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cr ip bs su ISSUE NO. 250 | 20 NOVEMBER – 3 DECEMBER 2019

JAKARTA • JAVA • BALI • LOMBOK • KALIMANTAN • SUMATRA • SULAWESI • WEST PAPUA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Has Indonesian Democracy Gone Astray? Filippo Lombardi Ubud Writers Festival 2019 And many more...

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Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

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Dear Readers,

First, I would like to make a correction to the Meet the Expat interview in the previous issue. The Estonian kefir specialist living in Surabaya is Silver Saarva, not Silver Saarja. I hope there will be no further confusion regarding him in the future.

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As previously mentioned in our Foodie issue, Indonesia Expat aims to transport you back in time to travel the more typical, touristy activities and places in Yogyakarta, and the old and simple ways of life in East Bali. Remember, these tourist jaunts are rich in highly respected, old traditions, filled with tales that have been passed down through generations. It wouldn’t hurt to check those places out in your upcoming festive holidays. Speaking of holidays, Bali seems to consistently land on everybody’s destination list, with various options such as the annual Ubud Writers’ Festival, kicking back and relaxing with a cold bottle of locally produced craft beer, sailing on the region’s most luxurious sailing ship by Alila Purnama to Raja Ampat and Komodo Island, or getting your hands on a serene property for sale in Ubud. What is there not to love about Bali? In fact, several expats have even chosen to pack up their bags and bring their children to live in Bali. It’s spectacular how expats respect and contribute to Indonesian society. With the dry season supposedly ending as brief, heavy rainfalls start to pour, I suggest you take a copy of this Indonesia Expat issue to read in your favourite space at home or wherever you might be, so we can introduce you to a lovely Italian man named Filippo Lombardi who brings Scandinasian furniture designs with Fabelio in Meet the Expat, and also the two Dutch men with Indonesian roots, Roy Geurts and Jesse Boon, who told us about the importance of emotional intelligence in team-building in our business and daily lives. If you’re in Jakarta this 20th, please stop by at our monthly Indonesia Expat Mixer, this time held at Aston Priority Simatupang Hotel from 7 – 9pm. More details will be revealed soon on the Instagram page @indonesiaexpatmixer but while you wait, we’ve got an update of the latest event held that was on October 31, 2019 at Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta. As usual, we’re here to help keep you up with our lovely bule friend in What’s Up. Don’t forget to check out the activities and deals we have to offer in our “Events” and “Classified” pages, too. Let’s pray for no flooding any time soon. Happy reading!

NATIONAL ISSUE Prabowo in Jokowi’s New Cabinet: Has Indonesian Democracy Gone Astray?

08 BUSINESS PROFILE Roy Geurts & Jesse Boon from Beyond Growth

10 SPORT Planning Your Indonesian Golf Trip? Here are Golf Courses You Should Check Out

12 LOCAL BREWERY Beer Pairing with Bali’s Own Craft Beers

14 MEET THE EXPAT Filippo Lombardi

16 TRAVEL Bali – Volcanoes and Beyond

20 GETAWAY A Right Royal Yogyakarta Weekend

22 DINING Ubud: A Writers’ Festival for Thinkers

24 INFO FOR EXPAT Death Machines

25 WHAT’S UP Bubbles & Piazzas

26 ANNOUNCEMENT

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national issue

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Prabowo in Jokowi’s New Cabinet: Has Indonesian Democracy Gone Astray? BY ERIC BUVELOT

The Indonesian illusion here is the belief that state or religious diktats will be enough to fulfil these needs. Because discussions on social issues are taboo, at least from a Marxist analytical understanding, fundamental aspects of doing politics for the benefit of the people are not understood in Indonesia. The point is not to promote communism’s return but to assert that answers to social distress cannot be addressed without a thorough knowledge of historical leftist movements and culture, and further because they are historically at the core of modern democracy. Without the left, there is no democracy; there is no rule of the people, etymologically.

t might have surprised many of Indonesia’s foreign residents, but newly reelected President Joko Widodo has just appointed his former opponent for the presidency, Prabowo Subianto, as Defence Minister in the new Onward Cabinet that as been put together. In a move that could appear almost impossible to understand from a foreigner’s perspective – his decision has raised eyebrows at home also – unlikely alliances are nevertheless more of a common occurrence in the game of political chess in Indonesia. Even though Prabowo, a former army general, may be particularly qualified to take such a position in the government, his role as Jokowi’s harsh opponent during the 2014 and 2019 elections can’t be forgotten just like that. His criticism of his former rival over the past five years have been unforgiving and uninterrupted, and it’s fairly difficult to comprehend how he will suddenly switch from opposition to government and abide by the president’s directives and leadership.

To justify his unanticipated choice, which is undoubtedly dictated by party-political tactics, president Jokowi has called upon the typical Indonesian notion of “gotong royong.” Two magic words, that translate into the idea of “working together for the common good.” This is a typical Indonesian concept, rooted in the Republic’s ideals, and furthermore deemed absolutely necessary to cement together this very diverse country. Gotong royong is a cultural trait of the nation: understandable by any citizen.

Local political games don’t help, either. What seems to matter the most to politicians here is not the welfare of Indonesian citizens, but their own vested interests. Turn on your TV and you’ll see all of them playing party politics, shamelessly, at any time on the news channels. When do they discuss, with sincerity, the plight of the poor? Where are the proposals for social solutions to alleviate the destitute? Who is advocating educational systems to improve the skills of the nation? Count the times and compare it to all the times they spend explaining their strategy to stay in power before an array of microphones.

The political game in this democratic era has not sprung a new dimension, and still reflects the legacy of this dark epoch. Jokowi further told the press at the State Palace that he chose to include Prabowo in his Cabinet because the concept of opposition did not exist in Indonesia’s democracy. If his decision to appoint Prabowo has met criticism locally, this is not because he gave a hand to his challenger but because of Prabowo’s poor record on human rights. Prabowo was allegedly involved in the disappearance of activists during the fall of former strongman Suharto in 1998. He has also been repeatedly accused of other human rights abuses, including during the army’s operations in East Timor in the 1970s. Consequently, human rights activists, as well as survivors and families of victims of past violations, have demanded Jokowi revoke Prabowo’s appointment. It should be noted that Prabowo failed to visit the United States to attend his son’s university graduation in 2000 after he was denied entry by the US State Department.

True, opposition does not exist in Indonesia. There is an unambiguous reason for this; opposition was thoroughly slaughtered in 1965-66 after the “crawling” coup of General Suharto, in which an estimated 1 - 2 million leftists or assimilated sympathisers were killed and dumped in mass graves. Since then, the Indonesian political spectrum, originally ranging from right to left, has been considerably narrowed. The political game in this democratic era has not sprung a new dimension, and still reflects the legacy of this dark epoch. More than fifty years after the tragedy, socialist or leftist ways of doing politics are still taboo in Indonesia. The voters’ choice now ranges between nationalist and religious parties. Nationalists are also religious, of course, and the religious cannot avoid obedience before the principles of the nation. In the end, the debate on social matters has been mostly dodged or poorly resolved by inadequate programs in the last 50 years.

Another criterion is also at play when it comes to denying the democratic concept of majority and opposition. And this one is typical of Indonesian psyche; it’s the constant avoidance of conflicts. However, the political challenges in democracy need more than a mild discussion on divisive topics, for the sake of nation’s unity. Sometimes, you have to choose where you stand. Does Prabowo really stand beside Jokowi? Do they share the same values? Is it really for the good of the country, like Jokowi said in justifying his pick? We are free to doubt it, no matter his arguments. In the end, it is sad to see President Jokowi, a true man of the people, having to compromise over and over again just to be able to do the job he was two times elected to do: ruling the country. The man himself has a true understanding of social matters and always puts forward his simple folk style, putting himself at the people’s service. But to keep a majority in parliament he had to choose a certain running partner and had to please his political patrons all the way through to the shape of the cabinet. Now, we discover in awe, that he even has to please his opponents. Gotong royong or not, is this really the kind of democracy Indonesia needs? Or has Indonesian democracy been taken hostage to an unprecedented level by political parties? Rough waters ahead is the bet, but time will tell with the unfolding of this rather worrying new chapter in Indonesian politics….

business profile

Roy Geurts & Jesse Boon from Beyond Growth approach and proposal. After the second meeting, we close the deal and then we start the training. There will be a space where we give out online support via online support, until we meet a final time at the post-training evaluation to identify any improvements and other aspects that still draw attention for improvement.

JESSE BOON

wo Dutch men with Indonesian root s are empower ing the Indonesian corporate sector with business communication skills. In order to become the best version of yourself, Beyond Growth believes that increasing emotional intelligence is essential in broadening your skillset as a professional. Indonesia Expat sat down with Roy Geurts and Jesse Boon from Beyond Growth, a training & consultancy firm, that actively supports corporate management teams with training courses ranging from Leadership, Sales to (On-thejob) Coaching. What is Beyond Growth and how does it work? My name is Roy Geurts (RG), managing director of Beyond Growth. My name is Jesse Boon (JB), executive director of Beyond Growth. RG: Beyond Growth can be classified within the training industry, we provide training services that have a direct impact on the individual. Our training materials are tailored based on the challenges a client is facing. As stated by President Jokowi, Indonesia is undergoing a “Revolusi Mental.” Know what are the concrete actions towards that? Millennials are everywhere, but are they ready to lead by example and confident enough to inspire others? It’s time to develop and strengthen the soft skills of our new generation. This is where BG contributes to the education market by providing western expertise with a local approach. Our trainers are certified and speak the local language, have actual business experience, and can relate to the Indonesian culture. On top of that, all our training modules are supported by industry experts such as John Maxwell, Gary Vaynerchuck and Tony Robbins. We’ve been in the training industry for more than eight years – with the both of us together, that will be 16 years. Conducting training helps a company to develop new organisational behavior such as better articulating the cores values, providing proper feedback, communicating more transparent etc., from managers up to seniors and BOD members. We all can work on our quality of communication and aside from many investments you can make training soft skills is always ROI positive.

