Indonesia Expat - issue 132 by Indonesia Expat

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J A K A R TA • J AVA • B A L I • L O M B O K • K A L IM 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

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HAPPINESS: AN ART TO BE PRACTICED GALUNGAN: BALI'S FESTIVE SEASON

REMEMBERING THE 2004 TSUNAMI: HOW SIMEULUE ISLAND SURVIVED MEET MARK MAGEE GENERAL MANAGER OF IKEA INDONESIA

DIY YOUR WARDROBE THIS PARTY SEASON

TREATING THE HIV & AIDS EPIDEMIC IN INDONESIA

issue 132 indonesia expat

indonesia expat issue 132

issue 132 indonesia expat

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Indonesia's Largest Expatriate Readership

Whatever religion you are, it’s a joyful time of year where we can enjoy moments with family and friends, while reigning in the New Year with much optimism and resolutions for a better year ahead — hopefully all wrapped up in a nice holiday package.

Editor in Chief Angela Richardson angela@indonesiaexpat.biz

Editorial Assistant Gabriella Panjaitan gaby@indonesiaexpat.biz

Management Edo Frese edo@indonesiaexpat.biz

If you’ve been shopping of late, you may have noticed the malls filled to the brim with Christmas decorations; Santas, Christmas trees, ball-balls and even Rudolphs deck the malls in an attempt to loosen your purse strings. But why has this holiday become all about consumerism? Has it all gotten a little out of hand?

SalesDistribution Dian Mardianingsih Betty de Haan ads@indonesiaexpat.biz

Distribution Nina Wyvar nina@indonesiaexpat.biz

Graphics Frederick Ng Katarina Anindita

Finance & Admin Lini Verawaty

It’s surprising to learn that some Indonesians who work in these malls are not even aware that Christmas decorations are linked to a religious festival, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Some think it is just an act of business, and one can hardly blame them, considering the stage that’s been set.

Contributors Bill Dalton Victoria Bannerman Karen Davis Annali Hayward Tess Joyce Francesco Ricciardi Eamonn Sadler Simon J. Still Donny Syofyan Kenneth Yeung

Editorial Enquiries letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

Circulation Enquiries

gift-giving, the Ambonese rejoiced and celebrated their day more than I’ve seen anyone else do. Maybe we should take a leaf out of their book.

Last Christmas Eve I spent in Ambon, and although the majority of the population here earn a low income, there was no absence of celebration, I assure you. Christmas Eve in Ambon sounds like New Year’s Eve on steroids or at the turn of a new millennia, with thousands of fireworks and firecrackers going off for hours on end, until the early morning, some even sounding like bombs and scaring the living daylights out of tourists. Even without all the showmanship and expensive

Perhaps there’s no need to spend over-the-top amounts on unnecessary presents — just buy something if it’s genuinely needed. To compensate for the money not spent, I would suggest donating the cash to your favourite charity; there are so many in need of financial aid. Fill your lives with memories, not things, and what better memory than one where you made someone in need’s life just a little bit better. Happy holidays, everyone and see you again on January 14th when we return from ours!

Angela Richardson Editor in Chief

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Events events@indonesiaexpat.biz

Published by PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia Jl. Kemang Raya No. 29A Kemang, Jakarta,Indonesia Phone: 021 7179 4550 Fax: 021 7179 4546 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

I really enjoyed reading Marissa Anita’s review of Senyap (The Look of Silence) in your latest issue. I am a big fan of Marissa Anita and was pleasantly surprised to see her writing for your publication.

Dear Joko,

Marissa stated: “I noticed in the closing credits, there were plenty of anonymous personnel involved in the making of Senyap. They were most likely Indonesians. This itself is a statement that even though this documentary exists, there is still much fear in associating one’s self with the bloody tragedy of 1965.”

We are also huge fans of Marissa Anita and are grateful that she has chosen to contribute to our publication. Happy to hear you enjoyed her review and we will definitely pass on your thanks to her.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us.

Your vision is one that I’m sure most of the population share, but do not speak of. Thank you for being brave enough to share it here with us.

I would agree with her statement. I’m Indonesian and only feel comfortable to discuss our history with friends or family, never with a stranger and especially not with someone of the law. As this month we celebrate International Human Rights Day, I really hope that we will be able to get justice for these countless human rights abuse stories from our troubled past. I would like to see justice served for my people in my lifetime.

Many thanks IE Editorial Team

PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER. ALL TRADEMARKS, LOGOS, BRANDS AND DESIGNS ARE COPYRIGHT AND FULLY RESERVED BY PT. KOLEKSI KLASIK

From Joko S.

INDONESIA.

The Cover Santa enjoying local delicacies Pictured by Angela R.

indonesia expat issue 132

Indonesia Expat would like to apologize for a mistake in Issue #131 in 'Meet the Jakarta Expat: Josef Fuchs', where Josef Fuchs’ email was incorrect. The correct e-mail address is josef.fuchs@1rstwap.com We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Thank you and please pass on my thanks to Marissa.

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Issue 132

Contents

11 18

Fashion From Bauble to Lace, Make a Statement This Party Season

Featured The Art of Happiness

Meet the Bali Expat Pastors John & Judi Harwin

Happenings Dancing to Disney This Christmas

Culture Galungan - Biggest Day of the Year

Food & Drink The Ghost of Christmas Delights

Community Centre

Faces of Indonesia Ami Fahmi

Light Entertainment Santa Claus is Coming to Town

History Roehana Koeddoes

Travel Simeulue Island: A Decade On and Nature Reminds Us Still

28 29 30

Scams in the City Hard Luck Joyful Holiday Offers Celebrate Christmas & New Year's Eve Worthy Causes Yayasan Kasih Suwitno at Ruang Carlo

Events Business Directory Classifieds

Business Profile Marg Magee, General Manager of IKEA Indonesia

issue 132 indonesia expat

FEATURED

The Art of Happiness By Tess Joyce

Reza Gunawan at a recent Peace Gathering

not, just listen to the perspectives. When someone comes into your circle who is nothing like the others around you, spark the conversation. The more you can do this, the more your comfort zone will expand,” said Ka Mau.

At a recent peace gathering in Jakarta hosted by the organic restaurant Burgreens, I saw a talk by holistic healing practitioner and acupuncturist Reza Gunawan, who is also the husband of the popular author Dee Lestari. Reza’s talk was about the practice of happiness, inspired by the recent research of American neuropsychologist Dr. Rick Hanson and author of the book Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence. The argument is an interesting one — our brains are hardwired to survive, not to be happy. Unfortunately, the brain is very good at building brain structure from negative experiences; we have evolved to have a negative bias in order to survive and learn from our threats, predators or hazards. When we avoid these threats we are in ‘reactive mode’, however we are often still dwelling on the negatives. Yet Dr. Hanson does not recommend ‘positive thinking’ in order to counteract this, since a positive statement is just verbal and doesn’t create new neural structure, it hasn’t sunk in. To develop this structure and create a sense of happiness, practice is needed. Hanson calls this ‘taking in the good’. This means that if we experience something positive, we should take the time around 10 – 30 seconds to acknowledge these experiences so that it becomes part of the neural structure. In other words, we are learning the art of being grateful and becoming more present. But this is a self-healing pathway and it requires patience, time and practice — it is not an instant spoonful of medicine from a doctor, but a life-long journey. “I help people in Jakarta to learn to selfheal,” explained Reza Gunawan who has been a healer for over 11 years. He started as an investment banker, but his illnesses and spiritual experiences led him to abandon this path and pursue his childhood passion for healing. During his talk at the peace gathering, I was particularly impressed by how he managed to find common ground and use examples that everyone in the audience would be able to identify with; deep down, we have a desire to be at peace, regardless of our spiritual, philosophical or religious beliefs and Reza’s talk was very inclusive — everyone in the audience seemed to be engaged and were speaking honestly about their own personal experiences in life. Reza was clear to explain that although he performs acupuncture, he cannot ‘heal’. The journey to self-heal, he believes, is a personal commitment, and there are many practices for happiness that Reza teaches. 6

indonesia expat issue 132

Although cities are often jam-packed with people, there are many cases of loneliness and alienation. Everyone has skills and knowledge that are important for achieving balance in our society, yet a lack of confidence may prevent people from recognizing or appreciating their gifts. I asked Ka Mau if he had any advice to encourage more supportive environments in which people can share their knowledge.

“Unfortunately, the brain is very good at building brain structure from negative experiences; we have evolved to have a negative bias in order to survive and learn from our threats, predators or hazards.”

Ka Mau

“I think the main practices are mindfulness practices, which are aimed to develop clear thinking (clarity), kindness and wisdom; emotional healing practices, which are aimed to recognize our patterns of suffering, and becoming free from them; embodiment practices, which are body-based integration practices to carry and oscillate the clear awareness from the mental side into the physical life; personal habits and rhythms, to wisely manage our most regular roles and tasks in such a way that keeps our life in good healthy balance,” Reza explained. With a negative bias, even if our brains experience something positive, we may still feel unhappy and life in an urban city can often be hard with its extra stresses, such as work pressure, traffic and pollution. But instead of dwelling on the negatives, there are numerous things that we can do. “Learn to stop and breathe, would be the most important tip. Being too busy, tired and stressed are the culprit of almost all diseases in modern life,” said Reza who is keen to spread more awareness about more natural, conscious and healthier ways in which to live.

Multi-disciplined artist Ka Mau from San Francisco recently reiterated the point in his novel GODBODY that the search for peace must begin within the mind, to begin observing our thoughts and those of others in order to learn. Yet his book also warns us to be careful of stagnation, “Sometimes a raw, spontaneous, unedited show of heart and imperfection can get you all the results you seek.” In fact, Ka Mau actively aims to help artists to become more open and push themselves out of their comfort zone through his performance events, Live Mysteries, which aim to unify artists, painters, poets, dancers, videographers and photographers across Bali and break down the walls that separate us. And anyone can come. I recently asked Ka Mau if he had any advice for people wishing to become more open and expressive. “Become good friends with people who do things that you do not do, who think in ways that you do not think, who create in ways that you do not create. Go to places you've never gone, where there are people you've never interacted with. Bali provides a wealth of opportunities to do that. Strike up real conversations with some of the people there. Not to prove a point or to show what you know, but to just hear different outlooks and experiences of life. Look for and listen to people with far out views, whether you agree with them or

“I feel it is 100% essential that people share their knowledge and skills with others, especially those who may not have easy access to it. I think apprenticeships are a wonderful thing that should make a comeback in societies. It's a lost part of community. Every person who has high knowledge and skill in a given field should have at least one dedicated young person they transfer that learning to without charging them for it. I think whether or not someone does that depends on how they perceive themselves and their own work, as well as what are the reasons why they do what they do,” said Ka Mau. So, whether you have something to learn, or something to share, remember how important you are, even if the brain can be a miserable old engine at times and in need of a bit of oil.

Tess Joyce is a writer from the UK but currently lives with her husband in Indonesia. Her writings have appeared online for OFI.

issue 132 indonesia expat

MEET THE BALI EXPAT

Pastors John & Judi Harwin

Karen Davis is a NYC artist and writer.

Meet Pastors John and Judi Harwin of Kuta International Christian Church, Legian, Bali

By Karen Davis

John 15:11 “These things I h av e spok en to you, th at My Joy m ay r em ain in you, a nd th at your Joy m ay be full.”

What are the visions and the missions of KICC? Our key focuses are: international, interdenominational, intimate with God and involved with people.

Now that we live in Bali, we notice that many people come here searching for happiness and fulfilment, and later become disappointed, depressed and even suicidal. Many times they end up in trouble, and we receive many distress calls. As church pastors, we are often the first ones these people reach out to, and it is such a privilege to help.

We are a friendly, accepting and joyful family church without walls, open to all people regardless of age, race, denomination or cultural background. It affirms that we are all truly one in Jesus Christ, using our different strengths, supporting and serving our Bali community together. Our purpose is to create a contemporary, cross-cultural and caring Christian community, which provides opportunities for sharing resources, praying together, worship, teaching and service to the needy. Our focus of ministry is mainly directed towards the Englishspeaking people living in Bali, with a special outreach to Indonesian nationals, expats and overseas tourists. On any given Sunday there are up to 15 different nationalities represented. It’s so exciting and interesting, and we love it! What is Joy? Joy is so much more than simply happiness, just as happiness is more than just pleasure. Pleasure is in the body, happiness is in the mind and feelings. Joy is deep within the heart, soul and spirit. Joy is always found in giving to others in so many ways. Our way of joy is to love God with all our heart, and loving those around us as ourselves. Christmas is coming and I know your church has some very special services planned. What is the true meaning of Christmas? For us, it is a time of such love, deep feeling and joy, being with family and friends and showing generosity to all. The coming of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago made the Kingdom of God very accessible to all mankind. The true meaning of Christmas is unconditional love. Christmas is the celebration of this incredible act of love, with God humbly stepping out of eternity to reach down to us. We remember this meaningful birth of Jesus in a lowly stable, which had been foretold by prophets 700 years before. Through Him we can receive the gift of eternal life, forgiveness and love, as well as being free from condemnation. This truly frees us from our own natural selfishness to reach out to others, and creates peace and joy, especially during this wonderful Christmas season. 8

indonesia expat issue 132

KICC is known for its diverse congregation. How many nationalities attend your church? We can have up to 15 different nationalities attending KICC on any Sunday; around fifty percent Indonesian, the rest being expats and tourists from all around the world. Tell me about your Christmas services and activities this year. We really look forward to warmly welcoming people from all over, to come and celebrate Christmas Eve (9pm) and Christmas Day (11am), with us here at KICC. This is our first Christmas here as pastors, and we know that KICC have fantastic services with lots of enthusiastic preparation and rehearsals happening even now. What other outreach programs does KICC have? They are numerous. We assist with English-speaking church services and inmate support at Kerobokan prison, village water projects, Red Frogs ‘Schoolies’ program, as well as financially supporting children with special needs, families with unexpected medical expenses, hospital visitations and orphanages. Regular dedications and weddings are held, connect and social groups meet on a regular weekly basis in homes and on the beach. So, life is certainly busy and fulfilling in so many ways. What is your background and what inspired you to become pastors in ministry in Kuta? We were called into full-time ministry about five years ago. Our long association with Indonesia is of over 15 years and in particular Bali. We often brought mission teams of teens and adults across from Australia to assist the poorer areas of Bali. We also worked in Jakarta from 2004 to 2009. Our day jobs back then were in education, including teacher training of Indonesian nationals, as well as working in the prisons, refugee assistance, slums, leprosy communities and with the Indonesian people who struggle carving out their lives living under the toll ways in Kali Jodoh. In 2004, after the Boxing Day Tsunami in Banda Aceh, John was involved in immediate on the ground relief projects in Aceh and extensive teacher training of Acehnese for several years.

