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INSIDE THIS ISSUE A for Effort x EMC Indonesia – Some Insights for Visitors Welcome Back Scammers … and many more

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Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

INDONESIA EXPAT

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Dear Readers,

Contents

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Dian Mardianingsih (Jakarta)

dian@indonesiaexpat.biz Wahyu Atmaja (Bali)

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Welcome to Indonesia! Relocating to a new country, whether it’s for the short or long term, can be daunting yet exhilarating at the same time. Indonesia is a unique country. There are the obvious aspects to consider, such as immigration rules, housing, education, transportation, medical care, etc. Then there are the hidden “only in Indonesia” aspects, like tipping a tukang parkir or the man who stops traffic whilst you drive through junctions parked vehicle.

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Nevertheless, Indonesians are always pleased to welcome newcomers and those who’ve fallen in love to the point of building a new life in a foreign land. The Indonesian government has begun planning to welcome back foreign tourists to Bali since 14th October. A five-day quarantine and other requirements need to be considered, which in some cases negate the excitement of Bali’s reopening. We’re still living in strange times. Perhaps this is how post-pandemic travel is supposed to happen. Indonesia Expat has come up with some of the most vital topics you need to consider when moving or visiting Indonesia in this Welcome to Indonesia issue. Though there’ll always be tons more to cover, we reckon these are the basics to get you settled in with a lot less hassle. Bookmark your favourite story for future reference or to share with your friends and family!

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BUSINESS PROFILE A for Effort x EMC – For All Your Relocation and Education Needs

08 CULINARY Quick Grub

10 EDUCATION The Role of School Libraries in a Digitalised World

12 EXPAT LIFE Relocating to Indonesia: An Expat’s Tips and Advices

14 TRAVEL Where and What in the Archipelago

16 POINT OF VIEW Indonesia – Some Insights for Visitors

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business profile

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

A for Effort x EMC - For All Your Relocation and Education Needs Women in Business – Together we can do more Meet Esti and Charmaine. What do they both have in common? They’re women. They’re entrepreneurs. They both have set up successful businesses in Jakarta catering to the international community.

Esti McMillan

Esti McMillan established EMC Relocations to help expats moving to Indonesia with all their relocation needs. Charmaine Heilijgers is the founder of A for Effort, a maths and science tutoring centre for international students in Indonesia. Moving to Jakarta from abroad can be an overwhelming experience for many expats. There are so many things to arrange with little to no prior knowledge of life in Jakarta. No matter which country the newly relocating expats come from, all have something in common that they need: housing. For those families relocating with children: schooling. The collaboration between EMC Relocations and A for Effort aims to make the relocation to Jakarta simpler for all new families. EMC Relocations First stop: EMC Relocations. EMC Relocations is an all-round relocation service for expats moving to Jakarta. Esti McMillan studied, lived, and went on to raise her family overseas. From her own personal experience, she understands the importance of being well-informed when moving to a new city. With her wealth of knowledge about Jakarta, housing, and the expat community, Esti established the renowned EMC Relocations in 2003 to help new families with all their relocation needs. New clients arriving in Jakarta meet Esti personally so she can get a good sense of who they are and what they are looking for. This helps EMC to narrow down their offer of housing and other services to meet the specific needs of the client. In turn, EMC will provide new families with all the necessary information they need to get acquainted with the city and get off to a good start. The personalised service EMC provides for clients includes home search, school search, general orientation, cross-cultural training, a settling-in program, interior design, and immigration services. EMC will inform new clients about which areas expats normally live in, distance to schools and work, and what other expats within the community do for daily activities. This information is vital for new families to know before deciding on a home; a commitment they make for several years. The partnership EMC makes with new clients does not end once the housing deal is finalised. It is a partnership that extends throughout their stay in Jakarta, and beyond.

Charmaine Heilijgers

For families relocating with children, the next point to consider is schooling. EMC Relocations can help families to find the right school in Jakarta, whether consideration is based on the type of curriculum, school location, or school culture and values. Jakarta is host to many top international schools where the quality of education will have a lasting impact on students attending them. Students and parents alike are usually thrilled to get this opportunity. However, with this comes to the usual challenges associated with any transition. Students coming from abroad are often faced with a change of curriculum, change of school culture, and change of expectations. Not to forget, they need to work on making new friends and setting up a new routine. These academic, as well as social changes, can impact their school results tremendously. Even the biggest maths whiz could struggle during this time of transition when faced with many changes in their lives. A for Effort – Maths and Science Tutoring This brings us to the second stop for new families: A for Effort. A for Effort is a maths and science tutoring centre located in Jakarta, with a focus on helping students attending international schools with their maths or science journeys. A for Effort was established by Charmaine Heilijgers, who recognised the need for international-focussed tutoring in two subjects: maths and science. Although there are many tutoring centres available in Jakarta, none were specialised in curriculums from international schools. Growing up attending international schools,

Charmaine had the personal knowledge and experience to set up a tutoring centre that had the same international teaching approach students were used to and lessons that were aligned with their school’s curriculum. Through engaging and interactive lessons, A for Effort aims to increase the student’s understanding and confidence in these subjects. Particularly during a time of relocation, A for Effort can help students to transition from one school to another. This often involves identifying and filling the gaps students might have between the two curriculums. Besides helping students transition into their new school life in Jakarta, A for Effort can help students in various other ways. That help can be to further simplify and explain the material, to challenge the students more, or to provide the additional personal support and guidance they might long for. Attending an international school can open the doors to the most popular and soughtafter universities worldwide. This often comes with additional pressure to attain the best possible grades. A for Effort will help students in their final years of high school to prepare for their IB, AP, or other subject exams to enhance their chances of acceptance at their favourite universities. Professional tutoring can help students tremendously. With A for Effort having taught a total of over 2,000 tutoring sessions in just the last 2020-2021 school year, Charmaine has plans to continue the expansion of A for Effort while maintaining the personalised approach and quality lessons that clients are expecting.

EMC Relocations x A for Effort The collaboration between A for Effort and EMC Relocations aims to expand the reach of both companies. Both have a renowned reputation amongst the international community and cater to these specific demands of expat families: relocation and education. As part of their relocation services, EMC can help new families beyond their home search and help them find the right school for their children. A for Effort can help those families to ease the educational transition their children might be experiencing, and help set them up for a positive and progressive educational experience in Jakarta. Contact The small group of experienced tutors at A for Effort undergo continuous training to ensure high-quality lessons for all students. Lessons are offered both online or in-person at A for Effort’s own private tutoring classrooms in Kemang. Parents are kept informed about their child’s progress through daily lesson updates and monthly progress reports. A for Effort can be reached at info@ aforeffort.org or +62-(0)819-1100-1203. Their website can be visited at www. aforeffort.org. EMC Relocations is a one-stop boutique service. Being boutique means they truly cater to the individual needs of each of their clients. For more information on their services, visit our website www. emcrelocations.com. For inquiries on houses and other services, email them at inquiry@ emcrelocations.com or contact Esti directly at +62-(0)811-949-235.