ROY GEURTS

JB: Beyond Growth’s training program comprises selected modules that specifically cater to the client’s needs based on their challenges, goals, and objectives. Most of our training programs are for strategic and tactical level. But we provide training for operational level as well, sales – such as a better way to approach someone – and taking ownership in the workplace. We customise different training methods for every client. Whenever we meet a new client for the first time, they state their goals, challenges, and other aspects they want to focus on. Some examples are that a team doesn’t take ownership when problems occur, speak up when there are problems, or the leader does not have the right skills and mindset to lead their team. Training with Beyond Growth focuses on the emotional part. There are four quadrants of emotional intelligence to focus on: self-awareness, social awareness, selfmanagement, and relationship management. Curating modules and placing them into the correct quadrants will result in a structured and complete training package, which means a client can actively improve their team’s emotional intelligence. How do Beyond Growth’s training and consultancy programs run? RG: After this is finished, we always advise onthe-job coaching because the implementation after the training is the only thing that matters. During the pre-training stage, we assess the participants individually to discover how we can optimally train them, since everyone is different. Certain characters and learning styles have to be identified prior to the training sessions. Training sessions should be fun; learning should be in a comfortable setting. Standing in front of a group of people to show slides is not enough. We have to include role plays, group discussions, videos and explain in a certain way that’s suitable for their different personalities. In the first client meeting, the client shares what they want to achieve and we tell them what our method is. Usually we come back for a follow-up meeting where we provide a detailed explanation of our tailor-made

What are the differences between Beyond Growth and other training and consultancy companies? RG: We’re foreigners with local roots; we’re almost Indonesians, but born and raised in Europe, then later came to Indonesia to help people with our expertise knowing how to implement training materials into the local way of doing business. We’re aware of Indonesian culture and corporate environment. All our training courses are based on a emotional intelligence framework. This gives us a major advantage amongst other training companies. We believe that results are an outcome of the input (activity) times the style of execution (quality). BG actively works on the last part of this equation. JB: Beyond Growth training provides communication-training programmes from an Emotional Intelligence perspective. Besides looking at the required skills and knowledge, we also look at our participant’s identity, attitude and environment to help us identify the challenge at its core. Besides identifying and learning about appropriate methods, we need to know the why; usually coming from people’s attitude or mindset. Once identified, the mind goes through a paradigm shift because the mindset changes. What are the challenges Beyond Growth faces as a training and consultancy company? JB: During the second meeting in which we explain the programs to our client – for different reasons, maybe because of cultural differences – the topic of self-awareness in the workforce is commonly misunderstood. In Indonesia, self-awareness is when client’s personal values match with their company’s. Most people are socially aware that they lean to large corporations, which often times don’t necessarily resonate with their own values. In this case, we help them realise what they should be doing and what they should avoid. Have there been any success stories from your clients? JB: Besides sales successes and business challenges in leadership and communication, people also overcome personal issues like stress. Stress management is a big component in emotional intelligence. Once, a man who followed our emotional intelligence leadership training, expressed that he’s been implementing our training knowledge every day. He claimed to be calmer and in control of his emotions – he doesn’t snap so easily at home and at work anymore. Have you ever been in your clients’ shoes, where you seek consultancy and/or training from other parties? RG: I have been in multiply companies where I received various types of training; I think that’s what truly changes people. As long as we focus on the clients and put ourselves in

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

their situation, we don’t need to shy away from our mentors for help because they’re the best in this field and have been empowering people for more than 30 years. What was your upbringing like? RG: I was born and raised in the Netherlands. My maternal grandmother is Indonesian so that makes me a quarter Indonesian. I remember there was always Indonesian food at home so it made me feel connected to another culture. Going through university, I realised I had to go to Indonesia. I did a little consultancy work at that time so I researched the training industry as I had been working as a trainer ever since. Turned out that the fast-growing markets for this were Indonesia and Brazil. When I came to Indonesia for the first time – I immediately fell in love - but I was still undergoing my Bachelor studies while providing training for clients in The Netherlands. But then the day came, where I received an offer to become a trainer in Indonesia and took it straight away. JB: I was born and raised in the Netherlands too. My mother is Dutch and my father is Indonesian. I was already actively working in sales positions when I was in high school. I’ve always had a strong urge for adventure and living abroad. During my International Business study at the applied Sciences University in Maastricht, I moved to Berlin and later to Indonesia, where I had several positions in several consultancy companies. Then I met Roy. We identified our combined strengths and started Beyond Growth. Individually, what are the three things you love about Indonesia? RG: There’s a big amount of respect here. You can definitely see that people naturally give and take while living in harmony. I’ve never seen it in any other country before. “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” is in my opinion a motto for life. As one of the richest places on earth, Indonesia represents various commodities. Ores, oil, spices, fruits, you name it. This country has it all. So, as a foreigner there’s no other choice but to adapt and learn to understand the locals in order to build strong relations. The food is also one of my favourites. Indonesia is on another level when it comes to its kitchen as well service. JB: It’s always lively; you can see ondel-ondel roaming around the streets at night. I admire the locals with the way they are open to meet new people and how they find happiness, even when they are lacking something. I love the food too; from martabak and sate to Sundanese and Manadonese food. From street food to fine dining, there’s so many options! What do you do to unwind? RG: I exercise, spend time with my loved ones and keep in touch with my family in the Netherlands. JB: Same as Roy – I exercise, spend time with my loved ones, read a book, and discover new music. Jakarta has a lot of food and beverage places to discover so I make time to check them out. Please share a fun fact about yourselves. RG: After getting to Indonesia, I realised that everything is comprehended on a deeper level whereas in the Netherlands, people just see the way it is and go along with it. JB: I easily underestimated starting this company – I thought it would be like a walk in the park. Compared to the process of starting a company in the Netherlands, it was a challenge to get everything sorted out.

sport

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Planning Your Indonesian Golf Trip? Here are Golf Courses You Should Check Out BY JORDAN FULLER

ith an ideal climate and a host of imaginative courses, Indonesia has nurtured a burgeoning golf industry that offers expats looking to take a golf trip plenty of fantastic options for unique experiences. Since Indonesia consists of nearly 18,000 islands and 150 courses, the country is well developed for offering golf in tropical locales, with a heavy reliance on resort settings. Just because the golf offerings in Indonesia tend to market themselves to overseas travellers, it doesn’t mean they aren’t open for expats to explore and enjoy. Here is a list of four golf courses that you will find very interesting when planning your golf trip through Indonesia.

Damai Indah Golf Club, Bumi Serpong Damai Course in Tangerang The first course on our list is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bumi Serpong Damai course at the Dami Indah Golf Club in Tangerang. Opened in 1992, the course measures a lengthy 6,545 metres from the professional tees, creating quite a challenge for an experienced golfer.

Bali National Golf Club in Bali After a recent renovation, the Bali National Golf Club in Bali is one of the most gorgeously manicured golf courses in Indonesia. As you play here, you’ll swear you’ve never seen a greener course; each hole is a testament to the stunning lengths that the maintenance crew at the facility goes to to present first-rate golf throughout the year.

What’s terrific about the course is that each hole can be played numerous ways, making Bumi Serpong Damai one of the most replayable layouts in Indonesia. You’ll undoubtedly want to play the course during the dry season, since flooding can knock out a few holes during the wet months at the Damai Indah Golf Club.

Exquisitely designed, Bali National Golf Club presents a daring round of golf that will engage the mind and body as you look to figure out the ideal way to play each hole.

Ocean Course at Ria Bintan Golf Resort in Lagoi, North Bintan Nine-time major winner Gary Player designed the ridiculously entertaining Ocean Course at Ria Bintan Golf Resort in Lagoi North Bintan. Carved into the surrounding jungle of Riau, the Ocean Course will delight any golfer as you play five-star golf along with a layout that features wildlife and spectacular seaside holes that will leave you speechless. Player has littered the Ocean Course with inland water, and strategically placed bunkers that will give golfers fits if they aren’t accurate off the tee box. Playing at 6,470 metres, the course is perfect for bringing together a group for golfers of all ages and skill levels for a relaxing day swinging the sticks.

Old Course at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club in West Java On the island of Java, the Old Course at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club is a local favourite that should be high up on your list of possible playing locations for an Indonesian golfing trip. With large, inviting fairways, the Old Course utilises the native vegetation to craft a setup that will dazzle golfers from any background. With numerous elevation changes against magnificent landscapes, the Old Course isn’t rough, but instead is governed by thick jungle and nearby rivers and ravines. Sure to provide an unforgettable experience, the Old Course is a timeless treasure to Indonesian golf.

©GTKNJ (FLICKR)

S A I L A LO N G E A S T I N DO N E S I A W ITH A LI L A PU R N A M A Nature is the best remedy whenever one is down or overwhelmed with their daily routines. Retreat to a resort, a villa, a glamourous campsite – the list goes on. Why not consider taking a luxurious sailing trip the next time you’re scrolling online for vacation inspirations? Alila Purnama by Alila Hotels and Resorts is the most luxurious ship in Asia. Since 2012, individuals or private charter groups can explore and have an unforgettable time cruising along Eastern Indonesia’s crystal-clear blue waters, while getting pampered and entertained by Alila Purnama’s experienced crew members. Up to ten guests can be aboard this luxurious yet traditionally built Phinisi ship that has an ultra-modern design across three decks, measuring in at 46 metres long and eight metres tall, capable of sailing at ten knots. The decor includes custom-made furniture from teak and rattan, as Alila Purnama strives to include local touches, sophistication, as well as viability. Two types of bookings can be made: individual suites and private charters. Guests of two people will share a suite under an individual suite reservation, whilst a group of two to ten guests can customise their ocean adventures by choosing to reserve specified sailing duration and itinerary under a private charter. Alila Purnama sails to two dreamy coastal destinations in Indonesia: Raja Ampat, West Papua, and Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara. To experience Raja Ampat like never before, guests will arrive at Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong, Papua. From there, they will embark on Alila Purnama and traverse across approximately 200 dive sites throughout the islands of Salwati, Batanta, Waigeo, and Missol – also known as the Four Kings (Raja Ampat). Meanwhile for Komodo National Park, guests will be picked up at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. Soon after, they can witness this World Heritage Site that has “private” beaches and impeccably crystal-clear water that’s home to over 260 coral species and 1,000 species of fauna. Alila Purnama has a selection of five air-conditioned suites that include queen-sized beds, bathrooms with showers, wardrobes, desks, and enclosed toilets. The master suite called the Sriwijaya Master Suite has a unique design compared to the other four suites. In addition to a bathtub, two washbasins, a private balcony, and sundeck with daybeds, the suite’s 180-degree views from the windows spanning along the ship’s walls will majestically captivate anyone with tranquility. Sailing can get monotonous, especially for first-timers. To anticipate that, Alila Purnama provides a library for some quiet R&R, a lounge, a bar, WiFi connection available throughout all areas of the ship, an indoor air-conditioned dining room for ten people, and an outdoor dining area on the deck. Go diving, kayaking, snorkelling or head on over to the nearby islands to laze about on or walk around the beaches. But full days of exploring Indonesia’s beautiful and colourful underwater life tend to be exhausting. Anyone choosing to take an adventure rest day can opt for Alila’s signature massage both onboard and on a beach. Can’t wait to start planning your next adventure in Indonesia? Check out Alila Purnama’s sailing schedule in 2020: January – Raja Ampat February – Raja Ampat March – Raja Ampat / Cendrawasih Bay April – Cendrawasih Bay May – Cendrawasih Bay June – Raja Ampat / Ambon (Banda Spice Islands) / Alor July – Komodo August – Komodo September – Komodo October – Alor/ Ambon (Banda Spice Island) November – Raja Ampat December – Raja Ampat

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For more information and booking for individual and private charter trips, email purnama@alilahotels.com, whilst for weddings and events, send an email to aa.anggarini@alilahotels.com

local brewery

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Beer Pairing with Bali’s Own Craft Beers BY MIRELLA PANDJAITAN

of the great European brewmasters. They only contain the finest imported malted grain, hops, and special brewer yeast from the US, Europe, China, and Australia, along with Balinese mountain spring water, and no preservatives or artificial additives of any kind are used. Dinner on the first day also happened to be my first beer pairing experience. I’m not a beer enthusiast, but this was an opportunity not to be missed. Set out at the hotel’s urban garden area called Best Brews, six courses of salads, soups, palette cleansers, main courses, and desserts were each paired with the most perfect beer to enhance the foods’ rich spices for everybody’s taste buds. “I have always believed that the success of any meal is the feeling of satisfaction after eating it. It leaves you with a good impression and lets you enjoy every bite. Whether you are beer or wine pairing, it comes back to the beverages’ ability to complement the food and, most importantly, ensures you’re having

The lovely people from Four Points told everyone to hop on a jeep to roam around Kuta and Seminyak on the following day. For lunch, we stopped by Stark Craft Beer Garden in Kuta to play a beer tasting competition. Each table of three to four people was presented with Stark’s eight types of craft beer and encouraged to match the flavours, consistency, and scents of each beer, according to their names and description: Stark Wheat Beer, a Belgian style of wheat beer with hints of orange, citrus, and spice flavours; Stark Dark Wheat Beer, a dark beer with malty sweetness and hints of chocolate and coffee flavours; Stark Low Carb Lager Beer, less than 50 percent of the carbohydrates and calories compared to a common Pilsner; Stark Mango Ale and Stark Lychee Ale, fruit flavoured ale beers with 5 percent alcohol; Stark IPA or Indonesian Pale Ale, inspired by the historic Indian Ale Pale with 5 percent alcohol and with a bitter taste and floral hints; 1945 Beer (made with 40 percent Balinese rice and 60 percent wheat; and the newly launched, Coffee Porter, mixed with Balinese coffee and dark caramel chocolate.

a great time. Going back to the essence of the Best Brews program, where you can kick back and relax enjoying the local beer, we try to make sure that you enjoy local beers in a way that you won’t forget with beer pairing,” added Agus.