How long have you been coming to Indonesia and how did you get into ministry? We first came to Indonesia in 1999. We have been involved in church life since our thirties, and have been in various areas of leadership and ministry roles over the years. We were first asked to lead an Australian church as pastors in 2010. We were both ordained with Australian Christian Churches in 2011. In 2013 we were invited by KICC to become their first permanent full-time pastors and commenced here in April 2014. Describe a typical Sunday service at KICC. In keeping with our surrounding culture, we start services with the striking of the beautiful gong. Newcomers and visitors are introduced and welcomed to the church, followed by around 30 minutes of joyful contemporary worship singing. We then ‘pass the peace’, which simply means ‘meet and greet’. We share in regular prayer and a scripture-based message that has practical life applications. Services are usually finished by 12 noon followed by refreshments and friendly chats. Once a month we ‘celebrate’ communion. Do you have advice to all people of all races and creeds around the world on how we may create a world of peace and love? We would encourage anyone to keep searching, seeking and asking God to reveal Himself to them personally. Just stay open to the ways He speaks truth to us. It’s awesome. Thank you pastors John and Judi Harwin! Merry Christmas! May we have peace on earth and goodwill to all!

Kuta International Christian Church Church secretary: Merriyes (081 797 656 73) E-mail: kiccbali@gmail.com

HAPPENINGS

Dancing to Disney This Christmas By Annali Hayward

In our bustling metropolis, where temperatures are consistently set to ‘tropical’ year-round, it can be hard to find some Christmas spirit. That sparkle, that joy, which fills you on a cold winter’s day — when the prospect of mulled wine and mince pies is never far away — can be tough to replicate in Jakarta (at least for us northern-hemisphere exports!). But on Saturday 6 December, the Kemang Dance Centre put on their first major show, The Magical World of Disney, at the Lotte World Ciputra’s Ice Palace, and spread a little festive cheer. Three of Disney’s classic princess stories were chosen for the centre’s students to show us their stuff in an hour’s ballet performance: Cinderella, Mulan and Brave. All ages and abilities had a chance to take part in at least one of the ten, charming routines. Melissa Pratama, an RADqualified teacher and the founder/Art-Director of the centre, said what binds the stories together is that “the three girls can achieve things that may be seen as impossible” — an inspiring message for the students. As Melissa says, “The hard work of the princesses finally proves to be successful,” much like her own journey of training to become a teacher and gaining almost ten years’ experience before opening her own studio in 2012. Today, the centre on Bangka Raya runs over ten classes a week from ballet to hip-hop and even belly dancing. Their message is clear: no matter what your age or ability, if you love dance, you will find kindred spirits and a warm welcome here. A warm welcome awaited the twinkled-toed performers that afternoon, starting with Grace Hampton (arguably the studio’s star performer), who elegantly danced the only solo piece to The Lion King’s ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’. For Cinderella, Olivia Mello was the sparkly fairy godmother to eleven adorable, tiny fairies in blue wings. Thirteen sweet little mice were shepherded by Cinderella (Many Sisombat), beautiful in her aproned tutu. In the Mulan

segment, the dancing warriors (a slightly older group) showed that being a princess requires strength and courage, too. Finally to Scotland, setting for Brave, where three talented young dancers leapt across the stage to enchanting Celtic tunes. A grand finale saw all performers back on stage as — hearts truly warmed — the audience showed their appreciation. The small concert hall was the perfect backdrop for the afternoon, looking as it does like the inside of an igloo. Almost 200 tickets were sold to doting parents and dance enthusiasts. Indeed, Melissa hoped the students would “gain experience and confidence dancing for a larger audience”. Good thing too, as they consider another classical dance performance for the future. It’s a wonderful thing to encourage our young people to pursue, hone and —importantly — share their talents. So, a festive ‘cheers’ to Melissa and her team of teacher-choreographers (Maria Magdalena, Brenda Susanto and Mariska Febriyani), for bringing a little joy this season, and allowing their students to shine in The Magical World of Disney.

Jl. Bangka Raya No. 5C, Jakarta Selatan 021-71794726 / 081319048970 / BBPin: 21e1d9c1 www.kemangdancecenter.com

Annali Hayward is an expert eater, decisive drinker, fumbling fashionista and tasteful traveller, who writes to savour all of the above — preferably at once.

issue 132 indonesia expat

CULTURE

Bill Dalton has been writing travel features, book reviews, interviews and guidebooks about Indonesia for more than 40 years, starting with his groundbreaking Indonesia Handbook first published in 1976. Bill lives on a farm with his Indonesian family deep in the countryside of west Bali.

Celebrating the creation of the world by the supreme god and the victory of goodness or virtue (dharma) over evil (adharma), the Balinese religious festival of Galungan is the most important regularly held holiday on Bali. Like Christmas in the West, but without the tawdry commercialism, Galungan is a day of prayers and feasting when schools are closed and commerce comes to a standstill.

Large celebrations such as Galungan, lasting for more than a week and mobilizing hundreds of people in every village and household (rumah tangga), are performed with startling efficiency. Nobody is left out. In our village in an agricultural district of Tabanan, farmers as well as rich businessmen from Denpasar take part in the preparations. A sure fire way of pleasing the gods is to present them with prayers and offerings, so major festivals such as Galungan are brightened by rows of sumptuous fruit and flowers. Rules govern exactly how much food, oil, palm leaf strips, lamak and symbolic money are offered.

Observed in the 11th week of the 210-day uku year by Balinese all over Indonesia, Galungan is the start of a 42-day holy period. The celebration has its origins in an ancient pre-Hindu harvest festival and it's forbidden to begin planting during this period. In Bali-Hindu legend, Galungan commemorates the defeat of the legendary demon-king Mayadanawa, represented by the god Indra.

This is a gay and festive time when all of Bali's roads, large and small, are draped with penjor. Like a maypole taken to the extreme, these tall, curved bamboo poles are adorned with unhusked rice and flowers. Placed in front of each door as a symbol of thanks to Sanghyang Widhi for his gifts of life and prosperity, they dip toward the centre of the street. The sight of long lines of penjor gracing Balinese villages alone is worth a trip to Bali.

In our house you know Galungan is coming because of a sudden and obvious uptick of activity. Preparations begin at least seven days in advance when we start gathering materials for offerings and preparing the penjor pole. Our housemaid brings offerings to the cemetery for the uncremated dead of her desa (village) and we ask for spiritual strength in confronting life's trying cycles and suffering. In the days immediately before the holiday, town and village markets overflow with bright-coloured rice cakes ( jajan), green bananas ripen in domestic courtyards, temples are spruced up to receive the ancestral spirits, and the whole island is decked out in lamak scrolls, delicate palmleaf cut-outs, and other festive decorations. Men ready the temple grounds, hanging friezes, canopies and banners, building bamboo platforms, cooking ritual feasts, erecting penjor poles, performing guard duty and covering the privates of statues with holy checkered cloths. The pace quickens closer to the day with the whole household working soon after the sun breaks over Gunung Agung until the last light of day fades on top of Gunung Batur to the north. Three days prior to Galungan, the preparations are non-stop with building altars, fashioning offerings, cutting decorative patterns from palm leaves, preparing sweet rice snacks and erecting ceremonial paraphernalia. In villages on either side of the ridge where we live, I can hear the high-pitched squeals of pigs piercing the mid-morning air as they are being slaughtered to make lawar. On Galungan day, starting at dawn, the women of our household dress in their finest kebaya (traditional blouse) and gold jewellery. Later in the morning, they bear elaborate offerings to the village temple of origin where ancestral spirits and deities descend to earth to be honoured. The Balinese seem the happiest when they are getting ready for a festival. The idea is to fulfil your religious obligations and have a good time while you're at it. The work actually starts a few weeks before Galungan, with a day of offerings for Batara Guru, a Hindu god from the creation myth. This holy day of Pagerwesi assures protection of the family, the village and the world at large. Pagerwesi means ‘iron fence’, symbolizing the fortification around you to keep out greed and evil during the ceaseless battle between the two faces of god. 10

indonesia expat issue 132

Galungan Biggest Day of the Year

By Bill Dalton

Another way to entertain the gods is with dance, drama and gamelan music. Laughter brings joy to the gods, so each household makes a contribution to the musicians. Both the higher deities and the gods of the underworld are taken into account, one reason why Balinese festivals are so noisy, colourful and confusing. Be patient, as nothing happens to a fixed schedule. The response to my inquiries as to when a procession or event will take place is always “Sebentar lagi” (in a little while). Fashionable dress shows respect and is also a mark of social prestige. Women don rich handspun kain and ornament themselves with jewels, scarves and pounded gold in their hair. At festival times a young woman looks her best. She's allowed to wear lipstick and makeup at religious events, but not in daily life when it would be considered too flirtatious. Infant girls wear flowers in their hair and bright sashes around their tiny waists. Men wear a keris, brocaded head cloth and colourful sarung.

“LARGE CELEBRATIONS SUCH AS GALUNGAN, LASTING FOR MORE THAN A WEEK AND MOBILIZING HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN EVERY VILLAGE AND HOUSEHOLD (RUMAH TANGGA), ARE PERFORMED WITH STARTLING EFFICIENCY.”

A large temple festival is like a stage for a lavish form of metaphysical theatre, a three-ringed circus of the arts when the temple comes alive with devotees who crowd into the courtyard and parade between the shrines. Babes are carried in the arms of small children, priests recite mantras, elders translate poetry from sacred lontar, children fly kites and men gather to joke and gamble with brightly coloured Chinese cards or fight their cocks. Clove cigarettes and incense smoke choke the air, peanuts and rice cakes are sold, and there is spirited gossiping among neighbours and friends. For three or four days almost without break, ritual dances, festive music and dramas are performed as if the occasion were a gay costume party instead of a fervid act of worship. Finally, on the day after Galungan, called Manis Galungan (Sweet Galungan), there are great family reunions and visits to friends and neighbours. Bloated with sensory pleasure, the many ritual obligations are brought to a close and the gods are invited to return to their heavenly spheres.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Ghost of Christmas Delights To evoke the Christmas feeling, some expats and locals who migrated to Bali talk about their Christmas traditions, and the things they miss the most. By Intan Tanjung

“I miss my family. To me Christmas is the time to be surrounded with your loved ones and cherish the moments together,” says Dinda Miani. Dinda Miani is a Christian from Central Java who moved to Bali a decade ago. She is married to an Italian and both have shared a life between Bali and Italy over the last few years.

Some expats have incorporated beef rendang into their Christmas menu

Vruchtensalade

In her husband’s Italian family, Christmas equals a three-day festivity with lots of traditional foods. The festivities start on Christmas Eve in a tradition called Wigilia, when presents are exchanged and sweets like pandoro (spongecake), panettone (spongecake with dried fruit), torrone (chocolate with nuts), and sapori (almond cake) fill the table. For Christmas lunch, lamb chops (abbacchio), lasagna, roast beef, and potatoes served with salad, salami, prosciutto, mix cheeses, bread—and of course red wine—take over the table. Dessert like struffoli, a Neapolitan dish made from deep fried balls of dough covered with honey and dried cherries follows after, and the festivity is perfectly closed with whole chicken soup (brodo di galina) served for lunch on Boxing Day (26 December). But unlike in Italy, her Christmas celebration in Bali sees less Italian foods. “I usually cook lamb chops and steak with salad, bake potatoes, beef rendang, fried noodles, asparagus soup, and mix fruit salad.”

Panettone

Macaroni Schotel

Although it was easy for her to enjoy a Balistyle Christmas, her husband still needs something to please his Italian sweet tooth. “My husband does miss a lot of things, especially all the Italian sweets,” she says. “But we manage our craving OK. Usually we ask some friends or family to bring some foods we like when they visit us in Bali. Or we make our own struffoli; we can get the ingredients easily in Bali.” When most of the rest of the world start their excitement on Christmas Eve, the Dutch steal the start way earlier, says Hebert Klooiman. “We start to give presents on 5 December, not put it under the tree on 25 December like others,” he recalls. “We put the presents in a big basket and pretend that Sinterklaas and his servants, the Black Piet, would have basically dropped the presents off by the back door.” But the dining tables still remain empty up until Christmas Eve, when it’s suddenly filled with green and red decorations,

which is later covered up with foods like pork loin with mustard sauce and boiled potatoes. “The Netherland doesn’t have any fantastic cooking, and has become less and less traditional recently. In Christmas, usually people either make a big poultry— we’re not very turkeyish—but what’s also happening is a lot of beef fondue, with sauces and French breads,” he says. “It's very family-orientated. Usually one person does all the cooking, but nowadays you're asked to bring some dishes.” In Bali, Hebert invites nine to 10 friends to his house in Sanur and celebrates the island-style Christmas in his garden. Each guest brings food and drinks and shares the joy one day after the holy day. Unlike Dinda, Hebert isn’t really tied up with his traditional foods when celebrating Christmas in Bali and enjoys different choices of food, from foie gras to mixed southern European foods served in a 10-course set menu. “I usually start the cooking preparation days before, and on Christmas day I serve slow-cooked lamb and thyme that is prepared for six hours, lots of wine and also various cheeses. Most important is my homemade Italian cheese, which I make myself four months before Christmas. And smoked eel that’s usually what we eat in The Netherlands. It’s very, very delicious.” “But the best thing about Bali is that you can find almost everything here, so preparing your favourite Christmas foods isn’t that hard,” he adds. “But the biggest difference is, of course, the family is not here, unless you have a family with kids.” Interestingly, Dutch-origin food is something that one Bataknese misses for Christmas. Tressabel Hutasoit has been away from her big family for the last five years and always misses her grandmother’s cooking when it comes to Christmas. “You know it’s Christmas when macaroni schotel, klappertart, vruchtensalade (fruit salad) and roasted pork with andaliman sauce—that’s very North Sumatran—are on the table. It’s a huge Christmas dinner,” says Tressabel. “Perhaps because Christmas in

North Sumatra is something we inherited from the colonial missionaries, that’s why we have some Dutch foods in our Christmas supper.” But for her, Christmas isn’t just about colourful festivities. Family is the core for this celebration, and being together with her big family is the most important thing of all. “We spend times together, thanking Jesus for all the blessings for the past years, singing carols with younger cousins and playing Bible trivia quiz. Those are the things I miss the most. Good fun.” When away from her family during Christmas, she tries to pay for her absence by sending presents and calling them on Christmas day. “I miss the togetherness of course, but I always try to be back for Christmas if possible,” she says. “But if not, then I will go to church with friends. And since no one toss Christmas dinner or lunch, my friends and I would dine at our favourite restaurant for Christmas brunch usually on 25 December. And we do Secret Santa too.” For Finnish Joni Kalke, it’s the silence that he misses the most (and certainly not snow). “The President announced national Christmas silence, so it’s time to be quiet and enjoy a few days on the table full of traditional delicacies, sharing presents and time with family. Christmas is a celebration we spend peacefully with family.” According to Joni, in Finland people go to the cemetery after church to bring flowers to those who have passed away, then go home and spend a peaceful time with relatives while enjoying yule bread and casseroles made from rutabaga, carrot, and potato for the supper. “But in Bali we never really cook any Finnish traditional Christmas foods, we only have a barbeque and vodka and beer, probably because most of us are a bunch of guys lacking Finnish mamas in the kitchen, and just want to get in the Christmassy mood. What we always do is surf in the day and go quickly to the supermarket and bottle store afterwards.”

