA Music

Don’t Miss Out This Tax Season 10 May 2016 Michael A Mertz will be holding a Tax Seminar for all expatriates l i v i n g i n Ja k a r t a w h o a r e interested to learn more about tax policies. Mertz is a certified Public Accountant and the CEO of Mertz International Limited (HK), who started his tax practice roughly

Jenja Weekenders Presents Danny Howells 15 April 2016 Get ready to dance the night away with DJ Danny Howells who entered the global house music scene in the late 90s. The DJ, who will be taking over Bali this April, has remained one of the world’s most unique DJs for his impeccable selection, distinctive sense of style and silky mixing.

The party will go down at Jenja Bar and Club and welcomes

Photo Tour with National Geographic’s Suki Belaustegui 22-27 April 2016 Join David Metcalf and National Geographic photographer Suki Belaustegui and a small group

of photographers to explore and discover the lesser-known places of Bali and East Java. Suki is an expert and you will get the chance to learn documentary art photography from him. He will take his students on a spiritual, as well as a photographic life experience by showing them other realities that provide an alternate vision of our shared lives. This sixday workshop invites participants – those who are still learning and also professionals – to gain insights on a variety of techniques as they get to explore Bali and Java together in a photographic tour. Highlights of the tour include Jegong dance in West Bali, Bugis Boat harbour and fishing village, buffalo racing in rice fields, and Ijen Crater in Java.

For more information please visit www.davidmetcalfphotography. com/bali-java-story-tellingphoto-workshop/

BANDUNG Music The International Kampoeng Jazz 2016 30 April 2016 The International Kampoeng Jazz is back for its 8th time this year with an even more exciting line-up, which includes both local and international jazz musicians like Andien, Koes Plus, Teza Sumendra, Tesla Manaf, Danilla featuring Mondo Gascaro and many more. The jazz festival wa s established in 2008 by students from the University of Padjadjaran in order to raise more awareness about the performing arts in Indonesia, especially music. The cit y of Bandung brings more life to the festival, as it is a city known for where the youth can express themselves through the arts. The event will take place this coming April at the University of Padjadjaran.

For more information please visit kampoengjazz.net

SOLO Music

DJ Beats and R&B Sensation: Spinach All Stars and Agnes Monica 30 April & 14 May 2016 Get ready to enjoy a DJ showdown as Alila Solo Hotel is gathering famous DJs like DJ Patricia, DJ Riri, DJ Bone, and MC Giri in ‘Spinach All Stars’. The event will take place at the hotel’s stunning poolside lounge, which will mean mingling and dancing the night away. Spinach All Stars will start entertaining guests at 8pm for a price of Rp.200,000 nett which includes bottled beer, long or soft drinks and snacks. In May, one of Indonesia’s top R&B artists Agnes Monica will also take to the stage to perform eight of her songs including the hit single ‘Coke Bottle’ – a collaboration with American rapper/producer Timbaland. For more information please visit www.alilamoments. com/solo

INDONESIA EXPAT DIRECTORY

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For some 22 years we’ve specialized in the sale of prime Australian residential and commercial property, for EDUCATION - RECREATION INVESTMENT and built our business on satisfied clients and referrals and we pay ‘Top Dollars’ for introductions that result in sales, Bartele Gallery is the only dedicated shop in Indonesia which focuses on antique maps, prints, photographs, books and antiquities, ideal for a unique gift for that special someone. Come and browse through hundreds of old and original maps and prints from all across the globe!

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issue 163 Indonesia expat

27

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL? Looking for something to buy? Looking for staff? Selling property?

Or need a place to live? Why not place your classified ad with Indonesia Expat! Your classified will be placed once for 2 weeks online and once in our printed version which has a circulation of 16.500 copies bi-weekly.

Next deadline: 12 April 2016 CONDITIONS Personal classifieds Commercial classifieds

Free of Charge (50 words max) Rp. 100,000 (0–50 words) Rp. 200,000 (50–100 words)

Property listings are considered as Commercial.

