Indonesia Expat - issue 272

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I N D O N E S I A' S L A R G E S T E X PAT R I AT E R E A D E R S H I P

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mixed Marriage in Indonesia: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Esti McMillan, Founder of EMC – Relocations with a Difference Bali's Tourism Industry: Price Wars or Quality Wars?

PHOTO BY PAUL GILMORE (@UNSPLASH)

…and many more

THE MIXED MARRIAGE ISSUE

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Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

INDONESIA EXPAT MARKETING ADVISER

Edo Frese

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Contents

Mirella Pandjaitan

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Dear Readers,

BUSINESS PROFILE Sugeng Sugiantoro Invites You to Recharge Like Nowhere Else at MesaStila Resort and Spa

Dian Mardianingsih (Jakarta)

dian@indonesiaexpat.biz Wahyu Atmaja (Bali)

ads@indonesiaexpat.biz MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Have you noticed how crowded public areas have been lately? Jakarta’s roads, for instance, are back to normal and sometimes even worse than normal! People seem to have let loose and are going out and about within the city again. Then Bali, Bintan, and Batam are set to have travel bubbles for international tourists set up this summer.

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In the midst of Indonesia welcoming normality – or is this the true definition of the new normal? – what have expats who call this country their home-away-from-home been up to?

Indonesia Expat proudly presents its new issue based on mixed marriage and/or expat life.

Here, we have gathered fascinating expats and their stories revolving around their businesses and life as expats in Indonesia. Not to mention, we’ve dug deeper into all things to do with mixed marriages. Postpone your Netflix binge and read through this issue – since intercity travels are nearly impossible until May 24, 2021. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time later to binge-watch!

Don’t forget to check out our daily news updates at indonesiaexpat.id. Follow our Instagram @ indonesiaexpat and Facebook @indonesia.expat to stay updated on the daily COVID-19 case numbers and news, as well as attractive promotions from your favourite hotels, restaurants, and schools across the country. Now you can access Indonesia Expat on the Tripper app, available on iOS and Android for free.

PT. Koleksi Klasik Indonesia 17th floor, Pondok Indah Office Tower 3, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda

Happy reading!

Jakarta Selatan 12310 T: +62 21 2953 8871

10 OBSERVATION Forever Foreign

12 MIXED RACE Mixed-Race Children: Finally, the Bali Kids Have Their Say Too

14 COVER STORY 45 Years in Indonesia, Eleonora Detmers Lives the Pelabuhan Ratu Cowabunga

16 MEET THE EXPAT Meet Esti McMillan, Founder of EMC – Relocations with a Difference

No. 29, Pd. Pinang, Kebayoran Lama,

Office hours: 09.00–17.00

08 MIXED MARRIAGE Mixed Marriages in Indonesia – A Fresh Look

17 Edo Frese

SNA MEDIA CLUB COLUMN What New Expats Should Expect in Indonesia

Monday–Friday

18 EDUCATION Compassion in 21st-Century Learning

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and the publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors, ommisions, or complaints arising there from.

20 INSIGHT Bali's Tourism Industry: Price Wars or Quality Wars?

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

23 HIGHLIGHTS Mixed Marriage in Indonesia: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

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business profile

Sugeng Sugiantoro Invites You to Recharge Like Nowhere Else at MesaStila Resort and Spa

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

What type of feeling do guests leave MesaStila with?

Guests are sure to be delighted by the memorable experiences and they’ll wish they could have stayed here longer and will definitely want to come back in the not-toodistant future.

Considering that volcanoes surround the premises, what are the safety measures taken by the resort?

We are about 30km away from the Merapi volcano, which is quite distant from the danger zone of 3km, and we were not affected by the previous Merapi eruptions.

Are there any upcoming hotel features, promotions, or events we should all be on the lookout for?

We do have some upcoming promotions such as a Ramadhan package, a wellbeing holiday, and the best MesaStila experience.

Take on a challenge by participating in our 10th Ultra Trail Run – the MesaStila 100 – that will be held on October 8–10, 2021, presenting five race categories of 120km, 75km, 50km, 25km, 12km.

S

ugeng Sugiantoro has spent his days in Lombok, Bali, and several cities in Java as a passionate hotelier for the past 28 years. Nowadays, he finds himself in Magelang, leading MesaStila Resort and Spa. Surrounded by enchanting natural and cultural wonders, Sugeng invites you to experience distinctly Javanese experiences perfect for you to recharge which will surely leave you wanting more, only at MesaStila!

Hi Sugeng. You’ve spent over two decades in Indonesia’s hospitality industry. Can you take us back to where it all started and up to today?

Since 1992, I have been deeply involved in the hotel and tourism industry. I started my career in some international chain hotels in Lombok for six years, and then in Bali for six years holding various positions. Then, I headed to Java; Magelang, Semarang, and Jakarta, where I continued my journey in some other luxury resorts and hotels.

In that time, I’ve sharpened my skills and learnt new things to broaden my horizons. I didn’t limit myself only to my assigned duties. Instead, I’ve nurtured my skills in other areas; sales and marketing, room division, food and beverage, spa and wellness, and for sure leadership. I’m currently holding the position of General Manager in MesaStila Resort and Spa, Magelang, Central Java.

As the general manager of MesaStila Resort and Spa, formerly known as Losari Coffee Plantation, what can you tell us about the special qualities of the resort?

MesaStila Resort and Spa is the only fivestar resort and spa in Indonesia that’s built within 22 hectares of charming coffee plantation and featuring an award-winning Hammam Turkish Spa.

Describe MesaStila Resort and Spa. MesaStila is a five-star resort and spa that incorporates an unparalleled collection of remarkable antiques and enchanting buildings, including icons of Central Java such as a colonial railway station and historic Joglo-villas. The property has 23 unique villas set within an area of 22 hectares of outstanding natural beauty; surrounded by cooling highland air, eight mountains, a tropical garden, and lush vegetation.

Built within a charming coffee plantation, MesaStila offers distinctly Javanese experiences – both cultural and fitness activities. The true magnificence of MesaStila is in its spectacular setting and its Hammam Turkish Spa. At MesaStila, the focus is on luxury yet keeping the traditional, local, and wholesome experiences intact, which accentuate the magnificence of the environment, the people, the culture, and facilitates a healthy lifestyle-full of wonderful experiences.

List for us the must-to-do activities that you highly recommend to guests when staying at MesaStila.

Let’s divide it into two, onsite and offsite activities.

Built within a charming coffee plantation, MesaStila offers distinctly Javanese experiences – both cultural and fitness activities.

For onsite, guests can unwind with: • Yoga • Meditation • A coffee plantation tour • Working out in nature in the Jungle Gym • Horse riding • An outdoor picnic lunch • An outdoor romantic dinner • Cooking classes • Coffee art classes • A batik making lesson • Spa treatments As for offsite activities; nearby the resort, guests can explore the surrounding natural wonders by: • Cycling or hiking to the Royal Bath, or Sekar Langit Waterfall for two to three hours • Going on a village tour visiting traditional markets and home industries by horse cart • Taking the Ambarawa train tour • Visiting Gedong Songo Temple • Visiting Borobudur Temple • Going on a sunrise hike to Mt. Andong • Going on a sunrise or sunset jeep tour at Mt. Telomoyo Taking care of your wellbeing means a more vibrant life, greater energy and an overall better you.

How does MesaStila help guests with this?

Apart from regular fitness activities, we offer our guests several wellness retreat packages, such as fitness and weight management, cleansing, and a distress and indulgence program where healthy cuisine is involved and plays an important role in this successful wellness program.

You’re a leader. How do you stimulate and coach your team so that they uncover their best selves?

Include a lesson you’ve learned along the way.

My main duty is to provide leadership and strategic direction to the entire team in managing a wide range of activities encompassing operations and sales and marketing to achieve our objectives and drive company growth. I’ve always believed that success is in our hands; it’s a matter of how to find our potential to deliver the best.

A good leader is someone who can facilitate others to excel.

Magelang is a well-known tourist destination with highlights including natural and cultural attractions in the area. What’s an activity or attraction tourists are unaware of and should try?

• Hiking or cycling to Royal Bath (Candi Umbul) or Sekar Langit waterfall • Sunrise hiking to Mt. Andong • Sunrise or sunset jeep tour at Mt. Telomoyo • Learn how to do a traditional Javanese dance • Watch the occasional cultural performance shows at Borobudur Temple Mention a fun fact about yourself.

I spend more than half of my life in the hotel and tourism industry, so I'm very passionate and really love my job!

Where can our readers keep in touch with you and MesaStila?

Visit www.mesastilaresortandspa.com, call +62298596333, WhatsApp +628112655963 or email intouch@mesastilaresortandspa. com to know more about MesaStila and make your bookings. Get in touch with me via email at sugeng@mesastilaresortandspa. com.

mixed marriage

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Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Mixed Marriages in Indonesia – A Fresh Look

BY DACHLAN CARTWRIGHT

I

t would almost be true to say that there are as many varieties of mixed marriages as there are of mixed marriages themselves. However, I will try and identify some salient aspects and types, and also show how the climate of understanding and tolerance towards mixed marriages has changed since the 1970s when I first visited Indonesia and married my Indonesian wife. This account will inevitably contain - I’m signalling this now - some stereotypes and generalisations.

But first, I’d just like to touch on the phenomenon of “ignorant assumption”.

The writers Anthony Burgess and Bernard Cornwell make skilful and entertaining use of characters who buck the stereotypes. In his "Malay Trilogy", aka "The Long Day Wanes", set in Malaysia during and after independence, Burgess presents us with a kaleidoscope of characters, including an ethnic Chinese lawyer who yearns, in exile – for the groves of Oxbridge and the London Inns of Court – expressing his sense of being uprooted in exquisite Balliol tones. Then there is the French Catholic priest, who has been uprooted to Malaysiafrom China, and so he longs for its traditional reverence for ancient sages and their celestial wiseacrings.

In Bernard Cornwell’s “Warlord” trilogy, the narrator, one of Arthur’s most prominent knights, Derfel Cadarn, is by birth one of Arthur’s racial enemies, the Saxons. And in Cornwell’s “Starbuck Chronicles”, set during the American Civil War, the protagonist is a northerner who fights for the South. The lesson is, don’t rush to judgement, and always expect the unexpected.

When I married my wife Srie in 1979, I was already a Muslim, having embraced Islam in Manchester in 1972, and soon afterwards I performed the Haj. Yet when I visited the pilgrimage at Pamijahan in West Java, there were murmurings from the crowd of devotees that a “non-Muslim” should not be allowed in that amazing natural “mosque”

in the limestone mountains south of Tasikmalaya. On the other hand, one of my colleagues in a language school in Bandung, on learning that I was a Muslim, declared “but you don’t take it seriously, do you?” (falling intonation, lol). So, again, don’t be fooled, life is full of the unexpected.