Intan Tanjung is a contributing writer for national and international publications on the Bali's lifestyle, culture and as a popular travel destination. She loves the beach culture and the fantastic tropical way of living as well as the amazing proliferation of art.

issue 132 indonesia expat

FACES OF INDONESIA

AMI FAHMI

OJEK DRIVER, KAKI LIMA VENDOR, HUSBAND AND FATHER By Angela Richardson

On the streets of dining and entertainment district Kemang, one can often see the familiar face of Ami Fahmi working two jobs a day to make an honest living.

Madura and Betawi flavours. Business is good — selling their quota of 30 portions a day, bringing in a profit of Rp.200,000 – 400,000 — but they do not feel at ease.

Originally from Jakarta, Bang Ami is a hard-working and happy-go-lucky guy. In the mornings, from 6 – 9.30am, he works as a tukang ojek (motorbike taxi driver) on Jl. Bangka Raya, waiting for customers outside of the Bangka market to take shoppers back home. When he doesn’t have any customers, he helps out as a parking attendant at the lots nearby.

“We’ve been moving a lot around Kemang lately,” Ami’s wife Maida tells me. “We get shooed away by the shop owners over territory disputes. Sometimes we’re on that side of the road and sometimes down there, and today we have to sell our food on this side,” she explains as she points to the different places, today setting up in a less than ideal spot without shade.

The fuel prices have gone up by over 30% and when asked what he thinks of the change, Bang Ami takes a relaxed approach. “The rise of BBM prices doesn’t affect me too much. As long as the BBM is there, I’m happy, and it’s up to the customer what they want to pay me.” “I’ve been an ojek driver since 1997 — I earn around Rp.40,000, and on a good day I can take in over Rp.50,000,” he tells me as he starts preparations in his warung sate later on that morning. At 10.30am, Bang Ami begins to set up shop on Jl. Kemang Raya, about 200m away from where he works in the mornings. He has a kaki lima (mobile food store) selling satay, soto betawi (beef soup with coconut milk) and sop iga (clear beef soup) to hungry customers, including the police officers of Kemang Raya, whose base is across the road. His wife is the cook and instigator of this business, using her mother’s recipes to create a fusion of

indonesia expat issue 132

It seems the police officers who frequent their kaki lima do not want to get involved in these disputes and it’s left up to them to find a solution. Ami and Maida often feel confused, as they park their stall on pavements in between shops, and never on the actual shops’ properties, yet they still get told to vacate. Due to popular demand however, Ami and Maida have opened up a second outlet at Box Mart, further down Kemang Raya, but here they also face similar territory disputes. Ami and Maida will continue to work this way until they have enough money to open up a permanent warung somewhere. Ami explains that he lives by his rule of model nekad (just be brave model) and tries to enjoy his days for the betterment of his wife and two children, two and 12 years of age, whom he hopes will become educated and smart people in the future.

HISTORY

Roehana Koeddoes

A Heroine of Education and Journalism

Donny Syofyan is a lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Andalas University. Despite majoring in English literature, his interests are wide and varied. He is a regular writer for The Jakarta Post and Republika. Feel free to contact him at donny.syofyan@gmail.com

By Donny Syofyan

Roehana began to plunge into the world of education at a very young age. When she was seven years old, she provided her female friends with new information and knowledge by reading newspapers aloud before them.

Though this activity seemed simple, for a time marked by darkness of information Roehana’s small step had tremendous meaning to people. Her important breakthrough was made as she established Keradjinan Amai Setia on February 11, 1911 in Koto Gadang. This association had more than 60 erudite women whose goal was to advance various aspects of women’s lives in Koto Gadang to achieve glory of the whole nation. It further set up a school of the same name, which equipped its students with handicraftmaking for women, reading and writing Arabic and Latin alphabets for elementary school level, spiritual and moral teaching, and housekeeping (child care and cooking).

In Indonesia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on 22 December. Although it is neither a major celebration nor part of the nation's culture, many consider this occasion a good opportunity to express their love and appreciation to the women who raised them, in particular to those who contributed to society in general. In terms of Indonesia’s history, one of the heroines originating from West Sumatra that has not received adequate recognition from the government for what she has achieved is Roehana Koeddoes. Until now, except by the local government of West Sumatra, respect for Roehana — who made a large contribution to improving the standard of social life, enhancing economic welfare and raising political consciousness of the nation—has been contemptible. Roehana was born on 20 December 1884 in Koto Gadang, West Sumatra. Her father was Muhammad Rashad, a Dutch government employee, and her mother was Kiam. She had five siblings and nineteen stepbrothers and sisters. One of her stepbrothers was Sutan Syahrir, Indonesia’s first prime minister. Almost all the authors who have written about Roehana link her to education. While Taufik Abdullah named her "the pioneer of women's education in Minangkabau" (1973), other writers — Tamar Djaja (1980), Jeffrey A. Hadler (2001) and Fitriyanti (2001) — called her the first female educator in Minangkabau.

Various titles proposed by the different authors are no exaggeration. Roehana could indeed be regarded as a figure who had a major role in education-oriented reforms during her time. Not only that, she is the founder of the first school specifically intended to educate women, an institution that had been previously unavailable in this country. There have been a number of schools in West Sumatra when Roehana began teaching, but they were generally established by the government or certain institutions, which were aimed at educating male children. In addition, students graduating from the schools tended to work for government agencies and relied on other people or institutions. In contrast, Roehana oriented her school towards enlightening and creating self-reliant women. Roehana began to plunge into the world of education at a very young age. When she was seven years old, she provided her female friends with new information and knowledge by reading newspapers aloud before them. Roehana was talented at reading, since her father always brought Berita Ketjil home, a newspaper published in Medan. One year later, she started teaching her friends how to read and write.

Later on, Roehana moved to Bukittinggi city and founded a new school, Roehana School. What made the new school different from her previous one was that in addition to giving literacy subject matters (Latin and Arabic), Roehana School provided its students with more practical skills like sewing. Roehana is also identified by her strong link to the press. Tamar Djaja (1956) named her "the first journalist in Indonesia", while Hadler (2001) considered her "the first female journalist in Minangkabau”. Granted, Roehana did have a big share in local and national press. She was a pioneer in the publication of a newspaper by and for women called Soenting Melajoe. She even became its editor and wrote for it on a regular basis. There were at least two articles of hers published in each ssue for nine years. Most of Soenting readers were women. In one of its editions, 24 of its 35 customers were known to be women. More interestingly, almost half of those customers resided outside West Sumatra in Bengkulu, Palembang, Tapanuli, East Sumatra, Aceh and Java. Soenting Melajoe played a role in fighting against Minangkabau’s male domination.

This role was highly visible from the various articles made by Roehana and other contributors in the post 1914 editions, suggesting many Minangkabau male authorities had emasculated women’s rights. Furthermore, the paper helped spread the use of Malay among Minang women. This constituted Soenting’s great achievements, following soaring trends of educated Minang women speaking Dutch. Equally important, Soenting had also inspired the birth of another women’s newspaper, among others Soeara Perempoean (1919) and Asjraq (1925). Unlike Soenting, which heeded women to stay at home, the two papers paid attention to different segments of women. While schoolgirls were interested in Soeara Perempoean, a lot of women's associations were more attracted to Asjraq, since it attempted to combine form and spirit of both Soenting Melajoe and Soeara Perempoean. In addition to engaging in publishing Soenting Melajoe, Roehana got involved in publishing several other newspapers; Perempoean Bergerak in Medan with Siti Satiaman and Parada Harahap and Radio in Padang. Some of Roehana’s writings got published in other newspapers in Sumatra and Java. Kompas daily named Roehana “A women who revealed the world” on August 5, 2013, while historian Taufik Zahren categorized Roehana as one of the nation’s ladies in his book, 7 Ibu Bangsa (7 Nation’s Ladies). Fitriyanti Dahlia, the author of Roehana’s biography, really expects that Roehana’s life story be adapted to motion picture in view of her amazing contribution to this country. Unfortunately, she is yet to receive recognition from the central government, say by appointment as a national hero. She deserves more credit for what she has done. History books show that she has actually done much for the advancement of her people, region and the nation.

Fitriyanti’s work, Roehana Koeddoes: Tokoh Pendidik dan Jurnalis Perempuan Pertama Sumatera (Roehana Koeddoes: Sumatran First Female Educator and Journalist), published by Jurnal Perempuan in 2001, is regarded as the most complete biography of Roehana ever written. issue 132 indonesia expat

TRAVEL

Francesco Ricciardi is a freelance photographer and journalist based in Bali. PhD in Marine Biology and diving instructor, he uses his camera to uncover the wonders of the Indonesian marine and terrestrial wildlife.

and the corals going up for thousands of metres of coast. Tradition and histories handed down from the village elders saved many lives that day. When the sea moves away, “Smong, the deadly wave, is coming,” they said. Tales were told about an old earthquake, where the sea retracted, followed by a giant wave that destroyed the village in the early 900s. On that day in December in 2004, the escape from the village to the surrounding hills saved hundreds of people; the tsunami wave on Simeulue killed only six. The close ties that Simeulue’s people have with nature made the difference compared with other regions, like Banda Aceh, where the wave killed thousands. In the small town of Lhoknga, Aceh Besar, the human population dwindled from 7,500 to 400 in a few minutes.

Simeulue Island

A DECADE ON AND NATURE REMINDS US STILL

I haven’t been back to those areas since, but the feeling of walking on uplifted corals, like a petrified forest, watching crabs and other animals dead and dried, waiting for the never-arriving high tide is still engraved in my memory.

Words and photos by Francesco Ricciardi

M AL S AY IA

Simeulue Island SU M

R AT A

26 December, 2004, 10 years ago this Boxing Day, was a day of unbelievable violence, when nature decided to wake up with an unforgettable result. That day, a giant earthquake struck the world, Indonesia and Thailand being the worst hit areas. That day will be remembered for a long time in Simeulue Island, North Sumatra, the nearest point to the epicentre.

Simeulue Island ◊ Fast Facts

After that day, even geography changed; the beach of Simeulue moved away. Everything that before was underwater, in a coral reef teaming with life and colour, was left drying on the surface after only a few minutes, when the earth started moving. Corals, sponges, crabs, and snails were left out of the water forever. The magnitude 9.2 earthquake lifted the seafloor by about two metres as a result of the enormous energy released. That event changed the life of many of the island’s inhabitants. Many of them moved away after the earthquake and the terrible tsunami waves — which were 30 metres in height — hit the island and wiped out houses, boats, farms, and fields. In these islands, there were incredibly very few human victims. I remember people from the village of Langi, in the North of Simeulue, telling me about the primordial terror brought down on them during seven minutes of earth tremors so violent that they could not remain on their feet, while witnessing how the sea was sliding away, 14

indonesia expat issue 132

Province Simeulue Regency

Land size 2,051 km2

Population 80,674 (2010)

How to get there Susiair (fly.susiair.com) offers a daily connection from/to Medan, in North Sumatra. There is one airport in the south of the island (Sinabang), and the daily connection with Medan is reliable enough.

What to do Surfing, diving, snorkeling, relaxing.

What to bring All that you may need in a remote island.

Where to stay Very few surf resorts are available right now. A quick look on Tripadvisor will show you all the possibilities.

I was there three months after the big event, after the humanitarian aids machine finished dealing with the immediate emergency and had enrolled in a scientific expedition organized to assess the impact of the disaster on the North Sumatra coral reefs, in particular close to the earthquake epicentre. Onboard the expedition boat were specialists in different fields of coral biology, from invertebrate experts to fish ecologists, from Europe and Asia. We were witnesses of a historic event, and the first divers on the submerged reefs off Simeulue Island after the catastrophe. We were probably also the first-ever people diving there, as 10 years ago scuba diving was not as popular as it is now, and that island was pretty remote, frequented only by local villagers and a few pioneer surfers.