culinary

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

QUICK GRUB BY DANIEL POPE

hen I was new to Indonesia and ordered a hamburger in a squalid Jakarta streetside restaurant, it was as if an elephant had taken a dump out of the back of a Hercules transport plane 30,000 ft above me. This lump of dung reached 122 mph as it streaked through the clouds, possibly a record for an object originating from an elephant’s intestines, and crashed onto my tabletop. The shockwave overturned furniture, sending cats scampering for boltholes, and I stared with horror at the great splatter of steaming excrement on offer before me. If you want to avoid an experience that feels just like this, here’s a reminder of some more reliable fast-food options that are just like you get at home. McDonald’s Let’s begin with the king of burger joints. Though in Indonesia it’s more of a chicken joint. In fact, McDonald’s in this country is indistinguishable from KFC, since most customers ignore the various burgers and order fried chicken and rice. The venerable Big Mac is there, of course, its addictive high fructose corn syrup making sure you’ll crave another one later on. In 2016, a 29-year-old man in the UK choked to death while attempting to eat a McDonald’s cheeseburger in one mouthful. While this might sound like the act of someone starving, it was in fact a party trick gone tragically wrong. His last words to his friends were: "Watch this". KFC Head to KFC if you prefer Pepsi to CocaCola. Pepsico acquired the restaurant chain in 1986 for $850 million. Remember the slogan "Finger-lickin' Good”? It implies

that KFC fried chicken is so delicious that you’ll not want to waste the grease. If I were in a crowded restaurant where everyone was licking, sucking, and nibbling their fingers, I think I’d throw up. When I came to Indonesia twenty years ago, the quality of KFC chicken was way below what I’d known in the UK. The meat was grey and stringy. It tended to squirt hot fat into my face when I bit into it, as though it were still alive and fighting me off. The quality is much better these days. A&W If you like your fried chicken to taste like it’s wrapped in tracing paper, A&W is the place to go. I was first attracted by the word “beer” in their famous root beer, a drink I’d never heard of before. Ordering a large glass with my curly fries, however, I discovered that this American favourite tastes like Coco-Cola mixed with the urine of a man with prostate cancer. Inventively named after its creators, Allen and Wright, the A&W franchise was founded in 1919 on this special root beer recipe. Miraculously, it thrived. Kenny Rogers Roasters My friend in the UK overheard me talking about this restaurant and asked me if it was a real thing (having only ever seen it in the classic Seinfeld episode). Imagine a country-singing Colonel Sanders with an oven instead of a deep-fat fryer. It really is good chicken. I recommend you visit their website, where you’ll learn all about “Putting LOVE back into FOOD”, and their “Succulent, Tender, Aromatic Chicken DONE RIGHT”. A word of warning. Mute the volume on your computer. Otherwise, you’ll hear a looping song so brimming

with… the only possible phrase is “chickenloving gaiety” that you’ll want to stick your head in the oven alongside the chicken. Carl’s JR Imagine if a fairy godmother tapped her magic wand on McDonald’s and with a sprinkle of angel dust it transformed into a somewhat pricier restaurant with tasty, good-quality burgers. My friend once had a first date with a girl who "loved her burgers", and wanted to take her to an upscale burger joint. I did not hesitate to recommend Carl’s JR. I would have liked to report that the date was a success, that the couple fell in love and eventually got married in the kids’ party section of McDonald’s, with a multitiered wedding cake that looked like a tower of snow-white Sausage McMuffins, with Happy Meals for all the guests, and with the newly-weds living happily ever after. Alas, I think they never hit it off. Burger King Where has the Chicken Royale got to? This signature Burger King sandwich, sort of a giant chicken nugget in an oblong bun, was available when the Thamrin branch opened years ago. Then it wasn’t. Then it was. Then an “Unavailable” sticker was pasted across it on the menu. Then it wasn’t. Then it was. Finally, the Chicken Royale disappeared from the menu altogether and has not been heard of since. The throne is empty, the Queen is missing. So, what’s left? There’s always the Whopper of course, which sounds more like a 1970s kids comic than a regal burger. The "Carry On" movie's cast would have had fun with it. Barbara Windsor: "Let’s go to Burger King, I feel like a Whopper”. Sid James: “I can give you a whopper right here and now if you want it… cackle, cackle”.

Wendy's This "old-fashioned" restaurant puts square patties in round buns so that the corners stick out. This doesn’t mean that the kitchen staff are repeatedly failing a rudimentary shapes-matching test. Rather, the square patties are a cunning way of enabling you to see the juicy quality of the meat (according to founder Dave Thomas). Also on the menu is a baked potato topped with two types of cheese. Unfortunately, it looks like a baby has pooed and puked on it. Potato fans will overlook this yucky appearance and love it – even though Wendy’s cooks can’t seem to tell the difference between a regular oven door and a microwave oven door. Perhaps one is square and the other is round. Pizza Hut You can’t fault Pizza Hut’s delivery service. In 2001, they delivered a pizza to the international space station. The next time your pizza delivery is astronomically late, try phoning the Russian space agency to see if there’s been a mix-up. Pizza Hut regularly comes up with off beat toppings and pizza modifications (sausage-stuffed crust), but in 2011, the restaurant outdid itself in Indonesia by introducing a corn flakes pizza. “Corn flakes Di Atas Pingirran Pizza?” enquired the promotional poster. Ask yourself: would you put cheese and tomato puree on your bowl of cereals in the morning? Would Kellogg’s ever release pizza f lakes? Ultimately, I think Pizza Hut’s bizarre fusion of sunrise and sunset food failed because they never made it clear whether we were meant to pour milk on it or not.

education

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

The Role of School Libraries in a Digitalised World Jakarta Intercultural School emphasises the importance of media and information literacy

Each comes equipped with a diverse selection of fiction books for both the casual reader and most ardent bookworm, as well as leading-edge facilities available for various methods of research and presentations. JIS High School, meanwhile, recently celebrated the reopening of its library after 22 months of extensive renovations. The new High School Community Library is now a modern, two-story building boasting both eco-friendly features and state-of-the-art facilities. The first floor, with 2,457 square metres of space, includes multipurpose rooms, a cafeteria, a student lounge, an IT help desk, a central atrium that looks up to a skylight, as well as an auditorium that can accommodate 251 people. Measuring 1,854 sqm, the second floor is home to thousands of book titles (both fiction and non-fiction), a gallery, two collaboration rooms, a silent study center and a mini theater.

ibraries are often described as the heart of a school, having for centuries served as a literary haven, as well as a centre for research. But with the rise of the digital era placing a seemingly infinite trove of information at our fingertips, the relevancy of libraries has come into question. “I remember questioning this myself 10, 15 years ago,” says Matt Schaeffer, the middle and high school head librarian at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS). “Why do we need libraries when all the information in the world is in our pockets, our phones, and laptops?” While the internet has made it possible for students to study and learn from the greatest minds, texts, universities, and museums, he adds, it has also pushed them into an uncurated world of misleading information, bias, and opinions valued over facts. The results can be harmful to a generation already overwhelmed by the vastness of the world wide web, which means libraries and librarians are now needed more than ever to step in and provide skilled guidance in the search for knowledge through media literacy. A key part of 21st-Century Learning, media literacy is defined by UNESCO as a “set of skills, attitudes, and competencies” that ensures the ethical use of information and media products, providing ways to critically search, analyse, use, and spread “content wisely, both online and offline.”

“Letting students loose on the [internet] and telling them to ‘go research’ is like turning them loose in the Wild West,” Schaeffer explains. “[The modern library] is all about media literacy and students of today need to be well-versed in the language of multimedia.” When students come to a library, he adds, they can expect to find support and materials that put their learning needs first — all in a safe space designed to uphold the values of intellectual freedom, education and social responsibility. Schools around the world — from the elementary level to universities and colleges — are utilising the digital revolution to overhaul their libraries, turning them into comprehensive information hubs that are first and foremost, objective and

reliable. They are dynamic and innovative, using literature and technology to bring communities together. “The modern school library teaches students to be responsible users of technology, how to conduct purposeful research, and how to use their critical thinking skills to stay objective while analysing information from credible sources,” says JIS Interim Head of School Maya Nelson. “This is especially crucial at a time when misinformation is rampant on the internet, especially social media platforms.” At JIS, students, teachers, and even parents have access to four extensive libraries on its three campuses: one each at Pattimura Elementary (PEL) and Pondok Indah Elementary (PIE), and two at the Cilandak campus for JIS Middle School and High School.