A couple of spare hours before having some Fun in The Sun at Kuta Beach Festival were filled with a quick bask at the hotel’s rooftop pool bar. I noticed that beer is Four Point’s signature drink. I spoke to the Director of Brand and Marketing for Classic Select brands in Asia Pacific, Tiffany Huang, as we strolled to Kuta Beach that evening. She’s responsible for critically analysing the health of each brand on the continent and identifying marketing opportunities. She said people should feel at home whenever they travel. “Four Points is a very social brand where people get together and have fun. Beer to us felt very laid back, easy-going, and supportive of the brand’s message in whichever country it is located.”

aybe you’re one of the people who have given wine pairing a try, but have you ever tried beer pairing? No? Me neither. That is, until I went to Bali and stayed at Four Points by Sheraton, Kuta for the weekend. During my stay, I was pampered with a 60-minute spa experience, graciously fed with sumptuous Balinese and Western dishes, and, you guessed it, an endless flow of local, craft beer. Marketing Communication Manager of Four Points by Sheraton, Kuta, Agus Mahardana, was once told by a Bintang representative that mixing the four major ingredients of water, yeast, hops, and malt, can make up to 3,000 different flavoured beers. At this hotel, you can find all brands of local craft beers, pretty much in every available f lavour. “We can expect that each beer has a very distinctive taste so we want to celebrate that to connect with our guests.” Craft beer is a beer that still consists of those key ingredients. However, a craft brewery produces small amounts of beer, typically much smaller than the large-scale corporate breweries, and is independently owned. Such breweries are generally characterised by their emphasis on quality, flavour, and brewing

technique. Bali is home to the only locally produced craft beer in Indonesia. Since 2011, Lovina Beach Brewery has become a smallscale, craft, artisan brewery – thriving without the automated, robot-like methods and preservative treatments used by big breweries. The brewing process, therefore, includes milling, mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning. Both the Stark and 1945 beers are produced in this microbrewery, where you can find lively and human touches. The beauty of constant human interaction and the little changes in their specialty ingredients throughout the production process create a slight fluctuation in the features. They concentrate on real specialty and niche beers that represent a unique experience for beer lovers, and even newbie beer drinkers. They use minerals from the mountains of Singaraja, North Bali, and then distribute the beers to Denpasar. Surprisingly, you won’t get a hangover when you drink too much of any Stark and 1945 beers. Production still follows the traditions

Before this dinner, I had never paired a bowl of beetroot salad with a light beer, nor had I paired a refreshing mango sorbet with a different bottle of beer. A dish containing couscous, roasted lamb rack, and vegetables paired with Stark Wheat Beer was mouthwatering. This pairing was my absolute favourite because the sweet taste of the couscous already complemented the roasted lamb and vegetables, yet by taking sips of this beer in between, its mild flavour delightfully cooled off the lamb’s thick texture – my taste buds went off to venture in a new experience. Agus claimed that he had never suffered beer bloating before, but seeing the long dining table filled with beer bottles had me wonder if anyone ever did by the end of the night.

Whether you are beer or wine pairing, it comes back to the beverages’ ability to complement the food and, most importantly, ensures you’re having a great time.

Not everyone is a beer enthusiast though. Tiffany gushed and said, “We’re currently working on non-alcoholic versions such as a coffee program that’s in the works by the global team in the States. There’s also a tea program, but nothing has hit the market at the scale of beer yet.” Guess I’ll have another bottle of 1945 then.

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Luxury and Comfort at Its Best Located just minutes away from key business districts, international schools, and the city’s top shopping centres, Fraser Place Setiabudi is the perfect place for business people, families, singles (pretty much everyone!) to live in. The 31-story building stands out at the central business district of Jakarta’s famed Golden Triangle. Fraser Place Setiabudi features 151 GoldStandard serviced residences set within extensive landscaped gardens. The property features one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments supported by a range of world class facilities and services, which include an outdoor jogging track, indoor basketball courts and a fully-equipped 24/7 gym, as well as steam and sauna rooms, a jacuzzi and outdoor pool facilities.

To further pamper its guests, Fraser Place Setiabudi also offers scheduled shuttle bus services to malls in the area. For those who want to stay in, Fraser has even launched a monthly series of craft beer tasting sessions. Led by a beer sommelier, over 40 brews are available at its stylish restaurant and bar, Jardino. Fraser Place Setiabudi is one of three properties in Jakarta from the global award- winning leading hospitality group, Frasers Hospitality. Frasers Hospitality Group was recently named ‘Indonesia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand 2018’ by the World Travel Awards. Last year, Fraser Place Setiabudi also won the prestigious World Travel Awards 2017 for Indonesia’s Leading Serviced Apartments and Indonesia’s Brand New

Serviced Apartment of The Year 2017/18 from Indonesia Travel Tourism Awards. Another six properties in Jakarta are in the pipeline, bringing the group’s portfolio in the city to a total of nine by next year (2019). Frasers Hospitality Group’s global portfolio stands at 140 properties in more than 80 cities worldwide.

For more information, visit setiabudi-jakarta.frasershospitality.com

Jl. Setiabudi Selatan Raya no.2 Kel.Karet Kec. Setiabudi Jakarta Selatan 12920

ISSUE 224 Indonesia expat

meet the expat

CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF PRODUCT OFFICER (CPO) OF FABELIO

FILIPPO LOMBARDI

the date and time of delivery for their own convenience, delivery by two people who set up and tidy the space, to leaving a thank you card. Customers can return any product on the spot or within 30 days of purchase. Nevertheless, the customer shouldn’t feel disappointed after their purchased goods are delivered home. To combat that, Fabelio relies on technology by leveraging interior design softwares. My mother, who’s an interior designer, told me that it can take a few hours to render a 3D interior design completely, as long as the products and presets are already available. As a way to ensure realistic visualisation, Fabelio offers this design assistance where customers can customise their dream home by consulting with interior designers and have the visuals ready after one to two working days.

Filippo Lombardi brings Italian flare and technological know-how to locally produced furniture.

he 32-year old Italian had never heard of Indonesia until he got accepted for a job in 2012. Since then, he has fallen in love with the country, along with the people he’s met. As someone who’s in charge of the technological aspect of Fabelio’s product development, co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Fabelio, Filippo Lombardi thinks choosing furniture is an emotionally underrated act because, after all, home is where the heart is. How did an Italian end up in Jakarta? I’m a 32-year old Italian man. I studied economics for my Master’s degree in Milan. I worked at an NGO for a few months in India, but I got my first job in early 2012 at Rocket Internet in Indonesia, a Lazada launching team at that time. I’ve always wanted to live in a developing country because I learned about how economics could impact a developing country when I did my Master’s, and Indonesia fit just right. I did business intelligence that correlated to product technology, looking after investor reporting, and understanding ways technology can grow a business. It was fascinating for a fresh graduate like me to see how powerful the whole start-up ecosystem was; it’s grown at a speed of 30-40 percent every month.

Eighty percent of our time is spent at home or in an office space, so we should choose furniture that is not only lovely, but unique, and dear to our hearts.

I was appointed to lead a team in Thailand to launch a mobile application. I was getting too involved in the technological aspect, but I didn’t want to be a specialist in some field; I prefer working in a managerial role for a small group instead. Eventually, I went to Panama, a very small country in Central America, for a year where I was responsible for the commercial side of Linio, the Latin American version of Lazada.

The next step was to dig into Indonesia’s e-commerce. Fashion dominated Indonesia’s e-commerce and we noticed that nothing was based on home and living. Furniture is intimate and stays with you for a long time – pretty much tightly correlating with your emotions. Creating designs and helping people make their house a home is personally rewarding and satisfying, compared to becoming a reseller.

At that time, Christian Sutardi and Krishnan Menon were discussing and developing Fabelio. Krishnan is one of my good friends, even after he left his role as CEO in Fabelio. He called me and told me about Fabelio, a new e-commerce project in Indonesia of which I would be co-founder. In 2015, I returned to Indonesia and started working on Fabelio with three others: current CEO of Fabelio, Marshall Tegar Utoyo; along with fellow co-founders Christian Sutardi and Krishnan Menon; and I.

What’s the inspiration behind Fabelio’s designs? Fabelio’s product designs are associated with looking fresh and youthful. The backbone of Fabelio’s design is a term we made up called Scandinasian: a mixture of Scandinavian design which is minimalistic, but utilises Asian materials. Newly married couples in their 30s, perhaps with one child, are the growing middle class and are heavily browsing online, trying to get home furnishing inspirations from all around the world; they are Fabelio's ideal customers. The idea was to move away from the traditional Indonesian styles that can be intricate, as you can see on wood-carvings, and shift into a plain and minimalistic style.

What drove Fabelio into an e-commerce? Established in 2015, Fabelio stands for Furniture Anda Belanja Online; we wanted a word that sounded Italian because Italy is always connected to classy style and design. We discovered manufactured furniture is one of Indonesia’s biggest exports; 80 percent of furniture produced in Indonesia is exported (mostly US, Canada, and European countries). In addition, 80 percent of furniture sold in Indonesia is imported from China, Vietnam, and other countries. Indonesians are very skilful when it comes to handicrafts and carving wood, rattan, and other fantastic materials from the jungle.

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

The term “furnishing happiness” is seen on Fabelio’s Facebook account. What does it mean and how does Fabelio execute it? “Furnishing happiness” is, in fact, Fabelio’s motto - to have customers generate happiness within their families. Fabelio wants to trigger customer happiness after interacting via the online or off line experiences. Furnishing is related to furniture, but furnishing also refers to the decoration as well as generating happiness. Home is where the heart is, since 80 percent of our time is spent at home or in an office space, we should choose furniture that is not only lovely, but unique, and dear to our hearts. How does Fabelio face set-backs as an e-commerce company? Fabelio wants to ensure a unique and different customer experience. According to a customer survey, customers commented on the limited ranges and repetitive designs of Fabelio’s products. Scouting for furniture can be time-consuming, thus we developed a website where a catalogue displays a variety of products in just one stop. At the same time, customers should be able to touch and feel the product before purchasing it – nobody should miss the experience of testing out a sofa for example. Fabelio’s first showroom in Panglima Polim, Jakarta, was opened and other showrooms continue to open. Customers can view the catalogue on the website and then visit a showroom to touch and see the products they have in mind. Delivery complaints emerged when we used outsourced delivery. Fabelio’s products are complex, thus a logistics company within Fabelio was created to ensure customers get the best experience. Shipping is not included, but customers can benefit from determining