In some areas of Simeulue, the most exposed to the ocean waves, and where coastal mangrove forests were intact, the effect of the tsunami wave on the deep reef was almost insignificant; the fury of the Indian Ocean during heavy storms can be pretty challenging for coral reefs, so a couple of tsunami waves was not such a big issue and just broke some big table corals in the shallower part of the reef. The tsunami did not have any major effect on an environment already well adapted to a high-energy hydrodynamic situation. The ecosystem was still healthy, with corals adapted to strong waves, which now make that island a favourite among surfers. Fish diversity — my specialty and reason of my participation in the expedition — were in very good condition. I remember abundant and diversified butterfly fish, a very good indicator of the health of the corals in that area, and I found myself thinking that, from a fish point of view, a tsunami is only a (very) big wave; nothing to be too worried about. The situation was very different in other areas, closer to the epicentre; especially where mangroves were cleared to make space for shrimp farms, and paddy fields replaced coastal forests. Siltation caused by the returning wave — bringing sediment from the unprotected coast — suffocated the few corals that remained underwater. The backwash of the water created an unusually high water turbidity, and the sedimentation of the particles settled on the corals with a knock-on effect on the whole ecosystem. Surgeonfish and Parrotfish, which feed on algae and were still able to find food in this devastated environment, were prevalent and the biodiversity very low. The majority of fish were juveniles, as the adults were washed out or simply went away. Like many coastal villages in Indonesia, even Simeulue relied heavily on fishing (even too heavily nowadays, as overfishing is a dramatic reality in Indonesia). Coral reefs play a very important role in guaranteeing to those people an adequate provision of proteins in their diet. If they are smart — like apparently Simeulue people were, seeing the pristine conditions of the emerged coral reefs — without using bombs or other destructive methods, they were able to guarantee a sustained use of the available resources coming from the sea. 10 years after the tsunami, memories are still vivid. We don’t know when nature will decide to wake up again, but it will happen again for sure, as we are on the Ring of Fire. But now we know that we can limit the damage, preserving our environment means to save ourselves. SIMEULUE TODAY After that catastrophic event, Simeulue has recovered and now the first tourists, mainly surfers but also people looking for quiet and a sight of the old Indonesia, have started coming to the island. Don’t expect many restaurants or attractions out of the sea and nature. Locals are still conservative but friendly with foreigners.

issue 132 indonesia expat

BUSINESS PROFILE

Mark Magee In this issue’s Business Profile we meet Mark Magee, General Manager of IKEA Indonesia. IKEA opened their first Indonesian store in Alam Sutera, Jakarta in October 2014. IKEA today has 364 stores in 46 countries. By Angela Richardson

Mark, firstly congratulations on the opening of Indonesia’s first IKEA! How has the response been so far? The response has been excellent! So many people have been waiting for so long for us to open, so all we have to do is open it and they have come in large numbers! So far, they’ve been very happy with the experience. We have around 18,000 visitors a day on the weekends, so somewhere around 35,000 on a weekend, and they come from far and wide, not just Jakarta. Our very first customer was from Bandung and she was screaming, she was so happy! What attracted IKEA to open up shop in a satellite city outside of Jakarta? The business principal for IKEA anywhere in the world is that to have low prices, we have to have low costs. Therefore, if we were to take a location right in the city centre, the cost would be astronomical. The IKEA business model is that we should be positioned in a satellite around the city, always on a toll road or highway, always on a junction that has enough capacity to allow 35,000 visitors to get to us on a weekend, and Alam Sutera ticks all the boxes. On top of that, this is one of the hottest residential areas in Jakarta, and therefore it is home to the growing middle classes of Indonesia; this is the future of Indonesia, and that’s why IKEA is here. If you’re going against the traffic on weekday mornings, it takes 30-40 minutes maximum from the city centre. Have you noticed any trends from Indonesian shoppers at IKEA? What are some of the top sellers? The surprising thing is that we’re selling more of the middle market ranges, which I think is a reflection of the customer that we’re serving here, who are coming from the A, B, C+ brackets. The Indonesian customers are very discerning. The top sellers so far are the MAMMUT children’s chair, the BILLY bookcase, the design of which is 45 years old, the KLIPPAN sofa bed, the POÄNG chair and the IKEA red heart with arms, FAMNIG HJÄRTA.

You’re originally from Newcastle, England. How did you end up managing IKEA Indonesia? I joined IKEA ten years ago next summer. I worked with them in The Netherlands in a business development role, developing markets from Iceland to Australia, working with franchises around the world. Before that I was with MFI for twenty years, where I was Head of International Business. It was a chance conversation in November of 2011 when it was clear that IKEA was going to open in Indonesia and they needed an experienced home furnishing retailer to take the brand into Indonesia, and they chose me. I arrived with a small office of a few people and we’ve taken it to almost 400 employees and one very big store. Opening the IKEA Alam Sutera store was not something that happened overnight — the construction process alone took two years. What were the main challenges that had to be overcome and that you continue to face? We’re very thorough in our market analysis; the initial investigations were in 2010 with market feasibility studies. I would say that in terms of the first inception of the idea to opening the store, this is the quickest it’s ever been done in any country in the world — a four-year development cycle. Because of the economy and the fact that there are huge amounts of construction going on, the challenge is finding skilled labour, getting access to the number of welders, electricians, block workers, brick layers that you need on a given day to produce the building. There is great competition for the limited resources that we have. We also had some issues with too much rain in the dry season, which coincided with our foundation work. In reality, we set our target to open on 1 September and we had a six-week delay, which I’m told in the industry is considered an extremely good performance. With any international company, importation and passage through the

BUSINESS SNIPPET

Indonesian Rupiah Could Depreciate to 13,000 in 2015

2015 could see a difficult time for the rupiah, due to recent broad-based falls in Asian currencies, illustrating a potential scenario that could play out when the US central bank moves to tighten its monetary policy next year. Investment banks from Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs to BNP Paribas have warned their clients to prepare for the rupiah's depreciation to 13,000 per US dollar next year, as the US Federal Reserve's move to hike its interest rates would trigger capital outflows in the region, weakening the Indonesian currency. 16

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The 2015 state budget assumes that the rupiah will trade at 11,900 per US dollar. At the end of October, the rupiah touched 12,318 per dollar, its weakest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Policymakers have said the recent weakness in the rupiah is driven by external factors, rather than a deterioration in local economic fundamentals. At the beginning of December, the dollar strengthened following an announcement that the US economy generated 321,000 jobs in November, higher than most analysts' expectations.

port has challenges at specific times of the year — Lebaran and Christmas — when the ports are congested. Infrastructure elements, roads, ports and airports, they are the challenges ongoing. What does IKEA offer that other home furnishing companies in Indonesia don’t? First and foremost, everything we do is about creating a better everyday life for the many people, which is a Swedish translation for the mass market. We do that by offering a wide range of welldesigned, functional home products with prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. It’s not only about low prices, it’s about quality. Every product must live up to the five pillars of democratic design: form, function, quality, sustainability and price. In IKEA, a great product lives up 100% to these five points. Everything that’s in the

store is designed by IKEA Sweden by IKEA Sweden designers. IKEA invented flat pack furniture in 1956, meaning that you get roughly six times the number of products on one pallet, which immediately means your freight is 1/6 the cost of delivery. We are a very cost conscious company. I flew from Auckland to Amsterdam in economy because nobody in IKEA flies business, because if we do so the products will cost more; it took me 36 hours on five planes. I said to the admin assistant, “Why couldn’t we do it on four?” And she said to me, “You had to stop in Sydney, Mark because we saved 50 Euros.” What products on offer are produced locally? Indonesia produces 550 articles that are made for IKEA; soft toys, rattan garden furniture, curtains and carpets and those products are not just sold here, they go to our 364 stores in 46 countries.

“IN IKEA, A GREAT PRODUCT LIVES UP 100% TO THE FIVE PILLARS OF DEMOCRATIC DESIGN: FORM, FUNCTION, QUALITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PRICE.”

In May 2014 the government banned direct foreign investment in the retail sector as part of a growing trend of economic nationalism. You were already established by that point, but has this affected you in any way? IKEA Indonesia is run by PT Hero Supermarket Tbk, so no impact for us. But we wanted to set the business up in that way; it wasn’t a response to manoeuvring around regulations. We always felt it was better to work with a local company because they are an experienced retailer. What have you learnt so far about doing business in Indonesia and do you have any insight for other companies looking to expand to Indonesian shores? It’s a fabulous country with world-class traffic! It’s a great place to do business, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s not an easy place to do business. When you come, you have to understand that challenge. I think as long as you approach it with a positive mental attitude then all things can be overcome. IKEA Indonesia provides a 100% return policy within 30 days of purchase, which is quite unique in Indonesia. How is it you are able to do so and do you expect other retail companies will follow in your footsteps? I wouldn’t call it a refund policy; I would call it a sales strategy. If you’re a shopper in Indonesia and you want to purchase something with a significant ticket price, you want to make sure that that product will work and function in your home. If you know that there isn’t a generous return policy and if you have any doubts whatsoever, the reality is that you don’t buy it. Here we take a different view and 99% of customers buy it and don’t bring it back. It’s about making sure the customer is happy because if they’re not happy, they will not consider you the next time they have a need for your services. In emerging markets the service levels in retail really need to step up. IKEA wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t a sound business practice.

You have an extensive CSR plan, including the Blue Bag Project and the Soft Toy Education Campaign. Why is it important for IKEA to give back to Indonesia and how will you continue to do so? We didn’t want CSR to be something we spoke about in an annual report, we want it to be a real and active part of everything we do. The Blue Bag was something we developed when we became aware of the conditions of the slums in North Jakarta. There, something like 2% of the population is connected to the sewage system and infant mortality is way higher than it should be because of lack of access to clean water. We sell the blue bags — we don’t give away plastic bags — making us the first company to do so in Indonesia, and the response from shoppers has been so positive. We sell them for Rp.9,900 and 100% goes to Mercy Corps Indonesia’s local sanitation and sewage project and we’re looking to fund 100 septic tanks in the Penjaringan slums of North Jakarta. For every soft toy that IKEA sells anywhere in the world, IKEA donates 1 Euro to Save the Children and UNICEF, and is spent on children’s educational projects. In Bandung the IKEA foundation has been funding a charity project for three years, providing fully inclusive education to handicapped children through Save the Children. Does IKEA Indonesia have any New Year’s resolutions for 2015? It’s the same as it is today: to create a better everyday life for the many people of Indonesia. It really is a fabulous company to work for. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you, Mark! To get in touch, please e-mail: marketing@ikea.co.id

BNP Paribas analysts warned their investors that the Indonesian currency market had an "uneasy equilibrium" as portfolio inflows remained a necessary source of the country's basic balancedeficit financing.

Negative sentiment on the rupiah also stems from the potential stalling of economic reforms in Indonesia, with the Golkar Party likely to remain in opposition after incumbent Aburizal Bakrie recently retained his chairmanship.

“The ‘taper tantrum’ was the dog that didn't bark in 2014. But that does not mean the risk of a sharp currency devaluation has disappeared,” BNP Paribas analysts Jennifer Kusuma and Mirza Baig wrote in a note to their clients.

Local analysts, however, were more upbeat on the rupiah outlook given the recent improvement in Indonesia's economic fundamentals that should support the currency.

issue 132 indonesia expat

Evelyn Francisca collection 2014

From Bauble to Lace, Make a Statement this Party Season

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FASHION

Evelyn Francisca - gold plated metallic dress inspired by the characters Artemisia and Xerxes from the film '300 – Rise of an Empire'

By Victoria Bannerman

The party season is upon us and twixt the baubles and lace, there is no better excuse than to go shopping to look hot to trot, heating up the sartorial ante. It can be quite tiresome looking for ‘the’ dress. If like me, you are the ‘most wanted’ guest on the uber jet set list then the need to look sensational is paramount — no cutting corners here. If your Rupiahs are being parsimonious, and like many women you own a little black dress (LBD) then fear not, you can simply add by doing a little take away and you shall then go to the ball! It is probably the most value for money and faithful item of clothing you will ever own, save a well-cut pair of black slick-cut trousers and a crisp, white shirt. The fickle world of the fashion seasons may well decree that showing your belly button, side boob or bottom cleavage in unthinkably low-cut trousers is simply the height of sartorial greatness, but the LBD just keeps trouncing all that poo-poo and saves the day. The LBD is the chameleon in your wardrobe; all you need to do is accessorize and it will move effortlessly with you through party season after party season. So, as I have been known to be altruistic, I will let you into my world and share a few tips with you. Your style speaks volume, so be loud, proud and make headlines. From strappy to floor skimming, thigh flashing, back baring, captivating décolletage and Victoriana cover-up, there is something for everyone in the form of the LBD. If your dress has long sleeves, have a seamstress take them off and add tassles or use the sleeves’ material to make shoulder padded cap sleeves and embellish them. Bijoux is your great saviour and accent for your LBD; over-the-top drop earrings, Cleopatra-esque chokers, magnificently monstrous cuffs, saucer-sized bejewelled ring armlets of Spartacus proportions and body jewellery. Whether it is silver or gold, go bold. Indian jewellery is devastatingly beautiful from the bindi to the colourfully vibrant bracelets, nose stud-chains and wedding adornment. Accentuate your LBD with all the above — mix silver and gold and don’t let anyone tell you that it is a fashion impropriety.

visit the big girls’ room, but who cares! A flared style will swish and sway, lending a certain elegance to your gait. Fitted ones are great too, strapless in lace can be a showstopper. Accessorize with an Olympia Le-Tan bag and skyscraper heels and all you need is dancing til dawn and gorgeous people.

1. Kurt Geiger Gylda gladiator boot 2. Fish clutch by Olympia Le-Tan 3. Puffer Fish clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Add a contrasting layer to the hem; for example a lace dress could have a layer of a different type of lace in black, siren red or racing green. You can add dip dye fringing to the hem line, going from black to charcoal to grey to white. I own a fringe dress, bought for a song, which was rather bald, so I had different thicknesses and styles of fringing added and the result was a rather appreciated expensive dress with a full head of fringe, which throws its own shapes on the dance floor. I did the same to a gorgeous fringe skirt, which was obscenely short and made it terribly respectable. Go full throttle and get your own fringe number, it will hide a multitude of sins too! I have my party pieces ready; a delectable pair of embellished shorts and snake skin sandals from Zara; sexy courts from L.A.M.B. called Tyna; my kill ‘em Jimmy Choo gladiator sandals (check out Kurt Geiger, they have a similar pair, Glyda); a flapper dress; my fringes and accessories! A catsuit is an elegant, easy option — not when you have to 5

indonesia expat issue 132

In Jakarta lives a beautiful butterfly called Evelyn Francisca, whose dresses are va va voom, sexy-beastly and body contouring. Her latest collection is a heady concoction of tulle, lace, lame, feathers and gold plated metal, inspired by The Morrigan and the film 300 — The Rise of an Empire. All her dresses will get you noticed and you will want them in your life! In Irish mythology, The Morrigan is a goddess-like creature who appears in many forms, one of them being a crow. This mythology is interpreted seamlessly into these fierce and beautifully carnage robes. Her gold, metallic piece is the dress of all dresses, inspired by the characters Artemisia and Xerxes from the film 300 — Rise of an Empire. This is the dress that trounces all others and could never be an also ran. So alluring yet so dark, this collection is dazzlingly sublime, it takes your breath away. 2015 is a-knocking, so have a right old rollicking time! May it bestow love of a rich and pure kind, present you with everything you need and a little of what you may covet, laughter from the depths of your soul, a silver lining on your cloudy days and keep all you love safe. 6

Throw a leather waistcoat into the mix with your LBD, add some leather wrist bands, long feather earrings, vertiginous gladiator sandals and boom, there you go, seventies rock chic. If that frock has not expanded with you, find an excellent seamstress and get them to open up the seams to accommodate, adding a panel of a different hue and texture.