“Yes, the High School Community Library was designed to fully support our students as they develop their media literacy skills. However, it also aims to bring the JIS community together with a bright, welcoming space that encourages discussion and expression,” Nelson says. “The need for quality education and 21st-Century Learning continues, but as the past year and a half have shown us, communities are stronger together. Our new library is a wonderful way for JIS to uphold all of these values.” For Schaeffer, the building is a cohesive blend of all the best features of a traditional library and an ultra-modern research centre. “We designed it to be a wonderful space for students to snuggle up with a book, [...] where everyone can sit down and get some silent work done, and where people can get together and talk about cool things,” he says. “I can’t wait for the whole community to see and celebrate this wonderful space.”

expat life

Relocating to Indonesia: An Expat’s Tips and Advices BY SHAHIDNA SHAHDAN

oving to a new country is invariably an exciting adventure. It can also be difficult and daunting; the preparation and planning needed before relocating and then finally settling into your new life in a foreign country. Many reasons drive a person to relocate. Often, it's due to a new career but there could be other reasons, such as retirement or to experience a better lifestyle and standard of living.

shopped at Ranch, Papaya, and Hokky. Sadly, the availability of these international supermarkets depends on the demand. If you are in a small town with a small expat community, you may have to get your goods shipped over.

Personally, I’ve relocated twice in my life. First, from Singapore to Thailand in 2011 and then from Phuket to Surabaya, Indonesia in 2015 for a new job. This article is based on my experience living as an expat in Surabaya, which is the second-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta.

d. Apps Depending on which city you move to, certain apps may not be available. I am sure there are more apps now but the apps below are the ones I used in Surabaya.

To make your relocation more manageable, here are some tips and advice. It’s worth noting that every city is unique and offers different facilities and services, so some of my tips and hints may not be relevant for all cities in Indonesia. Be Prepared Find out the shipping cost to get your things over to the new country. If the cost is exorbitant, perhaps it could be better to pack light and purchase new items when you arrive. This would also depend on whether you will have storage in the country you are currently in. If not, then you will need to dispose of unwanted clutter and ship only important and sentimental items to save money. Another important point is that, if you are on any medication, get enough supply until you can find a new doctor in the city you are relocating to. Be sure to ask your current doctor for a letter to hand over to your new doctor. It would be wise to call clinics or hospitals in the city you are moving to in order to check if they have your needed medication and that it’s even available in your new country. I had some colleagues who left their illnesses untreated simply because the medication they are on cannot be found in the country they moved to. Your health is very important. Visa and Work Permit If you are relocating due to work, normally the company will organise your visa needs. When I moved to Indonesia, my KITAS application and anything related to immigration were dealt with by my company seamlessly. If you intend to be on a tourist, long term visit, or retirement visa, do ensure you have all the relevant documents needed to secure your chosen visa. In most countries, you can find companies that can obtain your visa for you if you have the necessary documents. Basic Needs Once you move into your new home, you will need to ensure you have the basics to cover your needs. If you are renting, the landlord

If you are adventurous, you can visit the local market to check out the local produce. You can mingle with the locals and make some friends!

Luggage and Thai fur babies ready for Indonesia

should ensure the electricity and water supply is up and running and you will just have to pay the monthly bill. a. Drinking water In Indonesia, you cannot drink from the tap. Hence, water gallons are used as the drinking water supply or, in some rare cases, your landlord may install a water filter to your tap. Otherwise, you can find out the number of the nearest water supplier from your landlord. If you are lucky, your house will come equipped with a water dispenser to put your gallon bottle on. b. WiFi You will need to find out if your landlord provides WiFi for you. Otherwise, you can let them know that you need an internet provider. There are many internet providers in Indonesia and some are better than others, depending on the location. I used First Media and I was quite happy with it. I heard many of my colleagues complaining about internet issues, such as an inability to connect, unstable connections, or the internet provider cutting off the connection to do repair works without giving advance notice. This was especially exasperating during the pandemic; having stable WiFi is a necessity for work and to keep you connected with your loved ones. c. Food There are many convenient stores in Indonesia. The most common ones are Indomaret and Alfamart. If you are located away from a main city, you will need to find the local provision stores in your neighbourhood. A point of reference will be your landlord. If you are looking for a hypermart, then you can head down to the nearest SuperIndo supermarkets. However, if you are looking for imported food to help ease your homesickness, then head to supermarkets that carry international goods. I was staying in Surabaya, so I frequently

When I was in Surabaya, I frequently used Grab to book a private hire car to travel around the city. The fare will be shown on the app after you input your destination. Sometimes, if your driver cannot find you, you will need to describe your location. However, if language is a barrier, you can ask a security guard or a local person near you to direct the grab driver. You can order food using the Grab app too. Another app that I used frequently is Gojek. Gojek is a great app; you can book a private hire car, order food, have goods delivered, and get many other services all within one app. My life became so much easier when the Gojek app was set up.

Mt. Bromo, an amazing place near Surabaya

Riding a Pony in Mt. Bromo

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

You can order goods from apps like Tokopedia, Lazada, and Shopee. Online shopping is great and easy, especially if you have a local bank card to make payments. You will have to speak to your company’s human resource or finance staff to assist you in opening a bank account because banks normally require a letter from the company. Be Friendly Your landlord is important as they will know the area well so do not be shy to ask them everything you need to know. The next important people are your neighbours and security guards, if you have them in your housing complex. Your neighbours will be able to give you tips and advice about your housing complex and other matters. They will be the ones you can seek help from if you need any translation for your lost Grab driver or if you need to borrow sugar! Ask for their phone numbers so that you can contact them easily. It is beneficial to learn the basic greetings like how are you - apa kabar - good morning - selamat pagi - and thank you - terima kasih. This small effort to learn the basic greetings will bring you a long way in being accepted by Indonesians. Make friends with the locals because they know where the best food and hangout places are. Explore Once you are settled in, I recommend exploring your area. Go to the nearest mall, join a guided tour of the city, or, even better, ask your new local friend to be your guide. If you are adventurous and have an international license, rent a car or get a driver to go on a road trip to amazing places near your new home. The nearest amazing place to Surabaya is Mount Bromo, which is an active volcano with an amazing sunrise view. If you know the great places to visit, when your family or friends come over, you can be the “local” to bring them to these sights. Join Expat Communities You can join expat communities in your city. You may even meet someone from your home country. The expat community is a useful community to make your relocation smoother – your expat friends can help you with any queries or issues you face living in the new city. Some expats, having stayed for a long time, have a wealth of knowledge about the city. They may have contacts for whatever issues you face and they may have even picked up the local language well and can help to interpret for you. Lastly, Indonesia is big and it is important to note that different cities offer varying facilities. Huge cities, like Jakarta and Surabaya, will definitely have better infrastructure and facilities as compared to smaller cities. Hence, before relocating, it is important to research or even better, visit the city you intend to move to in order to make an informed decision before packing up your life in your current country. Good luck on your next relocation adventure!

Jakarta near the animal quarantine office

travel

Where and What in the Archipelago BY PRAMOD KANAKTH

a town square that comes alive with street performers, vendors, couples doing pre-wedding photoshoots, cyclists, and weekend revellers. The Taman Fatahillah Museum at the centre with its white facade is definitely worth a visit to see artefacts, replicas, and photos of Betawi and Sundanese cultures. And if you are ready to taste the local delicacies, get into Cafe Batavia, located exactly opposite the museum. Some of the first dishes you may try to get initiated into the local food culture would be nasi goreng, sate and kerak telor.

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

the backdrop of the Mt. Agung volcano and Bedugul with a serene lake, Danau Beratan and the Ulundanu temple on its middle. While slowly and steadily getting into a few years of experience living in the country, visiting different places, you may set your eyes on crossing the Java Sea and try to see what eastern Indonesia looks like. One of the places that could offer an experience different from your everyday scenes in the western part of the country is Manado. The provincial capital of North Sulawesi, its culture is shaped up more by the neighbouring Philippines than by pan-Indonesian identities. With its dominant Protestant Christian culture, Manado has many curious characteristics that would sound and look foreign to many other Indonesians.