What is Fabelio’s next step for 2020? Fabelio currently serves Jabodetabek and Bandung, and ships to other cities such as Semarang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta – showrooms will soon open in these cities too. The goal is to drastically expand next year in Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Bali, and maybe set out overseas. As a young, fresh graduate who had never been to Southeast Asia, how different were your initial thoughts setting foot in Indonesia, after you’ve been living here for almost five years? My first thought was the fantastic contrast of the locals’ friendliness opposed to the unfriendliness of the city. I come from Europe, where people usually gather at squares and move around by walking, yet living in Jakarta requires me to take taxis and face many floods. I also found Indonesians ramah. They don’t expect anything in return; they’re genuine and very welcoming with whomever they meet, regardless if they’re meeting for the first time. When I was in Thailand and Panama, people always asked me what I missed most about Indonesia, and I would always answer: the people – you won’t find anyone in the world like Indonesians; especially the Javanese who I think are very special. Is there anything your hometown in Italy and Jakarta have in common? I’m from a city deep in south of Italy called Cosenza in Calabria. One similarity I notice is that both countries have creative people. I find Indonesians extremely skilful when it comes to creativity since they generate great ideas found in product design, graphic design, etc. Italians are also known to have this creativity that you can see through architecture, fashion, etc. Also, I can say that Southern Italians are known to be very laid back, so are Indonesians because when you have the sun, good weather, and gorgeous scenery, there shouldn’t be any unnecessary worries. Look at the Balinese people; they’re in no rush and are blessed with good weather and landscapes every day. Lastly, what are you absolutely passionate about? My passion is to build things and see it become impactful. I love seeing any of my contributions to a small platform become big and impactful.

travel

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Bali – Volcanoes and Beyond BY STEPHANIE BROOKES (PHOTOS BY DAVID METCALF)

Balinese traditional life is still very much alive outside the main tourist areas of Bali. By basing yourself in the town of Ubud, for example, you get to observe a ritualistic Bali which is steeped in Hindu religious practices. For me, every day seemed to offer another lesson, unravelling slowly and naturally. Bali is, in all essence, a living culture. The island has over 20,000 temples and shrines. For such a small island (153km x 112km), one is bound to run into a ceremony of some description. All you need to attend a ceremony is a sarong, a long sash, and a top that covers your shoulders. Men wear an additional item, an udeng, the Balinese male headdress.

stood near the rim of Kintamani volcano, taking in the sweeping views of Mount Batur and its expansive crater lake shimmering in the early morning light. Ahead of me lay the 35-kilometre, downhill bicycle ride to Ubud. I headed off with my cycling guide and, soon enough, we started to weave through small villages, sharing the quiet, scenic roads with the people going about their day. We passed by duck farmers with long bamboo poles, a white flag on top, each with their gaggle of ducks trailing behind them. Vibrant green fields panned out on either side as we rode through the back lanes; many with groups of women threshing rice and sifting the grains with giant bamboo baskets. We passed lines of beautiful women dressed in bright, ceremonial finery with lacy white tops and brightly coloured sashes, as they made their way to the local village temple. They walked in procession, single file, carrying tall towers of fruit on their heads. This made for extraordinary photo opportunities. Believe me, you do not see this in downtown Kuta, Nusa Dua, Canggu, or Seminyak. By travelling at just 10km per hour, I felt like I was able to make intimate contact with the world around me and could see, hear, and feel so much more than I would have in a car or on a motorbike. I could hear temple bells in the distance. The quaint lanes we passed made me feel like I was discovering the authentic Bali, opening up to impromptu moments that might come along. We stopped in a small village for a break and I got talking to a young Balinese man named Kadek, who was sitting under a makeshift shelter next to a small, ancient, stone temple. He had been clanging away on ancientlooking cymbals, surrounded by an array of other instruments.

“These are all part of our gamelan orchestra,” Kadek explained, pointing to the gongs and drums. He said, “these have been played at our temple ceremonies for many centuries.” I learned that they are still played at weddings and funerals as well as for other rites of passage and ceremonies. Gamelan is mastered by memory, by heart.

Kadek invited me to come back the next day to join his family temple birthday celebration. Not only would I hear the gamelan being played, but I would also meet the shadow puppet master and watch the wayang kulit, the ancient Indonesian art of shadow play. What an offer! “No need to bring anything,” Kadek stressed. “We have prepared plenty of food, and we welcome guests. It is our great honour to share our customs with foreign guests.” He quickly gave me his Facebook name, we exchanged phone numbers, and I made a promise to return. It seems that all the conversations you have with Balinese, from the hotel concierge to the local fruit seller, always seem to include some discussion of their culture and tradition.

If you choose to travel around Bali with a driver, these are pretty much a given item, tucked away neatly in the back of the car, at the ready for an impromptu moment. When you catch sight of a line of women walking down a road with offerings on their heads, all you need to do is join the procession at the back, and you will likely end up at a temple where you can participate in the celebrations and experience the culture. As a foreigner, you’re always welcomed to join a temple prayer session and, if you are lucky, you can also catch temple dancing, and sometimes drama plays being acted out. These ceremonies often go late into the night, many way past midnight.

The island has over 20,000 temples and shrines. For such a small island, one is bound to run into a ceremony of some description. My cycle tour finished with lunch, including a traditional Balinese salad with green beans and sprouts (urab), tempe with delicate spices, tantalising spicy, shredded, steamed chicken, satay on bamboo skewers with peanut sauce, and steamed vegetables cooked in coconut cream. This was served on a pile of steaming red rice. Our beverage was my favourite, fresh and young coconut water served in the shell, a natural energy drink and electrolyte replacement. We all hailed our coconut water with a “cheers” to celebrate our accomplishment of completing the ride. The next day, my body told me it was time to take a rest. I booked in for a three-hour relaxation and rejuvenation treatment at Murni’s Tamarind Spa in Ubud. Locally, Murni is affectionately known as “the Mother of Ubud.” She pioneered tourism in Ubud in the 1970s by setting up her legendary restaurant, Murni's Warung, where artists, adventurers, and academics hung out, drank mango lassies, ate smashed avocado on toast, and devoured Murni’s famous apple pie.

Murni lovingly presides over her dream creation on the jungle-clad Campuan gorge above the Wos River, and 50 years later, it's still the same. The award-winning Tamarind Spa is the latest edition to Murni’s businesses and it was under the tamarind tree I discovered my massage therapist, Kartini, was the former personal therapist of the President of Seychelles. After a welcome drink, cold towel and foot ritual, Kartini started to weave her healing magic on me. This began with an hour-long traditional massage, deeply relaxing, mind soothing, and muscle quenching. This was followed by a fragrant green tea scrub and a yogurt rubdown. My treatment finished by soaking in a warm bath with orange and red flower petals floating on top. To finish it off, I was served a pot of organic herbal tea and fresh tropical fruit. The next day, I was on a mission to discover Bali’s secret photography spots. I decided on a David Metcalf Photography tour after reading some rave reviews online. I was collected bright and early, in time for the dramatic 6.00am sunrise over Mount Agung. Next, we ventured to a local traditional market which was teeming with piles of colourful, hotred chillies, purple dragonfruit, snake fruit, bright green guavas, and pyramids of multicoloured local spices. Next, we spent time at the river capturing some dramatic morning sun rays through the trees, and had a lovely chat with the local rice farmer. After that, we headed to a beautiful 10th century water temple which we had entirely to ourselves. Lunch was up next and sumptuous traditional fare of steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves, coconut yellow curried vegetables, traditional Balinese salad with bean sprouts, and rice steamed in bamboo over an open fire. We ate in the home of a beautiful Balinese family. It was a delightful surprise to see a glimmer of gold shining through the thick foliage in the back of the garden, and soon enough, two delightful young dancers appeared. They performed the Legong dance for us. It turned out these two little girls were temple dancers and loved to take the opportunity to dance for visitors. They were all of five and six years old and danced so elegantly, with beautiful flowing movements infused with pure grace and spirit. It was spellbinding. What I really loved about my photography day, which also included plenty of one-onone photo tips, was how immersed I was in Balinese culture all day. We did not see another foreigner all day. My kind of Balinese day. Next on the agenda was yoga. Wandering the small streets of Ubud, I found myself walking towards “The Sari Organic Pathway,” which was well signposted from the centre of town, wending my way to the Yoga House; a yurt shaped building situated in the rice fields. Sheila, the owner, offers classes five days a week and refers to them as yoga for everyone. Indeed, it was. As I eased into my gentle

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

f low yoga class, my view was framed by three stunning, volcanic peaks fanning out from the yoga platform. The yoga studio was also surrounded by terraced rice fields that encircled the studio like a living green carpet. By being amongst nature, in the outdoors in this idyllic setting, I felt deeply connected to the yoga philosophy which connects the mind, body and spirit, through breath and movement. In the late afternoon, I headed off to a remote, rural Bali village, Lokaserena, on the outskirts of Ubud. I was welcomed into the home of Kadek, who is an Ubud Village Plate host. Ubud Village Plate is a local initiative that supports the community and connects travellers over a shared lunch or dinner in the home of a Balinese family. Cooking classes are offered as well, but I decided on the dinner-only option. On arrival, I was taken on a tour of Kadek’s house, which is part of his larger family compound. He explained the layout of his traditional compound and told me the history behind the ornate carvings and entranceways and the cultural aspects of the directions of the buildings.

Dinner was a succulent affair with sizzling chicken sate on bamboo sticks and steamed tuna baked in banana leaves, accompanied by a pile of fresh vegetables from Kadek’s garden. All was finished off with traditional black rice pudding with fresh coconut cream. We talked late into the night about tradition and customs and I didn’t want to leave. My next journey of discovery was into the spiritual heart of a timeless temple called Gunung Kawi; my temple of choice, located only 20 minutes out of Ubud. I decided to visit this ancient 10th-century temple complex at 7.00am, which allowed me some solitude and a few quiet, reflective hours before the tourist buses arrived for 9.30am. By chance, I meet Wayan, the temple sweeper, near the entrance and he offered to take me to some lesser-known parts of the complex. “Come with me. I will show you the way to a waterfall and a hidden temple, and we will pass by some ancient rice fields.” I eagerly took up Wayan’s kind offer, and he explained how the terraced rice fields, which grow right in the temple itself, date back to the 9th century and are now World Heritage-listed.

As we walked along the small path, the misty jungle clung to the edges of the steeply terraced rice fields. Wayan took me on a little trail where we passed by a waterfall on the way to some old meditation caves. Chiselled from the rock, I came to a series of open doorways, which stood in a straight line symbolically representing an open door. “A door to the other world,” Wayan said with a smile. Near the caves was a shrine, which Wayan explained, stood as a representation of King Anak Wungsu, 1050 AD. Ubud Village Plate: www.ubudvillageplate.com David Metcalf Photography Tours: www.davidmetcalfphotography.com/baliday-tours Eco-cycling Tour: www.baliecocycling.com/cycling-tour The Yoga House: www.ubudyogahouse.com Tamarind Spa: www.murnis.com/tamarind-spa/packages Wayan – the temple sweeper and guide: Phone: +62817-476-7430 Murni’s Warung: www.murnis.com

I spent the rest of the morning walking in the shadows of a series of seven-metre high temple tombs known as the Queens Tombs. Wayan was excellent company and highly informative. As Wayan continued with his morning temple sweeping routine, happy to have been interrupted by a lone traveller, I reflected on the beautiful Balinese people I had encountered over the week, whether that be by bicycle, in a Balinese home, or leaning on a broomstick. The famed Island of the Gods breathes with an even rhythm and welcomes the curiosity of a stranger to explore a very pure and authentic Bali.