Another situation that mixed-married couples had to endure "back in the day" arose from another assumption, that the woman was a “naughty girl” and the man was either a john or a playboy. In 1979, when my wife and I got off the bus in Medan after our honeymoon at Lake Toba, we were surrounded by becaks whose drivers hurled insults at us. On another occasion in Bandung, a young man said something to my wife in Sundanese. Srie later described for me the hurtful things he had accused her of, which naturally set me seething. And an Australian friend of mine was walking in Blok M with his Indonesian girlfriend when someone shouted an insult, with the result that the shouter was poleaxed. But violence usually doesn’t solve anything. There was another frequent assumption, that your Indonesian wife was your second, after a failed marriage in your home country. This was “assumed” by everyone from taxi drivers to local teaching colleagues.

But it is true that the conduct of many bules did deservedly provoke this negative reputation. As late as 2007, British men who were married to Indonesian women were contacted by their consulate to the effect that they had to sign a declaration stating they were still married. Apparently, too many bules had been contracting “temporary marriages” in places like Kalimantan, then abandoning their wives with all the consequent problems and heartaches so caused. So the responsible majority were inconvenienced by the irresponsible minority. (I must affirm, however, that my family and I have had nothing but help from the British consular

children” looked forward to coming to school, seeing it as a haven of love and support from their friends and teachers.

For non-Indonesians wishing to marry Indonesians, it is essential to know the law. Indonesian law now requires that both parties must hold the same religion. authorities over the years, beginning with them posting the “banns” at the consulate when we got married.)

Moving on, both our children attended Bandung International (now Independent) School, and in the high school, the majority of the students were the products of mixed marriages. Consequently, it was “coolest” to be mixed, and “mononationals” were seen as a tad less cool.

On the other hand, the larger Sekolah Cita Buana in Jakarta, where I also taught for several years, a school that has an excellent reputation for its special needs programs, besides having its fair share of well-adjusted students, for whom the idea of discrimination based on skin colour, ethnicity, gender orientation was not only wrong but incomprehensible, nurtured, among the “challenged” members of its student population, several “lost children”.

There was a sad pattern, with these kids suffering from dysfunctional domestic backgrounds, with abusive, alcoholic, separated or divorced parents, many of whom were mixedly married. These “lost

Children of mixed marriages, whether cool or adrift, the result of blasteran, as the startling Indonesian word has it, have several websites devoted to them. On a recent check on Google, I found sixteen such sites. They have a reputation for possessing outstanding physical beauty. Whatever, their gene pool is obviously wider and deeper.

However, the following two sentences may well be the most important part of this article. For non-Indonesians wishing to marry Indonesians, it is essential to know the law. Indonesian law now requires that both parties must hold the same religion.

Whether this is a retrograde step or a safety valve to prevent future conflict is a matter of opinion. But the law is the law.

In conclusion, it is obvious that the frequency of mixed marriages is on the rise all over the world, and this is surely part of God’s plan to create a braver new world.

And if this weird and devastating COVID-19 virus has revealed one truth, a truth that the Trumps and Farages of the world don’t get, it is… that the human race is one race.

Dachlan is a Liverpool Welshman who first visited Indonesia in 1971 for the Subud World Congress, and returned in 1973 to work at ITB (Institut Teknologi Bandung) as part of a British ODA project. He married Srie in 1979, and they have two children, Munadi and Rianti, a son-in-law, Cas, and a granddaughter, Cara Rose. He has worked in Britain, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Timor Leste, as a librarian, editor, trainer and teacher.

His hobby is writing poetry, and has several collections available on Amazon/Kindle.

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Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | Indonesia May 6 – June 2, 2021 Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

observation

FOREVER FOREIGN

BY DUNCAN GRAHAM

“Y

ou can’t simply decide to be Asian. You must have an Asian culture. This means, for a start, changing your attitude and improving your manners. Asians don’t go around telling others what to do.”

That contradiction from the former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was in response to a journalist who asked whether Australia could affiliate with ASEAN. More than a quarter-century has passed since the PM’s provocative pronouncement. Although most Australians have reluctantly accepted, they don’t live in the midAtlantic twixt of the US and Europe, Canberra remains as only a “dialogue partner” outside the Southeast Asian ten-member block.

Twelve percent of the Australian population was born in Asia (2016 census), yet ASEAN’s leaders reckon the Great South Land remains the same white outpost it was in the 19th century.

As for nations, so for individuals. Here’s the uncomfortable though slowly changing reality:

Expats may marry a local, have a residency permit, be fluent in Indonesian, love the cuisine and be unbothered jumping traffic lights, but we’ll be forever foreign. That’s because skin colour, facial features, behaviour and body size scream: Non-pribumi. (Sanskrit pri = before and bhumi = earth) The maintenance of separation is more subtle, a deeply embedded view that only a pribumi can be a true Indonesian. The word is overloaded with hard-to-grasp connotations. The US Library of Congress reckons it means: Literally, an indigene or native. In the colonial era, the great majority of the population of the archipelago came to regard themselves as indigenous, in contrast to the non-indigenous Dutch and Chinese (and, to a degree, Arab) communities. After independence the distinction persisted, expressed as a dichotomy between elements that were pribumi and those that were not.

To say non-pri are rejected or spurned would be too harsh. It’s more about holding onto identity than discrimination. Endy Bayuni, a former editor of The Jakarta Post, is sufficiently pribumi to venture where a non-pri fears to tread, suggesting Indonesians’ “inferiority complex” may have developed from centuries of violent suppression. Whatever, the uncomfortable fact remains: expats will never get full membership of this nation’s exclusive club.

Government ministers claim the Republic is multicultural because around 300 ethnic groups live together in the Unitary State. The term has a different meaning in the West.

A large sign on a wall at the Brawijaya University Hospital in Malang lists all medical staff. Everyone has an Indonesian name. In an Australasian hospital, there’d be names with links to Africa, India, Europe, China, the Asia Pacific, South America, and the Anglosphere. That’s multiculturalism.

Those who’ve married an Indonesian know about the sometimes annoying, often funny but always challenging differences that need to be handled dexterously if the relationship is to endure.

Trip-ups can include gaps in ages, education, expectations, likes and hates, politics, ideology, religion, money matters, and the overweight baggage both dump on one twisted-wheel trolley while heading for arrivals.

Prime is jealousy. Bule (Caucasian) brides tell of hostility from locals refusing to acknowledge the lady demands equality, so won’t have her husband considered the household head.

Indonesians who move from Ibu to Mrs will likely be assaulted by the green-eyed monster. The malicious will tell all who’ll listen that the match wasn’t made in heaven but in the goldfields where she must have been digging. Then they’ll whisper she’s struck paydirt, even when her nugget is so tainted with impurities of alimony it’s almost worthless.

If not jealousy, it’ll be spite. There must be something wrong with him or her if they couldn’t find a soulmate from the same background. Backbiters and the bitter won’t accept there’s a reason called love, and it can transcend all the difficulties.

Those who’ve married an Indonesian know about the sometimes annoying, often funny but always challenging differences that need to be handled dexterously if the relationship is to endure.

Communication remains critical. The national tongue is Bahasa Indonesia (BI), but for most locals, it’s not their first language, just the one they use in formal settings.

If your darling is Javanese, you’ll have problems unless you’re a polyglot with a PhD in linguistics as there are multiple levels depending on whether you are talking up or down the social ladder. In Malang, there’s even an argot that stirs up spelling so the city becomes Ngalam.

When your beloved is rabbiting along with her or his mates and you fear they’re talking about you and your faults, the tiny seed of doubt slips into a crevasse of the mind. Here it starts to germinate, irrigated by anxiety.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk.

That’s fine if she and he are equally competent in one language – a rare situation. In most cases, the Indonesian member of the union is the more linguistically adroit, and the language used in the kitchen and bedroom is English.

That statement is made as an Antipodean where being monolingual is a badge of merit. Speaking BI doesn’t necessarily equal communicating.

Shock and awe – the listener’s face goes blank and the eyes flicker to my wife for an explanation. She speaks the same words but understanding is immediate.

Until an academic offers a more credible reason, the problem is that few expect to hear a stranger use BI, particularly the stilted, formal, weird-accent variety we’ve learned, so find comprehension difficult.

Indonesians reckon they’re friendly, and if that means the casual exchange of pleasantries and passing waves, then the cliché is spot-on.

Going deeper can be awkward even on a so-called liberal campus. Is it safe to talk about politics and religion without alienating colleagues?

If seeking a fellow expat so you can explore the taboos and exchange anecdotes about Widgiemooltha or Woolloomooloo, it’s worth asking: Would I enjoy this idiot’s company back in my homeland? Better look for an Indonesian who shares my interests.

It will take truck-loads of effort, but eventually, we may get to expunge the arrogance of Mahathir Mohamad by creating a global citizenry. Cross-cultural marriage can be a good start. Just be prepared for some hiccups along the way, laugh a lot at the mutual mistakes, and learn to ignore the envy.

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mixed race

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Mixed-Race Children

Finally, the Bali Kids Have Their Say Too

BY ERIC BUVELOT

What about in France, Thomas?

TR: Some people there wouldn’t even know where Indonesia is, but when I mentioned Bali, they all had heard of it and knew!

That’s one thing. The way of living there is very different. I didn’t like it when I was little because I didn’t have the freedom that I had in Bali. I didn’t like having to live inside constantly.

In Bali, where do you fit in? Who do you hang out with socially?

LST: I think I tend to mix with people similar to myself as it was difficult for me at school. Growing up, I was more in the company of other mixed kids, but also with full Indonesian kids. I went on to study at SLK and there is a majority of Indonesian students there and not many Westerners.

TR: It’s different at the French School of Bali as there are a lot of Western kids, a fair number of mixed ones like me and a small proportion of Indonesians. Since a very young age, I’m used to hanging around with Westerners. I like to go around with different people, including friends who don’t go to my school.

P

robably now amounting in the thousands, this youngster community of having mixed parents living in Bali can finally have their say about who they really are. These so-called Bali Kids, of course not to be mistaken with Balinese kids, have been a growing sort, from a bunch to a myriad.

Sadly, although becoming more and more visible, little is known about them.

I Indonesian? Am I a foreigner?” It was heart-breaking for her too. But as I grew up, it became easier because I met more mixed kids and I understood we are not one or another, we are both.

