Indonesia Expat - issue 296

INSIDE

Investing

Family

Lolling

…and

MARKETING ADVISER

Edo Frese edo@indonesiaexpat.biz

EDITOR

Mirella Pandjaitan editor@indonesiaexpat.biz

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT expat.editorial@gmail.com

SALES & ADVERTISING

Dian Mardianingsih (Jakarta) dian@indonesiaexpat.biz

Wahyu Atmaja (Bali) ads@indonesiaexpat.biz

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

marketing@indonesiaexpat.biz

DISTRIBUTION & ADMIN Juni Setiawan admin@indonesiaexpat.biz

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@indonesiaexpat.biz EVENTS letters@indonesiaexpat.biz

DearReaders,

Spring has sprung! Now’s the time to go embrace your wanderlust spirit. Indonesia’s tourism industry is gradually picking up. That means more unknown destinations are rising, while favoured destinations have more to offer to tourists.

This May, Indonesia Expat is publishing the Travel and Tourism issue. Unravel Indonesia’s beauty from the East to the West with compelling travel stories, perfect for any travellers roaming alone, with friends, or with families.

Don’t forget, we’re working on more digital content with our YouTube channel, Indonesia Expat. This includes our new series entitled “Welcome to Indonesia: The Series”, where we cover insights into food, leisure, community, travel, tips, guides, and plenty more. Stay tuned by subscribing to our channel!

Check out our daily news updates at indonesiaexpat.id, follow our Instagram @ indonesiaexpat and Facebook @indonesia.expat to stay up to date on regular COVID-19 case numbers and news, as well as to find attractive promotions from your favourite hotels, restaurants, and schools across the country. Now, you can even access Indonesia Expat on the Tripper app, available on iOS and Android for free.

Happy reading!

Edo Frese

06

Investing in Bali’s Property Market: A Profitable Opportunity for Smart Investors

08 BUSINESS PROFILE Slide through the Bewitching, Earthy Waterbom Bali with Sayan Gulino 10 TRIP A Family Summer Paradise is 45 Minutes Away

12

Enjoying the Passage of the Time at Sijunjung Customary Village 14

Lolling in Lombok

16

Coastal West Java 18 INSIDE BORNEO Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

Investing in Bali’s Property Market: A Profitable Opportunity for Smart Investors

of the market signals that the demand for property is steadily increasing, and with Bali’s popularity as a tourist destination showing no signs of slowing down, there is great potential for growth and returns on investment.

RISE OF REMOTE WORK AND LONGTERM STAYS

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the way people work and travel, and Bali's property market has not been immune to these changes. One notable shift is the influx of remote workers who are drawn to Bali’s tropical paradise and are willing to stay for extended periods.

This has created a surge in demand for larger, more luxurious accommodations that offer the space, privacy, and comfort needed for a productive and relaxing stay.

potential legal or financial issues in the long run.

UNDERSTANDING THE OWNERSHIP

As a foreigner investor, you cannot directly own freehold property in Bali. However, there are several legal structures that allow foreigners to invest in property in Bali, including leasehold, Hak Pakai (Right to Use), and PMA (Foreign-Owned Company).

NOTARY AND LEGAL DOCUMENTS

All property transactions in Bali must be witnessed by a notary. The notary is responsible for verifying the legal documents, including the property title, tax clearance certificate, and building permits.

TAXES AND FEES

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the popularity of Bali's property market, with both local and foreign investors seeking out properties that offer a perfect blend of lifestyle and investment opportunities. According to the Wealth Report 2022 by Knight Frank, Bali is ranked as one of the top ten destinations for wealthy individuals looking to buy a second home. Bali has seen a 7.5 percent increase in luxury property prices in 2021, making it a lucrative investment option with an occupancy rate of 75 percent in December 2022 for more than 3,000 active listings.

If you’re thinking about buying a property in Bali, there are a few things you should do to make sure your investment is secure. Firstly, make sure that the property title and land status are legitimate, and that you understand the local laws and regulations. Secondly, carefully consider the location before making a decision. Finally, get an accurate valuation of the property. By taking these steps, you can protect your investment.