Exquisite Thanksgiving Feast at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta Thanksgiving Day had been an annual tradition which is celebrated by many countries on various occasions. Nowadays, people enjoy this tradition for multitude of reasons, some celebrate to represent the gratitude towards the blessings of the harvest and other celebrate as a family holiday while enjoying delicious food. Hotel Borobudur Jakarta takes part in this yearly Thanksgiving celebration on November 28, 2019 by offering the lavish Thanksgiving Corner at Bogor Cafe. Relish in our classic Roasted Turkey served with Cranberry Sauce and a wide array of authentic Thanksgiving cuisines from Autumn Chicken Salad, Pumpkin Soup, Brussels Sprout with Bacon to Pear and Berry Crumble sweet treats. This Thanksgiving corner is included in Bogor Cafe buffet with the price of Rp398,000++/person for adult and Rp199,000++/person for child 5-12 years old senior citizen 61 years old above. You are invited to come and enjoy this Thanksgiving feast with family, friends or colleague surrounded by our 23 acres of tropical gardens at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta. For further information and reservation, please contact Bogor Cafe (+62-21) 380 5555 ext. 73400/73441.

Hotel Borobudur Jakarta as one of the finest luxury 5 star hotels in Jakarta strategically located in the center of the city. This resort in the city features 23 acres of landscaped tropical gardens. The hotel is a 5 minute drive from the Presidential Palace and is also close to major sightseeing attractions such as Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral Church. It is within easy reach of government office, major business and banking centers, shopping and tourist attractions. Gambir Railway Station is only 3 minutes drive and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is 35 minutes drive from the hotel.

getaway

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

A Right Royal Yogyakarta Weekend

ndonesia isn’t a normal country, anyone living here will know that things are done differently here; for better or worse. As a democratic republic with a parliament, elected president, and democratic elections, it’s no surprise that Indonesia still has a royal family or two kicking around. Life in Yogyakarta brings you into a world where you butt up against the House of Hamengkubuwono, their ancestors, and their power base. The first king, or sultan, in the dynasty, was installed after a Dutch treaty in 1755 split up the Mataram Empire into Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The current Sultan of Yogyakarta is Hamengkubuwono X, and he also holds the title of Governor of Yogyakarta which will get passed down the family line along with the sultanate. Here, we’ll focus on the modern history of Yogya, which should all fit into a well-planned weekend. Make sure you take note of the opening times if you want to get around all of the royal sites over a couple of days; arriving early Friday or staying until Monday can take the rush out of things.

Kota Gede – Royal Cemetery and Watu Gilang Kota Gede is an urban village, just within the city ring road, to the south-east. It’s a quaint place to spend a morning with a bustling local market and amazing silversmiths to watch work. For those on a tight timeframe, better to leave these things to another time; graveyards wait for no man. A few hundred metres behind the market is the Masjid Besar Kota Gede and Makam Raja-Raja, the cemetery of kings. A reconstruction of the old mosque is behind thick, brick walls, and you take a left to get to the courtyard for dressing. To visit kings, one must be appropriately dressed. No matter what finery you arrive in, you’ll be asked to change into a traditional court dress that includes a sarong, or jarik, for everyone and a blue shirt and hat for men or a batik boob-tube style wrapping for women. No head coverings are allowed – hijabs and niqabs must be removed if you want to go the graves. Once suitably attired, a palace servant known as an abdi dalem will lead you into the graveyard and to the tomb of Penembahan Senopati, the first ruler of the Mataram Empire. Senopati married the Goddess of the Ocean, Nyi Roro Kidul; a union that endures to this day with every Sultan since taking her as their bride. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: 1. LIFE OUTSIDE THE KRATON 2. STAIRS AT UNDERGROUND MOSQUE 3. STEPS AT IMOGIRI 4. SWIMMING POOLS AND TAMAN SARI

The graves are well tended and covered with flowers and other dedications. Also buried here are Mas Jonglong, whose legacy was to be forever known as the Lord Who Was Killed Hunting, and Hamengkubuwono II.

Once you’ve paid your respects to Senopati, you can go on the hunt for Watu Gilang. Don’t believe Google when hunting for the place; the rock you will get taken to is indeed interesting, but not where you’re aiming for. Instead, turn right out of the parking area from the cemetery and keep going until you’re sure you’ve gone too far. When you come across a boring looking building moonlighting as a roundabout, pull over and look for an abdi dalem who’ll be lounging about in the shade. Tip him well to open up the shack and you can see what is rumoured to be the stone on which Senopati’s throne stood. The lighting is poor, so you’ll need to get your f lashlight out to see the French, Dutch, Italian and Latin engravings of “So Goes the World”. The round stones on the left were the toys of Senopati’s son, used to play games with the Goddess of the Ocean.

Opening hours: Sunday, Monday, Thursday 10am – 1pm, Friday 1pm – 4pm Costs: Rp100,000 entrance fee for the cemetery, Rp35,000 outfit hire, tip for your dresser, tip for opening Watu Gilang.

Imogiri – Royal Cemetery If you’re in a rush, get moving to Imogiri before it closes for the day. It’s about 30 minutes south of Kota Gede by car or bike, followed by a climb of 414 steps – visiting this cemetery isn’t quite so easy. The ritual of getting dressed up is the same in this complex, whether you get swaddled in Solo or Yogyakarta batik is up to your dresser. There are no shoes allowed and very little shade as you walk to the tomb of Sultan Agung; if the sun’s cracking the f lags you might have to find a balance between grace and dash as you head to the back of the sparse courtyards. Sultan Agung holds almost mythical status as a leader who conquered most of Java in the seventeenth century, also building his legacy at Imogiri. The Hamengkubuwono Sultans are also interred here, along with the Sultans from Surakarta – the House of Pakubuwono. All of the graves are well looked after. Little English is spoken, so you can give your Bahasa Indonesia a stretch or just take in the calm that lies around Imogiri. To get your bearings you can also pick up a map of the site from some of the stalls in the area for around Rp5,000.

Opening hours: Sunday and Monday 10am – 1pm, Friday 1pm – 4pm Costs: Rp10,000 entrance fee for the cemetery, Rp5,000 outfit hire, tip for your dresser.

The Kraton – Palace of Yogyakarta In Yogyakarta, all roads lead to the Kraton, or at least it seems that way when you’re driving around for your first few months. The palace started being built in 1755 and has been added to and repaired over the years. Some abdi dalem work as guides, although finding an English speaking one could be a challenge. You can see the place where Sukarno was inaugurated as President, and the place where studies at Universitas Gajah Mada first started. There are musical instruments and courtly clothing to peruse and a portrait room showing you the collection of names and wives that were impressively racked up by former Sultans.

Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday 9am – 2pm, Friday 9am – 11am Costs: Rp15,000 entrance fee, tip for your guide if you take one.

Taman Sari – The Water Palace Although technically part of the larger Kraton complex, Taman Sari is very much distinct from the home of the Sultan. It fell into disrepair after the British turned up in 1812 and caused havoc, and bore further damage in some subsequent earthquakes. This was the pleasure palace for the early Sultans. Wives, concubines, and children would swim in the pools, waiting for the Sultan to toss down a flower to choose his lady for the day. What was once a huge lake between the pools has been colonised by palace workers and artists and is now known as Kampung Taman Sari; it’s definitely worth taking time to stroll through the alleys and check out the amazing street art. The underground mosque is a great spot for some cool photography, with an interesting staircase and cool windows. It’s not a functioning place of worship so you don’t have to concern yourself with head coverings. Having the Sultan’s mosque somewhat hidden was a way to make the mainly Hindu subjects less concerned about the Islam of their leader. Remains of the actual palace can be explored, with amazing views over the red tile roofs of Yogya and some jauntily angled window frames following earthquake damage.

Opening hours: Every day 9am – 3pm Costs: Rp15,000 entrance fee, tip for your guide if you take one.

The royal connections of Yogyakarta make for exploration and learning, with plenty of myth and legend for you to pick up along the way. The creativity of Yogyakarta exudes every corner of this adventure, with batik, graffiti, and busking forming the colourful backdrop to your royal sojourn.

literature

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

©VIFICK BOLANG

Ubud: A Writers’ Festival for Thinkers BY RICK BAIN

he 16th Ubud Writers Festival ran from October 23 to 27, 2019, featuring more than 200 speakers from more than 30 countries. There is something very old-fashioned about writers’ festivals, but once again Ubud conclusively proved its contemporary relevance. In competition with blogs, Ted Talks, and Twitter, the festival showed there is, as yet, no better way to share ideas than to see, hear and question someone in the flesh – and to read their books. All other transmission technologies for ideas have their place, but talking and reading are still the most powerful.

writers do indeed have many opportunities to learn). Ubud is curated for anyone who’s interested in contemporary thinking. And it is particularly interesting for anyone interested in contemporary Indonesian viewpoints. High-quality contemporary thinking and ideas are captured in books, by writers, so Ubud is basically relevant to people who are interested in ideas and books. To meander between beautiful venues overlooking a branch of the Wos River, and to have the opportunity to listen to people with ideas, alongside people who are interested in ideas, is challenging and exhilarating.

It is true the speakers at the festival are mostly writers, but nearly all writers see writing as a means of transmitting ideas.

The contemporary ideas captured in this year’s festival fell under the overall umbrella of “Karma” and included discussions around Karma itself, in relation to Indonesia’s six official religions and western secular thinking, and in relation to the challenges facing the world – and Indonesia.

Interesting and relevant though the festival is for practicing writers, it is not specifically directed at the craft of writing (although

The attendees at Ubud are dominated by English speakers, including English-speaking Indonesians, but the festival is changing to

In some ways the festival’s name is misleading.

©AGUNG ABI

Ubud is curated for anyone who’s interested in contemporary thinking. involve both more Indonesians and more Bahasa Indonesia. It was rare for at least one Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia speaker not to be involved in any given session. A number of non-English speaking speakers were translated from Bahasa to English, although the process of translation is, unfortunately always cumbersome. Many sessions included contemporary Indonesian issues ranging from politics to economics, religion, development, tourism, the environment, women’s rights, the way in which history is presented (or not) publicly and educationally, even the way in which the jilbab (hijab) impacts on women’s lives.

©AGUNG ABI

It is rare for an English-speaking expatriate to have the opportunity to hear Indonesian writers and intellectuals talking about their country. Holding unpopular opinions and speaking about Indonesia frankly and openly can carry serious risks and there are very few forums where an exchange of ideas can occur. Because of the festival’s profile, and because of the nature of its support, the festival exists not only in a charming geographical location, but in a charming geopolitical space. Temple bells and the sound of gamelan waft on the cool breeze that blows up the Wos valley, and the voices of Indonesian thinkers can be heard without the inhibiting influence of the powerful conservative forces who place little value on freedom of speech. Despite its seriousness, the festival also has a light touch, featuring cooking, humour, and travel. Perhaps the opportunity it opens for cultural exchange and the development of connections is its most important quality. The 2019 festival was well-organised, exciting, charming, friendly, stimulating –and important.

©VIFICK BOLANG

Info for Expats

Balance in Bali: Founder, Parent, and Self There is something visceral about the waves, the wind, and the sun; something welcoming about the smiling, easy-going locals that all together make life here feel less complex, and more human. This spirit brings many to new perspectives on what matters in life. To examine how we balance our time with family and business.

Moving to Indonesia while running a business is a lifechanging adventure. Doing it all with family in tow is a unique and special kind of challenge. We spoke with three local expat parents about what makes running a business while raising a family in Indonesia worth it.

Steph is a Bali-based mom raising seven kids, five of them under the age of six. Steph is the founder and owner of a Los Angeles based real estate development and holding business. Travelling often, Steph had plenty of international options to compare, and says that Bali connected with them in a special way: “From the moment we saw the Green School, we were enchanted with our kids growing up without walls, surrounded by nature.”

Marta’s vision is “to make this world a more compassionate, mindful and heart-connected place, one person at a time.” Marta is the parent of a two-year old and running a business as a holistic advisor, meditation guide and retreat host. “I moved here for myself and then decided to stay, mostly thanks to amazing people who are in my community, the level of consciousness and freedom.”