TR: For me, it was pretty easy in the French school of Bali. Since grade 1 everybody speaks French and there was no real separation, well, there was… but everybody speaks French so it didn’t matter much.

It was high time to correct this with 20-yearold Luna Suwito Tricio (LST), half Spanishhalf Javanese born in Spain but raised in Bali; and 19-year-old Thomas Rana (TR), half French-half Javanese born in Jakarta and raised in Bali. Discover the dreams and the power of this multicultural generation that has so much to bring to Indonesia and the world…

How were you considered by your teachers?

LST: In general, they were fine. In SLK, I followed the national curriculum as well and there was this one teacher who was always talking bad about the mixed-race kids, saying full race Indonesians were better than the mixed ones. It was mean to say. We had an exam and then who got the highest score? All the mixed kids! We were so proud of ourselves!

TR: In the French School of Bali, they were making no difference at all.

What are you doing now in this time of pandemic?

TR: I study Hospitality at a university in Bali.

LST: I was studying in Madrid but because of COVID-19, I came back. I’m into Communication and Digital Media.

Is it easy or difficult to grow up as a mixed-race kid in Bali?

LST: I started at the English-speaking Sunrise School from grade 1 to 3 and for me, it was kind of difficult because there was a very big separation between the Indonesian and Western kids. We, as mixed kids in the middle, were like, “What do we classify as?

Where do we fit?” Once I came home crying, I was 7 years old and I asked my mum “Am

Outside of school, how was it like in your daily life? When you go around, with your parents, your friends…

LST: Easier than at school. There were only local adults asking “Where are you from?” or “Dari mana?” or commenting “You’re bule!

Oh my God, that’s so cool!” It was completely fine outside school but not inside.

TR: It was weird because when I hung out with a friend like myself or a foreigner, they were seeing me as an Indonesian but local people were seeing me as a foreigner.

The common perception here, for Balinese people, is calling kids like you, “turis”. Do you confirm that?

LST: Yes. TR: Definitely!

How were you perceived in your foreign parents’ country? Luna, in Spain for instance…

LST: They were thinking I was from the Philippines, Mexico, Hawaii… No. I’m Indonesian and Spanish. They didn’t think I look like a Spaniard and even in university, nobody would think I’m Spanish unless I speak Spanish. Likewise in Indonesia. They wouldn’t believe me until I speak Bahasa Indonesia.

Being exposed to many cultures gives us the courage to speak to anyone. I guess, in the future, it will give us much more opportunities at any level, from personal to professional.

According to this ability to fit in with different people that you seem to have developed here in Bali, do you think you’ll be able to mix easily in the future? Do you think you can embrace the whole world?

LST: I don’t know where I see my future because I grew up here and studied in Spain. I still have to figure out which one I like more. It was hard in Spain because they were saying “You’re not Spanish!”

During the first months of university there, I had an identity crisis, I felt horrible about it. It was like Sunrise School all over again.

I resolved myself to the fact that I couldn’t do anything about that. I didn’t know much about the Spanish culture because I grew up in Indonesia. I told myself: learn, be open to learning and adjust yourself. After that, it became so much easier. Teach me about Spain! And my friends there were very helpful. I became more comfortable. Still, I don’t know where I see my future…

TR: Before studying Hospitality in Bali, I went to France in a business school and the first few months were also hard. People didn’t see me as a Frenchman so it was a bit difficult to fit in but it got easier when I gained confidence. After a while it was good.

My future? In Bali, we have the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and it helps us to be more open. That’s a good thing because I have chosen to study Tourism.

LST: People I met in Spain who didn’t have the chance like us to meet people of many different cultures were much more closedminded. I agree with you, Thomas!

TR: All the kids in Bali from many different schools are used to be together. But in Europe, I think, they stay together in a much more limited circle.

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Do you know that not too long ago, when you were born to a foreign father in Indonesia you would automatically become a foreigner too? Like you were rejected by Indonesia. Fortunately, the law has improved a bit and you may now possess double nationality until the age of 21 until you need to opt for one or another. How do you feel about this?

LST: I’m actually doing the whole process now! It’s horrible! I have to go back and forth to the Spanish embassy in Jakarta because I chose to give up my Spanish nationality.

It’s never-ending paperwork and it’s very frustrating. I have been so stressed about it! It’s such a weird feeling to have to give up one passport for the other. I felt very bad doing it because it’s like telling: “I don’t want your nationality! It kind of broke my heart!”

TR: I haven’t thought about it yet because I’m still 19, although I’ve already discussed it with my parents. But nothing is decided because I’m not sure what I want to do.

It depends on where I want to live in the future. But in my mind, I will always be French and Indonesian, for the rest of my life…

How do you feel when you go to your foreign parents’ country?

LST: Bali is always home. I really like Spain; the culture, the food but it never felt like home to me. I realised that when I left Bali for university. But I have a deep emotion with Spain – it’s not just another foreign country.

TR: France has never been home to me either but I like France! It’s a nice country!

I think I will never live there for a long time, like ten years. Of course, if I go there to visit family, for example, I like it.

Do you feel privileged to have been raised here in Bali as a mixed-race kid?

LST: Very privileged! There are so many of us, and like Thomas said before, we are exposed to many different cultures that you grow up very open-minded, always open to anything. I have always thought about it, just look at Indonesia in itself, it has so many different cultures. Bali has lots of people from all around the world, giving you extra knowledge and preparing you more.

TR: I agree. Being exposed to many cultures gives us the courage to speak to anyone. I guess, in the future, it will give us much more opportunities at any level, from personal to professional.

The terrible question now: do you think mixed-race kids are the answer to racism?

LST: First, you think “Oh yeah that’ll solve everything.” No matter what, racism will still exist because you always have some people who feel superior to others. I don’t know what the cure to racism is. It’s such a complicated topic. I experienced many

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situations of racism in Spain as an Asian, most of it because of COVID-19.

TR: I watched this video some time ago where you have 20 people from different nationalities in a room and they are waiting for the results of a DNA test after giving a blood sample. The results showed they are all already mixed! Once they realised this, they hugged each other and understood the process of mixing has already started ages ago. Still, I don’t think this only will solve racism.

Were you exposed to racism in Indonesia?

TR: Growing up in Bali, no. But people everywhere have stereotypes, including here.

LST: Heavily in Spain. People here seem to be more used to anything foreign.

How do you call yourselves?

TR: The Bali Kids…

LST: Yes, the Bali Kids. Of course, not the Balinese kids.

Do you know that Indonesians have been calling people like you “Indos” since Dutch times like you were only one half?

LST: Oh ok…

TR: No, I didn’t know.

You surely have noticed already that here, the perfectly goodlooking entertainers are mixed people, in TV series or advertisements. We mostly see people like you right?

LST: I feel it’s so stereotypical! You always want something you don’t have.

Indonesians want a longer nose and fairer skin. The Westerners want to be tanned and eastern features. You can never satisfy everybody because it’s a complex world! I just feel weird about it.

TR: We all know friends here who have a career as actors or models. And true, they don’t look much like typical Indonesians!

To conclude, do you feel enriched being of two cultures or do you feel a bit lost in the middle?

LST: It depends on the situation! When I was in primary school, I would have preferred to be “one”. But now, I’m cool, I’m from two places and that’s amazing!

You bring both with you with pride. We are our own little community here.

TR: I love it being of two cultures.

To end this interview, a stupid question like the one Indonesian law is forcing you to answer at 21 by not allowing double nationality: do you feel more Indonesian or more foreign?

LST: It’s a horrible question! But I would say Indonesian because I was raised here.

TR: Same for me!

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cover story

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

45 Years in Indonesia, Eleonora Detmers Lives the Pelabuhan Ratu Cowabunga

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good to say no to,” considering how she was only required to be there on the weekends and that her family could tag along.

Born in the Netherlands to a Catholic family, Nora finished her studies at the Academy of Modern Arts, focussing on painting.

Wishing to support her life completely and reflecting her strong characteristic of being an independent woman even until now, Nora gleefully started working at a travel agency in Amsterdam.

“Pelabuhan Ratu is a very good place to spend your weekend; it’s not far from Jakarta. I was very impressed with my first visit to Pelabuhan Ratu in 1969. There’s a beautiful coast with multiple beaches and a mountain that’s very green, even during the dry season. I come from the Netherlands after all; I like seeing green meadows in front of me,” she said.

“In 1997, I started my endeavour in the hotel industry,” she recalled. Gaining sufficient hotel experience next led her to open her own hotel, Cimaja Square, 13 years ago. “I found a beautiful piece of land not on the beach, but in the middle of a rice paddy,” she noted.

leonora Detmers, often called Nora, has never looked back since moving to Indonesia in 1976. Nora even admitted she’s not been homesick because to her, packing up her bags to go home would mean a period of unwilling adjustment to put herself through.

“I started learning the Indonesian language and knew a lot of Indonesian students because my boyfriend at the time was Indonesian. We got married and had our first son, Bucek Depp. After a while, my husband told me he wanted to move back to Indonesia; he believed his future was brighter at home,” Nora reflected.

Nora had visited Jakarta a couple of times prior to her family’s big move. She successfully ran her travel agency, Eurasia Wisata, until a year later when a series of policy steps in the economic sector known as KNOP-15 1978 hit, and resulted in major debts for her business. Despite having to sell it, Nora kept driving herself, working in major companies for many years in Jakarta.

Then, she welcomed her second son, Fathir Muchtar.

She then went to the local mayor, expressing her desire to buy land to open a hotel. She bought it and fulfilled the mayor’s only wish: hire many Cimaja locals to work there.

Cimaja is a small village on the coast of Pelabuhan Ratu. It wasn’t too popular 15 years ago, but people started surfing and it became a surfing hotspot. Nora describes Pelabuhan Ratu as a world-class surf spot, attracting big-time surfer names from abroad. Even better, many beaches along the coast are perfect for swimming and other water sports activities.

She worked as the office manager at an international law consultant, then as the service manager at Citibank Indonesia and, finally, the service director. “I got very tired of it eventually, so I resigned without having a career plan B,” she said.

As a down-to-earth hotel and restaurant equipped with a traditional design suitable to bat away fatigue on the weekends, she was inspired by her time in the Netherlands where people would gather at a “square”, an area where everybody meets each other.

Tripadvisor lists Cimaja Square as the number one restaurant and is said to have the best pizza in Pelabuhan Ratu. Nora said that probably 10 years ago, there was no other restaurant in the area, so it was easy to be number one. There aren’t many other contenders now, either.