Adding an image incurs an extra charge of Rp.150,000. Business Listings can only be placed on the Business Listings page (p.30) Send in your classifieds to ads@indonesiaexpat.biz

JAKARTA Jobs Available Grandkemang Hotel is looking for a Marketing Communication M a n a g er. R e qu i r e ment s: Possess a Graduate Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Professional Degree in C om munic at ions, Ma ss Communications, Hospitality/ Tour ism/Hotel Management or equivalent; minimum 3 – 4 yea r ex per ience in PR/Ma ss communication, related work experience in the hospitality or ser v ice industr y would be a n a dde d a dva nt a ge; sou nd knowledge and working relations with the media, community and government agencies, collateral productions and advertising; strong leadership with budgetary and cost control skills are essential; must be able to work well in a team and under pressure to meet deadlines effectively; must be well-groomed and have a pleasant d i s p o s it ion; s a le s a c u me n/ persuasive competent small letter Internet user, interested in new technologies; well organized and methodical; extremely motivated, confident with proven leadership qua l it ie s w it h st rong re su lt oriented work; be self disciplined and positive attitude towards work; competent desktop software user.

Please send your application and updated resume with the most recent photograph to Nur Enddin Destiyani, Director of Human Resources. Email: dohr@ gk.mesahotelsandresorts.com

Full Time and Part Time vacancies are now available for experienced English language instructors for corporate courses around Jakarta. Competitive rates and travel allowance are offered. Please send your CV to recruitment. kpiconsultancy@gmail.com

view of Wisma 46 and the city.

Price IDR 26.000.000 / month (minimum one year contract).

Available in May 2016. Further information at +62(0)81212953571 or info@prime-consultancy.com House for rent in Pasar Minggu area close to JORR and offices on Simatupang. 4 bedrooms (2 ensuite), dining, upstairs and downstairs living, media, modern kitchen, study, 2-car garage, outdoor covered terrace, swimming pool, gardens front and back. $2,500 per month (nego) and available from January 2016.

Please contact: +62(0)817 721122 For rent 300 houses at Kemang, Cipete, Cilandak, Jeruk Purut, Pondok Inda h. Big gardens, swimming pools, USD 2,000 5,000. Phone: +62(0)816859 551 or +62(0)8170093366 House For Rent : Type of Housing: House. Address: Pendurenan - Cila nda k (South Ja k a r t a).

Facilities : Sw imming Pool, Garden, Security POS. Land Area : 800 square metre. Building Area : 600 square metre. Bedrooms : 4. Bathrooms : 4. Driver & House Assitant Room : 2 Kitchen : 2. Rental price per month : USD$5,000 /month Condition : Unfurnished. Contact Infor mation O w ner : Ima m Murdiyanto at +62(0)87887115062 or mail to: i_murdiy@yahoo.co.id.

For Picture, please follow below link: drive.google.com/ folderview?id=0B6R-LTido3ER ZmdfZnJ2UnlJdE0&usp=sharing

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28

Indonesia expat issue 163

Spanish Tutor: Learn Spanish at your place with a DELE-certified examiner from Spain. Most of my students come from International Schools (JIS and BSJ). Please call me (Raúl) +62 (0) 821 1050 2786 Email: unascartas@yahoo.com Property Office for rent (74m2) in Cityloft Sudirman 22 nd f loor, Central Jakarta. Very good condition, semi furnished, 2 floors, kitchen & pantr y corner and a great

Apartment at Cinere Bellevue mall - one stop access to supermarket , movies , restaurants , etc. Located near Cinere, Lebak Bulus and Pondok Indah.

Fully Furnished for a one year contract or monthly (negotiable).

Monthly= Rp.6,500,000 Yearly= Rp.75,000,000 Contact : Gio (+62(0)82117333313) Apartment for Rent. Prefer female expat for minimum stay for 6

months. Rent fee Rp.4,500,000 /month (Rp.50 million a year).

Or For Sale Rp.600 million. 2 bed rooms , 7 th f loor (favourite floor), facing view (park). Address: K alibata Residence Ebony 7 BM, Strategic location between South and Central Jakarta. Full Furnish with 2 AC. For more details, contact person: Lina +62(0)81311366874 S hor t/ long t er m r ent a l: 4 bed Kemang Dalam pool villa US$1,500. Available from April 24 Hig h ly d isc ou nt e d pr ic e of US$1,500 per month. Original pr ice US$2, 500 per month.

Extras you have to pay: Electricity (Rp.2,000,000 - 3,000,000 / month), Garbage collection and street securit y (Rp.350,000 / mont h), hou s e hold s t a f f .

Photos and more information: kemangexpathouse.blogspot. co.id/ Sunny, well-ventilated beautiful house in Kemang Dalam with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, large pool. Upmarket area (German ambassador lives next door).

Perfect for families with kids.

Large and spacious (600 square meters) with pool and front and back gardens. Built on one floor.