This article provides business tips to investors on how to buy a property in Bali. Additionally, it will help you understand the market trends to make your investment in Bali secure.

WHAT ARE THE MARKET TRENDS IN BALI?

The property market in Bali is an everevolving landscape, with new trends emerging regularly. Currently, there is a noticeable shift towards longer stays, with many visitors opting to spend more time on the island. This trend has been accompanied by a surge in demand for luxurious villas, which offer visitors a unique and exclusive experience.

To make sound investment decisions and secure a favorable return on investment, it is important to stay informed about the market trends.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Bali's property market, leading to a slowdown in sales throughout 2020. However, with the successful management of the pandemic in Bali and the return of tourism to the island, the property market has begun to rebound. In fact, the pace of the market’s recovery has been faster than the rate of tourist entries, indicating a robust and promising outlook for the industry.

For investors, this presents an opportunity to capitalise on the current market conditions and secure profitable investments in Bali’s property market. The rebound

INCREASE IN DEMAND AND PROPERTY PRICES

Bali’s property market has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade, driven by a surge in foreign investment. This has resulted in a steady increase in demand, particularly in areas that are popular with tourists, such as Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu.

The heightened demand for property has translated into rising property prices, making Bali an attractive market for investors looking to secure profitable returns.

GROWING POPULARITY OF HOLIDAY RENTALS

Many of these luxury villas are marketed as holiday rentals, offering high-end amenities and stunning views of Bali’s natural beauty. This has resulted in a booming holiday rental market, with investors seeing significant returns on their properties.

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BUYING A PROPERTY IN BALI?

Understanding and complying with the legal requirements when purchasing a property in Bali is crucial to safeguarding your investment and avoiding potential legal and financial complications down the line.

There are several legal requirements that buyers need to be aware of, including obtaining the correct visa and work permits, understanding property ownership regulations, and ensuring that the property title is legitimate and free of any disputes.

CHECK THE PROPERTY TITLE

Checking the property title is necessary in ensuring that your investment is secure. Before investing in a property, investors must make sure to check the title to ensure that there are no legal issues or disputes related to the property.

CONDUCT DUE DILIGENCE

Conducting due diligence is essential to identify potential issues before the investment. It involves reviewing the property and its documentation. This usually costs around 0.1 percent of the total investment, but it protects the deal from any

Investors need to pay various taxes and fees, including transfer tax, notary fees, and registration fees. These fees vary depending on the property's value and location.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A BUYER'S AGENT FOR AN INVESTOR IN THE BALI PROPERTY MARKET?

For investors looking to invest in Bali’s property market, it’s essential to take a strategic approach. One of the most important steps they can take is hiring a reputable buyer's agent.

VISITING THE PROPERTY IN PERSON

Before making any investment, it’s important to visit the property in person. This allows the investor to get a sense of the property's condition, location, and surroundings. Furthermore, they can also identify any potential issues that may impact the investment. However, visiting the property is not always feasible for the investors due to time constraints and location. This is where a buyer’s agent can be a valuable asset.

HIRING A THIRD-PARTY EXPERT

A buyer’s agent acts as the investor’s intermediary and visits the property on their behalf. They take note of any maintenance or repair issues that need to be addressed and assess the property’s proximity to local amenities and attractions.

NEGOTIATING THE PRICE

A third-party expert will not be afraid to make a counteroffer if the price is not within the budget. They also help investors understand the intensity of the Bali market and ensure that they get the best deal and most value for the investment.

BUY PROPERTY IN BALI WITH EMERHUB

Emerhub provides investors with a range of services, including property search and selection, legal and due diligence support, negotiation assistance, and property management services. They also help investors understand the complex legal and regulatory requirements and ensure that the investment is secure. Working with Emerhub provides peace of mind and helps investors make informed decisions about their Bali property investment.