A job offer at a brand-new hotel in Pelabuhan Ratu emerged. Reluctant to accept and move there at first, “It was too

No matter the rankings, Nora truly believes it depends on the guests’ preferences. The other option, as Nora explained, is more

“I found it more comfortable working in a big company than having my own company – fewer headaches,” she revealed.

of a bar ideal for nightlife, whereas Cimaja Square isn’t – it’s a getaway to having a nice Western or Indonesian meal and to relax amid the captivating nature until 9pm. It’s one of the places for expats to find comfort with good meals and cold beers, superb after a long day of surfing.

“My market was 80 percent surfers, so they didn’t want to do anything else besides surfing. It’s an easy clientele. They want to have a good bed, a plate of food, and a good surf,” Nora explained. “I can recommend surfers spending two to three weeks to have a well-spent surfing escapade here.

Weekenders are absolutely welcome too.

Pelabuhan Ratu is a pleasant place to relax and be lazy while snacking and overlooking the rice paddy field.”

The expat life for Nora has been very comfortable; she tends to get special treatment wherever she goes. “I remember after I had my son in the Netherlands, my car broke down in a very cold, rainy, miserable area. Nobody stopped to help me.

I had to wait for three hours for someone to help. But in Indonesia?” she chuckled, “Somebody comes and helps within five minutes. I’ve been travelling a lot and I’ve had many flat tyres – I never had to change a flat tyre once in Indonesia. I can still enjoy that today,” she said.

In 1982, Nora officially became an Indonesian citizen. The cool relations between authorities in her homeland and her new home had her thinking about her fate; Dutch citizens could possibly face hardships to the point of having to leave the country, a risk she tried to avoid. Becoming an Indonesian evidently brought convenience.

She admitted she could work anywhere and didn’t have to deal with gruelling work visa issues.

“It’s a very free life here, I think the life is easier, too. I can’t contemplate returning to the Netherlands anymore. My mother was still alive when my husband passed away.

She asked, when are you going back? I was already in Pelabuhan Ratu and I told her, I have a beautiful view with sunshine greeting me every day,” she said.

Nora and her husband were married for 30 years. Unfortunately, he passed away 20 years ago. “I don’t consider having a mixed marriage as a hardship, but as a challenge, considering the cultural differences. It’s an interesting challenge. I was very lucky to have a very nice husband. He supported me throughout the years with my businesses, jobs, and answered my questions. I didn’t have Google at that time,” she said.

“Don’t control your husbands,” Nora advises fellow mixed marriage couples. “I’ve always worked in the Netherlands and had my own money. With or without my husband, I must survive. Money was never really an issue, yet I see many failed marriages are caused by money. Don’t let money manage you, you manage your money.”

As for the conflicting regulations released by the government, Nora adamantly expressed that the law is the law, and everyone must accept it. One of Nora’s principles is: if one cannot honour the law of a country, then one isn’t supposed to be there.

“I didn’t have many problems with the Indonesian law, but I remember when I had to open my bank account back then, I needed my husband’s signature. I thought, that’s my account, my money! But by law, I had to, and I obliged,” she said.

Nora spends most of her free time with her family. Her two sons grew up to be famous Indonesian film and soap-opera actors.

“I didn’t really like it,” she revealed. “As a mother, I support my children no matter the circumstances.”

Bucek got photo modelling jobs which he managed after school until, one day, he was invited to play a lead role in a major film called Pengantin Remaja, or Teenage Bride. “I said “no way!” But he’s my son, an independent guy. The art director came to our house, pleading to have Bucek part of the film and then started filming during his holiday. I couldn’t hold him back anymore,” Nora recalled.

In contrast, Fathir told himself for the longest time that he didn’t want to get involved in that industry because his private life would be thrown into the spotlight. That all changed when Fathir asked for further details from Bucek which upended his resistance. At 20, Bucek decided to pursue acting and dropped out of university, which Nora wasn’t too fond of. “He was very wise for his age though,” Nora said.

Surfing was one of the activities Nora indulged in, but she’s gotten older and doesn’t want to be surfing anymore. “I’ve had more than my fair share of surfing,” she commented. Nowadays, Nora usually spends her free time with friends or visits her sons in Bali and Jakarta.

What’s next for Nora and Cimaja Square?

She chuckled, “I told my staff two years ago that I’m getting too old to run this business day-to-day, please prepare yourself so that one day you can run it. They’re basically running it now, and I’m just around. I can go to Bali for one and half months, Jakarta for a couple of days, while the business is running. It’s perfect!” she concluded.

Reach out to Cimaja Square by calling (0266) 6440800, visiting https://www. cimajasquare.com/, or following Instagram @cimajasquare.

Head on to Jl. Raya Cisolok No.KM.5, Cimaja, Cikakak, Sukabumi Regency, West Java 43365 to live Pelabuhan Ratu’s ultimate surfing cowabunga!

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meet the expat

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Meet Esti McMillan, Founder of EMC – Relocations with A Difference

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fter living abroad for over a decade and relocating to Jakarta, Esti McMillan has experienced life as an expat both internationally and in her homeland. With her life endeavours, Esti acknowledges that she understands expats’ expectations towards property and making personal connections. Thus, EMC – Relocations with A Difference was established in 2003. Discover how Esti and her business can help newcomers or current expats in Jakarta not only with relocations, but other aspects of expat life to feel welcomed into life in the capital.

We always invite all parties for open negotiations to create a long-lasting relationship between landlords, clients, and EMC.

Hi Esti, we’d love to get to know you better. What can you tell us about yourself?

I grew up in Surabaya, East Java. After I finished high school, I had the chance to go to New Zealand as an exchange student for one year. That was my first international experience and I enjoyed it a lot.

clients an overwhelming number of houses.

We show them the ones that fit. That means that we’ll first ask a lot of questions to understand the background of our clients.

We not only support our clients with their house search, we also provide orientation services. We’re happy to give advice to find the right school for their kids; we offer settling-in services; we help our clients to find the right furniture and decorations; we offer immigration services; intercultural training; and much more.

Back in Surabaya, I went to college and later started my first job at the Hyatt Hotel. That’s where I met my ex-husband. We moved to New Zealand and later to Sydney, where both of my kids were born. After spending 15 years in New Zealand and Australia, I moved back to Indonesia together with my family.

Having been out of the country for such a long time, it took quite a bit to adjust and get used to the fact that I was moving back to my own country as an expat.

My children attended the Australian International School, then they moved to the British School, before they finally changed to Jakarta International School until graduation in 2008 and 2009.

All these experiences of growing up in Indonesia, moving to different countries, and settling into new situations has given me quite a good understanding of expat life and how to deal with the changes in culture and way of life. When I opened my own business in 2003, I based it on these experiences and created my own job to help expatriates find a home and assist them in adjusting to living in their new country.

You describe yourself “having lived in Indonesia as both a local and an expat”. Elaborate on this please.

I’m from a middle-class family in Surabaya, where I spent my childhood and youth. My family is Javanese with a mix of German heritage on my mother’s side. I grew up as an average, Indonesian, middle-class child but early on, I started to think outside the box.

I learnt Balinese dances at school, and took up English as my second language. English became my favourite subject, which helped me to get selected as an exchange student to go to New Zealand.

I’ve lived abroad for 15 years and for seven years I raised my two kids in Sydney. When I came back to Indonesia, I experienced the country - and Jakarta, which was a new city for me - through an expat’s eyes. We had to rent a house under expat conditions

and I was engaged in several expat women’s organisations such as ANZA, BWA, and the parents’ associations at my children’s school.

My network has become very international and I can very much relate with the feelings and the occasional struggles of expats with daily life in this city. That’s why I can understand the expectations and wishes of expats for their home in Jakarta.

You founded EMC – Relocations with A Difference in 2003. Did your life inspire you to establish this company?

Yes, very much so. It started as a hobby, more or less; I had a big network of friends and acquaintances and I became familiar with many house owners. At some point after my divorce, I had to think about what I could do to earn a living. I knew that my strength was not in understanding expat expectations towards a house or apartment, but that I can also connect people with each other, so I decided to make my hobby my business.

Of course, we’re not only there for people who are new to Jakarta. We have many clients who have been living in Jakarta for quite a long time but who might not have found their dream house or apartment, yet.

Also, during the last year, rental prices have gone down. We’re also supporting many clients who are now able to get a better or bigger house with the same budget.

Our support doesn’t stop once a house is rented. We always represent the interests of our clients towards the house owner, also in case of problems during the lease. It’s of the utmost importance for EMC to deliver the best we can to each of our clients.

What other experiences have you instilled in EMC? We firmly believe in honesty, integrity, and professionalism in handling each of our clients. We’ve never had a hidden agenda with any landlords to benefit EMC. For us, everything is about transparency.

We share openly with our clients all the info about the landlords and the contract details. We always invite all parties for open negotiations to create a long-lasting relationship between landlords, clients, and EMC.

to different cultures, different ways of doing things, and we should embrace the differences and take it in our stride that this post is probably not forever. Make the best of the situation, go with the flow, take the negative as a different way of doing things and focus on positivity.

Jakarta is far from perfect, just like any other destination, but if we focus on the positive side, there are many wonderful things you can discover in Jakarta as an expat. Also, the expat community in Jakarta is very closely knit and welcoming to newcomers. Friends you will meet here might become friends forever. Jakarta offers a big selection of very good international schools. The local culture is very rich and Indonesia offers a lot of wonderful travel destinations.

That said, living in Indonesia isn’t always easy and you should be aware of a few things. We have just published an article about all the things you should be aware of before moving to Jakarta.

Say a family just moved to Jakarta.

What must they prepare before consulting with EMC? Clients who are looking for a new house or apartment in Jakarta can get an idea about available options on our website, where we offer a database. Besides that, our website and social media channels are full of information about living in Jakarta.

Before we explore different housing options, we need to know a few things, like budget, expectations, and so on. That said, we’re super happy to guide new clients through all those questions and we invite them to get in touch with us at any stage of their home search.

We always advise our clients to adjust their expectations or even lower them by having plan A, plan B and sometimes even plan C at hand. In an ideal world, plan A is of course the best, but often that’s not possible so we need to look further and go with an alternative. Be open minded, be prepared to compromise, and stay realistic. Quality of workmanship on houses might not be at the same standard our clients are used to from their home countries and most probably, you also won’t be able to find the tropical home you can find here.

I don’t see myself as only a property agent.

I really like to support arriving expats to settle in and to find ways to lead their desired lifestyle. I always make sure that my clients know their new neighbourhood and that they have all the necessary information and contacts to start their life in Jakarta and to connect with other like-minded people.

We are very proud that 99 percent of our clients come from word-of-mouth referrals within the expat community. That’s why happy clients are the basis of our success.