Just bring your clothes: Fully furnished with beds, curtains, wardrobes, sofa, dining table, Air conditioners, refrigerator, microwave, ga s stove, oven, wa shing machine. Br ing ing your own furniture? We can take the existing furniture out.

Walking distance to schools (AIS, NZIS), Hero Supermarket, taxi stand, various gyms and yoga centres. Call/ Whatsapp Amit on +62(0)82299799334 or email on amit.dabas@gmail.com

Hi, I am looking for short term (May—June) sublease furnished hou s e/a p a r t me nt i n S out h Jakarta. Preferably cilandak, cipete, kemang, pejaten. Budget U S $1 , 0 0 0 . P l e a s e S M S o r WhatsApp +62(0)8179064891 thank you.

Others Our dog DUK E needs a new home! We are leaving Jakarta, but we are unable to take our dog, Duke, with us. He needs a new family that he can protect

and enjoy. Duke is 10 years old, male, mixed breed. We believe he is part Carolina Dog. He has been with us here at our house in Cilandak Timur since he was a puppy. He barks at strangers, but stops barking as soon as he is introduced to (smells) the new person coming in. He has a friendly disposition and never bites. We have an appointment with the vet this month, so his vaccinations will be up to date.

Here are some pictures of Duke: http://bit.ly/22WL70Xhttp:// uppercrustjakarta.us3.listmanage.com/track/click?u=1ef bac1a963112f1a189e4672&id=5 00c1bacb1&e=d3bd37dbbf We wou ld be so g rat ef u l i f someone is able to take in Duke as their new pet. Please message Hermie at WhatsApp +62(0)811 164707 to ask questions and arrange to meet Duke personally.

We h a v e t w o k i t t e n s w h o desperately need a home. We have a bulldog who simply will not allow a new cat to invade his space. The first kitten name Inky. She is a sweet baby that I found in front of my clinic. She is a gorgeous black kitten with a pair of blue eyes. She always greet us every time we were coming to see and feed her. She likes to sleep on her pillow under the sun and follow her "big brother" kitten run up and down at the stairs. She is very playful, likes to cuddle and is wonderfully behaved with other cats. She has never had never have any health problems. She has worm & flea treatment and will have her first vaccination this week. The second kitten name Puma. I found Puma on our way to thanksgiving dinner party at one of our friend's house.

He was almost crushed when he crossed the street to beg for food from street vendor. He is about 6–7 month old, already have his first vaccination and already sterilized. He should have

his second vaccination this week.

He is a handsome ginger/white kitten. He loves to eat, and always wants to play and please you. He is also very chatty and wonderfully behaved with the younger kittens that come after him (Inky).

Please check out photos here: http://bit.ly/1TfQh5ohttp:// uppercrustjakarta.us3.listmanage2.com/track/click?u=1 efbac1a963112f1a189e4672&i d=4045747e18&e=d3bd37dbbf You can contact mschafer@ ji se du.or.id or SMS t o +62(0)81381198233 A nyone know someone that does an ergonomic/Workstation Assessment in Jakarta? I have really bad neck pain due to my workstation at work. I am looking for someone that can do a workplace assessment and suggest appropriate ergonomic equipment (like Chairs and desk).

I would be grateful if you could get in contact with Nalini on +62 (0)81289725090.

VESPA. I'm very interested in buying a classic/vintage vespa scooter. This can be either part restored, fully restored or a complete wreck and this is for a private hobby project. If you have a vespa or know someone who is selling a vespa please get in touch.

For more information please contact Chris at cshiels76@gmail. com or +62(0)81283371841 Household Staff Available Driver available. Pak Badri was our driver for all of 2011 during our time in Jakarta. Badri was a C ompa ny d r iver a nd h a s worked for Schlumberger and Smith Tools, he is therefore very experienced in the needs of expats in Jakarta. Badri is an exemplary driver. He makes you feel very at ease and comfortable in his care. He has great knowledge of the roads including shortcuts.

Badri is cheerful, at times funny although never inappropriate, reliable and trustworthy. He ran any errands we required and handled money without any issue at all. My granddaughter was two at the time we were in Jakarta, she really loved Badri and he taught her words in Bahasa, I would trust Badri implicitly to drive children to and from, preschool or school. Badri I can guarantee, will be an asset to your household.

He can be contacted directly on HP +62(0)82122471710. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me or text me.