Contact: Florent Delente (+6281236599997)

Slide through the Bewitching, Earthy Waterbom Bali with Sayan Gulino

“ Travel is escapism; it allows you to enjoy a new experience or way of being and allows people to feel free, of course, it creates this longing to get out of everyday life and forget your stresses. Plus, an amazing discovery element to it gets you out of your head and learn and experience new things,” expressed Sayan Gulino, the CEO of Waterbom Bali.

Who is Sayan Gulino?

My parents met in Bali in the 70s and raised me here at a time when there wasn’t much to do in terms of entertainment, apart from swimming in the river in innertubes or surfing and being out in the environment. Thus, my relationship with nature was intimate from a young age. Coming from an abstract upbringing, I see things differently and feel grateful to now be culturally immersed and to have had that childhood experience.

Now, as CEO of Waterbom Bali, this respect for the environment has translated to what I do today concerning sustainability and our park’s environmental policies.

My hobbies are mainly nature-based; in the ocean, climbing the mountains. I’m also a music lover and an avid vinyl collector. In my spare time, I love to DJ and play music.

Has growing up in Bali influenced you with the way you lead Waterbom Bali?

Growing up here has forged the strong relationship I have with nature, which allows me to really understand the importance of our environment. I believe harmony with nature is something special. Combine that with my father being the founder of the park, and his first instruction when opening Waterbom back in 1993, was to not cut down any trees on the land but to build the slides around the existing trees. I’ve learned from a young age to protect nature and it’s definitely influenced the way I lead now as CEO at Waterbom.

I’ve been at the waterpark since I was 13 – practically living my life there. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to step into a range of roles, from locker boy to operations, to working with guest relations. This experience has cultivated my understanding of the park’s every element and how it operates.

Growing up here also makes one attached to the people, the culture and the way of being here. It influences how I lead, communicate and operate, and the systems I put in place. Knowing the island really helps provide a level of predictability which in turn helps me to run the business with a greater knowledge of Bali and its tourism industry.

Tell us about Waterbom Bali.

Waterbom Bali has been an ongoing passion project. Our park has become a bit of an institution on the island and we’re honoured to celebrate our 30th Anniversary this December.

I remember travelling with my father around Europe when I was younger and we would go to waterparks, and he always liked the entertainment value of waterparks, but he didn’t like the aesthetics of them, they were often barren, hot, dry venues with lots of concrete everywhere.

The idea of building a tropical, boutique waterpark in Bali was born, where the slides were built around the existing landscape, so we weren’t ruining the surrounding nature but incorporating all this lush flora and greenery into the park layout and activities. And this was back in 1989 before any real sustainability trends had come to light.

But it set the tone for me, and I started pushing on the innovative elements of sustainability, like using technology and measurements to assess and implement policies and sustainability initiatives company-wide.

Waterbom now hosts 22 (soon to be 26) slides, and we will be reaching nearly five hectares in size by July with our park expansion, while still maintaining over 50 percent of green space.

The park is so much more than just a waterpark, it has become an experience, a destination for good times and great memories for our guests; and for our team, the Waterbomers, it has become a home.

Waterbom Bali is surrounded by lush greens, surfacing from the belief of honouring the island’s value and protection. Why is this vital?

It’s vital for the Waterbom experience, but also vital in setting an example for other businesses as well. Are people travelling to a tropical island or a city? Unfortunately, Bali is becoming a bit of a “city” now and losing some of its island charms. We have our duty to set the bar and show that nature can still exist within tourism businesses on the island.

After being around for 30 years, we hope to influence some other businesses here to say “Plant more trees, build less buildings”. It’s incredibly important from an environmental aspect, as our water table in Bali is diminishing, our water quality is getting worse, and how we manage our septic and water usage is still quite poor. A lot of answers can be found in our natural

environment. For example, planted Bamboo clumps can host litres of water to help put water back into the aquifers, we have nine recharge wells within our park to also help direct water back underground.

Since we follow the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony with nature, people, and spirituality), we are also honouring the island’s values and protecting it at the same time – a crucial part of our business.