Thousand Islands

inutes before landing at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, you will most likely get glimpses of tiny islands with blueturquoise water and white sand beaches. Those are part of the Thousand Islands lying north of the capital. The seascape with the tiny, glimmering dots should replicate the structure of the biggest archipelago in the world that has 17,500 plus islands. Once that aeroplane window teaser is over, you will begin life in the Big Durian, assuming you are landing and settling down in or around Jakarta. After surviving the heat of paper works, visits to the Immigration Department and other jobrelated businesses, you will want to get to know Indonesia. The world out in the streets, at the tourist places, at the restaurants, and elsewhere may be completely different from your cubicle or your chamber. Ideas of exploring the neighbourhood and then the provinces will gradually strike your mind. Jakarta is known to have a lifestyle centring around malls, but they may not be the places to get hooked all the time. Tasting the local delicacy is one of the first steps you will need to take if you are here for a long spell and would like to get into the culture. This may not be very difficult for people who are used to Southeast Asia, but for those coming from totally different climes and palates, Indonesia might give you some early challenges. Think about the tropical heat, or the spicy sambal or the general co-existence of villages and towns nurtured by rapid urbanisation.

Tarsier

Chicken Satay

Nasi goreng, the Southeast Asian-styled fried rice, is part of the menu of almost all eateries in the country. The name can be found whether you are eating from a roadside food stall, a mid-range cafe or a fine dining restaurant. It comes in many shapes and textures and varieties of ingredients, but usually with pieces of meat or chicken, sliced veggies, and omelette. That hot sambal (chili paste) coming with it needs to be consumed with caution. Make sure to pour it over your nasi goreng in small quantities unless you have savoured the tongue-sizzling red chilli before. Sate (also spelt satay sometimes), is either grilled chicken or meat that is tasted with peanut butter sauce or sweet and spicy soy sauce. A set of sate comes in ten pieces usually, and is taken along with rice or any other main dish, or just on its own. Kerak telor is a typical Betawi cuisine, mostly found in Jakarta and nearby areas.

Move around Jakarta that I referred to as the Big Durian earlier. That’s the sobriquet given to the city and the name is very popular with its expatriate community. The fruit durian, though smelly, is popular with the locals. The nickname could probably suggest the love-hate relationship people have with the fruit. Some love it to addiction, some loathe it to irritation. The name’s similarity to The Big Apple is unmissable. Hop on to a Transjakarta bus that plies the city from one end to another, and get down at the Kota Tua station on a weekend. Kota Tua, or Old Town Jakarta, is where history resonates in the form of old Dutch colonial buildings and

Kota Tua

You will most likely start your trip from the beaches in and around the town and then take a boat to Bunaken, a world-famous diving spot. Or, drive to Likupang on the edge of north-east Sulawesi, one of the five new destinations promoted by the Indonesian government as the Five New Balis. Arrange a trip to Tomohon to visit the Minahasa community houses to witness their dance performances and learn about the most populous ethnic group in North Sulawesi. If that is not what makes up your travel, then head to the TangkokoBatuangas Nature Reserve, where you may trek in the woods and reach some exotic places where the jungle meets the sea. Do an early evening trek; your guide should be able to show you the world’s smallest primate, the Indonesian tarsier. These pigmy creatures are mostly nocturnal and arboreal and are very shy to show up.

Komodo National Park

Monkey Forest

You must have heard a lot about Bali. Its beaches, its nightlife, its culture, its own way of life. So much so that you could be forgiven if ever you had thought that it is a different country and not part of Indonesia. With its Hindu majority population and unique religious and cultural practices, Bali is a standout in the country. Back in the 1960s and 70s, it slowly started getting noticed for its beaches and surf spots. If you are a party-goer and would like to dance, indulge in games or just enjoy some drinks with friends, south Bali (Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and other nearby areas which are all connected) provides you with innumerable choices of bars, cafes and clubs. An hour or two’s trip from south Bali will take you to the cradles of Balinese culture – Ubud with its quarters of temples, lakes, and a sacred Monkey Forest, Besakih with the biggest temple on the island with

Who dares take a photo of a Komodo Dragon while its eyes are full of concentration, or its bacteria-laden tongue is lolling out? The only way to see these creatures - with deep prehistoric background - in the wild is to fly to Labuan Bajo (capital of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara) and then hop on to a boat to sail to the Komodo National Park. The dragons can be seen on Rinca and Komodo islands. There are a few other smaller islands where they inhabit too, but chances of spotting them there are slim to none. Moreover, tourist services to those islands may not be available. The Komodo Dragons are not as dangerous as they were in the past. Ever since the creation of the National Park in 1980, the gap between the settlers and the dragons have been getting bridged steadily. While on the National Park, do not miss the chance to hike the Padar island hill. From the top, you will get arguably the most beautiful landscape view in the country. People normally hike up early in the morning to get a view of the sunrise.

point of view

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

Indonesia – Some Insights for Visitors BY DACHLAN CARTWRIGHT

And now we come down to the crosscultural nitty-gritty. Personal cleanliness is a fundamental requirement for Muslims. And yet, how many times have I heard “bules” (a former insulting, now affectionate, term for white foreigners) complain that Indonesians are dirty because they don’t use toilet paper. My rejoinder is, “Would you clean your face with dry paper?” In one of Kerouac’s books, he or Gary Snyder, comments on how the whole West is walking around with dirty assholes. Most hotels and modern houses here will provide both hand showers and paper. The ideal is that miracle of Nipponese ingenuity, the “washlet”, which makes going to the toilet an enjoyable experience. May this device be exported far and wide!

et’s begin with some basic insights. First, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. And, as the Australian professor George Quinn, who speaks not only f luent Indonesian but f luent Javanese, reminds us in his fascinating, thoroughly fieldresearched, book, Bandit Saints, the centre of gravity of the Islamic world has moved eastwards to Indonesia. This is not to criticise the Wahabi interpretation of Islam seriously followed by many Muslims here, but, the Indonesian eclectic, tolerant, Sufistic but equally devout, the practice of Islam, has surely more relevance to the kind of world which will hopefully emerge after the pandemic. And newcomers to Indonesia should be reminded that this does not mean that the majority of Indonesians are casual in the practice of their religion. The opposite is true. Next, I realise that these are stereotypes, but Indonesians can be the nicest, most tolerant, non-egocentric, and most forgiving, people in the world. Two examples can suffice. In 2002, I was working in Timor-Leste (East Timor), which shares many cultural attributes with Indonesia, just before it became fully independent. An American Muslim friend of mine was working on youth exchange reconciliation programs between East and (Indonesian) West Timor. At a gathering of youth from both areas in West Timor, one of the participants, an Indonesian police officer, put up his hand for silence. “This young man”, he announced, indicating the East Timorese youth he had been chatting to, “This young man – I tortured him (he paused)” … and we know how more devastating torture can be to the victim as against outright killing… “AND HE HAS FORGIVEN ME.” Everyone in the room was crying…