Kaye Noorlander. +61419823 521 Email: kayenoorlander50@ yahoo.com.au Excellent accomplished cook available. Ibu Yati is a mature, versatile, energetic cook/ household assistant whom I have known for many years. She is the sister of our cook and occasionally has helped us out cooking for, and managing large events. She has a broad repertoire, including Thai and Italian food, Western food in general, and she is adept at local cuisine as well. She also has a sunny and warm manner – and the same even disposition as her sister, who has been with us for 10 years. Ibu Yati is a frequent and welcome visitor to our home.

Her r e c om mend a t ion s a r e impeccable. Her latest employer left the country somewhat sooner than expected and did not have time to assist her in finding a next opportunity. He praises highly her financial and logistics management a s well a s her honesty, reliability (no sick days ever) and general excellence. I have seen other recommendations – all glowing. She is a skilled a nd a ler t shopper – t a k ing care to buy only the freshest at appropriate prices, and keeping complete records. The skills and personality of a cook are crucial, and I recommend her as someone w ho w i l l me e t a nd e xc e e d expectations. You may contact Ibu Yati at 085881204509. If you would like to reach me with any inquiries, my email is mlediard1@yahoo.com My n a me i s R on n i e . I a m 47 years old and is liv ing in Jakarta. If you are in need of an excellent driver please call me at +62(0)8129979706.

Amazing Driver available in April Our driver Samto will be available in Apr il for a new position.

Samto was easily one of the most responsible staff members we encountered in our time Indonesia. He is very proud of his role and works very hard to make sure he does the best he can. In 3 years he never once disappointed us. We trusted him 100% with money and with managing pick ups for our children. Samto worked hard for overtime when we needed him. Contact Samto directly at +62(0)81383447575 I'm happy to answer any questions aronellenfitch@gmail.com Looking for Household Staff South Jakarta. She would be working with our other helper and should speak fluent English. Good reference is a requirement for the us. Please text +62(0)8119861754 to be contacted.

We are looking for a gardener to work three days per week in our house in Kemang dalam.

T he g a r dener shou ld h ave references. Please send me an sms if interested or if you can recommend someone at +62(0)85 777695873.

We have left Jakarta and our staff are seeking immediate employment. Housekeeper: Ibu Anik was our household caretaker for the past 11,5 years. She came highly recommended by another expat family and she did not disappoint. Anik has worked for expat families for many years and has complete references from past employers. Her duties included the general upkeep of the house inside and out, laundry, managing and directing of other staff, buying water for the house and other duties as required.

A nik's command of English is very good making it easy to communicate with her. She is a very independent worker and never needed direction. If she had questions she would ask.

Once she learned our routines she would work very discreetly around us. We trusted Anik without hesitation; she is a very

honest forthright individual.

She managed her small slush fund diligently and accounted for all expenditures. Anik never missed a day's work while under our employ ment. She would arrive promptly each morning and stay until she completed her duties. Anik has also worked with families that have pets and does not mind doing so. She would like another full time live out position, but will consider other offers.

We recommend Anik without hesitation. Please contact Kathy at our email, ettentribe@hotmail. com , with any questions. You can contact Anik by phone at home 72399112728 or cell phone +62(0)81384894254.

Dr iver: Pa k Ma ch mud w a s employed by us from December 2015 through Januar y 2016 as our personal driver. It has been a pure joy having had Pak Machmud as a driver and friend the past year. A relaxed ride is what he offers as his knowledge o f t h e Ja k a r t a r o a d s a n d surrounding areas is extensive.

He is considerate, dependable, respectful, honest, has a good work ethic and always cheerful, a wonderful person to be around.

He presents himself well. His understanding of English is good and communication has not been an issue. If he struggles anywhere it is in expressing himself. He has acted as an effective translator for us when dealing with our security personnel and others.

Vehicle cleanliness, maintenance a nd f ueling a c tiv ities a re undertaken with enthusiasm; monthly expense reporting is very professional. His past experience includes International companies and thus has acquainted himself w ith Wester n ex pectations, which are ref lected in the way he conducts himself. He keeps you r b e s t i nt ere s t i n m i nd when dealing with the locals.

Pak Machmud would like a full time position but will consider other options. We recommend Machmud without hesitation.

Please contact Kathy at our email, ettentribe@hotmail.com with any questions. You can contact Machmud by phone at +62(0)812 8062642.