Hannah runs an online travel business – a guide for foreigners in Bali – while raising a son of seven and daughter of 11. Hannah has always felt that Bali chose her, not the other way around: “I came as a volunteer teacher in 2005 and ended up married and living here by the end of 2006.”

Inspired business Steph describes working remotely from Bali as a way of living in the moment. Living less focused on pushing projects forward and ticking items off her to-do list. “Knowing that everyone in my business world – on the other side of the planet – is asleep, makes going surfing, grabbing a long lunch at La Brisa, or hanging out with my kids on the Green School campus a guilt-free pleasure.” She dreams of shifting her role as an active investor and developer to a more relaxed, philanthropic approach. Steph’s example of the lifestyle difference is compelling in its contrast. “Bali isn’t a geographic location as much as it is a lifestyle. For a parent of a large family and head of a mediumsize private company based in LA, Bali is both a refuge and a chance to live our true values. By the time the kids are off to school, working hours in LA are over so I’m free to go for a surf at Batu Bolong or take a class at my favourite yoga studio. The time difference can make project management frustrating, but it’s also a gift.” The opportunity to rebalance personal life with that of family and business is a Bali specialty. Steph is one of those finding a better personal and professional life balance to be within grasp as an expat parent. A world of support Hannah is crafting her life with considerably more family time by combining the two together directly. “I actually have a surprising amount of flexible time, because most of my work is online. It’s wonderful that my business involves my children because I couldn’t run a guide for families in Bali without them! We get to do lots of fun things and spend time together while I work – so it’s pretty much ideal.” If a spirit of reinvention in a new country makes lifestyle changes possible, a good nanny can too. For more expats, it becomes a reasonable option in Indonesia. It can directly make the idea of more personal time alongside kids and business a reality. “While I can’t be too bothered to think about my own lifestyle activities while raising a two-year old, I have put quite an effort into regaining time for myself... I think it is an amazing place to raise small kids in particular.” Steph takes advantage of the various support services available in Bali, with multiple domestic workers, including a nanny and a butler. “We have a photographer on retainer to capture special moments as well as the simple, gorgeous moments in daily life, masseuse on regular rotation, private swim coach, dressage lessons for my three-year-old who

likes horses, and I’m free to explore classes like breath-work or pottery that I’d never been able to do in LA because of my workload and traffic.” Creating new connections Being far away from existing family and circles of friends can add another level of stress. Finding a sense of connection and belonging in a new country can be intimidating at first. It often just takes a little extra effort early on. Marta recently started hosting mama and child retreats in addition to her existing healing and transformation classes. She chose this in order to build some greater sense of community and involvement. Steph recalls that: “Finding my groove, disconnecting from my former professional life, and finding a tribe of parents that get us happened so quickly that I forgot it was my number one worry. The one thing for those that make the move seems to be that we have an open heart and interest in engaging in a real way. It’s been humbling and deeply human.” Cultural Expectations In terms of business, it is equally critical to find that tribe. Finding inspiring entrepreneurial meetups, clubs, and organisations across the island is one more venue to connect with like-minded business people and in many cases parents at the same time. It is also a truly revealing way to explore the local culture. As Steph puts it: “I’ve long said that you don’t really know a culture until you’ve had employees and run a business.” It becomes an intimate opportunity to get to know a new culture, new people and a new environment. It is simultaneously a source of insights, ideas, and frustrations, from the new habits and expectations to local rules and regulations. Marta describes: “Business-wise, the main struggle for me was to get legal, get a KITAS and a work permit… I’m a single mom in a co-parenting situation, so my other biggest struggle is finding balance and enough energy to combine earlychildhood conscious parenting with being focused, present, productive and creative in my business.” Living in Indonesia can be as transformational for our businesses as it can be for our lives. The change in culture and environment often gives us a new lens to see ourselves and the world around us.

Are you a founder and parent in Bali? Let us know about your experience raising kids and running a business on this paradise island! Email us: info@emerhub.com

www.emerhub.com

Bubbles & Piazzas BY RICK BAIN

Like most Jakartans, if I have to go less than 200 metres, I walk. Now I have my Scoopy motorbike, for distances over 200 metres and under five kilometres, I scoop. For distances over five kilometres, I order Grab or Gojek. These expanding radii have huge implications for how Jakartans use and experience their city. It seems to this bule that Jakarta atomises to neighbourhoods with a radius of 200 metres – the distance Jakartans are prepared to walk. This creates an intimacy that belies the anonymity and cruelty of the big city. It remains a city of kampung. Within the 200-metre bubble, everyone appears to know everyone: the bakso man, the woman with a fax machine, the cook in the warteg, the mechanic, the chemist in the apotek, the shop that sells mangos and bananas, the hairdresser…. There’ll be a school and a mosque alongside every tiny business the kampung needs for its most important daily needs – all within the walking distance bubble. After all, not everyone in Jakarta has a motorbike; there are old people and children and housewives and students and unemployed…. This 200-metre fragmentation has shaped the economy of the city. As chain stores and malls have increasingly devoured the city’s disposable income, hundreds of thousands of tiny, neighbourhood stores have survived. They may not have the same choice or the same prices – but they’re just around the corner, within walking distance. Ironically, Jakarta’s congestion and the consequent survival of these tiny businesses means the city remains viable for everyone.

F i n d i n g N at u r e i n B a l i Bali offers a great lifestyle with ideal weather, readily blending modern living with the intrigue and mystique of Balinese culture. It has bountiful beaches, endless rice field and nature walks, and waterfalls in stunning locations. At the same time, there are top-notch schools, medical care, and shopping, as well as beautiful restaurants and bars. Many people dream of living in Bali, but how does one actually make the move and become part of a village or other community? If you want a more authentic experience of Bali, then start with looking at Ubud. It’s the art and cultural centre of Bali with an abundance of museums, art studios, and tenth-century temples – many set in the jungle. Because the royal family lives there, Ubud is steeped in tradition, and you regularly see elaborate processions such as funerals right in town. Just 5km from Ubud is Tampaksiring, which has the highest concentration of temples in all of Bali. There are also many yoga and healing centres, and you will find an active and inclusive expat community there. Do you want to experience Bali at its best, and experience some peace and quiet but still be close to all amenities? Thinking of long-term and buying? If so, do consider Villa Damee, an exquisite three bedroom villa with a pool, located in a quiet village, and conveniently only 4.5km from the centre of Ubud. This stunning tropical Balinese style private villa is for the first time listed for sale by the expat Australian/New Zealand owners. Surrounded by lush landscaped gardens set in the rice fields, it overlooks the jungle and is located in the traditional village of Pejeng. Just a three-minute walk out the door, you will find yourself at the beautiful World Heritage-listed Pakerisan River.

To go further, you need transport and you need money. The next bubble seems to have a radius of up to ten km and I’ll call it a town. Lying at the centre of this town is a mall, the town’s focal point. It’s normally not more than 20 minutes away by car or motorbike. Gojek and Grab make travelling this distance feasible for many. The mall is where you come if you have leisure time – to see and be seen, to meet and to greet, to shop until you drop, and to eat until your kidneys scream at the overload of gula (sugar).

The strong relationship the owners have built with the village during their 11 years stay will ease your way into the community, as the next custodian of this property. The name “Damee” is Sanskrit and means peace and harmony. Having the privacy of 2,400sqm of land around you is indeed a great find, and also comes with excellent income business potential. Price: US$335,000 Land Size: 2,300sqm, Leasehold: 19 years plus 10 years extension, three bedroom air-conditioned villa set in nature with large pool.

There are reasonable malls, bad malls, and atrocious malls, but it seems to this bule that most malls have not yet understood the crucial role they play in the life of their surrounding town. Not surprisingly most are devoted exclusively to selling stuff. Sadly, mostly stuff no-one actually needs. I would like my mall – yes, MY mall – to be less exclusionary, to have more meeting spaces, to have spots where you can sit and people watch, to have some greenery and running water, maybe some sculpture. Given the toxicity of Jakarta’s air, it is perhaps unreasonable to hope for outdoor spaces, but it would be nice to have some spaces with height and natural light, somewhere I could escape fluorescence. My hope would be that malls that seriously embrace their role at the centre of the community would out-perform those that don’t. Put simply, I’d like my mall to have an Indonesian piazza at its heart. But a few seats and open spaces would be a good start.

Enquiries to Miss Putri - Ubud Property WA/Phone: +62 812 4657 8781 | www.ubudproperty.com/code=TSL.115

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

BALI

Have Smooth and Moisturised Skin with Wunderbalm by Sensatia Botanicals Sensatia Botanicals have launched and are now selling their latest, all-natural body care collection, Wunderbalm, from November 5, 2019. “This balm contains a special formulation from our brand that is suitable for everyone. We believe this will be a staple product that every household will need,” said Managing Director of Sensatia Botanicals, Michael Lorenti Jr. Wunderbalm is a multi-purpose product for daily use and can be applied to any part of the body that needs a moisture boost. Alleviating dry and sensitive skin symptoms, this product can also be used as a cleansing balm, after-shave balm, a tattoo maintenance balm, and even to condition dry hair. Indonesia’s leading natural beauty care brand has developed this rich and creamy formula with carefully selected active botanicals such as avocado oil, olive squalene, and arnica montana extract – all of which are nourishing, moisturising, and have anti-inflammatory properties – to help soften skin and promote better skin texture. Retailing at Rp360,000 for 120ml, this product is available for purchase at all Sensatia Botanicals stores and at the official website. For more information about Sensatia Botanicals, please visit www.sensatia.com.

JAKARTA

Indonesia Expat Mixer October: Halloween Party Coming up with a theme of Halloween, Indonesia Expat was back to bring its seventh Indonesia Expat Mixer. The event was held at Riva Grill and Bar Terrace, Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta on October 31, 2019. More than 100 guests came to mingle and joined the fun, Indonesians and expats alike, all getting into the Halloween vibe with spectacular music performance. Accompanying the positive ambience and great tunes were beers from König Ludwig Weissbier and Kaltenberg, wine by Two Islands Wines as well as a choice of light bites. The event highlighted the celebration of Halloween and attracted people to wear their scariest costumes. It was a good time for guests to enjoy good food, great music, and entertaining conversations. The Expat Mixer aims to help people expand their business and social networks, as well as to take a break from their daily grind of routines and work. Guests were encouraged to take pictures at the event and upload them to Instagram using the hashtags #indonesiaexpat and #indonesiaexpatmixer. Lucky draw winners who placed their business cards in the night’s magical fish bowl got a chance to snag the wonderful door prizes such as a one-night stay in a Grand Deluxe room in Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta and a one-night stay at Merlynn Park Hotel. Furthermore, guests engaged in a few rounds of fun beer competitions to win three vouchers from Future Park Jakarta. Every month, there will be different and unique atmospheres in each Indonesia Expat Mixer. The next event will be held on November 20, 2019. Follow @IndonesiaExpatMixer on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest updates. Make sure to keep your agenda free for the 20th! We will see you on the next Indonesia Expat Mixer.

events

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

BALI

JAKARTA Exhibition

Xu Bing: Thought and Method at Museum Macan 23 August 2019 – 12 January 2020

Xu Bing: Thought and Method is the first and biggest Xu Bing retrospective exhibition in South East Asia, also doubling as his first major solo presentation in Indonesia. The exhibition at Museum MACAN will feature over 60 works created over 40 years, including drawings, prints, installations, f ilms, and archival material. Xu Bing: Thought and Method is a collaboration between Museum MACAN and UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing, China. Click www. museummacan.org for more info.