Take us through how Waterbom Bali utilises a water-saving initiative. It starts with data (or measurements) and then policy (or the rules and initiatives which we set up within the company) which soaks itself into the culture. We then set goals and benchmarks, and identify ways to reach those goals through technology, innovation, and reporting. We separate our initiatives into energy, water, and waste. For water and energy, we look at our appliances. We have water filters which reduce backwash frequency; controlled irrigation systems using greywater from our STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) for watering our gardens; pump controls and automation which reduces water and energy usage on slides. We also operate a closed circuit water system, which means no water is wasted but is reused or recycled through a complex system of pipes, pumped back into circulation after it’s filtered, then cleaned, and reused instead of wasted. We also have

Since we follow the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony with nature, people, and spirituality), we are also honouring the island’s values and protecting it at the same time – a crucial part of our business.

SAYAN GULINO

water-saving appliances within the park, such as low-flow rate push taps to help limit the amount of water usage by our guests and staff.

Construction to expand the waterpark is ongoing. How do expansion and sustainability go hand in hand?

Three decades of learning and developing the park mean we were able to start this new area from scratch – and we have access to much greater technology to allow us to reach our sustainability goals and benchmarks.

We’ve worked from the start with an ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) plan, and our internal design team have discussed with our sustainability consultants and engaged a sustainable engineer, to ensure the design and build of the new slides, tower and pools comply with our business sustainability objectives.

From the recycled and sustainable materials used for some of the furniture, accessories, pot plants, and ashtrays, or using reclaimed wood from our old slide towers in our cafe, to the pumps we purchase and the use of solar panels on our cafe and back of house roof areas, every element has sustainability in mind.

The new park area will also feature an STP and recharge wells, plus a rainwater harvesting system to refill our pools (after it’s captured in our balancing tank), controlled pumps and motors for the slides, which allow us to save around 3 percent of our energy via this pump technology. Even within our garden areas, we have selected local native plants and sourced our large stones sustainably.

Mention three activities you highly recommend for first-timers. That depends if you’re an adrenaline junkie first-timer or a chill-seeker – usually, I recommend three things: slide, eat, and relax.

Start with the chilled slides first, then build up as you go along. Try the more extreme and exciting slides then take the fast ones. End with either Climax or Smashdown, or finish on Boomerang to really get your pulse racing!

Then eat and recharge at the restaurant because you will be hungry after climbing all those tower stairs. Finish with something relaxing. Either a cocktail at the Pool Bar or a few lazy laps floating around the Lazy River as the sun is setting and get lost amongst the trees. That’s how I would do it.

Through your lens, how do you foresee the future of Indonesia’s travel and tourism?

I don’t want to go down a pessimistic path. Does it go toward mass tourism or does it go towards sustainable tourism? I really hope for the latter. Bali, let’s work together towards that!

What’s next for you and Waterbom Bali? What isn’t next?! Stage One of our park expansion’s estimated completion date is the end of June or early July comprising great tube-based rides, lagoon pools to swim in, lush gardens with lots of trees, a new massage area and a new outdoor cafe area.

Already working on Stage Two, which is the re-development of our Kiddy Area, to create a new tropical wonderland for the kids to get in touch with nature and have fun in a new water playground - it will be very playful and connected! Stay tuned for opening dates for that.

Personally is a short trip to Uganda after we finish construction on Stage One, to have a wholesome break and come back ready for it all to start again with Stage Two.

How can our readers get in touch?

The best way to follow our journey and stay updated on the new park is on social media @waterbombali on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and LinkedIn… so start following us!

I’m one of those people who shuts down their Instagram account every few months to have a technology break so I’m hard to find online these days!

A Family Summer Paradise is 45 Minutes Away

6. Turtle release

Participate in a conservation effort and help release baby turtles into the ocean. This activity is led by experts who can provide insight into the turtle's life cycle and habitat.

7. Coral transplantation

Learn about coral conservation and help transplant healthy coral onto damaged reefs. This activity is a great way to contribute to the preservation of Belitung Island's beautiful underwater ecosystems.

8. Finding Tarsius

Embark on a mission to find the elusive Tarsius, a small primate that is native to the island. This activity is led by guides who can take you to their habitats and help you spot them in the wild jungle of the UNESCO Geosite Bukit Peramun.