The second example concerns a well-known rock star, a zillionaire who on a visit to Indonesia several years ago was introduced to a song written and sung by the pioneering Indonesian group Koes Plus, who were actually jailed by President Sukarno, who saw in rock’n’roll an example of creeping Western decadence. This icon recorded the song, with different lyrics in English of course, but with exactly the same tune and structure as the original. No permission, no acknowledgement, no shared royalties. That’s not plagiarism (which happens all the time in music with certain riffs and phrases), but blatant theft of a whole work. And yet, the surviving members of Koes Plus were “honoured”. “Come on”, I wanted to yell, “Fight back, you’re not stones to be rolled over.” But apart from one of two clerics, God bless ‘em, the surviving members of Koes Plus just let it go. Sometimes you can be too nice… Third, back in the bad old days, Indonesians were often considered lazy, and Indonesian officials were notorious for corruption. A succession of honourable presidents, Habibie, Gus Dur, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and especially Jokowi, have gone a long way towards eradicating these malpractices. Corruption, of course, exists in most countries, in some is just more institutionalised. However, visitors to Indonesia should no longer expect that they will have to pay over the odds to get things done. And here I would like to give a special word of praise for Bandung’s Immigration Office. They’re really making an effort to be helpful, and to be seen to be helpful, backed up by a sound public relations program. Laziness. Let us say that, on the whole, Indonesians are not exactly Teutonic in their work efforts, but, if you compare it with the bad old days of the passive civil service mentality, Indonesians are as capable as any of putting in a full day’s shift, especially

In the same area, visitors may be a bit confused by the Indonesian “bak mandi”. This consists of a tank of cold water and a scoop, which you splash the water all over yourself. Very refreshing. A rather portly English friend of mine, however, once complained that these baths were too small for him. He didn’t realise that you weren’t supposed to get into the bath.

I realise that these are stereotypes, but Indonesians can be the nicest, most tolerant, non-egocentric, and most forgiving, people in the world. in the private section. And if you’re doing business with the ethnic Chinese minority, hard work and especially trustworthiness is their watchword, although price considerations are also always at the forefront. Next, punctuality, and keeping one’s word, are interesting aspects of national character. Regarding punctuality, here’s a story from 1970s Bandung. At a party for both Indonesians and expats, the Indonesians came early because that was what they assumed the expats would do, and the expats came late assuming that’s what the locals would do. Did the twain ever meet, I wonder? It’s also, generalising again, not infrequent for Indonesians to tell visitors what the visitors want to hear, rather than the actual truth of the situation. Another feature that might lead to misunderstanding is that Indonesians are not necessarily interested in everything. They may not know or care, for example, about Roland Barthes’ Seventh Function of Linguistics. Why should they? This is in absolute contrast to our French friends, who will certainly “prise position” on topics like the above. This doesn’t mean that Indonesians are stupid, just less “intellectual”, which is not the same thing.

There’s no point in referring back to the days of the “Anglo-Saxon swine” and the “Ugly Expat” in Indonesia. Let’s hope these creatures are long gone. And surely, if this pandemic teaches us anything, it is that the human race is one race, and we will emerge from COVID-19 with a greater awareness of this. Of course, all our national flavours will be still here for us to enjoy. And the Indonesian f lavour, provided we are prepared to give Indonesia as much as we receive from her, is surely among the world’s most delicious.

SOME SUGGESTED READING The following three books are recommended as introductions to Indonesia: 1. QUINN, George: Bandit Saints of Java: How Java's eccentric Saints are challenging fundamentalist Islam monsoon press, 2019. 2. PISANI, Elizabeth: Indonesia Etc: Exploring the Improbable Nation, Norton, 2014. Elizabeth treks all over the archipelago except Java, visiting many corners that other travel writers may not reach, and gives her own, often surprising, “takes” on this fascinating country. 3. HIRATA, Andrea: Laskar Pelangi (Soldiers of the Rainbow), by Andrea (available in English and Indonesian, the English version was published by Vintage Australia in 2014.) This was also the subject of an inspiring movie and theme song. With this semi-autobiographical novel, based around a village school on the “tin” island of Belitung, Andrea reminds us that Indonesia is so much more than Jakarta, Java, and Bali.

insight

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

Recovery is an Opportunity in Disguise

merican businesswoman, author and investor, Barbara Corcoran sold her real estate business in New York to National Realty Trust (NRT) for US$66 million in 2001. She once said, “finding opportunity is a matter of believing it’s there.” At Seven Stones Indonesia, we think that’s a very positive sentiment and one that’s relevant in these challenging times, especially for Indonesia, so let’s look at one aspect of Indonesia’s future and recovery we believe is worth believing in. Local news wires have recently been reporting on something published by the Cabinet Secretariat of The Republic of Indonesia where President Jokowi said, “as a region with the world’s fastest internet growth, ASEAN has enormous digital economic potentials. Amid the pandemic, the digital economy grew by US$100 billion in 2020. This could be a stepping stone for economic growth in our region,” adding that the Indonesian government has drawn up the Digital Indonesia Roadmap for 20212024, as a strategic guideline for Indonesia’s digital transformation. And that transformation is happening as we speak. Taste the Future Nusa Bali reported on Jokowi’s speech to the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit recently, where he claimed that Indonesia has recorded 2,229 start-ups to date, the fifth-highest in the world. He went on to say investment in Indonesia’s digital future is something investors could actually “taste” and the potential value of the country’s digital economy could be as high as US$124 billion by 2025, that’s just four years from now. Of these 2,229 start-ups, six are Unicorns, valued at US$1 billion and one is a Decacorn, which means it’s valued at US$10 billion. Jakarta Globe say the main driver of Indonesia’s tech revolution “is e-commerce, followed by transport and food delivery. The virtual classroom or the so-called ed-tech and health tech have particularly grown during the COVID-19 pandemic,” which Dr Rudy Salahuddin, Deputy for Coordination of the Digital Economy, Employment, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, says has been “a blessing in disguise for the development of a digital economy.” According to a report by Bloomberg, Gojek and Tokopedia are merging into GoTo. The company will be made up of Gojek's ridehailing operations, Tokopedia’s e-commerce business and a designated Fintech unit. Gojek's and Tokopedia’s combined

As a region with the world’s fastest internet growth, ASEAN has enormous digital economic potentials. Amid the pandemic, the digital economy grew by US$100 billion in 2020. This could be a stepping stone for economic growth in our region. valuations on CB Insights would make GoTo the 12th highest-valued startup in the world, worth US$17 billion. This merger would create Indonesia's presence among the World’s Top 20. Recovering from the Pandemic Dr Salahuddin went on to say, “the situation (COVID-19) has brought many benefits for us by promoting more innovation, increasing inclusiveness, and producing efficiencies. We all realise that the acceleration of digital transformation should be prioritised in our effort to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.” This digital revolution is more than startups, which Forbes defines as “young companies founded to develop a unique product or service, bring it to market and make it irresistible and irreplaceable

for customers. Start-ups are rooted in innovation, addressing the deficiencies of existing products or creating entirely new categories of goods and services, thereby disrupting entrenched ways of thinking and doing business for entire industries.” Investing in a Golden Indonesia At an online conference held by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said that to achieve the administration’s long-term goal of a Golden Indonesia, “we must side with the people and ensure a development that leaves no one behind. This includes an inclusive digital acceleration. If we can get 30 million out of 60 million MSMEs online, then the remaining half can become part of the sub-ecosystem of those who have adopted technology,” as reported by Jakarta Globe.