Marjolaine’s silk chemises can double up Marjolaine as dresses and mighty delicious they are too; add a kimono and a few chains, a clutch and wedges. If you feel the need to cover up, then a pair of trousers would work well with Marjolaine, and for your crown, a funky turban. La Perla has beautiful underwear that can be worn as outerwear so check them out at Plaza Senayan.

4. LBD with DIY added fringing 5. Short skirt with two added layers of fringing 6. Zara black, side-embellished shorts Being around glamour all her life, Victoria developed a sense of style that has led her to fashion styling, journalism and designing her debut collection. Email her at tori@toribannermanlondon.com

Kenneth Yeung is a Jakarta-based editor

Hard Luck By Kenneth Yeung

Living in a red light area of Jakarta, the streets outside my apartment are lined each night with pushcart vendors selling all manner of aphrodisiacs for men and women, as well as penis enlargement treatments. Yet just how reliable are these medicines? I am far too young and virile to require any of the blue pills or other potions. Neither do I need the enlargement ointments, though that doesn’t stop the occasional vendor from trying to sell the stuff to me. Indonesia is rife with fake aphrodisiacs, especially pills for increasing male potency, which are euphemistically referred to as obat kuat (strong medicine). The Health Ministry’s Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM) allows three drugs to be sold, by prescription only, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). All three can be purchased without a prescription at just about any pharmacy — or bought from street vendors. Hologram stickers on packaging are no guarantee of authenticity. Doctors warn that fakes sometimes contain toxic ingredients, and if used in combination with chest pain medicine, results can be fatal. A 100 mg Viagra tablet costs Rp.75,000 on the street and Rp.164,000 in a pharmacy. A 20 mg Cialis is Rp.50,000 on the street and Rp.159,000 in the pharmacy. Men seeking cheaper options can purchase traditional potions, such as Semut Hitam (Black Ant), which comes in liquid and capsule form. It is supposedly made from crushed black ants and ginseng. Vendors claim it increases testosterone and blood circulation, resulting in multiple male orgasms. A pack of six capsules costs Rp.60,000, while a single sachet costs Rp.25,000. As a human guinea pig, I sampled a sachet — it tasted nasty and had no discernible effect. One of the most popular penis enlargement potions is branded “Leech Oil”. A 60 ml bottle costs Rp.80,000. It is not for oral consumption, but should be applied to the phallus and surrounding areas. When genuine, it is made from dried leeches, which have been pulverized and boiled with castor oil or coconut oil. Some sellers claim live leeches are blended and mixed with oil. “You have to use it for one month or several months to get results,” a vendor told me. “Every day, you rub it on for 10 minutes and the penis will get bigger.” Manual stimulation tends to do that — with or without leech oil. There’s no medical evidence that this goop causes the penis to grow permanently larger. I had no desire to try it. One acquaintance complained that it causes numbness and doesn’t work.

IN ENGLISH ONLY

FIRST TIME IN JAKARTA!

“I bought six of these tissues for Rp.30,000, foolishly envisioning that I would describe how utterly useless they were. Big mistake.” Another enlargement product is called Super Magic. It looks like a packet of condoms. Inside are six sachets of moist antiseptic tissues. Vendors claim these “magic tissues” will prolong stamina, stop premature ejaculation and even prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Instructions are as follows: wipe the penis with the magic tissue, then wrap the tissue around the penis for 5 to 15 minutes, then have sex. I bought six of these tissues for Rp.30,000, foolishly envisioning that I would describe how utterly useless they were. Big mistake. The initial application began to cause numbness but I ignored the sensation. After 20 minutes, I removed the tissue and was shocked by the painfully elongated and distended result. Not something I’ll be trying again. One of the listed ingredients is benzalkonium chloride, a preservative and disinfectant that some pharmaceutical firms have stopped using, as it is a toxic irritant. A popular female libido booster sold on the streets is called Germany Sex Drops. A small bottle of this colourless liquid costs Rp.90,000. Five drops should be added to water, juice, coffee or tea — but not to carbonated drinks. Vendors claim a woman will become aroused within five minutes of consumption and clitoral sensitivity will be increased to the point where multiple orgasms can be achieved. I gave some to a friend to try alone. She said it had zero effect. The ingredients of Sex Drops are listed as water, fructose, melatonin and canitis. Melatonin is a hormone that can improve sleep but has no effect on the libido. It should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Canitis is a “secret ingredient” — possibly water. Fake versions of Sex Drops cost Rp.30,000 and list the ingredients as “water, fructose, flaror [sic], etc”. An English disclaimer on the box states: “Sold as an adult novelty only.” That’s all some of these products are: novelty items; but tapping into sexual insecurity and male fantasies of control over women is big business.

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SoulCentre Jakarta is an official licensee of SoulCentre Pte Ltd | www.soulcentre.org issue 132 indonesia expat

JOYFUL OFFERS

Joyful Holiday Offers to Celebrate Christmas & New Year’s Eve Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta The Sultan Hotel & Residence

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Lyon and Cinnamon

The Sultan Hotel & Residence Jakarta is ready to shock you with glamorous offers during this festive season. Christmas Eve and Day Dinner at Lagoon Café DR 390,000 ++ per person

Celebrate your Christmas memories and festive favourites with Chef Thierry Le Quéau’s at Lyon Restaurant. Indulge in delectable classics such as Roasted Christmas Turkey with Chestnuts and the traditional Christmas Bûche de Noël with butter cream.

A Christmas Golden High Tea at Lagoon Lounge IDR 128,000,- ++ per person | December 15 to 26

Christmas Eve Dinner |IDR 988,000++ per person Christmas Day Lunch |IDR 788,000++ per person

New Year’s Eve Celebrate the joy of New Year’s Eve with a glamour and golden party and complement your stay with special performance by Regina from Indonesian Idol.

Cinnamon offers an extravagant buffet, Christmas Market — A Truly Unforgettable Atmosphere. Enjoy our mulled wine with a selection of delectable seasonal Christmas-themed treats including toasted turkey, sweet pumpkin pie, classic stollen, panettone, pudding, yule log and minced pie. Santa Claus will pay a visit to give special gifts to the little ones.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet in Lagoon Cafe and Lagoon Lounge | IDR 525,000++ per person | Including a glass of wine IDR 2,500,000++ per room per night at Grand Deluxe on December 31|Includes breakfast and dinner for two persons| 25% off for Spa treatment|late check-out For more information and reservations, contact www.sultanjakarta.com

Grandkemang Jakarta Christmas Eve 4-Course Dinner IDR 295,000++/person | 7 PM–10PM Christmas Day Brunch Buffet IDR 365,000++/person | 11.30 AM–3 PM New Year's Eve Buffet IDR 525,000++/person New Year's Eve Buffet with Wine IDR 775,000++/person +62 (0)21 719 4121 or email: info@gk.mesahotelsandresorts.com

Menara Peninsula Hotel

Daily Dinner Buffet|Kafe Coleman| IDR 200,000 net/pax

1st Pool Lantern Party in Downtown White dress code poolside dinner featuring a BBQ dinner buffet, open bar and live performances and fly lanterns with your wishes and hopes for 2015. Kid’s activity will available during the dinner.

Christmas Day Brunch Buffet|The 5th floor Alfresco Restaurant |IDR 350,000 net/pax |Kids below 12 IDR 200,000 Special offer for all: Come 5, pay 4!

3 days 2 nights stay IDR 3,998,000++|2 days 1 night stay IDR 2,748,000++, includes the New Year’s Eve dinner party and breakfast for two |7 PM

For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 535 0888

24 December 2014 Chrismast Eve Dinner at Cut Catch Cucina IDR 799,000++/ person for special five course degustation dinner 25 December 2014 Chrismast Day at Kwee Zeen IDR 499,000++ per person

New Year’s Eve at RIVA Grill Bar & Terrace A complimentary glass of sparkling wine followed by our 4-course signature tasting menu. Entertainment by “Supersonic Live Band” and female DJ. New Year’s Eve Dinner | IDR 500,000++/person

31 December 2014 New Year's Eve at Cut Catch Cucina IDR 1,200,000++/ person

Stay 2 nights for only IDR 1,900,000++ | check-in December 29, 30 or 31 | including breakfast for 2 persons For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 828 2000 ext. 2113 for restaurants and 2042 for rooms.

BALI

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For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 2994 1880

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

Christmas at CAFÉ ONE Celebrate a traditional festive Christmas Eve and say hi to Santa. Enjoy a delicious International Buffet including turkey, smoked ham, prime beef & a mouthwatering array of Christmas desserts. Christmas Eve Buffet & Christmas Day Brunch| IDR 295,000++/person | Children 5-12 half price

CAFÉ ONE Countdown Enjoy a Gala International Buffet & Outback Terrace with a chance to win exciting lucky draw prizes, complete with fortune teller. New Year’s Eve BBQ | IDR 350,000++/person | Half price for children 5-12

The Grove Suites by Grand Aston

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner |7 – 10 PM|IDR 248,000++ for adults| IDR 124,000++ for children ages 5-12

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet|Kafe Coleman | Rp 300,000 net/pax |Kids below 12 IDR 200,000

Christmas at RIVA Grill Bar & Terrace Elegant 4-course dinner set menu. A la carte selections also available. Christmas Eve and Day Dinner | IDR 450,000++/ person or IDR 400,000++/person for early bird until 20 December & Club Riva Members.

For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 2993 8888 or email mojkt-dine@mohg.com

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at Veranda Restaurant Warm up with Prawn Bisque with Truffle Oil and enjoy a selection of entrees including Grilled Beef Sirloin, Chicken Roulade with Spinach and Bacon, Seafood Paella The Grove Suites Style. Live station served Roast Turkey, Pasta and Salad Corner.

Throughout December, enjoy our Daily Lunch Buffet at Kafe Coleman, offering you the best of 2014 and a sneak peak at what 2015 will bring you.

Park Lane Hotel

Christmas Eve Dinner |IDR 518,000++ per person Christmas Day Brunch|IDR 518,000++ per person

25 December 2014 Chrismast Brunch at Cut Catch Cucina IDR 499,000++ per person

31 December 2014 New Year's Eve at Kwee Zeen IDR 699,000++/ person

Hotel Kristal Christmas Brunch at The Kafe Enjoy roast turkey, hickory ham, roast lamb, roast beef and a Christmas Colada welcome cocktail or mocktail, with entertainment from Santa Claus and strolling singers. IDR 350,000++ | Children 4 - 11 years old IDR 175,000++ 11.30 AM - 3.30 PM New Year’s Eve at Satu Lagi Bar Join us for our ‘Spicy Red’ party with entertainment from Harvcoustic Band, DJ and fireworks. Minimum purchase IDR 175,000++ Wine, soft drinks, cocktail, beer New Year’s Eve at The Kafe Buffet Dinner with wine |IDR 400,000++ Children 4-11 IDR 175,000++ Buffet Dinner without wine | IDR 350,000++ Children 4-11 IDR 175,000++ All who dine at The Kafe are entitled to free entrance at Satu Lagi Bar. For more information and reservations, contact: 021-7507050 ext 625 (Indah)

JOYFUL OFFERS

Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta MERCURE Jakarta Simatupang Add some sparkles into your holiday season with special offers from MERCURE Jakarta Simatupang Hotel. We have prepared a sumptuous feast and celebration that you will not soon forget. New Year Celebrations Start your New Year’s celebrations in style with a splendid dinner buffet at Biztro Graffiti. Featuring lashings of the freshest premium food selections, tantalizing food stations to tempt your taste buds, and a dazzling array of delicious sweet treats! Enjoy a selection of assorted canapés, foie gras and oysters. Also available is a carvery corner and barbeque corner with Kobe beef. New Year’s Eve Dinner | IDR 500,000++ per person | 6 PM – 10.30 PM | Children under 5 free of charge | Children 6-12 50% discount Night in Cuba | Free entry for every order made on New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Biztro Graffiti | 8 PM and onwards

In this joyous festive season, Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta gives you many interesting offers. Christmas Dinner at Fiesta Restaurant Fiesta at Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta offers the Christmas Dinner Set Menu on 24 and 25 December 2014. IDR 300,000++/person Christmas Day Lunch Buffet at Keyaki Our award-winning Keyaki Japanese Restaurant will serve you with authentic Japanese cuisine for your lunch buffet. 25 December | IDR 350.000++/person | 11.00 AM – 02.30 PM New Year’s Eve For families who want to spend their New Year in Jakarta, Sari Pan Pacific Jakarta has New Year’s Sensation packages. Room and Dinner package | Starts from IDR 2,466,750++ for 1 night | breakfast for 2 adults and child Room & Gala Dinner package| Starts from IDR 3,225,750++ Room and Keyaki Dinner Package | Starts from IDR 3,866,750++ For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 2993 2888 or email jakarta@panpacific.com

For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 75 999 777 or H6680-SM4@accor.com

Pullman Jakarta Central Park Christmas and New Year celebrations at Collage. Christmas Eve |IDR 438,000,++. - exclusive upgraded/premium international dinner buffet serving Xmas dishes (BCA promotion 25%) Christmas Brunch |IDR 348,000,++ (BCA promotion pay 1 for 2) Christmas Day Dinner |IDR 268,000,++ (BCA promotion pay 1 for 2) New Year's Eve Buffet | IDR 598,000,+++ exclusive upgraded premium international dinner buffet New Year's Eve Brunch| IDR 308,000,++ (BCA promotion Pay 1 for 2) New Year's Day Dinner |IDR 268,000,++ (BCA promotion Pay 1 for 2) For more information and reservations, contact +62 (21) 292 077 77 or email H7536-FB6@accor.com

BALI

Banyan Tree Ungasan Christmas Eve at Bambu Restaurant Enjoy a grand buffet dinner experience accompanied by a Christmas choir and a visit from Santa. Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet | 6.30 PM onwards | USD 95++ per person Christmas Eve and Day at JU-MA-NA Restaurant Indulge in a lavish three or five course gastronomic creation by our gifted chefs, including a Christmas choir and a visit from Santa. Christmas Eve Dinner | 6.30 PM onwards | 5-course set menu USD 125++ per person Christmas Day Dinner | 3-course set menu USD 85++ per person 5-course set menu USD 125++ per person New Year’s Eve at Bambu Restaurant Adore a night with cultural performances, Indonesian dress theme and indulge in an extensive buffet with live cooking stations. New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner |USD 150++ per person New Year’s Eve at JU-MA-NA Be stunning in Silver and Blue! Feast on a tasteful seven-course degustation menu and enjoy chill out beats from our talented guest DJ. New Year’s Eve Dinner | 7-course set menu USD 250++ per person For more information and reservations, contact +62 (361) 300 7000 or e-mail: to fb-ungasan@banyantree.com