When our clients are happy, we are too. Word of mouth referral is the best advertising we can hope for.

Approximately, how long does it take for a client to be fully relocated with EMC’s services?

Well, it depends on what services they need as to how long it’ll take to complete. For example, a home search, which is EMC’s forte and where our reputation is strongest, can be done in a rather short time.

As one of Indonesia’s leading boutique relocation services, what else should we know about EMC? Being boutique for us means we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We treat every client according to their individual needs and expectations. We’d never show our

There are common misconceptions about overseas relocation. What are some you’d like to clear up, especially in Indonesia?

I believe that being posted as expats to different countries, including Indonesia, is a privilege. Being an expat, you’re exposed

If a big renovation is required, things can also take two or three months. In preCOVID times, clients would usually come for a look and see trip prior to their move so there was plenty of time. In that case, EMC will supervise the renovations so that the house or apartment is ready for when

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

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within the expat community and this has given me personal satisfaction.

the client arrives. That said, the moving process is, of course, also determined by the immigration process. In normal times, it took around three months.

For me, word of mouth referral is the best PR you could wish for a business, especially for a small boutique company like EMC. Also, being Indonesian with what I call “international f lavour”, I enjoy helping expatriates to settle into their posting in Jakarta and guide them through their initial adjustment to ensure they’re happy and settled.

For people who want to change their houses within Jakarta, we advise to start with the house search three months before the current lease ends.

Does EMC work together with expat organisations? How does this collaboration help?

Yes, we do work and collaborate with a few expat organisations to help one another.

We’re members of ANZA and BWA expat women organisations. We help promote their activities and we often receive recommendations from members of these organisations with new clients.

We also attend Amcham, Britcham, and other expat networking functions. We’re active in collaborating with international schools. In a small expat community like Jakarta, it’s even more important that we help one another and create good relationships with all organisations to ensure it’s mutually productive for all concerned.

Your team at EMC are mostly women. Was it important for you to have your team supporting women empowerment?

Yes, we’re an all-woman team. In fact, three of us even share the same star sign, Aries, so there are some firey and passionate

ladies in our team. I do, indeed, believe in empowering other women to achieve their best potential, be independent and confident in themselves to achieve higher goals. We finally have a great team that complements one another and we all work hard to achieve this.

Without a great team, EMC wouldn’t have been able to get where we are now. That said, there is still plenty of space to better ourselves and keep growing to where we want to be. I think the future is exciting and we’d like to branch out to other cities or islands in Indonesia, or overseas, with future collaborations.

After all the relocations you’ve endured, why did you finally decide to settle in Indonesia? How has the expat life personally been for you?

Well, originally, we planned to come to Jakarta for a three-year posting, then it became a six-year posting. After that, I started my own relocation business in 2003 which has gone from strength to strength

Being surrounded by the rather small expat community of Jakarta is also a big advantage for me and EMC. Everyone knows everyone and there’s always someone who refers new or existing expats to EMC. So yes, I love the position I’m in right now; I can offer a unique experience for the expatriate community because I understand both worlds, eastern and western, perfectly well to help them to navigate life in Jakarta as expat.

Do you have a memorable story about expat life?

Oh, this is a tough question. Well, being a very positive person, I always try to see the glass half full instead of being half empty.

Everything is a journey: good or bad, and often the bad is a part of the journey that makes us who we have become. Of course, life has shaped me into who I am today and I’m grateful for the experience of living as a local in Indonesia and as a local in New Zealand and Australia, before moving to Jakarta as an expat.

Tell us three past-times and a fun fact about yourself.

I love Latin dancing; I must have been a Latino in my past life. I also love to play tennis, working out at F45 gym, riding a bike, socialising with friends and clients, and travelling to see my children who are now in Sydney and London. Basically, I love life and I just enjoy having fun and make the most of whatever circumstances I’m in. Keeping fit and having fun is always important for me to stay young in body, mind, and soul.

Where can our readers get in touch with you and EMC? Lately, we’ve been very active promoting our company through social media instead of just relying on word-of-mouth referrals like before. Now, we have an EMC Facebook page, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts, and also our new launched website https:// emcrelocations.com/ with listings and a blog for people to browse and read. We’ve created a Linktree with all our contact details for people to easily reach us.

Thank you, Esti! Stay healthy and safe.

EMC Relocations Esti McMillan WA/Phone: +62811949235 Email: inquiry@emcrelocations.com Web: www.emcrelocations.com

sna media club column

What New Expats Should Expect in Indonesia

BY JESSICA ELICIA

Tips aren't Expected in Restaurants Unlike the habits of our fellow friends in the West, tipping waiters, taxi drivers, and whatnot is not expected here in Indonesia.

Their income mostly comes from their salaries; therefore, tips are not usually given by customers. Tipping large sums of money here may also stand out as being odd due to this. We are not discouraging tipping for those of you who like to practice this, however, this is just a heads-up to avoid confusion, and most importantly to avoid expats thinking someone is cruel or stingy for not giving a tip here.

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oving to a new country is definitely among the most hectic yet thrilling occasions. Aside from the load and stress of preparations and paperwork, moving to a foreign country can cause severe homesickness despite the exciting adventures that wait. Moving to Indonesia is no different. One significant cause of this is the culture shock that expats might face due to the different customs and ways of life. In order to prepare for this, it is a good idea to know what to expect. These are some of the things to expect when moving to Indonesia.

Walking in the Street isn't a Norm In Indonesia, people do not usually walk in the street to get from place to place, especially in urban areas. People use cars or motorbikes to commute, even if it is just a distance of a few hundred metres away. This could be due to the lack of zebra crossings, sidewalks to walk on, crossing signs, etc.

However, the lack of these facilities might be because the structure is built on the non-

walking culture here, which makes them have little to no purpose. So, it is definitely something to prepare for when moving to Indonesia, as choosing to walk might prove to be troublesome or even dangerous in an area where it is not supported with proper facilities.

No Shoes in the House Like most Asian countries, wearing shoes in the house is not something we see. People typically do not use shoes in their houses.

Likewise, guests are expected to take off their shoes before entering someone’s house. They do this as a sign of respect, so it’s definitely a good one to keep in mind!

Elders aren’t Usually Called by their Names Also like most Asian countries, people in Indonesia don’t usually call elders by their

name as it is considered rude. For someone whose age is not very different from yours, you can call them “Kak” which means brother or sister. For someone whose age is a bit further away from yours, you can call them “Bu” for women and “Pak” for men. It’s worth taking note of!

Diverse Food Options Some people might think that the food in Indonesia is “just” made up of traditional food, but this assumption is false.

Indonesian traditional food consists of different varieties as each region has its own unique traditional dishes. The culinary scene is definitely very broad, as not only does Indonesia have their traditional dishes but there are also international food options to choose from. There are numerous restaurants and shops where you can get Japanese food, for example, serving everything from ramen to sushi. There are also Spanish, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and so many more types of food that you can enjoy here. So don’t worry, there will surely be food here that you’ll love!

These are just some of the things to be aware of when moving to Indonesia. It’s very helpful for expats to know these points so that they can transition smoothly here. Be sure to pass this information to fellow expats so they can have a smooth and seamless move to Indonesia as well!

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Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

education

Compassion in 21st-Century Learning Students of Jakarta Intercultural School engage in community outreach that makes a difference

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repaired them and put them into packages along with accessories, masks and instructions,” Sangwook explained.

eventeen-year-old Sangwook is on a mission to help narrow the digital divide in Indonesia. As a 21st-Century learner whose studies greatly depend on digital technology, he recognises that computers are “like treasure boxes [...] full of educational potential,” and firmly believes that equal access to computers and the internet can make all the difference in a child’s education.

Nelson, meanwhile, has been dedicated to helping both House of Hope and Conquer Cancer Club put together and deliver care packages — filled with materials for various activities, essential food items, hygiene kits — to the children he once met with regularly. But he wanted to do more.

He wanted to reach out and help as many children as possible using his strengths and what he believes is the key to a better future for them: education.

So, with the help and expert guidance of the Service-Learning Program at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), where he is currently a Junior, Sangwook and members of his Plugged-IN club are working hard to make technology fun and accessible for everyone — especially young learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. They teach twice-weekly lessons to elementary school students who get hands-on experience learning about various tech-related topics.

“Each week had a specific theme and at least one interactive activity,” Sangwook explained with enthusiasm. “One example is a QR code scavenger hunt: Students and club members worked in teams to complete various technology-related challenges around campus by scanning QR codes. Lots of running around and lots of energy!”

Plugged-IN is one of the 35 student-led clubs at JIS High School that take part in collaborative community engagement as part of the school’s Service-Learning Program. Essentially, these clubs operate as a network of non-profit organisations that aim to respond to an authentic need of the community, explained JIS Service-Learning Coordinator Jodi Berry.

“Ser v ice -lea r ning of fers st udent s opportunities to lead, collaborate and develop philanthropic values that lead to civil participation,” she said. “With guidance from the JIS High School Service Council and faculty advisors, students work together to launch campaigns, fundraisers and larger initiatives and projects that support our community partners in need.”

Like Sangwook, JIS Grade 12 student Nelson saw the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable, underprivileged children. To help make a difference, he joined not one, but two service-learning clubs: House of Hope, which engages with children from the Panti Akhiruz Zaman orphanage through games, sporting

Inside PluggedIn package box

activities and English and math lessons; as well as the Conquer Cancer Club, which visits children struggling with cancer and entertains them with arts and crafts lessons.

“Service-learning allows students to build a good moral character. I believe that an important element of education is to be able to engage with students and people in the community around us,” he said. “Not only have service projects given me the skills to work together and collaborate with people, but they have also taught me to be more empathetic and caring to those less privileged than myself.”

But then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. With health restrictions in place from the government and students moving to online learning, it became impossible for Nelson and other service learners to engage directly with the people they’ve worked so hard to help. JIS servicelearning clubs found themselves having to rethink and redesign their entire approach to community outreach.

For Sangwook and Plugged-IN, that meant shifting their lessons to Zoom — which only emphasised the very issue they were trying to address.

“The pandemic exacerbated and exposed the issue of the digital divide in Indonesia.

We learned that so many students are forced to stay home with no access to technology, unable to attend online school during the lockdown,” he said. “Therefore, our

He used his free time to write an EnglishIndonesian workbook with illustrations and engaging activities titled “Let’s Learn Basic English With Billy”, which has been published and is currently for sale. For every book he sells, he donates a copy to a local school or orphanage.

Service-learning offers students opportunities to lead, collaborate and develop philanthropic values that lead to civil participation. priority now is to help them go through these difficult times. I think that our core motivation has always been the same; it comes from the belief that technology can enrich — or possibly change — one's life.”