The Cabinet Secretariat of The Republic of Indonesia report that President Jokowi believes collaboration and unity are critical for ASEAN to recognise the opportunities in recovering from COVID-19. He explains three key areas where ASEAN can do this; health care, safe travel, and tourism and the acceleration of digital economies. These are exciting times for those who believe in Indonesia’s future. At Seven Stones Indonesia, we do and we believe in the power of a positive mindset. We believe in helping our clients, partners, and communities create a better world by adapting to change and focussing on what matters most to them. We deliver solutions, peace of mind, and we help businesses grow; we encourage investment and are forging relationships with like-minded organisations and businesses to create more opportunities for more people. If you’d like to learn more about how you can invest in Indonesia get in touch with us at Seven Stones Indonesia through hello@ sevenstonesindonesia.com

Sources: Jakarta Globe, Forbes, Nusa Bali, Bloomberg, Cabinet Secretariat of The Republic of Indonesia

outreach

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

Strings in Action Brings Out the Power of Music BY MIRELLA PANDJAITAN

with music education to open a new life path. Simo explained that organisations all over the world have taken inspiration from this setup in their own countries – exactly what he did.

happened to play the violin in elementary school. Looking back, I truthfully can’t think of an explanation behind it. What I do know is, I truly loved it. Spending early mornings or after school sessions bowing along was bliss. I continued to play at a new school, alas my musical journey ended in a fizzle in junior high. I found that not many of my peers indulged in the same “bliss”. In one way or another, I made an impact at that new school by introducing this serene, melodic instrument into its musical curriculum. Over two decades later, I met some adorable kids who found their passion in being a part of a string orchestra. They started playing the violin, viola, cello, and the upright bass a bit older than I initially did, yet their enthusiasm and focus awed me. These kids are from the Pondok Taruna orphanage in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Mario (blue) Fatih (red)

Gonzalo Simo

A serene sanctuary infused with laughter and joyful screams from children hailing from across the country, Ibu Liu, as the founder, has provided a home to countless children for the past 29 years. Liu was a social services worker who provided medical services to underprivileged people living under bridges and on the edge of the rails of the capital. “Back then, there was no BPJS, meanwhile, there were people who were rejected to seek medical care due to having no money. My husband and I wanted to help,” she recalled.

Mario, 14, recently started to play the cello. “I wish to play every day so that later I can teach other people wherever I might be,” he enthused. Songs played range from a large number of American composers to soundtracks from movies like Avengers, Star Wars, etc but originally composed music isn’t part of rehearsals yet; that’s saved for advanced musicians. “Whenever we have a concert, we also like to mix in other instruments. We don’t exclude anybody, including singers,” said Simo.

“I see many children who were neglected and ‘had no future’ there. I’ve always thought that taking care of other people's children isn’t easy. I didn’t want to take care of neglected children without having any resources. God seemed to constantly whisper to my heart: take them in and help. I eventually ventured to do it.” Liu had no compound to place the kids nor did she have sufficient funds. All she had were prayers. Life took its course and showed brighter signs for the orphanage. After its first ten years, necessary repairs and renovations were completed. “I never asked for donations. If anyone wants to help, I prefer the money allocated to other useful activities to make this a comfortable and safe home for the kids,” she emphasised. As we chatted, I heard a live orchestra coming through the cafeteria. The kids were rehearsing with Gonzalo Simo, a strings teacher who’s mostly serenading through Jakarta Intercultural School’s (JIS) music/ strings classes while also taking parts of his week flourishing the hidden talents of this orphanage's kids. To Simo, music is energy with a universal language. He explained, “You can’t see music; it has a lot of energy and represents something hidden. There’s a message in music.”

“I created a service club with two students from JIS and started SiA in Pondok Taruna in 2015 as an after-school activity,” he said. SiA’s name touched many hearts amongst the school’s community and elsewhere, then became a foundation in 2019 continuing to improve the lives of children from Indonesian communities in need by sharing skills, knowledge, and a passion for music through the formation of string orchestras for children at centres around Jakarta who wouldn’t otherwise have access to music education. “We expanded the project and now have three orchestras; two in Pondok Taruna and one in Abigail orphanage, Pamulang; we accommodate ages between 10 and 13, as well as 14-20 years old,” said Simo.

Originally from Spain, Simo has been working and living in Asia for the last 17 years. Music education is very important, especially nowadays where kids are more exposed to academics or sports. That’s nothing bad, clarified Simo, but there's a certain stigma that becoming a musician isn’t a mark of success. Music’s significance holds the key to providing a quality education system. General education can be greatly enhanced by music education. Music is connected to, for example, maths found in the music notation or the intervals of the sound. Moreover, music is connected to memory, history, and movement as coordination takes place. “When you study music, you have to be consistent – you have to practice every day,” stated Simo. That’s exactly what he instils in Strings in Action (SiA). To improve the lives of children in underprivileged communities by sharing music knowledge, SiA was inspired by El Sistema from Venezuela. Orchestras and choirs there provide children

Furthermore, SiA collaborates with Amadeus Music School. “Thanks to them and some of their donors, we have six responsible and diligent students joining Amadeus on its scholarship program,” Simo said, proudly. One student is in the works to hopefully get accepted to Pelita Harapan University’s School of Music. Thus, someday, he can help spread this project around Jakarta and nationally. Learning music helps one to express themselves; it’s a language to convey ideas, feelings, and thoughts. Music is a hope for creating a better world by representing joy, peace, hope, integration, strength, and infinite energy. Studies have proven that the children learning a musical instrument have an advantage in academic abilities, selfesteem, and improved attitudes. Learning how to play an instrument produces lots of benefits in many different ways to the body and mind, such as stimulating brainwaves, boosting the immune system, easing muscle tension, improving motor skills, and helping keep creativity and optimism levels higher. Simo added it also helps to develop skills needed in today's workforce; critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and confidence.

“Playing music makes our hearts calm,” claimed 16-year-old aspiring cello musician, Fatih. It’s been five years since he picked up a cello after dropping his dream to become a football player. He was initially unsure about focusing on music, but he’s now under Amadeus’ scholarship program. Fatih is eager to be more active and serious about learning to play. “My favourite song is Perfect. I really like the cello because playing music makes us less stressed and confused about what we have faced in the past or our bad times.” Another scholarship student is Fani, 12, who reckons playing the violin can bring her a brighter future. “I usually spend 30 minutes a day practicing over the last four years. Hopefully, I can become a violin musician and teacher when I get older,” said Fani. “It's a hard instrument to master, but if we have the intention and keep practicing, I’m sure anyone can play.” There’s much more to these orchestras. Not only are music skills developed, but also empathy and social skills. “We believe in the orchestra as a unique instrument for socialising children, giving them discipline, and passion. The orchestra is a community that cooperates with solidarity and therefore it becomes a school,” stated Simo. Liu concurs. These kids have always been confident but their confidence has been enhanced. “I yearn for the violin, though it’s stereotyped for the upper-class. People usually describe the orphanage filled with difficult, depressed children who are abandoned. That’s not the case,” emphasised Liu. This pandemic has, however, put SiA’s plans on hold to expand into another orphanage. Despite the circumstances, Simo is positive about the future. Massive support, in terms of tools and resources, to maintain the project don’t stray away. “Life without music would make us not alive. It’s a connection. Our heart has a rhythm produced from the heartbeat – a sound that when it ends, our heart stops beating, therefore our lives end,” expressed Simo. “You feel happier when you make other people happier. I wish I could’ve done this more in the past.” How can you help? String specialists can help out with rehearsals, musicians can share their musical knowledge (either theoretical or practical), provide economic assistance, or simply spread the word to friends and family. “Your presence there, regardless of what you’re doing, excites these kids,” concluded Simo. Website Instagram

www.stringsinaction.com @stringsinaction

observation

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

On the Outside Looking Back BY JANICE NAHEEM

s an Indophile stuck in Australia during the pandemic, I’ve had a hard time making sense of what’s happening over there in our beloved archipelago. From the onset of the global crisis in texts and video calls, my expat friends downplayed their concerns in typically Indonesian fashion. Many years’ experience plying through peak-hour Jakarta traffic may have equipped them with all the patience and fortitude they needed. Possibly, they’d only succumbed to the mind-numbing routine of lockdown. Some of them worried when their unusual visa arrangements meant they couldn’t access vaccinations in the early days, but even they received their first jab before I got mine. Here in Australia, I couldn’t trust the mainstream media to paint an accurate picture of reality over there. Most of the articles had headlines declaring "Desperate Aussies Demand Bali Rescue" (or similar) and described the alarming collapse of the tourism industry. I listened to a talkback radio program in which a stream of callers reminisced about their favourite Bali hangouts and memories, with barely a mention of an actual Indonesian friend and how they were coping. The odd Bali story caught my attention, of course, such as the social media inf luencers deported for wearing a painted-on virus mask that broke COVID-19 rules. In the video that went viral, a US-based Taiwanese YouTuber expressed surprise when a few people in a Kuta supermarket noticed his attractive Russian counterpart wearing a purely cosmetic mask. A security guard had turned her away earlier for entering bare-faced.