BALI

Padma Resort Bali, Legian Have Yourself a Merry Vegas Christmas at DONBIU Sin City comes to Bali with an additional scrumptious buffet, specially crafted by Executive Chef John Taylor. Lio Koustix will bring you Christmas Carols. BANDUNG

The Papandayan Hotel New Year’s Eve with The Groove Experience staying in a luxurious 5-star hotel while enjoying these special performances that are designed to commemorate a great year. The Groove is an Indonesian acid jazz band that was formed in 1997, widely regarded as the most influential jazz musicians in Indonesia. A fantastic performance from Blues Libre will also be surely to entertain you through the New Year's Eve with our theme ‘A Prelude to Serendipity’. 3 days 2 nights stay over New Year’s Eve | IDR 3,993,000 net | unlimited access to Suagi Grand Ballroom to celebrate New Year’s Eve for two persons | fabulous doorprizes For more information and reservations, contact +62 (22) 731079 or e-mail: reservations@thepapandayan.com

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner | 6.45 – 9.30 PM IDR 650,000 nett per person | Kids from 6 - 12 years receive 50% discount Christmas Day Buffet Lunch | 12.30 – 2.15 PM IDR 550,000 nett per person | Kids from 6 - 12 years old receive 50% discount Viva Las Vegas at Plumeria Grand Ballroom Because Vegas would not be Vegas without The King, we proudly presents Dean Vegas aka Aussie Elvis to ring in the New Year! New Year’s Eve buffet dinner 9.30 PM onwards| USD 195 net/person For more information and reservations, contact (361) 752 111 or email dining@ PadmaResortBali.com

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WORTHY CAUSES FROM LEFT CLOCKWISE: 1. Steve Wignall and Dr. Janice Tandraeliene 2. Ruang Carlo Community Centre 3. Antonio giving a consultation to a patient at Ruang Carlo Community Centre

education in local schools, and not at an early enough age, by teachers who are able and willing to talk openly about sex. One of the fastest growing groups in Indonesia are housewives infected by their husbands who are visiting sex workers or are having sex with other men. In Bali, one in 200 pregnant women have contracted the virus from their husbands.

Yayasan Kasih Suwitno at Ruang Carlo Community Centre Non-discriminatory, friendly and free services for people with HIV and AIDS

Steve believes the focus should shift towards men. “The focus often goes to the women, but it’s really the man that’s the problem. There’s only a sex industry if there’s a market to sell sex; if men didn’t buy it, there would not be women selling it. Getting men who buy sex to use condoms is a challenge and we need to continue to work on that; the best we see is 40-50% condom use.”

By Angela Richardson

World AIDS Day took place on 1 December 2014 and according to UNAIDS, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in Indonesia is one of the fastest growing epidemics in Asia, due to the lack of awareness, lack of education and health services, not to mention the social stigmas attached to having HIV or AIDS. Indonesia’s first case of the HIV virus was reported in 1987 and in 2011, 310,000 were reported to have the virus, with 8,700 annual reported deaths. Today, the highest concentration areas are Papua, where 2.7% of the population have contracted the virus, followed by Jakarta, East Java, West Java, Bali and Riau. In Wamina, West Papua, 30% of the population have HIV, and nearly 100% have either Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, as these particular STDs are closely linked with the HIV virus. Steve Wignall, Founder of Yayasan Kasih Suwitno (YKS) in Jakarta and Yayasan Bali Peduli (YBP) in Bali, has been working in Indonesia for 30 years and is an expert in HIV and AIDS. Due to an increase in cases in young people, in 2011 Steve and Dr. Emon Winardi (Director of the clinic) and their friend Johan set up YKS at Ruang Carlo Community Centre to provide services to patients that were friendly, efficient, easy to access and most importantly, free. The clinic is located in the Saint Carolus Hospital and is a comfortable and discreet area, closed off from the rest of the hospital. Walls are painted a calming cream, service is friendly and knowledgeable, and there are different areas where patients can wait in peace.

“For young people with a chronic sickness, it’s very hard. They don’t have a lot of disposable income; the system often doesn’t respect their time and the cost of transport back and forth,” Steve tells me on my visit to the clinic in the centre of Jakarta. Today the clinic has six full-time staff and is a wonderful example of a public-private partnership, working with the government who provide the reagents and drugs, and the NGO providing the environment and resources to make it accessible to people.

the progression of the disease. Killing the virus is not possible, but these drugs stop it from developing. HIV is different from other viruses and infections because it becomes one with the DNA, integrating and hiding within it. Patients do not die from HIV; they die from infections, viruses and funguses, which are able to attack the weakened immune system.

A common misconception is that HIV is a death sentence, when this is no longer true. “Unfortunately, HIV goes for the dalang If a person is tested early, before their (mastermind) of our immune system, the immune system is damaged, medication CD4 positive T cells, a type of white blood is free and they will be able to live happy, cell that is vital to fighting off infection. healthy lives, have families and not infect We’re all exposed every day to viruses and other people. People are afraid to come for funguses but our immune system takes testing because of the stigmas associated care of that,” Steve explains. with the virus. Dr. Janice Tandraeliene works at Ruang Carlo Community Centre and believes stigmas are the main reason why people don’t take the test. “Some people are afraid to come, not just here but to all health facilities that test for HIV. There are many reasons, including the stigma, because they’re alone and don’t know what to do. When people come here alone, we try to consult and explain about HIV and make them comfortable so that they want to take the test.” If the result is positive, patients will be guided by therapy and given medication, which they are expected to take for the remainder of their lives. The medication given to HIV patients is called anti-retroviral therapy and works by suppressing the virus and stopping

HIV is transmitted in key infected populations: injecting drug users — a problem that is decreasing in Indonesia as people are switching to amphetamine-like substances, female commercial sex workers — 10 – 15% of whom are HIV positive -, and men who have sex with men – a rapidly expanding population of over 1 million individuals. In Jakarta in 2003, studies showed that 2% of gay men were found to be HIV positive; in 2007, 8%; and in 2011, 17%. At YKS today, an average of 27% of young men tested, are HIV positive. What is the reason for this growing statistic? Social medias are providing a new platform for young people to meet and sex is happening at a younger age. Unfortunately, this is not coupled with adequate sexual

Antonio is Case Manager at Ruang Carlo Community Centre and is HIV positive. He’s passionate about helping others who are going through what he has. “My life has become more positive, living healthily, and getting support from family and friends. Of course, I want to be a role model for other friends so they do not feel despair and can continue to enjoy their lives by giving and sharing information about the ups and downs of life with HIV, and supporting each other.” The only way to break the process of infection is for people with high risk behaviours to get tested. “We’re only going to be able to break this chain of infection if people know their status,” reminds Steve. Recently, the team at YKS have been bringing free HIV testing to certain highrisk establishments in Jakarta, resulting in a much higher number of people agreeing to be tested.

HOW TO HELP YKS would like to provide more mobile testing, and welcome your donations to help them continue to run their operations. Donations can be made to: Yayasan Kasih Suwitno Panin Bank Acc. No.: 148 5 017678 Harco Mangga Dua Blok I no. 5 A-B Swift Code: PINBIDJA

DUA TA NGA N CUKUP — ACT IONS F ROM ACROS S T HE A RCHIPEL AGO

Well-known artist makes poster to raise funds for animal rights organizations Ken Pattern’s name is synonymous with pen and ink drawings and lithographs of urban Jakarta landscapes and the people that live within them. His artwork is exquisite and fine; a signature style that no one has been able to reproduce. Ken, originally from Canada, has been living in Indonesia since 1988 and his love for the country is clearly seen through his works. His recent piece titled Eviction Notice is a poignant reminder of human development encroaching on the environment and was created to raise awareness and support for animal rights organizations. This poster depicts a single orangutan amongst a devastated rainforest, holding an eviction notice in its hand.

indonesia expat issue 132

This moving poster is currently on sale for Rp.100,000 (unframed) and 100% of the proceeds will go to Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), an NGO working hard to fight for animal rights in Jakarta and Indonesia. JAAN are the group responsible for putting an end to topeng monyet (masked monkeys) in Jakarta, and are currently rehabilitating the rescued monkeys before their release, among countless other achievements and animal rescue efforts. Eviction Notice can be purchased at Hadiprana Gallery in Kemang, South Jakarta, as well as The Four Seasons Hotel gift shop until December 28th when they will be closing for renovation. Grab a copy of Eviction Notice and help to raise funds to support animal rights and welfare in Indonesia! All you need are two hands to make a change.

CROSSWORD

By Eamonn Sadler (www.eamonnsadler.com)

Christmas 1991 was my first in Indonesia and the first of my life outside England. I had not given any thought whatsoever to what Christmas might be like in a Muslim country, and I was pretty shocked to find out that, although it is a national holiday, for most Indonesians it is no more than a day off. Luckily, there were quite a few expats in our group who did want to celebrate Christmas, so we started the festivities early as we would have in England - on Christmas Eve. We arrived at the Hilton Hotel’s Oriental Club at around 9pm after a very liquid dinner at the hotel’s coffee shop. Our good friend Mike was the DJ and he had arranged for some suitably festive entertainment in the shape of his normal dancers wearing Santa outfits. He also played all the classic Christmas songs, one after the other, the whole night long and the friendly Indonesians present joined in the fun as much as they could, while taking great delight in watching this group of crazy expats sing every song word for word as loudly as possible, simultaneously dancing and drinking as much as possible without spilling a drop. Great fun was had by all, Indonesians and expats, Muslims and Christians side by side in far from perfect harmony; most unexpectedly, one of the best Christmas Eves of my life. The crowning glory of the evening came at midnight when Mike played Santa Claus is Coming to Town by Bruce Springsteen and announced that Santa Claus had landed on the roof of the hotel and was making his way down to the Oriental with gifts for us all. We cheered and looked expectantly in the direction of the door, while singing loudly along with the song. Nothing happened. Mike announced, “Santa is here!” again, but still nothing happened. Eventually the song ended and we stood there in silence staring towards the door. We looked at Mike but he just gave us an “I have no idea” shrug and started towards the door to see what was going on. Before he got there, the door burst open and Santa stumbled in holding a large red sack over his shoulder and swigging animatedly from a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. He stopped in the middle of the dance floor, swaying badly and surveying us suspiciously from behind a huge, white beard. “F***ing Christmas,” he slurred loudly. “What a load of sh*t…” He took a long guzzle from the bottle.

Mike approached him looking confused and started to ask what was going on. We were sure that this was all an act laid on for our amusement and we were laughing heartily at this hilarious floor show until Santa dropped his sack, switched the bottle to his left hand and took a serious drunken swing at Mike. It missed and Santa stumbled forward, struggling to keep his balance. Mike jumped on him from behind and tried to take the bottle from him, but it was like trying to take a bone from a Doberman. A major struggle ensued and they ended up rolling around on the floor. We were all so shocked we couldn’t move, but the hotel security guys showed up pretty quickly and dragged Santa out while he shouted even louder and more imaginative profanities about Christmas and expats. Mike picked up the sack and walked slowly towards us, straightening out his clothes and dusting himself down. When he got to us, he reached into the sack and pulled out gift after gift, handing them round one by one until he got to me. “I’m afraid Santa drank yours,” he said. We all laughed and the tension of the situation was finally relieved. It turned out that Santa (otherwise known as Yono, the club’s Indonesian manager) had been involved in a serious argument with his wife about volunteering to be Santa Claus for a bunch of expats on Christmas Eve when he could have been home with her and the kids. He had a weakness for bourbon and had easily recognised the sound, size and shape of a bottle of Jack Daniel’s through the wrapping paper, so he had sought to drown his sorrows before carrying out his mission just to spite the wife. In fact, the security guards had tried to take him home and put him to bed but his wife wouldn’t let him in. About an hour later he showed up back at the club, still very drunk, still dressed as Santa, complete with beard, but now full of bonhomie. The photograph that accompanies this story was taken just after he got back. He and Mike hugged it out and we went on singing and dancing together until well past sunrise on Christmas morning.

* Answers in the next edition!

LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

ACROSS 1. Item of fine legwear (4,8) 3. See 1 across 8. Skating area (4) 9. Path from house to road (8) 11. Down in the dumps (10) 14. Cold spell (a very long one!) (3,3) 15. Poorly (6) 17. Asteroid (which was told to twinkle) (6,4) 20. Pattern -conceptual framework (8) 21. Look over (in order to copy?) (4) 22. Form of motorcycle racing (8) 23. Vent for smoke, etc (4)

DOWN 1. Victorian animal painter (3,5,8) 2. See 1 down 4. Sustained abuse (6) 5. 17th century fighter for the Kirk (10) 6. State of USA (4) 7. Spanish painter (4) 10. Prolix (4–6) 12. Upright (8) 13. Italian city (8) 16. Mark of disgrace (6) 18. Musical composition (4) 19. Slope on hill or in glen (4)

ANSWERS OF ISSUE 131 ACROSS — 1. Shaggy 4. Basset 8. Aisle 9. Quinine 10. Bonanza 11. Offer 12. Caterwaul 17. Amber 19. Pork pie 21. Leopard 22. Ocean 23. Taxing 24. Vandal DOWN — 1. Shabby 2. Arsenic 3. Green 5. Arizona 6. Stiff 7. Theory 9. Quadruped 13. Terrain 14. Lip read 15. Wallet 16. Kennel 18. Bronx 20. Rioja

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issue 132 indonesia expat

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Aston Anyer Beach Hotel is Archipelago International’s new MICE destination in West Java ANYER With the hghly anticipated opening of Aston Anyer Beach Hotel on the horizon this month, Archipelago International has announced that the beachside destination will not only cater to West Java's holidaymakers, but will also be the next MICE destination for its business travellers.

Rock Star Gym’s First Annual recital

Anyer, a breathtaking beachside setting in Banten, is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations for Jakarta and West Java’s residents. But for many business travellers, Anyer is becoming most popular for its close proximity to Cilegon — a major coastal industrial city famous for its thriving factories and trading opportunities.