In addition to teaching online lessons, the Plugged-IN club has spent the past year organising donation drives to collect second-hand gadgets. These are then channelled to Indonesian state-school students who have been struggling to participate in virtual classes during the pandemic because their families can’t afford the necessary technology.

“We have donated almost 100 devices, including smartphones, desktop computers, laptops and iPads. The process has been a long one; we asked people and companies around us for devices, collected them,

JIS High School PluggedIn Club with JIS service partner (2019)

“The book teaches Indonesian children the basics of English literacy, including basic vocabulary, sentence structure, forming questions and grammar. Through this book, I hope to help Indonesian children acquire English literacy at a young age and provide them with the keys to the world!” Nelson said.

“Additionally, I also led a collaboration project with seven of the service clubs at JIS, where each club created an English lesson video that paired with a lesson taught in the book. These videos are intended to complement the book’s lessons.”

Service-learning at JIS demonstrates several “competencies” in 21st-Century Education, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication, which Berry said were needed to overcome the urgent issues we face today. JIS, however, considers “compassion” as another core competency.

“We’re at a time when the biggest world problems cannot be solved alone. We have to be able to work together to create a better world for all,” she said. “Above all, service-learning is an approach to develop those competencies, to complement what students are learning inside the classroom with experiences and opportunities outside the classroom.”

JIS service partner received packages

20

insight

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Bali’s Tourism Industry: Price Wars or Quality Wars?

K

ey stakeholders in Bali’s tourism industry are drooling at the possibility of the island reopening again. They’re thinking this will be the “new normal”, hoping the sun will rise after a long dark year of corona-fear and Bali will once again be breaking year-on-year records for visitor arrivals.

But the world and the way we do business has changed and there is no going back to the way things used to be. Travel has changed. People’s perceptions and expectations have changed. For those of you who read our blogs and hear us speak, you’ll know we’ve long been calling for a serious look at “Quality vs. Quantity.” We don’t think the knee-jerk, short-term solution is a Cheap-Charlie-Price-War. We’re advising our clients to look to longterm sustainable initiatives that not only respect but nurture Bali’s unique culture.

And that doesn’t mean discounted room rates and bargain-basement buffets.

Fortunately, some within the industry also believe improving the quality of Bali’s tourism industry is what our "new normal" should be focused on and in doing that, business opportunities will thrive.

What is quality?

The perception of quality is an interesting subject.

David A. Garvin from Harvard University wrote an interesting article for Sloan Management Review a few years ago about quality. While the article is very academic and not specifically around tourism and hospitality, his well researched and informative piece presents some very logical and important approaches to defining quality, which I think, can be adapted to Bali's tourism industry. Stakeholders might want to take note.

Garvin suggests there are five approaches to determine quality: 1. The Transcendent Approach This suggests that quality is indefinable; we recognise it from experience and there

is universal recognition of innate excellence, uncompromising standards and high achievement.

2. The Product-based Approach This is a little different because here quality is both precise and measurable and is linked to specific attributes, which most people will pay more for.

3. The User-based Approach This is very subjective and comes from the idea that "quality lies in the eyes of the beholder". Everyone is different, so when something satisfies someone, it can be considered to be quality.

4. The Business-based Approach This is not based on the market wants and needs because it’s focused on "conformance to requirements" from a business perspective. The fewer deviations from specifications and associated lower costs are, therefore "quality".

5. The Value-based Approach This is the business-based approach on steroids and quality is only about the cost to produce and the price to buy. Here quality as a measure of excellence is equated with cost as a measure of worth. It leads to something called "affordable excellence".

Fundamental Differences Marketing and branding people tend to follow user-based approaches where customers determine what quality is and what it’s not. In this way of thinking, higher quality generally means being better and that comes at a price.

Business folks, on the other hand, are more likely to lean towards meeting certain specifications because if they do, costs will be lower.

Finding Balance is Key We need to be aware of these differences when discussing Quality vs. Quantity and how Bali’s tourism industry can recover from COVID-19. One way to do this would be to use more than one approach and to

find balance, maybe by conducting market research (a user-based approach) and use the results to identify specific attributes (a product-based approach).

When Bali's tourism industry declares it wants to focus on quality rather than quantity, it has to actually mean something.

It could, for example, focus on performance and features, or it could focus on aesthetics and the perception of its target markets or it could focus on service and standards.

Whatever path it takes, the industry needs to be clear about what it's doing, who it's doing it for, how it's going to do it and most importantly, why it's doing it in the first place.

And hopefully, the answer won't be just to make more money because that is shortterm and it just won't work! Making money is important, yes, but it’s not just about raising prices. There has to be value. Read some Simon Sinek to understand that better.

Garvin references Peter Reisz as saying that if perceptions and consumer decisions are only correlated to price (that means it's high quality and therefore expensive… and because it's expensive it must be high quality) there is a real danger of setting inf lated prices to suggest quality is higher without considering the customer experience.

Brand Bali has to Deliver In my opinion, two things have to be taken very seriously in these sorts of discussions around tourism in Bali: 1. Bali's brand and marketing have to be re-thought and upgraded to better reflect an idea of quality tourism. This doesn’t mean just changing the logo and having a new slogan. Research needs to be done, strategies have to be developed, awareness must be created and all stakeholders, from taxi drivers to hotel General Managers, need to be singing off the same song sheet.

2. When the brand and advertising campaigns successfully target and attract a particular market segment, the perceptions and experiences of why people decided to come here must have value and have to be realized. It is critical that customer satisfaction be understood and changes made to better suit the ultimate goals.

If these aspects are ignored, there's a real danger of inf lated prices for poor quality products and services. Price wars follow, memorable experiences disappear and sustainability goes out of the window. But, if the mindset changed and we became focused on providing better products, better services and more memorable experiences we could have "Quality Wars" and in the long run, that’s a win-win for businesses, communities and the environment.

At Seven Stones Indonesia, we're encouraging our clients to clarify their brand and consolidate investments, to streamline and restructure, and look at smarter ways to create quality services, products and experiences. If your business needs help doing this let us know how we can help. Send an email to hello@sevenstonesindonesia. com

Sources: Bali Post, Gapura Bali, Antara News, Sloan Management Review, Journal of Consumer Affairs, Forbes

22

relationships

Digging Deeper on Cross-Cultural Families and Culture Differences

BY MIRELLA PANDJAITAN

“W

hen feelings are valid, perception can still be unreliable”, is a quote I stumbled upon from crosscultural marriage and parenting consultant, Estrelita Gracia Siburian, S.Psi., M.Sc.’s Instagram page. We often convince ourselves and the people around us that what we see and feel is reality, when in fact, our reality is very subjective as everything we feel is a result of our past lessons.

A lot of differences in emotional meanings and ways of expression in various cultures arise in cross-cultural relationships. Something we think is normal can be very triggering for our partner. For example, some cultures are accustomed to eating with their hands while in the western world, cutlery is nearly always used.

Mindset, decision making, emotional expression, etc. are based on culture. Society is broken down into those who believe cultural difference is normal and those who say the opposite. Estrelita believes that, because everyone’s born and grows up in different families, each human being is definitely different in their way of perceiving, analysing, feeling, and making decisions.

“We live in an interconnected world. Global society has been projected with diverse issues from multi-faceted dimensions. Problem-solving towards handling cultural differences is needed to acknowledge and accept the existence of individual uniqueness regardless their race, ethnicity, religion, ideology, and/or nationality,” she explains.

Family and culture have strong significance to one another, especially in a cross-cultural relationship; how it affects relationships before and after having bundles of joy come into the picture. According to Estrelita, each family has their own culture, described as morals, beliefs, values, rules, rituals, and traditions that are inherited from each generation.

“It’s like a basic compass for the children to adapt in society,” said Estrelita. “A family’s culture has a series of life-based values ingrained in our mind and body. We learn and re-learn another value as we grow older and are in bigger social networks.”

systems, family, social interactions, and religious leaders.

Values, principles, customs, rituals, traditions, and habits are understood and derived from the smallest unit in society, i.e. family.

The Ecological Theory from Bronfenbrenner states that family is known as a microsystem that can have a significant influence on a person. Parents are the first cultural knowledge resource for a child. Before children can connect with the global society, they learn the core values, beliefs, principles, and ideologies from their parents. An individual then builds up their connections based on their needs and preferences for fulfilment. Peace and calmness are determined by how frequent we live by sticking to our true selves.

Estrelita observes that marriage to a spouse of different ethnicity, race, religion, or even country is often seen as something many people want. Say you and your significant other are planning to get married; being culturally different, marital preparation is highly recommended.

Couples in cross-cultural relationships are more likely aware of their underlying tangible and intangible differences. Estrelita talks about the cultural iceberg, an analogy of culture that was developed by cultural anthropologist Edward T. Hall. Referring to the polar ice caps, understanding culture is depicted as being deep, with have lots of hidden aspects underneath the visible attributes on the surface. Therefore, before a couple is about making a lifetime commitment; they should openly discuss their hidden aspects to attain mutual cultural understanding.

Religions, traditions, communities, educational systems, and extended family members depict a set of real attitudes towards differences. Ways to respond towards people with different skin colours, ideologies, languages, nationalities, and religions will be imitated and memorised by the children in future generations. Integrative work between family, school, neighbourhoods, religious groups, and other social communities plays a significant role in moulding the children’s multicultural perceptions.

Culture generally teaches an individual how to perceive, feel, and act in different situations. Understanding culture begins with understanding what’s visible. Simply start with what values you live by, day-to-day. This can help pinpoint the way you perceive right and good, wrong and bad in terms of manners, customs, viewpoints, attitudes, feelings, and perceptions.

Exposure to diversity will determine f lexibility and adaptability in the global society. Contrary to popular belief, living in a multicultural country will not automatically make us grow up with social empathy, open-mindedness, and tolerance on an individual scale.

“A baby is born without any social skills. Parents surround themselves with certain skills and environments to create familiarity towards diversity. Thus, the earlier we immerse a child in diversity, the better they can adapt within the global network,” she explains.

After all, values are a part of our identity and a philosophical foundation of our life. It explains the reason behind all our actions and is the references we use to evaluate situations. “Parents play a significant role in values. The way they nurture their kids through daily interactions will enact an inner connection of understandings between one value and another,” explained Estrelita. It gives a sense of purpose; a purpose to become a better, authentic person. “We feel ‘alive’ when we can live out the values we have as a life guidance.”