9. Explore the 1908 tunnel with geologists

As a parent, finding a vacation spot that is safe and enjoyable for kids while still being able to relax and unwind can be a challenge. Look no further than Belitung Island, a beautiful island in Sumatra, Indonesia, and a remarkable destination for families seeking their dream vacation. The island combines natural beauty, safety, and personalised experiences, where kids can connect with nature and parents can relax and recharge.

Belitung Island is surrounded by 470 smaller islands; the archipelago is at the confluence of the South China and Java Seas, complemented with pure white sands, UNESCO Geosite granite boulders, pristine clear waters, and striking scenery – somehow resembling the Seychelles. Belitung Island has indeed been called the "Seychelles of Indonesia".

The advantages of Belitung Island lie in its accessibility and its safe environment. Safety-wise, crime rates on the island are categorically one of the lowest in the country. Not to mention, radicalism isn’t a feature amongst the communities. Locals have been accustomed to tolerance in terms of ethnicity and religion as mosques, churches, and temples stand within close proximity.

A short flight of less than an hour from Jakarta will bring you to this pristine island paradise, Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. Located in the northwest of Belitung Island, you'll immediately notice the clean air and peaceful surroundings of the protected forest upon arrival in Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. This makes it the perfect destination for a family seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tanjung Kelayang Reserve is famous for its pure white, pristine beaches that stretch for kilometres, providing plenty of space for kids to run around and play. The

safe, protected waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities that children can enjoy under the watchful eye of their parents.

Parents can relax on sunbeds while their kids build sandcastles or take a dip in the ocean. The natural beauty of the island is sure to captivate both parents and children, and there is no shortage of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.

What sets Tanjung Kelayang Reserve apart is its personalised approach to making sure every guest has a memorable experience provided by Blue Mind Team at Sheraton Belitung Resort. The resort offers welltrained babysitters to help parents with their kids and arrange activities that cater to each family's specific interests.

Whether it's exploring the island's rich history and culture or taking part in outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, Belitung Island has something for everyone. The island is also known for its delicious seafood, which both parents and children can savour.

Here's a list of fun activities that you can enjoy on Tanjung Kelayang Reserve at Belitung Island:

1. Snorkelling

Explore the underwater world of Tanjung Kelayang UNESCO Geosite and discover

the diverse marine life that thrives in its pristine waters. Snorkelling is a great activity for families and individuals alike, with the Blue Mind Team to show you the best spots.

2. Coastal foraging

Learn about the local flora and fauna while combing the coastline for snails, baby crabs, and clams. This activity is led by local fishermen who can point out interesting findings along the bay.

3. Island picnic

Take a break from exploring and enjoy a relaxing picnic on one of the island's stunning beaches. You can either bring your own food or the resort can always prepare a delicious meal for you.

4. Jungle trekking

Get up close and personal with the island's lush rainforests and discover the hidden treasures that lie within Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. This activity is led by experienced guides who can take you on a journey to find rare animals and plants that are unique to the region.

5. Morning cycling

Start your day at Tanjung Kelayang Reserve with an invigorating bicycle ride through the island's picturesque villages and natural landscapes. You can either bring your own bike or rent one from the Blue Mind Team.

Discover the island's rich history and explore the 1908 tunnel that was built during the Dutch colonial era. This activity is led by experienced geologists who can provide insights into the tunnel's construction and purpose. Now, this location is protected as the UNESCO Geosite Nam Salu.

10. Sunset cruise and stargazing

Enjoy a peaceful evening on a sunset cruise and stargaze into the clear night sky. This activity is perfect for couples or families who want to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

11. Cooking classes

Learn how to cook authentic Indonesian cuisine at Sheraton Belitung Resort with a professional chef. This activity is a great way to immerse yourself or your kids in the island's culture and cuisine, and you can take your newfound cooking skills back home with you. With so many exciting activities to choose from, Belitung Island is the perfect destination for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike.