JAKARTA In November, Rockstar Gym formally held their first annual recital, Big Apple’s Dream with the background theme of New York City. By passing the audition process, more than 170 members aged 4 – 16 years old had been chosen to perform in this recital. They were trained by professional coaches for months to deliver great performances that incorporated different genres at Rockstar Gym, such as Dance (hip-hop, jazz, Broadway, modern dance), ballet, gymnastics (parkour, cheerleading), martial arts, and sports. Skills, technique, self confidence, discipline, teamwork, attitude, focus and commitment are several of the factors which have been exercised during the classes trained. “The purpose of this recital is to make our students have more courage, enthusiasm and the experience to perform in front of a large audience whilst delivering the moral of the story to dream big, never give up, shine in the dark and make it happen,” said Henny Goei, Artistic Director.

With these major industrial landmarks so close to Anyer in Cilegon, together with the opening of the new airport in Banten, the city and surrounding area is destined to become one of West Java's preferred MICE and leisure destinations, with the added bonus of Anyer beach on the doorstep for when business travelers are off the clock.

Centre for Orangutan Protection joins forces with Jakarta Animal Aid and local authorities WEST JAVA Centre for Orangutan Protection join forces with Indonesian Police Headquarters and Jakarta Animal Aid Network to enforce the wildlife protection law. On a recent raid, they confiscated two Siamang gibbons (Symphalangus syndactylus) and a Simpai Langur (Presbytis melalophus). Two people were arrested and will be facing trial, after breaking law number 5 (1990) and could be sentenced for five years in jail and a US$10,000 fine. The primates are now safe in Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Centre in Sukabumi, West Java.

Ultimate charity golf day pays off well for Rotary Club of Bali Canggu BALI The Rotary Club of Bali Canggu (RCBC) was recently handed a much needed cheque for over Rp.75 million from their fund raising activities at the October 19 Ultimate Charity Golf Day. At the cheque handover event are (left to right) Chris Spurduto - President RCBC, Steven Morgan - Director of Golf-Nirwana Golf Club, Mark Savage - Fundraising Chairman RCBC and Ivan Casadevall - GM Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, plus a group photo of everyone from the RCBC and Pan Pacific Resort

Nirwana Resort and Nirwana Golf Club who were involved in making the event a resounding success. All profits from the charity golf event, held in conjunction IMG Golf, Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort and Nirwana Bali Golf Club, went directly to support local humanitarian service projects organised by members of the Rotary Club of Bali Canggu. Event proceeds were also largely generated through auctions, raff les and lucky draws from the charitable donations and sponsorship of many local businesses and individuals.

Employers or third parties required to re-register company information INDONESIA Provided by The Santa Fe Group In an effort to weed out immigration agents operating illegally, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration is now requiring employers sponsoring foreign employees or third-party agents working on behalf of the employers to re-register with the Directorate General of Immigration to facilitate work visas and multiple-entry business visas. Employers or third party agents should re-register as soon as possible and make sure original corporate documents are in order before the visa officer visits. If the visa officer does not visit the employer within two weeks, the employer or its third-party agent should check with the Directorate General of Immigration to inquire about the delay. This re-registration requirement is effective 1 December. Impact on the Employer/Third Parties who will be re-registering Employers or third parties working on their behalf should re-register as soon as possible and organize the original corporate documents ahead of a visa officer’s visit. Minor processing delays should be expected as Indonesia moves to the new system.

indonesia expat issue 132

Validity of Exit Permit Only shortened to 7 days INDONESIA Provided by The Santa Fe Group Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower announced on 27 November that foreign nationals who complete their work assignments and obtain an Exit Permit Only (EPO) must exit the country within seven days. Previous EPOs allowed a 14-day window. Foreign nationals should note that Indonesia is strictly enforcing this shorter EPO and that overstaying may result in fines.

Impact on the Foreign Employee/Assignee who will be working in Indonesia This new regulation means foreign workers will have less time to wrap up their affairs after finishing their employment.

OBSERVATIONS

Simon J. Still is based in Makassar. Visit his websites: Indonesia-truly-easier.webnode.com and cptsjkirk.wordpress.com

WHAT THE DICKENS DO I KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS? By Simon J. Still

It’s hard to get excited about Christmas when words like “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” make me want to sweat more. It’s early December in Makassar and we find ourselves once again staving off rainy season by expecting it to start any day. The humidity refuses to let my smalls dry while the heat saps me of moisture. I’m a mummy in sodden wrappings lurching into mall foyers to be confronted by regiments of plastic pine trees surrounded by an entourage of other miscellaneous plastic decorations. In keeping with the season, my heart goes out to others: the poor cashiers, victims of a management meeting demand, they sport musical antlers, not-quite-there Santa hats and flashing Rudolph noses. A young, portly girl does a double take and announces like a town crier, “He looks like a monkey!” Her cruel laughter endures into the supermarket aisles. Meanwhile, on street corners outside, skeletal crones stand propped on sticks with begging bowls, some hoping the season will loosen purse strings, most oblivious to the hype. Constipated clouds gather above, promising months of drear ahead and an end to their livelihoods. And then I’m supposed to look at an irrepressibly jolly fat man in a fiery, red survival suit and feel cheerful? Humbug. But as I sit here struggling to find a meaningful point, I’m being visited…. I have charged memories of Christmases past. The air was thick with excitement: school plays, Christmas calendars in the days when they didn’t need to be stuffed with cheap chocolate to be rewarding, presents

growing under the tree like watching geology in time lapse, making the Christmas pudding with mum while getting sozzled on the ingredients, the opulent feed. And of course I remember getting the Millennium Falcon and that 1:24 scale model Lancaster Bomber — best presents ever! And I remember the frost-clad adventure of the single day I always gave myself to Christmas shop with all the money I had (not because I’m generous, just hated work). And then there was that university summer break I laboured on a Sussex farm, curiously maintaining actual legions of commercial Christmas trees, while helping renovate a 13th century manor. Those I worked for and with were no nonsense, old money grafters. I remember old Mike Pike imparting on me how winters were spent in times past; how Christmas perpetuated from pagan ways when transport ceased in mud and the solstice called for a gruelling celebration to break the monotony and spur folks on to the spring; to raise the cheer in the inevitable face of livestock, produce and family succumbing to the elements. Gratitude warms me when I consider how easy I’ve had it. I recoil in the present. It’s not just how little I can or want to give to Scrooge’s “surplus population”, it’s the raw reality of the privileged young whom I teach. They just don’t get it. Meticulous church-goers, not one can explain what Christmas is historically or spiritually about. And when asked what their worst bugaboos about Christmas are, they have nothing to say. And when asked what they love, they still have nothing. Something different is eaten because it’s expected. Their homes are adorned

with plastic stuff, which impregnates them with a sense of anticipation they cannot explain. They eat to a point which sends a few over the edge of diabetes and they get a tad more spoiled than usual; unwrapping a new i-Phone or game box before disappearing into their rooms until New Year. The world beyond goes unnoticed. Gratitude warms me when I consider how easy I have it. The future troubles me. Against the tide of rampant commercialism, loss of substance, Black Friday hysteria and peer pressure to perform, my family still has its humble roots in the kampung. This means my eldest daughter is happy with gift-wrapped chocolate (though we might push the boat out a little further this year), my youngest will get a rattle and my wife grew up getting t-shirts; all of which suit my frugal nature. But how can this last in the present described? Will, in the end, my grave be visited only by those wishing to urinate and laugh? Gratitude warms me when I… um. My quasi humorous observation is in what a jolly serious ‘business’ Christmas has become in the world’s largest Muslim country. Personally, I will take my queue from the 13th century. My family and friends will head to a house in the mountains where there will be a bath with hot water and a fireplace (not actually that hopeful of that), roast chicken and sausages wrapped in bacon, various veggies and bread sauce, imported booze, ad hoc decorations and simple presents. We’ll have a royal good time and dispel the inevitable gloom of dreary months ahead; not just the rain, but the weather of our times: airliners shot down, natural disasters and violent lunacy on a global scale. In truth, gratitude warms me when, for a few days a year, we can get together, celebrate and appreciate who and what we have now, and the future can wait ‘til the Panadol and liver salts have run their course. And why not? Let’s all keep Christmas in our own way and God bless each and every one of us. And my own personal amusing observation is in how out of my element I am sounding so saccharin. I can feel my teeth rotting, but somehow Christmas demands it. Have a decent Chrim.

issue 132 indonesia expat

If you want your event to be posted here, please contact (+62) 0 21 7179 4550 or e-mail: events@indonesiaexpat.biz

EVENTS

JAKARTA

their own from home and shoot at the opponents and visitors to the existing water supply to the gun. Line up performence from local DJs famous in Indonesia, spinning electronic dance music and performances by local bands. Location: Parkir Timur Senayan, Jakarta Website: www.kiostix.com

Sports

International Aikido Seminar & Conference 17–21 December 2014 The Inter nationa l A ik ido Seminar & Conference brings you Andre Cognard (8th Dan) to Jakarta, holding classes and seminars for all levels of aikido enthusiasts. Held at the French International School (Jl. Cipete Dalam No. 32, South Jakarta), one session is priced at Rp.200K, the Saturday session is Rp.300K, and a special price of Rp.500K is available for the whole four-days worth of sessions with this aikido master. For more information and to RSVP, call 0812 969-9595 or email rajesh@aikidokokusai.org. Music

Michael Bublé in Concert 29 January 2015 The nat u ra l ly t a lent ed a nd charming jazz performer Michael Bublé will sing his classic and brand new tunes to rock your socks off at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) in BSD City, starting at 8pm. Tickets range from Rp.850K to Rp.6,000K. For more information on the concert, and for ticket purchases, visit www.dyandraentertainment.com.

are treated to dim sum, shabushabu, live cooking stations, desserts, free f low of Chinese tea, juices, and many more. The Grand City Dim Sum Brunch is offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00am to 2.00pm. Merlynn Park Hotel is located on Jl. KH Hasyim Azhari No. 29-31, Central Jakarta. For bookings and further details, call (021) 300 26888 or visit www.merlynnparkhotel.com.

New Year's Eve

Jakarta Night Festival 2014 31 December 2014 Celebrating the turn to the new year, the city of Jakarta will have Jakarta Night Festival, filled with music and performances, at the heart of Jakarta, along HI roundabout to Monas. This celebration will start at 8pm and end approximately 30 minutes b e for e m id n ig ht , a t w h ic h point the preparation for the countdown will begin. The streets of Sudirman and Thamrin will be closed off for this nationallytelevised festivity. Fireworks are sure to blast off to close the night and to welcome the new year. For more information, call (021) 5228706 or email atraksi.dki@yahoo. com. www.jakarta-tourism.go.id Festival

Cuisine

Holi Color Festival

Dim Sum Brunch at Merlynn Park Hotel

15 February 2015 The event Holi Color Festival this time that we will hold, not based on religious traditions, but pure of celebration and enjoyment with a new concept: Music. Children and young people will form a group of armed formations of water gun and powder colors are made from materials that are safe and harmless, they can also bring

Starting 22 November, 2014 Merlynn Park Hotel’s Grand City Chinese restaurant is offering a chance to dine on a lavish all-youcan-eat dim sum brunch for only Rp.118K nett/person, starting from 22 November 2014 onwards. With this brunch special, guests

indonesia expat issue 132

Windsurfing

BALI Health Christmas Services at KICC Bali

ReTreat Yourself 5–14 March 2015 This is a 10 - day retreat for the purpose of rela xing and exploring the Balinese culture. Pa r t ic ipa nt s w i l l h ave t he beautiful opportunity of doing daily meditations, daily yoga with health coach Jennifer Moore, as well as enjoying bike rides along the rice paddies of Ubud and raw food classes with Avara Yaron, founder of Living Food Lab. This retreat is priced at £1,450 with a monthly payment plan available up on r e q ue s t . R e g i s t e r b y emailing healthcoachandcook@ gmail.com or v isiting w w w. healthcoachandcook.com.

BINTAN

Christmas

24–25 December 2014 K IC C (K u t a I nt e r n a t i o n a l Christian Church) will ser ve the needy on Christmas Eve and celebrate Christmas through services on the 24th (9.00pm) and the 25th (11.00am). The ser v ices w ill be delivered in English and will be held at the church, on Jl. Pattimura 25, Legian, Bali. KICC welcomes donations of food, toiletries and clothes to be delivered before the 24th of December. Give back on this holiday season. For more details, contact (0361) 918 9810 or 0817 976 5673. You can also visit their Facebook page titled Kuta International Christian Church or email kiccbali@gmail.com. Music

house beats at Jenja (Jl. Nakula Barat No. 18, Seminyak, Bali). For more details of his performance, call Jenja on (0361) 8827 711 or visit www.jenjabali.com.

Rs: One World Championship 2014

WONDERLAND - New Year 2014/2015 31 December 2014– 1 January 2015 Enter the New Year in a world of magic with a gathering of Bali Tribes in the heart of the island of the gods. Two sound systems (indoor & covered outdoor) | 12 epic DJ sets | mesmerizing VJ acts | video art & 3D mapping magic deko | installations & fireworks | stunning live performances | rooms & bottles booking at special prices. Free Shuttle Service from Kuta/Denpasar Area. See you there! Call (0) 877 7626 7466 or visit www.themansionbali.com/ wonderland

MULTIPLE CITIES

15–20 December 2014 Rs: One World Championship of windsurfing will make waves as it is hosted for the first time in Indonesia, specifically on the northeastern shore of beautiful Bintan Island on Trikora Beach. There will be two categories o f t h e c h a m p i o n s h i p: t h e Espoir category (designed for windsurfers under 22 years of age) and the Masters category (for those 40 years and above). The venue for the competition is the Trikora Beach Club (www. tr i korabea chclub.com). For more information, call 0819 3365 1254 or email RSone@ trikorabeachclub.com.

BANDA ACEH

In Memory

Music Christmas Eve at Jazz Café with DICE

New Year’s Yoga Retreat 28 December 2014 – 7 January 2015 At Temple View Resort Ubud, feel transformed throughout the days leading up to the New Year and beyond. This 11-day retreat is guided by April, a world-renowned Vinyasa yoga instructor and health coach. For US$1,880 (shared room) or US$2,440 (single room), the retreat will include daily yoga classes, accommodation, food and beverages, and a chance to relax and explore in beautiful Ubud. For more information and to book a spot on the retreat, email info@ baliwellnessretreat.com or visit www.baliwellnessretreat.com.