Additionally, diversity can be a double-edged sword if relationships are built without tolerance. “Addressing feelings assertively and listening empathetically are key to assuring and comforting each other. Without belittling each other’s struggles and sacrifices, it’s important to state a specific appreciation and admiration for each achievement,” Estrelita adds. Although it’s just a tiny step, honouring your partner every day regarding their courage to stay committed, and openness to try the unfamiliar, should be seen as an affirmative action.

Cross-cultural relationships begin with personal insight obtained from the process of learning; formal educational

The three magical words: “please”, “sorry”, and “thank you”, draw deeper affection between a couple. A family can

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

have a high conversational culture, where communication on any topic is unrestricted, whereas another family may be the opposite by having low conversation orientation or not being very open with one another. Thus, awareness of cultural understanding given that someone’s cultural viewpoints can be identified only if we’re aware of how tolerant, flexible, and open we can be toward differences.

Yet cross-cultural relationships have their obstacles starting from values, principles, characteristics, down to habits leading to much-needed effort and compromise from both sides. Dr John Gottman from The Gottman Institute believes that every relationship is cross-cultural.

Each family has its own culture, likewise, each grown individual has values, principles, characteristics, and habits. Flexibility, adaptability, curiosity, and empathy (FACE) are four basic skills to make an intercultural relationship work. A relationship with different backgrounds definitely has double challenges, as well as double happiness.

“The first step before we agree to make any adjustment is being clear about our needs and preferences,” Estrelita points out. Needs can’t be compromised and must be fulfilled since it relates to basic fundamental values and principles. Meanwhile, preferences are the likes or dislikes when we fulfil those needs. They are more flexible since there are some alternatives in the frequency, duration, and situation.

Secondly, being empathetically assertive in delivering our feelings is tremendously important. Instead of blaming the partner’s character and capability, we must learn how to address our feelings by talking about the specific situation or reason that triggers us.

“Lastly, tune into our partner’s inner world starts from listening empathetically. What is their current cultural struggle? How do they feel about living in the current culture? What can you do to make them feel better?

There’s no way of understanding someone except giving undivided attention to them without making any judgmental comments,” she says.

With language and culture, understanding someone from their way of thinking can determine our depth of kinship. Parenting plays a significant role in children's development. The language that parents use to communicate daily with their kids will help them get some insight into their parents' culture. Learning culture by speaking the language itself will help kids understand their parents’ way of thinking and problem-solving.

Likewise, having regular, open discussions with kids will help them understand the concept of multiculturalism.

Two models can be instilled: the one person one language (OPOL) model explains that one parent can communicate with one language to the kids to help them understand both of the parents’ native languages; kids are known as the champion of new learning, and the one setting one language (OSOL) model explains how willing parents are to compromise and be flexible to speak in different languages in social contexts.

Differences are feasible in any sorts of relationships.

Having a safe space to communicate and understand the way we are can minimise underlying issues in the future.

Get in touch with Estrelita about intercultural relationships, marriages, and other family topics via Instagram @estagracias, Estrelita Gracia on LinkedIn or email estagracias.partnership@gmail.com. Visit Instagram @momentizing, Momentizing on Facebook, website www.momentizing.com or email momentizing@ gmail.com and WhatsApp (+886)958575465 for global citizen’s mental health and cultural adjustment topics.

highlights

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

23

Mixed Marriage in Indonesia: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

BY KENNETH YEUNG*

On setting out to write about “mixed race marriage”, my initial reaction was “how cringey” because every marriage is challenging. Highlighting differences in race or nationality seems unfashionably outdated (or ‘norak’ in Indonesian). Race is a red herring in relationships, as all individuals are different. And same-sex marriage is still strictly taboo in Indonesia, so we won’t go there. Anyway, here’s a lighthearted look at the good, the bad and the ugly of mixed marriages in Indonesia.

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

Children

Mixed race couples are blessed with uniquely beautiful children, who get the benefit of two cultures.

After moving abroad, your kids won’t appreciate being labeled as “exotic” and asked “where are you really from?”

A sense of not fitting in anywhere, exacerbated by racist bullying. Plus, inheriting the worst faults of both parents.

Religion

Interfaith marriage results in greater tolerance, respect and awareness.

You soon realise that changing your religion for the sake of marriage was a sham.

Desperate to become a more serious convert, you end up becoming an ultra-conservative.

There’s no better feeling than being in love and starting a family.

Within a few years, you realise you had nothing in common with the person you fell in love with.

She screams: “You should have married a maid!”

He shouts: “Get off your phone and get a job!”

After being all alone in Indonesia, you now have the wonderful companionship of an instant extended family.

You resent having to pay for annual holidays, medical expenses and a new house for your in-laws.

You refuse to be treated like a human ATM, prompting your in-laws to move in and provide a critical commentary of your personal habits.

Improving your fluency in each other’s language means no more communication problems.

Despite improved fluency, you’re constantly wondering what the hell your spouse is talking about.

You’ve become fluent in curses and hurtful insults, but forgotten the simplest words of love.

Trophy Status

Heads turn in admiration, as you make a stunningly beautiful, wellmatched couple.

People think: “She only married him for his money.” “He only married her because he couldn’t find anyone in his own country.”

Your trophy begins to atrophy. You don’t look too good yourself.

Dealing with Authorities

You don’t mind being pulled over by a cop or hassled by Immigration because your local spouse can resolve any problem.

Local officials will still attempt some extortion just because you’re foreign.

When your relationship collapses, your well-connected spouse can easily have you detained and then deported.

Two incomes are better than one, giving you financial freedom.

Your spouse soon decides to permanently quit working, leading to permanent arguments about money.

You no longer break even after supporting your spouse’s social life, hobbies and shopping.

With the benefits of two cultures, your children are raised with the “best of both worlds”.

You begin to question the wisdom of slapping a kid on the face, shouting at them and locking them in a closet.

Your kids have grown up with horrific social disorders and blame their constantly bickering parents.

Finally, you’re free from the toxic relationship that was destroying you! You can now find someone better, an ideal partner for life!

After your third failed marriage, you still don’t realise that your own toxic personality is the cause of your problems.

In a desperate effort to save your fourth marriage, you take your spouse to your home country.

Upon gaining citizenship, your spouse promptly divorces you and hits you for alimony.

Domestic Bliss

Extended Family

Language

Finances

Parenting

Divorce

* Kenneth Yeung is in a happy relationship and based this article on tedious diatribes from his unhappily married loser friends.

24

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

INTERNATIONAL

Archipelago Signs Two Makkah Hotels with Jabal Omar Development Company

BALI

Archipelago International had announced the signing of hotel management agreements with Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), a leader in real estate development in Saudi Arabia, for two hotels in their prestigious Jabal Omar project.

The two hotels are the five-star luxury “Jabal Omar The Royal Alana Makkah” consisting of 581 rooms, and the five-star “Jabal Omar The Alana Makkah” consisting of 560 rooms. Located in Phase 4 of the Jabal Omar project, these are currently under construction and are situated adjacent to each other in a prime location overlooking the Holy Mosque.

“We are fortunate to work with a partner like JODC who understands the value and importance of superior hospitality experiences that are specifically customised to the needs of guests from Southeast Asia, particularly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Our positioning, brand equity, and infrastructure in these markets means we can deliver for our partners and add significant value to projects, not only in the holy cities, but throughout the Kingdom and the region”, commented Managing Director of Archipelago Overseas, Gerard Byrne.

Mr. Khaled Al-Amoudi, Chief Executive Officer of Jabal Omar Development Company said that “through this partnership, Jabal Omar and Archipelago are keen to enrich guests’ experience by providing the highest standards of quality and performance throughout their religious and cultural journey in Makkah, and to help them perform their rituals and return home with the most beautiful and unforgettable spiritual memories.”

Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran Has a “Super Deal” Offer To experience an exciting vacation with your beloved family, whether it be a nature trip, a beachside holiday, or the cultural experience you’ve always dreamed of, Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran is the perfect place to stay. The hotel is opening its doors on April 30, 2021!

Thus, the hotel is offering an irresistible rate at only Rp650,000 nett for a Classic room with breakfast for two and a complimentary upgrade to the next category. Bookings are available until April 30, 2021, for stays from April 30, 2021 onwards. Booking this promo also entitles guests with additional benefits of a 15 percent discount on food and beverage and a 25 percent discount on spa treatment at the Serenity Spa & Salon.

In addition, the Happy Hour Voucher is at only Rp100,000 nett until December 31, 2021. This exclusive offer is valid for two, including meals and free access to the sea salt lagoon pool, fitness centre, and yoga room, as well as kids club for family.

Please contact +623618466888, WhatsApp to +6285339335252 or email reservations.balijimbaran@lemeridien.com for more information and reservations.

JAKARTA

Ramadan Kareem Special Offers at Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta Oakwood Premier Cozmo Jakarta welcomes Ramadan Kareem 2021 with a delicious Indonesian Iftar package available at Oakroom Restaurant throughout the Holy Month as well as special room offers.

The Oakroom Ramadan special offer iftar set menu package is available at Rp75,000++ per portion, including Indonesian favourites dishes such as taliwang chicken rice, grilled fish rice or goreng terbang, spicy green chilli petai with squid and rice, chicken curry, and salted egg dory. All set menus are inclusive of takjil.

Or gather a minimum of 20 people to experience an Indonesian Iftar Buffet Package at Rp120,000++ per person. A two-day advance reservation is required.

Moreover, Oakroom Restaurant offers refreshing drinks using only the purest, freshest fruits and are the creations of Oakroom talented bartenders. Boost your energy and enhance your stamina this fasting month by ordering these drinks priced at Rp32,000++ per glass.

Aside from dining experiences, guests can enjoy a fabulous staycation and get 35 percent off on the room rates starting from Rp1,450,000 nett per night. The offer is inclusive of complimentary breakfast or suhoor, iftar set menu, and complimentary internet access.

Contact the property reservation team at +622125542300, by text at +628170013194 or email at reservations.premier-cozmo-jakarta@oakwood.com.

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

25

BALI

HotelsCombined Recognises Hotel Tugu Bali amongst The Best Hotels in Indonesia JAKARTA

HotelsCombined has selected Hotel Tugu Bali to receive the Recognition of Excellence Award based on its extensive surveys using data from millions of guest reviews for a wide range of accommodation within Indonesia. As result, Hotel Tugu Bali has consistently produced a high satisfaction rating among guests and travel industry experts.

“Hotel Tugu Bali has proven its place among them with this award and its commitment to providing high-quality services to all guests. The HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence Award makes it even easier for travellers to find the top hotels for customer service and guarantee the best value for their money,” said Melinda Balazs, Hotel Awards Program Manager at HotelsCombined.