For a long time, it seemed that all mainstream international news focused on the worst aspects of the pandemic in Indonesia: on the spiralling infection and death rates, and the slow pace or missteps of the government’s response. The public image of President Jokowi took a dive early on, the moment Defense Minister and former presidential candidate Prabowo

Subianto jumped on a plane to Beijing and got chummy with the Chinese – securing a batch of medical aid from the world’s newest superpower. The press was kinder to Jokowi later when his mother passed away and he was clearly distracted in interviews, including when he announced the imposition of tougher social restrictions. To escape from personal sadness and economic woes, a devoted Indophile could always go online and find stories about the trysts of frustrated lovers. In one story, a husband and wife were "stuck together" for hours when a roll in the kapok induced involuntary vaginal clamping, and half the neighbourhood showed up to offer advice on separating the unhappy couple. Recently, a man married his rice cooker decked out in traditional Javanese wedding attire. His online post included many photos and a love note to his soulmate that all Indonesialovers will appreciate - “Without you, my rice is not cooked.”

Meanwhile, Indonesians found new ways of helping their families and communities through learning, communicating, and coordinating practical support. Online crowdfunding proliferated to help local businesses or community initiatives, and innovative platforms evolved to enable

local people to monitor and report on COVID-related developments in their areas. Networks of volunteers sprung up across the country to provide a range of services, such as home delivery for people in quarantine, and medical and schooling assistance. This was the story that most international reports missed about the pandemic in Indonesia; the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. According to the 2021 Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) study, Indonesia is the “most generous” country in the world. More than eight in 10 Indonesians donated money in the year - compared to three in ten adults around the world - and the country’s rate of volunteering is over three times the global average. The 2020 Legatum Prosperity Index also ranked Indonesia 6th in social capital and, Indonesia ranked first for civic and social participation in the 2019 index, with the highest levels of volunteering of any country. Good on you Indonesia! I miss you heaps. See you zoom… I mean, soon!

Our own Indonesia Expat magazine presented the article “Top 10 Romantic Things to Do During Lockdown in Indonesia.” The tips to impress the ladies aren’t for everyone, however, and include expressing your love by riding a motorcycle noisily at high speed down quiet residential streets and presenting flowers. The author suggests splurging on the outrageously expensive “amorphophallus titanium” or corpse flower (Indonesian: bunga bangkai) endemic to Sumatra, which has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. Your loved one will want an explanation too.

Identify a Clinic You are Comfortable with! You and your family might be in good health, but in general everyone needs some medical input at some point in time. COVID-19 has certainly created a lot of uncertainty. I think it is essential that you at least identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. Look for a group of medical professionals who you can turn to, with any concerns. I would like to share some information to make life a bit easier.

by water or by food such as traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid fever and amoebic dysentery. Insect bites can also spread diseases like malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and Chikungunya. Tuberculosis is spread through coughing and sneezing. Body fluid transmitted diseases like STIs, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C are also common in Indonesia. There are possibilities of getting Rabies if you are exposed to certain animals. Most of these can be prevented by getting vaccinated.

Besides COVID-19, there are common health problems for expats living in Jakarta. There are three things to expect when you are living in Jakarta; infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases and accidents/injuries. Infectious diseases, like food borne, air borne, or even body fluid transmitted diseases are common in Indonesia. Non-infectious diseases, or chronic diseases are sometimes unavoidable depending on your risk profile. Accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. What to Do when You are Sick Feeling unwell can be a challenge. First advice would be to seek an opinion if you are unsure about your condition. You may use Dr Google, talk to a friend or even a medical professional you know personally. If possible, visit or call a clinic that you are comfortable with. In an ideal world you should have an assessment by a trusted medical practitioner (this can even be a telephone consultation). Your medical practitioner will give a possible diagnosis. A management plan needs to be mutually agreed upon. You need to voice your expectations and ask for possible options (Are you expecting a referral?).

Preventive Actions To avoid diseases from happening, you need to know how to manage avoidable risks. For infectious diseases, there are lots of vaccinations available to protect you. This includes vaccinations against COVID-19. Testing for COVID-19, is important if you have symptoms that might indicate a COVID-19 infection. In those circumstances an Antigen test may suffice. If you had close contact with a person with COVID-19 it is recommended to test yourself with a PCR test 5 days after your contact, if you are still without any symptoms. Consider a FLU and Pneumococcal vaccine, as this will reduce your chances of getting infected with COVID-19, especially in vulnerable iFood prepared under unclear circumstances, tap water, and mosquitoes should be avoided. Identify a clinic that you are comfortable with! You can discuss your own risk profile with your trusted physician. In a tropical country like Indonesia, there are a lot of infectious diseases, besides COVID-19. Infectious diseases can be spread

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

Chronic Disease Management If you are suffering from a chronic disease, we advise you to have a list of your regular medication. You should identify a doctor who can regularly check upon your condition and someone who can advise which (specialist) doctor you should see. Your family doctor can facilitate the communication with your specialist. Monitoring your condition on behalf of the specialist can also be done by a good family physician. New Developments Good Practice is expanding. We hired new English speaking staff. This means extra capacity to do house calls, office visits and teleconsultations. We have built additional consultation rooms and employed a UK trained psychologist. GOOD PRACTICE is now also the Medical retainer clinic for the ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, ADB. It I important that you identify a clinic that you are comfortable with. Good Practice Clinic has patients from 71 countries. Try us! Info@goodpractice.co.id or 021 7183140

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

www.goodpractice.co.id

scams in the city

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

Welcome Back Scammers, It’s Like You Never Left Kenneth Yeung looks at scams involving unscrupulous expats in Indonesia.

funeral of a friend and were transiting in Jakarta for three days before f lying back to Slovenia via Kuala Lumpur. Tracy then asked why they had not undergone the mandatory six-day quarantine for foreign arrivals. The wife became nervous, claiming they didn’t need to quarantine because they had been vaccinated in Australia. Tracy had been intending to give them some money, but she became suspicious, knowing how difficult it is to fly in and out of Australia during the travel ban period. She asked if they could call a friend in Australia for assistance, but the wife said their only friend in Australia was already dead. Once the family had left in the taxi, Tracy called the Swiss Belhotel Pondok Indah, where a receptionist said there were no Westerners staying there. But the receptionist did say that people often call the hotel to inquire about the Western family with the hard luck story. Later, Tracy posted on her Instagram account about her encounter. Some netizens recognised the story and explained the family were known scammers.