TANJUNG KELAYANG RESERVE

Contact person: Indah Fransisca

Mobile: +62 895 0942 4505

Email: fransisca@tanjungkelayangreserve. com

SHERATON BELITUNG RESORT

Tel: +62 719 8000 999

Email: reservation.sbr@sheraton.com

Website : id.sheratonbelitung.com

BILLITON EKOBEACH RETREAT

Contact person: Indah Fransisca

Mobile: +62 895 0942 4504

Email: fransisca@billitonekobeach.com

BLUEMIND

Contact person: Wakhyu Brata

Mobile: +62 819 2494 667

Email: reservations@bluemind.co.id

Website: bluemind.co.id

Planning to move to Singapore from Indonesia?

Five steps to start renting in Singapore as a foreigner in 2023

Living in a new place is exciting and anxiety-inducing at the same time. There is a long list of things that need to be done before settling down and one of the most major things is finding a place to live.

If you are planning to move to Singapore, here are some useful guides for foreigners to rent a property in Singapore, which might help to ease your transition process.

Step One: Find a licensed real estate agent

Check the legitimacy of the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA) Public Register of the real estate agents and salespersons:

• To ensure the person is a registered agent or salesperson

• To check the registration validity of the real estate agent or salesperson

To check whether the real estate agent or salesperson has been disciplined by the Council within the last two years

To find out whether any awards have been conferred on a real estate agent or salesperson by the Council

Step Two: Prepare the necessary All documents you present should have at least a validity period of 6 months to the application date.

• Employment pass or S pass

• Work Permit

• Dependent pass

• Passport

• The budget for Security Deposit, Stamp Duty and one-month Good Faith Deposit

Step Three: Prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI) LOI is a letter proposing your intention to lease and your requirements to the landlord. Typically, it’s the real estate agent that prepares the LOI. You should have the following in your LOI:

Good Faith Deposit

A booking deposit that will become part of the security deposit or advance rental upon signing of Tenancy Agreement

Diplomatic or Repatriate Clause States that you are allowed to terminate the lease prematurely if you lose your job or are transferred to another country

Special Request States all your requirements and requests in the LOI clearly

Deposit 1 month’s rent for a 1-year lease, and 2 months’ rent for a 2-year lease

of Lease

clearly the length of stay in the LOI as discussed with the landlord

Enjoying the Passage of the Time at Sijunjung Customary Village

BY DONNY SYOFYAN

Thanks to its authentic customs and retained cultural values, the Sijunjung customary village of West Sumatra is on the list of the country’s 75 villages competing for Anugerah Desa Wisata Indonesia (Indonesian Tourism Village Award) in 2023. The unique traditions and culture attracted Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno to pay the village a visit on 1st March 2023. During his visit, Uno claimed that he had been in an ancient Minangnese timeline.

On the occasion of his visit, Uno and his entourage paraded down the traditional village with antique scooters. He also witnessed the Silek Tuo (old silat) performance in the tourist village. Silat or silek, which essentially means killing swiftly, originated from someone’s need to avoid a flying broomstick launched by a mother’s anger. As time goes on, authentic silat is getting harder and harder to find. In addition, he eyed traditional musical performances whose instruments are made from buffalo horns.

The Sijunjung customary village represents Minangnese matrilineal community. It is located in the Sijunjung regency between the two rivers, the Batang Sukam and Batang Kulampi. Covered with forests, hills, and paddy fields, the village is blessed with unique landscapes. This village comprises 76 Rumah Gadang (Minangnese traditional house) typifying the matrilineal clan system, which is still functioning and well-constructed in one place. This village has its own infrastructure such as paddy fields, a garden, cemeteries, mosques, markets, roads, and halls close to rivers.

As a customary village, this place is inhabited by native tribes consisting of parental clans and children’s clans totalling nine. They are still carrying out social organizational system based on matrilineal kinship system. This includes clan formation according to the mother’s line, exogamy (the custom of marrying outside the tribe, family, clan, or other social units), matrilocal marriage, and high inheritance (the property, including the home and land) pass among women.