Pa r t Time Ga rd ner:Pa k Saripuddin (Sarip) was employed by us from September 2015 through January 2016. He worked part time 3 days a week. His duties included garden maintenance, taking care of the swimming pool and various other duties a s required. He wa s a selfstarter and kept the garden in good condition. The pool was always clean and the chemical balance was kept in check. He was in charge of purchasing the required chemicals and kept could records of what was purchased and used. He would notify us when any issues occurred with the filters or pool equipment. He oversaw any repairs or outside maintenance. He also took care of cleaning and tidying up all the outside patio areas and would help our housekeeper with cleaning windows and other duties as required. Pak Sarip will consider either a full or part time position.

Please contact Kathy at email: ettentribe @hotmail.com , with any questions or Pak Sarip at +62(0)82125844250.

Automotive CAR FOR SALE: Toyota Grand New Kijang Innova 2.0G . 2011 model, White color, Automatic transmission. Mint condition, Done 53,000km. Full service record, Tax paid till 09-2016 For f u r t her det a i ls a nd pictures please contact me at +62(0)8151684306 including WhatsApp. For Sale - Box of 25 Poise Bladder Control Pads - RP.250,000 - Call of Duty Mega Bloks APC Invasion New Boxed Set, 457 pieces - RP.600,000 - Call of Duty Mega Bloks Atlas Mobile Turret New Boxed Set, 587 pieces,- RP.700,000 -New Old Navy Girls Size 5 capris in purple, peach, teal blue, and lime green - RP.150,000 each - New Baby Gap Girls Size 5 Pants - white capri and pink long pants that can be adjusted to capris IDR 150,000 each - New Boys size 10 Lands End white and blue chino short RP.200,000 - New Boys size 10 Lands End Orange Beach Pant - RP.200,000 - New Boys Tommy Hilf iger Green/Navy/White - Polo shirt size 8-10, Rp.250,000 - Boys Polo Green & Orange Shirt Size 10-12, IDR 200,00 - New Boys Under Armour Youth Large long sleeve UPF 50+ swim/ sun shirt, Rp.350,000 - New Boys Lands End Green Suit Jacket/Blazer size 10, Rp.350,000 - Boys Navy suit pants and jacket set size 12, Rp.350,000 - Boys black suit jacket/Blazer size 12, Rp.200,000 - New Boys Nav y Blue Lands End Suit Jacket/Blazer size 12, Rp.350,000 - New Boys Children's Place Blue and White Sweater size 10-12 Rp.200,000 - Ne w B oy s Old Nav y (s t i l l wrapped in plastic) boys bathing suit size 10-12, Rp.225,000 - New Girls Lands End pink f lower sandals, size US 10, EU 27, Rp.300,000 - New Girls White Lelli Kelly Mary Jane shies - Lots of beads!

Size US 11.5, EU 29, Rp.400,000 - New Girls Skechers white and pink with butterflies side on shoes , size US 13, EU 30, Rp.350,000 - New Girls Skechers Pink white black velcro closure running s ho e s , s i z e US 1 3 , EU 3 0, Rp.350,000 - Frigo Aged Parmesan Cheese 5 Oz sealed package from US Rp.200,000 - Blue Bonnet Light Margarine 4 pack box from US - Rp.100,000 - Strawberry Cream Cheese 8 Oz tub from US - Rp.100,000 - Mozzarella 16 Oz block of cheese from US - Rp.250,000 - Colby Jack 16 Oz block of cheese from US - Rp.250,000 - Kraft singles cheese - 16 slices from US - Rp.150,000 - Grand Marnier 1 litre orange & cognac liqueur, 99% full - used to make dessert - Rp.1,000,000 - New unopened Myers Rum Or ig ina l Da rk one litre Rp.1,000,000 - New Tanqueray London Dry Gin one litre, Rp.900,000 - Cointreau Orange Liqueur one litre, 80% full, Rp.600,000 - Bombay Sapphire Distilled Dry

Gin 100 cl, 75% full, Rp.600,000 - Laphroaig single malt scotch whiskey one litre, 40% f ull, Rp.800,000 ***pick up at South Jakarta, sms only +62(0)8119413596, don't have WhatsApp. FOR SALE as we will move soon out of Jakarta – please see details of each item in the photo album.

Photos are numbered as follows: 1. Living room (classic) Rp.15 million; 2. Dining room (4 seats + cabinet with mirror ) Rp.12 million; 3. Bedroom number 1: 2 Single beds including mattress + h a i r d r e s s er + k id s de sk Rp.7,000,000; 4. Shoes cabinet Rp.1,800,000 million; 5. TV table Rp.1,500,000 million; 6. Bedroom number2: 2 single beds including mattress + desk 7 million; 7.