Jakarta Smart Living Expo 2019 27-29 November 2019

Jakarta Smart Living Expo is a modern lifestyle event built to introduce current issues on smart living products to educate the market on how these products provide solutions to improve quality of life. The show presents a wide range of smart living products and solutions for more secure, economical and comfortable life. To see the details, click twitter.com/ smartlivingexpo. teamLab Future Park

to hold an exhibition called “teamLab Future Park ” at Gandaria City, South Jakarta. There will be f ive digital installations in the exhibition: Animal Flowers, Symbiotic Lives, Graffti Nature: Lost, Immersed and Reborn, Sliding through the Fruit Field, Sketch Aquarium, Light Ball Orchestra. For more information, visit us at www.sgelive.com

29 November – 1 December 2019

Indonesia Maternity Baby & Kids Expo (IMBEX) is a 3-day event being held from 29th November to 1st December 2019 at Jakarta Convention Centre in Jakarta, and is Indonesia’s largest exhibition for maternity, baby, and kids products. Having already celebrated its 10th edition in 2018, IMBEX will present over 800 local and international brands. IMBEX is staged not only as a business and trading platform, but offers an exciting event over 3 days filled with education and activities; creating an unforgettable and educational experience for the families who visit. For the details, click https://w w w. maternitybaby-expo.co.id/engb.html

Sho em a ker S t ud io s a nd G oI mp a c t pr e s ent s t he talented Yo-Yo Ma on 6 th and 7 th December 2019. This Grammy Award winner will be performing Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello. The Bach Project is a journey to celebrate Bach’s ability to speak to the common community, and is also a series of conversations that explore how culture connects people to build a better future. Book the tickets now to secure your seat at Jakarta International Expo Theatre. To get a ticket click: https://www. traveloka.com/en-id/activities/ indonesia/product/yo-yo-mapr e s ent s-t he -ba c h-pr oje c t tickets-2000115925894.

23-24 November 2019

6–8 December 2019

Halal Expo Indonesia (HEI) will be back this year, and will be held over three days in Hall 2 and 3 of the Indonesia Convention E x h ibit ion s (IC E) B SD, Tangerang. Being held with the

22 November 2019

27 November 2019

The 90’s Festival 2019

The 2 nd Halal Expo Indonesia 2019

Arabian Nights

Celebrating 70 Years of U.S.-Indonesian Partnership through Gamelan

6–7 December 2019

Indonesia Maternity Baby & Kids Expo

Music

your night all the more fun. For ticket click: https://www. traveloka.com/en-id/activities/ indonesia/product/the-90sfestival-2019-2001524353671

Music

Yo-Yo Ma Presents: The Bach Project

20 June–20 December 2019

Jakarta will have another art exhibition for the next couple of weeks. Sorak Gemilang Entertainment (SGE) Live invited teamLab from Japan

theme of “Halal is Everything”, the expo will be filled with lots of interesting and impressive content. What are the contents at Halal Expo Indonesia 2019? Come visit the website at www. halalexpoindonesia.com. You can also find on Instagram @ halalexpoindonesia.

Join in the nostalgic atmosphere of The 90’s Festival 2019 on November 23 – 24 at Gambir Expo Kemayoran. The longawaited festival will make you feel like you’re back in the good old ’90s! Featuring a lineup of national and international artists, the festival will give you a heartwarming experience watching your favorite ’90s icons. Sing along with Hanson, Michael Learns to Rock, Sheila on 7, Jamrud, Potret, and other beloved artists. You can also venture into the ’90s zone for some snacks, drinks, books, films, and games to make

Join us for an evening of gamelan music and discussion as we celebrate 70 years of U.S.-Indonesian friendship and cultural exchange. Watch and learn how this 2,000-year old Indonesian art form, deeply rooted in Javanese mythology, has found a new fan following among Americans. To get more information, visit https:// id.usembassy.gov/id

lasers, and celebration for Electronic Dance Music lovers. Feel free to run, walk, skip or dance your way through this electrifying adventure with heart-thumping music carrying your every step. Your journey will take you through an illuminated race course, with an explosive after-party main stage featuring top EDM DJs and special guest celebrity performers waiting for you, Rockstar Finishers. To get the details, please click indonesianightrun. co.id or visit Instagram: @ indonesianightrun.

We invite you to our magical Arabian Night under the stars of Ubud. Share this evening with friends, family, and likeminded people in the lovely and beautiful community space of the Living Light Bali. For food, the most amazing Middle Eastern buffet you have ever tasted will be served. You can enjoy an enchanting belly dance team. Also, a DJ – music at it’s best. Grab your ticket here: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/arabiannights-tickets-76632699467?af f=ebdssbcitybrowse Festival

Art & Culture Networking

Dream World Wide in Jakarta 20 November 2019

It is the grand vision of the Dream World Wide programme to allow learning of the original Arabic language of the Quran, making easy to learn and accessible regardless of a person's native tongue. We want to empower as many students and teachers around the world as possible with our unprecedented Qur'anic language curriculum and hope to create a worldwide network of students that learn from each other and their instructors and remain connected, indefinitely. Join us today to begin your journey! Please visit w w w. dreamworldwide.net and refer to the FAQ section for all questions and contact information. Sports Indonesia Night Run 2019 30 November 2019

Indonesia Night Run 2019 is Indonesia’s 1st Running Race Performance with categories ranging from 5K, 10K, and 21K filled with live music, lights,

New Year's Day Pool Party featuring TOUCH SENSITIVE Jakarta Performing Arts Community presents COMPANY: A Musical Comedy 29 November-1December 2019

A story about Bobby, a single man in an existential crisis, contemplating what company truly means in a lonely life among his crazy, married friends, in the city that never sleeps. The iconic Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway musical has won multiple accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Musical. And now #JakartaPAC brings this beloved musical to life for our 11th production, directed by Fonnyta Amran, with Jakarta’s finest actors and accompanied by Trust Orchestra, be ready for a hilarious and heartfelt theatrical experience! The event will be place in Teater Salihara Community, Jalan Salihara No.16, Jati Padang, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan. Save your tickets now at: bit.ly/ JPACCompany!

1 January 2020

Since the release of his 2013 breakout single “Pizza Guy”, Touch Sensitive’s inimitable ear for contemporary grooves, fused with classic disco, has made him an enduring party favourite. He’s electrified stages at Splendour in the Grass, Listen Out, Field Day, Laneway, Mountain Sounds, Beyond the Valley, and Falls Festival. A debut US tour with his full live band last year cemented an expansion to international acclaim, following support for fellow Australians RÜFÜS DU SOL and Flume, along with US festival appearances. Touch Sensitive is the ultimate triplethreat; as a producer, in-demand live performer, and DJ, he’s a treasured slashie for artists and audiences alike. The event will be held in Seminyak, Bali. Join the party by the pool and set the mood for a big 2020! For more information, click www. mrssipybali.com

IF YOU WANT YOUR EVENT TO BE POSTED HERE, please email: letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Business Directory

TO BOOK SPACE ON THIS DIRECTORY PAGE, CALL: +62 21 2953 8871

Conjunctivitis: A Pink Eye? We see a lot of children with eye infections. Sometimes we see adults with infected eyes too. Conjunctivitis (infection of the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid) is an eye condition caused by an infection or an allergy. It usually gets better without treatment in a couple of weeks.

Do I have conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye. Usually both eyes are affected and it makes them: • Bloodshot • Feel gritty or burn • Produce pus that sticks to eye lashes • Itch • Water Conjunctivitis that produces sticky pus is contagious. If eyes are red and feel gritty, the conjunctivitis is also usually contagious. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by allergies like hay fever. This can make eyes red and watery but is not contagious.If you're not sure it's conjunctivitis you should ask you GP (Good Practice)

What you can do to treat conjunctivitis yourself To ease your symptoms you can do the following: Use clean cotton wool (one piece for each eye). A make-up removal pad will be good and make it wet with sterile water. • Gently clean your eyelashes and rub off crusts • Hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down It's better not to wear contact lenses until your eyes are better.

How to prevent infectious conjunctivitis from spreading • Wash pillows and face cloths in hot water and detergent • Wash your hands frequently with soap • Do not share towels and pillows • Do not rub your eyes You do not need to avoid work but for very young children it might be good not to attend school if they suffer from bacterial contagious conjunctivitis. See a GP (Good Practice) if: • Your baby has red eyes – see your doctor urgently if your baby is less than four weeks old. • You wear contact lenses and if you have symptoms and if you have spots on your eyelids – it could be that you are allergic to the lenses • Your symptoms have not cleared up after a week See a doctor urgently if: • You have pain in your eyes • There is sensitivity to light • You notice any changes in your vision, like wavy lines or flashing • You have intense redness in one eye or both eyes

Dr Steven Graaff,MD,MRCGP, the founder of Good Practice Clinic is a graduate of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Before completing his formal training in General Practice in the UK, he worked in several hospitals, occupational health and general practice in the Netherlands and the UK. As a medical professional with international experience,Steven decided to start his own clinic – Good Practice, in Jakarta

These can be signs of a more severe eye problem.

What treatment to expect from your GP The treatment will depend on the cause of your conjunctivitis. If it is a bacterial infection you need antibiotics, this can be topical antibiotics. This means you apply the drops or ointment only locally. If the conjunctivitis is caused by a virus (viral conjunctivitis), antibiotics will not work. Conjunctivitis caused by allergy might require some antihistamines. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause conjunctivitis. Chlamydia is an example. This type takes longer to clear up. Our advice is to discuss any concerns with your trusted medical practitioner. It is important that you identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. Good Practice has patients from 66 countries. Our all English speaking team implements international guidelines. We provide highly personalised care. Try us!

Jl. Bangka Raya #106B Jakarta 12730 Tel. +62-21-7183140 info@goodpractice.co.id

www.goodpractice.co.id

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Expat Advertiser JAKARTA Jobs Available

Indonesia Expat is looking for a highly motivated

PR/Sales Representative to join its Sales and Marketing Team. The ideal candidate must have a strong interest in media sales, eager to learn, and be able to represent the company well. The future PR/Sales Representative will have the opportunity to work in a small team and learn directly from experienced employees. The candidate wi ll also get to at tend networking events and daily meetings with clients or potential advertisers in order to meet and exceed revenue targets. Fresh graduates who are looking to start their career in a local English-basis publication are more than welcome. Skills Required: • An excellent command of written and spoken English (native) with very good communications skills • Very good Bahasa communications skills • Excellent organisation skills • The ability to sell and gain new clients • The ability to present and pitch advertising opportunities • The ability to organise events • A good understanding of sales techniques • A good understanding of social media • Hardworking, outgoing and positive Job Description: • Build and develop relationships with existing or potential clients • Attend networking events • Liaise with sales and editorial team • Plan, develop and implement sales and PR strategies • Reach sales target If you believe this is the job for you, please send a cover letter and CV to info@ indonesiaexpat.biz. Due to the high demand of applicants, only candidates who will reach interview stage will be contacted.

Looking for an experienced and qualified native speaking English speaking teacher twice a week after office hours. Location Sudirman , Kuningan and Gandaria Shopping Mall. Please contact Matthew +62818888887. Email: matthew@english-todayjakarta.com

Four new tires, new battery. Great condition, no accidents, serviced regularly. Available immediately. Price: US$3,000 or Rp42 million. Contact: omarbalsara@gmail.com WhatsApp: +6281289336305.

house-call at your house or just come to our basecamp in Nusaloka BSD City. Contact our WA: +628118866003/ +6287885 4 6 14 0 0, em a i l: waltzio.edutainment@gmail. com.