The Sijunjung customary village is still undergoing customary and cultural activities. One of them is a collaborative work group, putting people united in various activities that require important day-to-day decision-

Despite the coming of industrial development in Indonesia, the residents’ way of life in Sijunjung customary village has not been reduced due to economic and developmental pressure. For the locals, maintaining their cultural habits and residence is about “picking up sinking wood” to describe extraordinary e orts needed to restore something that has long faded.

making regarding social, political, and economic fields. In this group, all men have different stages of authority and obligation. The older and the more capable a man, the greater the authority he would have.

The village has three major collaborative works. First, batoboh. People work together on agricultural lands, like creating and harvesting paddy fields or building up each clan’s traditional house. Each clan member would alternately give his or her extending hands to other clan groups. Second, bakaul . It is a cultural ceremony of expressing people’s gratitude to God for an abundant harvest. For this purpose, people are used to performing some traditional dances, such as randai dance, pencak silat (martial art), sword dance, plate dance, and horn dance accompanied by a set of talempong (small kettle gongs) and aguang (large gong), as well as some kitchen utensils like pans, glasses and plates. Third, mambantai. It is a cultural ceremony of slaughtering buffalo done on the 6th day of Eid al-Fitr’s celebration. Just like bakaul, it is about gratitude and giving thanks to God. At this time, people would gather to witness the event and end up having meals together.

The overall major collaborative works, actually, stands in the spirit of mutual participation called “gotong royong ” (mutual help) to achieve a shared goal. The ancient tradition of

gotong royong has for generations glued people in ethnically diverse Indonesia. The altruistic essence of gotong royong also embodies a universal idea of social harmony. Therefore, it’s no surprise that other cultures have similar thinking. In Japan, for example, there is a concept known as “Wa” which means “harmony,” and encourages communal action in which communities are expected to work together toward a common goal.

Any attempts to preserve Minangnese traditions run through wirid adat (literally meaning “customary recital”) in the village. On this occasion, traditional elders would disseminate Minangnese customary philosophies to the younger generation, held at a certain time and at the Rumah Gadang that has been previously disbursed. In addition, preservation efforts are also carried out by imposing social sanctions on community members who violate customary provisions. The model of sanctions must be carried out in stages, namely from the lightest to the most severe. The light one can be in the form of an apology based on awareness through the meetings. While the most severe sanction is to get someone ostracised.

Of the 76 existing Rumah Gadang, as many as 40 are made into homestays, equipped with beds and toilet facilities in both traditional and modern designs. It also provides souvenirs and culinary delights for visitors. There are also fashion and craft arts in this traditional village. Some of the houses have looms inside. This traditional village enjoys digital promotional activities through social media; Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Barcodes have been installed in each Rumah Gadang, making people easily access information about the village.

The existing Sijunjung customary village of West Sumatra is the way how local people held fast to customary values in the Sijunjung regency. Despite the coming of industrial development in Indonesia, the residents’ way of life in Sijunjung customary village has not been reduced due to economic and developmental pressure. For the locals, maintaining their cultural habits and residence is about “picking up sinking wood” to describe extraordinary efforts needed to restore something that has long faded.

The writer is a lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities, Andalas University.

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Lolling in Lombok

BY CHRISTOPHER RUANE

Lombok is known as a laid back and relaxing island of escape, a less wellexplored alternative to Bali for a relaxing getaway or embrace of nature. Its location and island air already give it the sense of being something of a backwater, apart from occasional events such as the new Mandalika MotoGP race that led throngs of tourists to descend on the island. Even for a backwater, then, the location of the Oberoi Beach Resort on the island sits pleasingly off the beaten path. Jutting out into the Bali Sea in the northwest part of the island, the waterfront resort is around an hour and a half from the island’s airport. While that may put it far from the madding crowd, there is an unusual crowd along parts of the road close to the hotel – wild macaques eating bananas, sitting on tree stumps and taking advantage of an open window in a parked van to swing inside.

Alternatively, the resort can be reached the way I got there, driving along the slightly longer coastal route, with its coves and twisting roads that suddenly unveil a maritime vista. A pit stop in Senggigi threw up not only some fresh Lombok coffee but also a variety of locally raised pearls, both freshwater and from the blue yonder beyond.