24 December 2014 The hip Jazz Café, on Jl. Sukma 2, Ubud, will bring entertainment featuring an eclectic band with f r ont-r u n ner M s. D e e D ic e who delivers soulful vocals and charismatic stage presence this Christmas Eve. Bask on tunes of classic and modern jazz, soul, and R&B with the band, starting from 8pm. A Christmas Eve dinner is also available to accompany the night for Rp.595K per person or a cover charge of Rp.100K for those who prefer to have drinks only. For bookings and for more details, call (0361) 976 594 or visit www.jazzcafebali.com. Damian Lazarus at Jenja 19 December 2014 The nightlife of Bali welcomes Damian Lazarus to the stage. This London-born DJ will deliver his signature deep and dirty electro

10th Indian Ocean Tsunami Disaster Commemoration

Michael Learns to Rock Indonesian Tour 5, 7, 9, 10, 12 January 2015 The legendary group with many memorable song s, Micha el Learns to Rock tours Indonesia in a multi-city visit; 5 January in Meda n (at t he Entra nce MT), 7 January in Jakarta (at the Foundry No.8), 9 January in Manado (at Score!), 10 January in Makassar (at Zona Café), and 12 January in Bali at the Hard Rock Café. Ticket prices vary with each city. Tickets can be purchased through www.rajakarcis.com, w w w.t i ke t .c om , a s wel l a s www.kiostix.com and Kiostix’s outlets. For more information, visit Michael Learns to Rock on Facebook or www.mltr.dk.

25–28 December 2014 www.tsunamiaceh.org In paying respects to those who died and were injured through the devastating tsunami incident in Aceh 10 years ago, and to continue the redevelopment of the area, the government is holding a commemoration event with the theme ‘Let’s Continue Building Aceh with Heart’. The commemoration will begin on the 25th of December with prayer calls and will continue with the Global Disaster Expo on the 26th and an Aceh Arts Night on the 26th through to the 27th. The event will be carried out in multiple venues, the full details of which are on www.tsunamiaceh. org. For more infor mation, call 0822 7410 2414 or email tsunamiaceh10@acehprov.go.id.

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issue 132 indonesia expat

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JAKARTA JOBS Jobs available

Indonesia Expat is looking for a Coordinator (local) to manage Clean Up Jakarta Day! The ideal candidate will be passionate about the problem of garbage and littering, with experience in managing events or NGO. You will be supported by the Chief Coordinator and duties will include preparations for CUJD 2015; liaising with the gover nment a nd sa nit ation d e p a r t me nt , l i a i s i ng w i t h existing sponsors, raising new s p o n s o r s h ip s , s i mp l i f y i ng reg istration systems, and much more. This job promises to be rewarding, exciting and challenging. Only passionate candidates please! Please send your C V and cover letter to info@indonesiaexpat.biz. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. $300 animation projects for animators / animation artists. We're looking for animators / animation artists who can produce g reat i l lustrat ions and awesome short and simple a nimat ions ba sed on t hose illustrations. We pay $300 per project. If you're interested, please email your sample animations and contact details to qooltees@ gmail.com. F u l l T i m e a n d Pa r t T i m e 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. com.

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indonesia expat issue 132

English speaking MC Wanted (Spot job). 1–2 times a month. Usually Saturday PM (90 min) No experience is needed if you like speaking in public (party 20-30 attendants). Please text 081119508216 Looking for work I am Farzanah Aumeer. I have a BSc (hons) in Marine Science and Technology and an MSc in Environmental Management

Technology. I am a native English and French speaker. I also speak other languages like Japanese, Hindi and Urdu. I am IT literate. I can teach any subjects that I studied and also do consultancy jobs. Ple a se c ont a c t me on yumei_8@live.com Weekend Job: Need a weekend job around South Jakarta, starting 7 a.m to 22 p.m. I'm 47 y/o woman, f luently in English, will do all your homework or as an Au Pair, have driving licenses (Car & Motorcycle). If you need me, pls send sms only to 0818110912 Jakarta_Personal Assistant E ng lish Spe a k i ng Per sona l Assistant available. Experienced in travel arrangement , f ilm production, etc. Recently working with Americans. Please contact: Rizhka (v.rizhka@gmail.com) SERVICES L ear n French and ba ha sa indone sia at your pla ce for children,adult and international students with qualified teacher. contact novi +6282110648233. Private regular home cleaning / hou s e k e e pi ng : w w w. brightclean24.com is your jakarta private regular home cleaning in very cheap price with guarantee and insurance. Learn BAHASA INDONESIA easy and fast for Foreigners/ Expatriates at your place/house/ office. Flexible time. Call : 0811 899864 / sinta.permadi@yahoo. com Learn Spanish at your place with a DELE certified Spanish tutor from Spain. Most of my students come from International Schools (JIS and BIS). Please call me (Raúl) 082110502786. Email: unascartas@yahoo.com Hello, I would like to inform you about our services for: Indonesian V i s a a nd Im m ig r at ion (for example KITAS, Multi-Entry Visa). PT and PMA, Indonesian company formation. Licences and Permits for Indonesia (ex. I mp or t L ic enc e s). You c a n contact us here: +6281310881157 (Whatsapp) PIN BB 7E8BA637 http://www.izinindonesia.com/. We speak English, fast, reliable and affordable service in South Jakarta.

Private Classical Piano Lesson for Children and Adults. Teacher willing to come to your place for the lesson (for South Jakarta area). Well experienced in teaching Piano for children, adults and music theory as well, also provides the ABRSM Examination that Inter nationa lly cer tif ied, if you are interest, please contact 081317810789 Int ere st ed t o lea r n Ba ha sa Indonesia? I used to Interpret / tra nslate f rom English to Indonesian & vice versa for UCKG HelpCentre. Now it's time to share the talent with you with flexible hours & fee at your place. Contact me at: 085966164781, amarantacollection@gmail.com

PROPERTY

For Rent: A three bedroom house located in prime location in Menteng area. Two storey house with olympic size swimming pool with bigger space for garage. Minimum one year rental. It is close to SCBD area, kuningan, and only minutes to Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia, and Monas. Please call me/ text me @ 0811 929 899/ 0813 1101 4567.

I am a certif ied teacher and now provide home tuition for elementary students, TOEFL tuition, translation especially from ENG into IND, as well as Bahasa Indonesia Tuition for Expatriates who w ish to l e a r n B a h a s a . My c o nt a c t number: 085693269444, email: yosudarsono@ymail.com Hi, I'm Ricky. I am offering Indonesian language lesson. I use well structured books, lesson plans & modules for almost these 2 years teaching experience. The cost is Rp.200.000 per meeting for 90 minutes. Yes, it is negotiable depends on the numbers of students and meetings within a week. We can schedule the meeting based on your availability. Ask me to find out more by call 08176055511 or rickyk_@yahoo.com Provide accounting service and tax service. Please send text sms to 087881565685 or come to Mandala Utara 5 no. 4 Bahasa Indonesia lesson for expats living in South Jakarta, Kuningan, Country Wood, BSD, given by 20 years experienced instructor. Flexible schedule. Please call Pak Chairuman 0812 1037 466, email: chairuman1942@gmail.com Learn BAHASA INDONESIA easy and fast for Foreigners/ Expatriates at your place/house/ office. Flexible time. Call: 0811 899864 / sinta.permadi@yahoo. com Hi guys, if you're looking for taxi motor in Jakarta you can call me 082111852823. Foreigner only, the cost depends on the distance.

Newly Renovated House for Rent. Semi Furnished 4 Bedrooms – Swimming Pool – Study / Home Office Room in The Quiet Area Of Kemang, Safe And Secure. Just Behind Australia International School - AIS. Jl. Kemang Timur XVI No. 17. Price is negotiable, start as low as USD 3.450/month for a 3-year contract. Please Contact: Wahyu +62816740479 / Mala +62811864498 For Rent: 300 houses at Kemang, Cipete, Cilandak, Jeruk Purut, Pondok Inda h. Big Ga rden, Swimming Pool, U$ 2500 - U$ 7000. Phone : 0816859551 or 08170093366. Brand new House in Kemang for Rent: Semi furnished brand new house in Kemang TImur , located in a secured townhouse complex. 3BR, 3 baths, swimming pool , la rge liv ing, f ull AC, semi furnished. Available for immediate occupancy. Call 081 114 0245 ( owner ). For RENT: Exclusive Apartment in Hamptons Park Apartments, Pondok Indah. Great location. 100m2. Second floor. Pool view. Two bedrooms. Two bathrooms (one ensuite with bathtub). Office

shop, 2 storeys studio, and wide yard. PDAM, electricity 4400W, phone line. Suitable for living & business. Good investment. Price negotiable.Contact: Ms. Arliss 0815-193-68686 (English speaking), Ibu Erawati 081-1347950 (Bahasa Indonesia). Small boutique villa, 5 mins to Batu Bolong beach, 2 bed, 2 bath, living, dining, kitchen, laundry, c a r por t , pool a nd sundeck , bathtub, water heater, AC. IDR 950 mill nego. 0813 3837 8126. JOBS Jobs available

200 m 2 . Located on a private Residence complex w ith 24 hours security. Fully furnished, 3 bedrooms + 1 maid room, 4 bathrooms, carport for 2 cars Price is 2500/monthly including, sw imming pool and garden ma intena nce, a nd secur it y. (Min 1 year). Please contact ama lia .f rese@g mail.com or 081317722271 area. Bedroom + bathroom for household staff. Semi-furnished: includes kitchen set, fridge, oven, stove, microwave, dispenser, two built in bed frames, one tv + open cabinet, built in closet, built in desks, phone, internet access. Apartment facilities: Gym, 24hour security, beautiful tropical pools and g rounds, jogg ing track, playground, tennis court, half basketball court; walking distance to Jakarta International School, Hero Super ma rket , Starbucks, Satu Lagi Sports Bar at the Hotel Kristal; 5 mins away from Pondok Indah Mall and Pondok Indah Hospital (RSPI). 2,000US/month (negotiable). Note: tenant is responsible for their ow n electricity, water, telephone, tv and internet bills. Plea se c a l l: Ibu Sr ie +62 878 88875577 Or ema il: villajododewa@gmail.com. For Rent: Sud ir ma n Tower Condominium (Aryaduta Suites Semanggi) 100sqm, 2+1 bedroom, 2+1 bathroom, fully furnished, loc at ed i n Sud i r ma n A re a , surrounded by Kembang Goela restaurant, MRCCC hospital, Plaza Semanggi, SCBD, etc. Price is USD18,000 / year. Further information contact Yun (owner) in 0818122933/ 2756D41F/ yunfat_lie@hotmail.com. For Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment located in Permata Hijau. Fully furnished and brand new bed in master bedroom. Asking price USD. 1700 monthly, min. 6 months. Need more info please email: amalia.frese@gmail.com

A p a r t m e n t t o r e n t/s e l l i n Pakubuwono View, Redwood Tower, 33rd f loor, unit B 2BR 1MR unfurnished nice view info 08161307464/081290090809, htolgay@gmail.com. OTHER

C a l ling ent husia st ic Hig hschool/Fresh Graduates with good English to work as Guest Associate in Bali. Main Job is interact with guest and offer the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo service at indoor/outdoor/water locations and other tasks as required. Photography training provided. Send CV tocareers.indonesia@ digiphotoglobal.com SERVICES Problem of Traffic jam and queue? Pay your monthly billing (PDAM, Electricity, Phone, Indovision, Pulsa, BPJS, etc.) from your smartphone, laptop, or computer anywhere. Call 0813 5310 6999. Need 3D Impression Image, pl e a s e o p e n ou r w e b s i t e : www.wastubali.deviantart. com, or please contact : Mobile : 081805373398, email: wastubali@yahoo.co.id. OTHER

CD plate car for sale: TOYOTA KIJANG 2005. AUTOMATIC. 7 seater, Automatic. 2.0L. Mileage: 106,000KM; Colour: Gold; Price: US$9,000 (cÂŁ5620) Front/rear AC , R a d io/t ape/CD player. Dealer maintained, in excellent c ond it ion. Ava i lable NOW. Contact: Lizzy.Whitehead@ gmail.com Volkswagen Campervan rental: Classic Volkswagen Campervan rental is now available in Jakarta. The features: bed, fridge, gas stoves, sink, side awning & bicycle carrier. Good for day picnic, weekend c a mping, prewed , wedding, commercial, etc. Please call: +62 21 3471 3169.

For Sale; Belkin USB multi power adapter for iPods. Perfect for travelling. Very Good condition. Rp.100K. Transcend ultra speed 512MB USB2.0 flash drive. Mac & Windows comp. incld. software. Rp.100K . D -Link bluetooth adapter for PC or Mac Rp.100K. USB compact flash card reader. Incld. Software Rp.50K. Contact 081 116 8805 or peazefrog@gmail. com. iPhone 3G 16Gb. Bla ck . Near per fect cond. Earbuds and charger/cable (unused), Jailbroken and Unlocked (4.01 Fresh Install) Rp 4Mil Call : 082 144 857843.

JOGJAKARTA SERVICES

Are you new in Jakarta and need a friend or local guide? Can speak English fluently and know all Jakarta Area. Please contact me Hindun at 0812 8729 9348.

Intensive Ba ha sa Indonesia C ou r s e For E x p a t r i a t e s i n Yo g y a k a r t a . Av a i l a b l e f o r beginners until advanced level. For more information, please contact us at 082145017033 / 087838800353. Jl. Wirajaya NO.316B, Gejayan, RT01/RW29, Condong Catur, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta.

BALI

PROPERTY

Experience staying at a beautiful, original antique Javanese Joglo house in the foothills of Mount Merapi. Joglo Ago is a three double bed room v i l la w it h gardens, perfect for a weekend retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. In close proximity to Mount Merapi and Borobudur Temple. Visit www.jogloago.com for more information or call Indah. 08123563626 or 0811268445.

PERSONALS

For Rent 3 Bedroom Apartment located in Permata Hijau. Fully furnished and brand new bed in master bedroom. Asking price USD. 1700 monthly, min. 6 months. Need more info please email: frese.edo@gmail.com

Villa for Rent Canggu Bali New villa for rent Canggu Bali, 2 story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath, large kitchen, large garden, available Dec for 1 yr rental, good price email : infinitea8@gmail.com.

Beautiful house for rent. Located at Pejaten Barat, 10 minutes to Kemang, near to Australian International School and New Zealand International School. Land size 210 m2, building size

For Sale! Beautiful and peaceful house located in Goa Gajah area, Gia nya r (2K M f rom c ent ra l Ubud). 2.530 m2 land. 4bdrms, 3 bthrms, living room, dining room, kitchen, big aula, 2 storeys art

issue 132 indonesia expat

indonesia expat issue 132

issue 132 indonesia expat

indonesia expat issue 132