Hotel Tugu Bali now joins an elite group of hotels around the world that have been awarded the HotelsCombined Recognition of Excellence. This exclusive collection of highly-rated accommodations has been chosen according to the quality and consistency of reviews, the absence of recurring or unresolved issues with customers, popularity of the property and of course, the overall resulting score, and more.

HotelsCombined is a hotel price comparison website that was recognised as Best Hotel Booking Site for two years in a row by Frommer's.

Visit: www.hotelscombined.com or www.tuguhotels.com for more details.

Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta Triumphs in Victoria Beef Challenge 2021 Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta came second with 262 points and received a Victoria Beef Challenge 2021 trophy as well as cooking equipment worth Rp10 million as the prize.

Held at JW Marriot Jakarta, Chefs Gantini Putri Fuji Santoso and Albarra Saputra represented Wyndham and chose Rendang as the presented menu for the competition.

According to Chef Stefu as one of the judges, there are five requirements to be considered to prevail in the competition; cooking technic, creativity, application, presentation, and the most important is the taste.

After all, participants presented their plate, the judges tasted and gave all cooks some feedbacks.

Please call +622182282000 orWhatsApp +628119292333 or email info@ wyndhamcasablancajakarta.com for more information.

How to Cope with COVID-19? Can I Still See My Doctor?

COVID-19 Testing? Health Certificates?

A lot of information is available on COVID-19. For those of us who are living in Jakarta or elsewhere in Indonesia it is important to stay as healthy as possible. GOOD PRACTICE provides information on COVID-19 on line. We have organised health talks and webinars for international schools and embassies. Send us an email if you want to know more.

GOOD PRACTICE PROVIDES NON-INFECTIOUS STERILE CONSULTATION HOURS.

HOUSE CALLS ARE PROVIDED FOR EVERY CONDITION INCLUDING VACCINATIONS AND CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS.

Are your vaccinations still up to date? Did you get a flu vaccination?

How are your other conditions controlled? If you are suffering from hypertension or diabetes for instance, you have to make sure those conditions are managed well. Please make sure you have your regular check-ups and that your supply of medication is sufficient. You can even consider an immune boost, which we can also provide at GOOD PRACTICE.

Best of all is that you now can have a consultation with anyone of our medical team from whatever location. We have introduced TELECONSULTATIONS. Via an app, GP Now, you can connect with us directly.

Identify a clinic that you can turn too with your concerns. A clinic that can advise you about your symptoms. Now it is especially important that the communication between your good self and a trusted medical practitioner is well understood.

Basically, you let us know what time you would like to consult a doctor and we will appear on line at the desired time. If any medication needs to be provided, we will arrange this to be sent out to you.

What to do if you have any symptoms? Talk to a trusted medical practitioner. Also, if you consider that you need COVID-19 testing, you should talk to a medical practitioner. Please note that we offer both PCR swabs and Rapid COVID-19 tests and serological antibody testing.

GOOD PRACTICE can help you with all the above. We now also provide you with direct contact to our medical practitioners from any location in this world!

GOOD PRACTICE is open as usual. We provide house calls and we also provide COVID-19 testing (we can also come to your house for testing). HEALTH CERTIFICATES can be provided by GOOD PRACTICE.

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

Just send GOOD PRACTICE a simple email to info@goodpractice. co.id and we will send you the link.

It is important that you identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. GOOD PRACTICE has patients from 71 countries (Jamaica and Namibia have been added to our list). 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

26

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Expat Advertiser JAKARTA Automotive 2020 Toyota Innova Venturer 2.4 A/T Diesel for sale.

Automatic transmission. Black colour. Diesel engine, less than 4,000km mileage. Firsthand owner, almost brand new. Price: US$27,000 (o.b.o).

For photos and information, please contact Susan at sl146@ yahoo.com or WhatsApp +6281113507943.

Jobs Available

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English Teacher (Only for Expatriates / Native English Speakers). Jakarta and Depok.

We provide quality Christian education of the highest international standards to our 2000 amazing students. Our school is trilingual (English, Mandarin and Indonesian) and we use Cambridge Curriculum (Checkpoints, IGCSE, AS/A Level. Qualification:Bachelor Degree, Relevant experience, Excellent English, Committed to excellence in educating, nurturing and providing a safe environment for students.

Please email us your cv (pdf), degree (pdf ) and relevant certificates (pdf ) to hrd@ springfield.sch.id We are looking for enthusiastic and committed teachers to complement our qualif ied workforce of educators in Preschool, Primary, Secondary, and Pre-University, starting July 2021. Merlion School is situated in Surabaya , Indonesia, and works with the Cambridge Programme in order to provide holistic education to our community.

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Nicely Furnished 3BR Apt with Strategic Location @ Casa Grande Apartment. 168m 2 .

Interior Surface, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Available as from 31 March 2021. Please contact Riniwati Yakaria. Jalan Casablanca, Kota Administrasi Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia. Rp 21,750,000/per month. Call: +628161842149.

Personal I have just moved to Jakarta and been looking for a diplomat car used in Jakarta. I would be very pleased if anyone has one to sell or let know information about this. Please contact me via my number: +6281294639464.

Household Staff I'm looking for a temporary maid to start immediately until after Eid (around 25 May). She will need to be able to work on eid (Infal). We are a household of 2 adults, husband and wife. Location at Pondok Indah. Preferred Live in, but live out will be considered.

Please contact +62819619910 if interested. Thank you.

We are look ing for an experienced, reliable & English speaking driver. He must have experience working for expats & be familiar with Jakarta roads.

He must also have experience handling a big car. Please email resume to: madhulika_ chandra@hotmail.com

Property

Services Bonjour, I offer private French classes in Jakarta. Beginner or advanced level. I'm a French native with a college background that includes 3 years of Modern Literature (Paris X University Nanterre) and a Master’s in International Relations. If interested, please feel free to contact me by private message. A bientôt Philippe - +6281380085031.

For Sale

For sale one unit Apartemen Beverly Tower, 90 square meter, 15th f loor. Very beautiful view.

Facilities: 1 adult swimming pool , 1 kids swimming pool, 2 tennis court, gym club , sauna, garden and Gazebo for party / barbeque, indoor and outdoor playing ground, meeting room (free to use for owner 2X in a year ), parking Lot basement for owner. Service charge Rp 16.000/ meter. Sinking Fund Rp 2000/ rate per meter. Price Rp2.5 billion (negotiable). WA only : +6281511110100.

I have a house for rent in Jalan Kemang Dalam, South Jakarta.

4 bedroom. 5 bathroom. 2 maid room. 1 maid bathroom.

Land size 400sqm. Building size 450sqm. 2 car Garage. 2 carports. Semi furnish. Could be used for office or residence.

Price Rp.300,000,000 per year negotiable Please contact direct owner +6287785655161.

For Sale a house at a townhouse in Cireundeu Inda h 2, Ciputat,Land 115 m2 , building 240m 2 , 3 bedrooms, 1 maid room, 4 units AC, water heater in each bedrooms, SHM, sell for Rp. 2.7 billion. Contact WA: +6281511110100.

Very experienced, mature, reliable household helper and cook.

Ibu Niniek is lo ok i ng for i m me d i at e employment - contact Niniek directly +6281286177991 or Sharyn for further reference +62811825190.

Pembantu Seeking a Live in Position. Mba Ida is a trustworthy, hardworking and experienced maid and she is currently seeking a live in, full time position. She cooks well, cleans, does the weekly grocery shopping and is able to manage a small household on her own.

She has a can-do attitude and takes pride in her work. Before coming to us, Mba Ida worked for a Korean family so she is well versed in Korean style cooking. She prefers to work within a small household (such as apartment setting) where she can work independently without the help of other maids.

Mba Ida can be contacted at +6282114498903.

I highly recommend Pak Suhender as a dependable, safe, and skilled driver (and a lovely person!). He worked for my company for five years, and for other foreign companies and families for 20 years.

He speaks good English and knows Jakarta like the back of his hand. He is interested in working for a family or a company. Please call or WhatsApp Pak Suhender at +6281314841117, or email: andibosch@hotmail.com

Indonesia Expat Issue 272 | May 6 – June 2, 2021

Send your classifieds to: info@indonesiaexpat.biz Next Deadline: May 26, 2021

BALI Jobs Available W ND is still looking for a copy w r iter. Preferable g ra duat ed f rom English Lit (Bachelor degree), had experience liv ing abroad.

Young & Passionate. Work well with the team. Comfortable in writing long paragraphs (Article, Newsletter or even captions). Long-term contract (with probation). Able to come to our office in Sanur. Send your CV and Portfolio to sita.aviola@ gmail.com Vacant Position: marketing e xe c ut ive . Th r oug h t he Executive Management Trainee Program. 18-45 years old. High school Graduate may apply. Can speak Basic English. Message me for more information.

WhatsApp +639565929005.

2BR House for Leasehold Sale at Canggu Berawa. This 2 Bedrooms House available for 5 to 10 Years Leasehold

at CANGGU BERAWA. It is designed for a small family or expats. Located in the quiet neighborhood and approx 1.6km away from Berawa beach, closed to mini markets, cafes, shops etc.Fully Furnished ¤ 2 Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms ¤ Hot/cold shower ¤ Storage ¤ Enclosed living room and dining/kitchen equipped with stove with oven ¤ Garden ¤ Gated Carport ¤ Electricity 4,400 watts with top-up meter PDAM Water supply. 5 Years Leasehold for Rp500 millions.

10 Years Leasehold for Rp950 millions Up-front payment for House Only. For more info, please send me a message at +62895394605714.

For rent : Location in Umalas Area 10 Minute Driver by Motorcycle To The Beach Brawa Canggu. Price For Rent : Rp175 Million For One Years And For Rent. Bedroom : 3 Bedrooms

En-suite Bathrooms + Bathtub.

Land Size :400sqm. WhatsApp +6283115036646.

Minimalist House For Rent In Sanur. Location: Jl. Tunggak Bingin No.18 Betngandang, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar. Land size: 200m 2 , House 2 f loor with size 180m 2, 3 Bedrooms - all with AC, 2 Bathrooms, Terrace in 1 & 2 f loors, UnFurnished, Water Heater, Kitchen Set, Big Garace, Nice Garden, PDAM, Electricity 4.400kWh. Price (Nego): Rp75mill/year, or Rp130mill/2 year, or Rp165mill/3 year.

Can negotiate if want to pay monthly (Min. 1 Year). For more information please contact : +628123600243.

Jungle villa with 2 infinity pools in Ubud. For more information please contact via WhatsApp: +6282236562302.