Ma ster bedroom (including mattress) 14 million ; 8.Power trainer rarely used Rp.2,800,000 million; 9.Body builder Rp.300,000; 10. Outdoor dining table 6 chairs Rp.5,000,000; 11.Kids house Rp.2,000,000; 12.Living room (Arabic style) Rp.10 million ; 13.Girls bike Rp.800,000; 14.Ferrari bike for boys Rp.1,500,000; 15.Water d i s p en s er R p. 2 ,0 0 0,0 0 0 0; 16.Treadmill Rp.27 million . Some stuff can't be collected before May Please see photos at: www.flickr. com/photos/131897963@N08/ A ll prices are negotiable , if anyone is interested please call or WhatsApp at +62(0)81289921622

BALI Property

Getaway to Ubud, Bali – Stay at Steph and Dave’s Private Villa in Ubud, Bali. 3 Bedroom Private Pool Villa in the rice f ields.

Authentic Balinese stay in a traditional village. 4.5 kms from Ubud, Quiet, peaceful setting – in the rice paddies. Sleeps 6 ideal for family or couples. Free daily breakfast. Driver avail on request. Your own personal villa cook. Security 24 hrs. Read latest guest reviews on trip advisor.

Special Kitas Rates available. www.villadamee.com. Email: info@villadamee.com Houses for sale. In Taman Griya Jimbaran, 2 storey, 3 bedrooms, 2 b a t h r o o m s , l i v i ng r o o m , kitchen. 2,200W electricity.

Freehold. Type 75 with 1.83 are land. Close to Club Jimbaran, restaurants, supermarket. Rp. 1.8 Billion (negotiable). Text only +62(0)8123815292.

the ability to work with Shopify and all social media platforms.

Send Resume, References and your work sample to warren@ mist-clothing.com Wanted Maid – Security (couple).

Reliable couple to fill the role of full time maid and security (9pm – 7am for 7 days). Good English skills and good cooking skills. Trial for long term in Seminyak. Need to be very reliable & trustworthy. Late April start.

Salary will be Rp.3,000,000/ month combined, excellent living facility. Send applications to peterwilldo@yahoo.com Fast growing cargo company in Celuk is looking for Cargo Manager (CM), Sales Executive (SE) a nd C ust omer S er v ic e (C S). C M mu s t have m i n 2 years experience, good English, honest, willing to work hard and underpressure, discipline minimal D3 (Male/Female).

Please send your CV along with your photo to hrdcargo2@gmail. com latest 2 week from now.

PELABUHAN RATU Property

Discover Villa Gamrang Beach house and ex per ience our hospit a l it y. V i l la Ga m ra ng (Nea rby Cisolok , 4 hours ‘drive from Jakarta and 1 hour drive from the still unspoiled Sawarna beach ) is designed to offer guests a beautiful nature, complete privacy and luxury.

Listed (Jan 9, 2014) in the "Top 100 Holiday Beach Houses ", Guardian Newspaper. Stylish interior, outdoor terraces, sea view, spacious garden, private swimming pool, 4 bedrooms , 3 bathrooms, complete kitchen, TV and Wi fi. Idyllic place to relax & enjoy a long weekend. Separate guesthouse with 1 bathroom and 2 bedrooms. Friendly staff a nd fem a le c o ok . In hou se catering. Prices starting from IDR 2,100,000 per night ++ up to 10 persons. Villa Gamrang is highly appreciated by expats and Indonesian families. For Reviews and Reservations. www.villagamrang.nl or just mail us directly at villagamrang@gmail.com

JOGJAKARTA Others Coin and banknote trader wishes to meet fellow collectors and traders in the Indonesian expat community. Available also for consultation on asset disposals in case of major life events. Please contact Paul on indostocks@ gmail.com + mention this advert.

Looking for Staff Social Media Marketing / Graphic Designer. We are a Seminyak ba se d e s t abl i she d women’s clothing brand trading in retail, wholesale and online. Currently seeking a self-motivated, creative person w ith strong skills in graphic design and social media marketing. Applicants must be competent in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and with

MEDAN Property Emergency Sale: Land in Medan.

202.5 m 2 Tanah milik - house with electricity. Rp.300 million or very near offer. Investment opportunity? Title deed here in Jakarta. No agents. Contact owner Ibu Lily: +62(0)81213995099 Email: terry@fullproofservices.net

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Indonesia expat issue 163