Car for Sale: Toyota Fortuner AT 2.7G Lux, G, petrol, 2011 white colour. Mint condition, only 62km driven, new tyres. STNK just renewed – good for one year and number plate is good through 2021. No accident, no dent- looks, almost new. Toyota service record available. Contact Sandy by WhatsApp at +6281314962860.

French and Bahasa Indonesian la ng uage at your pla ce with a qualified teacher for international students with IB DP and IGCSE curriculum. contact Novi +62816704370. Looking for IGCSE/IB Tuition? We provide experienced tutors who are more than capable of helping your child excel in their upcoming IGCSE/IB examinations. Contact us at Chessy +6287885694762 or privatetutors2t@gmail.com Indonesian authentic food. Accepting catering orders for your events, birthday parties, artisans, wedding receptions, engagements and other events. Please follow our instagram to check the menu or whatsapp +6281290070037.

Vespa for Sale. Specs: Vespa LX 150 ie 8/T, Year 2012. Colour: red, 150cc, 145km (hardly being used). Picture as attached. Asking price: Rp20million (negotiable). WhatsApp: +62 8111983380 or email: nenden. am@gmail.com Services Highly recommended bahasa Indonesia Teacher – Learn bahasa Indonesia with Rini!Are you new to Jakarta and would like to start learning bahasa Indonesia? Then I have just the right person for you! I can highly recommend my bahasa indonesia teacher Rini. Rini is a great teacher as she structures her classes well and gives you plenty of opportunities to talk and learn. I feel that I've improved so much with her just within a few weeks!The fee includes teaching fee, transport fee and materials. All materials provided. At your office or at your own home. She prefers around Kemang, Bintaro, Tangsel, Cilandak, Sudirman, Mega Kuningan, Pejaten, Antasari, and Pondok Indah area. Please contact her at WA : +628121861919 or sibarani1104@yahoo.com or sibarani1104@gmail.com.

Cars/ Bikes for Sale

Looking for IGCSE/IB Tuition? We provide experienced tutors who are more than capable of helping your child excel in their upcoming IGCSE/IB examinations.Contact us at Chessy +6287885694762 or privatetutors2t@gmail.com

Cars for sale: 2007 Nissan X-Trail 2.5 XT Automatic (CD Diplomatic Plates) black colour, petrol, automatic transmission, power windows, AC, TV and CD/DVD player. 130,000kms.

Learn music with Waltzio Edutainment. Piano-ViolinViola-Cello-Guitar-Vocal lesson. All educators are experienced and can deliver in English. Private Lesson available as

Piano lesson with an expat teacher in Kuningan, South Jakarta. More than 15 years of teaching experience, all ages and all levels. Contact for a free trial lesson: +6281281536030. Email: littlemozartinjakarta@ gmail.com. Professional washing for carpets, hand-made and machine-made. Get your oriental hand knotted or machine-made carpets washed and be amazed by the results. For further inquiries please contact Shaun Dias (carpet expert) via WhatsApp: +6281385533395. Property House for sale in Kebon Jeruk (West Java). 5 minutes access to Jl. Panjang. Close to Permata Hijau and TOL road gate. Walking distance to McDonalds, Holicow, Pizza Hut and The Harvest. The house is a combination of 2 houses put together (86m 2 + 87m 2). Freehold. Asking price: Rp5.9 billion (negotiable). Contact via WA: +6281290070037 (direct owner). Sherwood Apartment Kelapa Gading Regent Twr for rent. 12th f loor, 148sqm, 3+1BR, 2+1Bth, New and fully furnished. Rp235 million/year. CP: Sylvie (+6282110611160). The Peak Sudirman Apartment, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan. Prime location, close to MRT Station. Bedrooms: 3 + 1 maid room. Bathrooms: 3 + 1 maid bathroom. Facilities: maidroom and bathroom, balcony, service area, swimming pool, fitness gym, spa & sauna, function room & lounge, barbeque area. Price for rent US$2,700 /month. Minimum 1 year leasing. Contact Erfi: +6281977403529.Email: erfinaty_tan@yahoo.com

Introducing a luxurious apartment called “Casa Domaine Prive”. Developed by PT Griyaceria Nusamekar, an alliance project of three leading property developers namely Lyman Group, Kerry Group, and Salim Group. Strategically located at the heart of Jakarta’s CBD with direct access to Jalan Sudirman and Jalan KH Mas Mansyur and close to the future integration facilities/ TOD dukuh which formed the largest transit development orientation in Jakarta. Minutes away from lifestyle and financial hubs i.e. short distance to Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia Malls. Casa Domaine Prive offers 2, 3, and ultra exclusive 4 bedroom units starting from ± 147sqm. Please contact our marketing team for available units to buy or rent. Units ready to be occupied now. For further details please contact Monica at +6281314201947.

Available for Rent (December 15, 2019): Spacious house with swimming pool in Pejaten. Quiet neighborhood. Two floors (400sqm on 695sqm land); 4 bedrooms; 3 baths; living, family, dining, study rooms; swimming pool; 2-car garage; maid 's quar ter (2br/1ba); basement storage; attic storage. Location: Jl Jati Padang Utara No 10; only a short drive from the Pejaten Village and the AIS Pejaten Campus. Asking rent: US$1,800/month. To inquire or schedule a walk-through, please contact Ayu at +6281386778428 or alistiowati.chjc@gmail.com. Thank you.

For sale beautiful apartment in Kemang, price very attractive. 2 +1 study room- Balinese interior138,9sqm- fully renovatedRp2.8 billion. Located in the middle of Kemang. Green zone, many facilities. Info: jakartalinks@gmail.com

Indonesia Expat Issue 250 | 20 November – 3 December 2019

Next submission

NOVEMBER 27, 2019 Send your classifieds to: info@indonesiaexpat.biz

Personal classifieds = FREE Property and other commercial classifieds = PAID (50 words = Rp.100,000 | 50 words + image = Rp.250,000)

Apartment Bassura City 10 minutes to Kuningan. Size 32m 2. Type 2 bedroom plus 1 bathroom. Furnished with 2 air conditioners and 1 master bed 180 x 200m. Kitchen set is complete with cooktop 2 stoves and smoke suction. The rental price is Rp50 million per year. The selling price of Rp 650 million. Call: +6281381375554. Household Staff We are looking for a live in helper from early January 2020. We are an Indian family of 3 (2 adults and 1 3 year old boy). Working parents and my son will be attending school. No pets. Main duties will be looking after my toddler, cleaning, cooking and general household chores. We will be living in the Pakubuwono area. Please whatsapp me at +6596470742 if you are interested. We are looking for a part-time nanny to work on Saturdays and Sundays only. We live around cipete and we have 2 kids.. 3 & 1 years old. WhatsApp: +628119307379. Our excellent nanny, Elka is available for work. Elka was our nanny for three years. She is experienced, honest, caring, kind and reliable. She looked after our three children as if they were her own. She has excellent English skills. Please email me at fionatombleson@gmail.com or by phone on +6287809704160 for a full reference. Personal Seeking Piano or Keyboard, either a traditional piano or an electronic keyboard. Please WhatsApp me with photos and details on +62817759905. For Sale Breast pump for sale: Medela mini electric breast pump Rp650,000. Used couple of times only. Comes with box and every accessories. Pick up in Cilandak. I can send a photo if you want to. Pick up in Cilandak, only cash please. If you are interested wa me +6281380628390. For sale: Sharp dispenser (Rp1 million), ga s stove Modena burner stand alone (Rp 4. 5 m i l lion), Korea n chest (Rp300,000), chair (Rp500,000). o.n.o. Whatsapp +6287882738343 for inquiries and pictures. Fire Engine Bed Frame: Rp1.2 million (retail for Rp7.5 million). A cute and good quality kids bed,

intricate details from Piccolo Singapore. Length 150cm, width 76cm, height 24cm. Collection at Cilandak or I can deliver within South Jakarta. Text: +6281283100193.

For immediate sale: ROWER Concept2 Model D Indoor Rower PM4/ Recognised by competitive rowers as the standard for indoor training in perfect condition. Rp19 million. WA: +628111931349.

BALI Jobs Available Ninety One Bali is looking for talented Restaurant Manager (EXPAT ONLY) to lead our FOH team. If you have the following experience, we’d love to meet you: • Proven work experience as a Restaurant Manager & General Manager / Hospitality Manager or similar role. • Extensive F&B knowledge • Familiarity with restaurant management software • Strong leadership, motivational and good people skills • Hospitality management or culinary education is a plus Please send your CV to : hello@ ninetyonebali.com Fast-paced global B2B beauty website looking for several skilled Graphic Designers. Candidates must be skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign. Experience in work formatsfrom online to print to display. Enjoys imagery, layout. Creative

and curious. Loves to research art and design. Able to work well alone or in a team. Highly detail oriented, careful, meticulous. Able to work well with tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects. Seeking new graduates and designers with 2-4 years’ experience. Freelance position. Requires schedule flexibility. Please send your resume + link to your portfolio to: liucija@ beautystreams.com Varawedding is looking for a new team member! Fun, friendly and able to work in a team. Has been to Bali or lived in Bali before. Willing to learn Indonesian or can speak Indonesian. Can operate all Microsoft programs, Outlook and Gmail. Available to work on weekends and public holidays. Has event or wedding planner experience. Has worked in Bali before. KITAS PROVIDED. Do you think you are the one we are looking for? Send your CV and motivation letter to muhammad. ramadhan@menaravisi.com We are looking for a new team member to join a wedding planner company in Bali as Personal Assistant. You need to love organizing, punctual, have excellent customer service and English skills. Must have own transport. If interested, please email your CV to natalia@ balifortwo.com Looking for an amazing person to take the business to another Level as a Personal Trainer. Good in speaking english, love people, great at riding bikes, and always positive. Please send your CV to : ryandalapelani@ gmail.com Property Property for sale: beautiful v iews throughout house; surrounded by f lower / paddy fields and forest. The relatively high altitude of the area means the climate is cooler than on the coast (aircons rarely used). No immediate neighbours extreme privacy. House designed and built by experienced New Zealand architect. 3 seperate

gladaks; two within sight of main house, ideal for visitors, older children, parents or grandparents; one further away for staff (fully self-contained). All gladaks made from robust (will not warp) 80-year old wood imported from Jogya area in Java. Main house has 4 rooms (not including gladaks) that could be used for bedrooms, not including two seperate studies. Plenty of storage space. Have own generator (electricity supply stable; need generator about once every couple of months for about 2 hours at a time). Water supply is reliable and have two large water tanks for back up (never gone dry). Have internet cable access, ie full internet access for all devices (modem not needed). 4 years old. 23,000 KwH. 3750 m 2. Price Rp6.4 billion (negotiable). Unfurnished. Contact: +62821 23338372 or email: jaini. maryanti@yahoo.com

For rent, 2 and 3 bedroom cozy villa located in Pererenan, walk ing distance to the beach, cafe and gym. This open living tropical home is available for yearly or long term rental. Fully furnished. Facilities: WiFi, housekeeping, pool maintenance, garden maintenance. Contact me at +628562867899 for more info.

Minimalist and modern private villa. Location in quiet area with one get access. Available Yearly Rental.3 large bedroom, 3 large bathroom with bathtub, Location : Kerobokan. Rental price: Rp210 million /yearly (Negotiable with direct owner) Details: one floor, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, fully furnished, electric 7,700VA, 4 units AC, water pump, water tower, hot water, private swimming pool, closed living room, ceiling fan, guest toilet, garden, wifi fiber optic, carport, land size 300sqm, 30 minutes drive to the airport, walking distance of shops and restaurants. For more info and inspection please contact : Eko +6281999396009 (Call, SMS, WhatsApp) or Andre +6287861640135 (Call, SMS, WhatsApp).