s Indonesia begins reopening its doors to foreign tourists, we can expect an increase in the number of foreign scammers. Some have actually remained in Indonesia throughout the pandemic, taking advantage of relaxed visa rules to extend their stays and their nefarious activities. Black Dollar Folly One of the silliest scams that people continue to fall for in Indonesia is the black dollar swindle. For the zillionth time, here’s how it works: The scammer says he (it’s almost always a man, but they sometimes use female identities online) has a bag of US hundred-dollar bills, which were dyed black so they could be smuggled without detection. And now the scammer needs an expensive chemical to remove the dye. If you pay for the chemical, you’ll get hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. To prove it’s legitimate, the scammer washes a blackened greenback to remove the dye. There’s only one problem: the rest of the black dollars are all fakes. The scammer simply used a citrus juice and water solution to remove iodine from an actual hundreddollar bill. A 32-year-old Nigerian scammer in Jakarta, identified only by his initials as MA, wasn’t going to let COVID-19 social distancing regulations stop him from finding victims. He simply went to the holy grail of ignorance and misinformation: Facebook. Using an account in the name of his Indonesian wife, he joined a Facebook group where members

share “business opportunities”. He privately messaged some members, offering to sell a package of black dollars amounting to $165,000. One target took the bait and transferred Rp185 million ($13,000) to the bank account of MA’s wife, expecting to receive the $165,000. He received nothing. Not even the usual photocopies of dollars on dark construction paper. The victim went to South Jakarta Police, who in late October announced they had located and arrested MA. After inspecting his laptop, police said MA had performed the same scam in Thailand and the Philippines, indicating he was likely part of an international syndicate. MA could be jailed for up to four years if convicted of fraud. As usual, the most worrying thing about black dollar scams is that local media reports and even police often seem to suggest the “black dollars” are an actual foreign currency, merely coated in black to avoid detection by customs. Money-Hungry "Hungarian" Hoaxers Back in 2018, I wrote about a family of apparently Hungarian scammers, who operate in Java and Bali, pretending to be recently arrived tourists who have been pickpocketed (or victims of a bag snatch) and then beg, borrow and steal from sympathetic locals. There’s the man (who sometimes calls himself Robert), his wife

(who has a Hungarian passport in the name Annamaria Eniko) and their two young daughters, aged about 7 and 12. Unbelievably, the villainous couple has not yet been arrested. Earlier this year, the couple and their daughters resurfaced at some shops near West Jakarta’s Central Park mall, where they were posing as miserable, newly arrived Slovenian tourists. A local model and actress named Tracy Trinita was in the area, getting her computer repaired, when the man approached and asked if she spoke English. He wanted to know how long it would take his family to walk to Pondok Indah, South Jakarta. He said his wife’s handbag had been stolen earlier that day at Pantai Indah Kapuk in North Jakarta, so they had no means of getting back to their hotel. Upon hearing the sob story, Tracy bought some pizza for the family, as the two daughters looked distraught and famished. She also ordered an online taxi to take the family to the Swiss Belhotel Pondok Indah. At that point, the man said they would be going to the airport tomorrow and asked whether they could walk there. Then the wife asked whether Rp6,000 would be enough to buy food at the airport, as it was the only money they had. Waiting for the taxi to arrive, Tracy asked the family why they had come to Indonesia in the middle of the pandemic. The wife claimed they had visited Australia for the

Begging and Extortion Scammers come in all forms. Immigration officials in Tangerang, southwest of Jakarta, in late October deported three foreigners for begging and asking for donations. Tempo reported that two Pakistanis had been arrested while soliciting donations for a mosque, and a Chinese national was arrested for begging at Tangerang City Mall. In Bali, a Russian named Evgenii Bagriantsev is about to go on trial at Denpasar District Court for posing as an Interpol officer and attempting to extort $28,000 from a Ukrainian expat who runs a motorbike rental business on the resort island. Indonesian YouTubers have made loads of videos warning of “bule scammers” – invariably men, who contact Indonesian women via dating apps or social media, and claim they are sending some immensely valuable goods to prove their love. Of course, the promised valuables always require endless “advance fees” for spurious customs clearance, and the handsome “bule from England or America” is usually operating the scam from Africa or Jakarta. The proportion of foreign scammers in Indonesia is pretty small, but their exploits will continue to generate more headlines than those who do no wrong.

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

BOGOR

The Alana Hotel Sentul City Collaborates with Jakarta Culinary Movement

The Alana Hotel Sentul City is collaborating with the Jakarta Culinary Movement to raise CSR funds to promote young chefs in the international culinary world entitled, “Jakarta Culinary Movement Goes to Sentul City”. “We are very proud to be collaborating with the Jakarta Culinary Movement. And as the host, later this collaboration will take place on 5th and 6th November 2021 at Green Canyon Urban Dining and Vertical Sky Lounge, The Alana Hotel Sentul City,” said General Manager of The Alana Hotel Sentul City, Benny Irnaldy. The Jakarta Culinary Movement itself was formed in 2019, consisting of a group of professional chefs who volunteer to educate and empower young chefs to be ready to shine in the culinary industry with a good mentality, skills, and work ethic. The chefs taking part are Chef Wiem Kahyang from The Alana Hotel Sentul City, Chef Reggie Kaihatu from Sentul Highland Golf Club, Chef Ragil Wibowo from Nusa Indonesian Gastronomy, Chef Adam Rizal from Botanica Dining Jakarta, Chef Deadrick Pono from Komunal 88, and Chef Patrick Ramon from Social Garden - Senayan City. Later, these chefs will cook dishes according to the theme: Indonesian Archipelago and Nusantara cuisines. Enjoy a special room rate by booking via the website sentul.alanahotels.com or via email sentulinfo@alanahotels.com.

INTERNATIONAL

Koehler Paper Switched to 100 Percent Green Energy The Koehler Group has been developing the first steps in its climate strategy for some years now, including its “2030 promise”. The company has been completing highly successful projects to continuously reduce the energy consumed in its paper production operations. Since the start of 2021, the new production line 8 in Kehl has been using 100 percent green energy. Steam from the biomass combined heat and power plant at the Kehl site has been used to dry the paper web with virtually zero CO2 emissions since the plant started up in 2019. The 75,000 MWh of electricity consumed by the factory per year comes entirely from green energy generated by a single regional source – the Schluchsee hydroelectric power plant in the Black Forest. “We estimate this step will save around 45,000 tonnes of CO2 per year,” explains Dr Stefan Karrer, COO at the Koehler Group, enthusiastically. The move shows the company’s focus on sustainability doesn’t begin and end with sustainable products. “The flexible packaging paper and Blue4est® environmental-friendly thermal paper that we make on production line 8 in Kehl have been produced using renewable energy since the start of the year,” continues Dr Karrer. Climate-friendly manufacturing on production line 8 is just one of many projects being pursued by the Koehler Group to achieve the climate strategy goals it has set for itself and to play its part in implementing the Paris Agreement. The company is working toward using alternative, more sustainable energy sources for its entire paper production energy supply.

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

Expat Advertiser

Send your classifieds to: info@indonesiaexpat.biz Next Deadline: November 24, 2021

JAKARTA Automotive

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For Sale Honda CBR250RR 2017 non-ABS. 2018, Low KM 3k. Rare Color Grey, tax paid until December 2021. Always used Petrol Shell V-Power always. Price: 45.000.000 nego, Jakarta Timur. WA: +6282299300281. Jobs Available Urgently needed! A full-time English who is familiar and able to teach: • Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint • IGCSE English Second Language • English AS level Oxford AQA In an international school located in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, to replace leaving teacher. Send your applic at ion let t er, C Vs, and photo to: leo.yoseph@ saintpeter.sch.id and vici. veranie@saintpeter.sch.id We’re hiring! We’re looking for a motivated and inspirational leader as Hotel Manager to join our team at The Langham, Jakarta. Elevating luxur y within South East Asia, The Langham, Jakarta is the quintessential luxury hotel and lifestyle destination. Send us your resume and application through: tljkt.recruitment@ langhamhotels.com We are looking for Math & Science Teacher. Please email your CV to info@noble.sch.id My name is Hendra, I am looking for a job as a driver. I have working experience as a driver at E X XON Mobile, British school and Indosat. Please contact me at +6285885900687.

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Property for lease: brand new Izzara Apartment at TB Simatupang, South Jakarta - 99 sqm. Fully furnished, 2BR Corner, 2 bathroom + 1 powder room. Upright piano included a spectacular corner view. Monthly rent at US$1,300/month excludes utilities (electricity, water)

Indonesia Expat Issue 278 | November 4–December 1, 2021

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Serviced Office • Virtual Office • Meeting Facilities • Company Incorporation

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