Charming that road is, though, the best view approaching the Lombok Resort is when coming by sea. The hotel sits across from the Gili islands. Ferries plow between them and the nearby port town of Pamenang. The resort offers its own shuttle twice daily from

a jetty at the end of the property, with scuba diving in Gili included in the price. I walked to the end of the pier and looked down on the tropical fish swimming in the shallow water. As a launch pad for a day excursion to the Gilis, the location in this quiet corner of Lombok is ideal.

The lights of Gili Air twinkle in the distance over the water from the terrace at the resort where meals are served, alongside the adjacent dining room. In the evening, the al fresco dining is accompanied by a canopy of stars and, on some nights, a local musician, dance performance or player of the traditional Balinese rindik bamboo xylophones are around. Requests are actively solicited and while the singing guitarist did not know most of my suggested tunes, he did a creditable job performing the one Bruce Springsteen number in his repertoire.

This central area is the heart of the resort. The restaurant and terrace nestle beside a fan-shaped infinity pool, looking out over the sea. On one side is a discreet bar. There is a small library, stocked with books and DVDs in a variety of languages to while away the hours.

The resort is set in 24 acres, providing a pervasive sense of greenery and spaciousness as well as fresh air. Scattered around the extensive grounds are hammocks strung between trees. The thud of a falling coconut beyond the veranda one morning during my stay meant that I chose my hammock

carefully. I decided not to chance concussion by coconut spoiling a blissfully relaxing weekend.

The beach itself is a fairly thin strip of sand for the most part, but at one point immediately beside the resort it is large enough that beach dining or seaside events are an option. Sitting above it in the early morning, I spied in the middle distance a shifting variety of small craft weaving their way silently along the coast and over to the Gilis.

The Oberoi offers a variety of accommodation options. Some are standalone villas, while others nestle in terraces although the presence of neighbours is not obvious. One benefit of this arrangement is that interconnecting doors can provide access through multiple rooms for families or large groups.

courtyard let the daylight pour in. Beyond the window lay a wide bath sunk into the floor, from which I restfully contemplated the courtyard’s plants, statue, and fishpond. But for me the most restful, though simple, feature was the large wooden terrace that the bedroom and lounge area opened onto. With its recliner, chairs and candlelit ambience, this was a perfect spot to watch the day melt into the nearby sea and enjoy the quietness of the location. I had borrowed James Hilton’s Lost Horizon from the resort library and sat reading this tale of a mystical Asian getaway set amidst natural beauty. It seemed appropriate for these surroundings.

Although the location is an enclave from daily life, it also offers the chance to explore Lombok easily. The restaurant serves local catch daily, Sasak tea and Lombok coffee are provided throughout and a small local village sits a short distance away. For visitors who want to explore further afield, the resort offers trips to Lombok highlights, whether on horsecart to Tanjung village or for a more adventurous trek near Mount Rinjani.

The resort also has nods to the Oberoi group’s Indian heritage. The menu includes an extensive Indian selection alongside local and western dishes. The lamb bhuna I had was one of the most delicious curries I remember. Usually a resident Indian chef helps deliver the authentic flavours of the subcontinent. Complimentary afternoon tea is served in a small pavilion in the main area, while another nod to the Indian heritage is the popular croquet pitch. The distant thwacking sound of mallet on ball in the noonday heat provides an irresistible temptation to try one’s hand.

At the top end, the royal villa includes a private pool, large living room, kitchenette and private pavilion. I was in more modest digs, a terraced pavilion with its own veranda that altogether covered ninety square metres. The interior design, though, was very similar to the plusher rooms. Polished hardwood floors in the main room under a large thatched roof set a relaxing, calm tone while light-coloured walls added to the overall sense of relaxation. The large bed was very comfortable, allowing for the sort of deep, restorative sleep one associates with a trip to a place like Lombok.

The spacious bathroom also exuded a sense of calm. The grey marbling made it less light, but a large window looking onto a private

More athletic sporting tastes are catered for at the tennis court. A spa housed in open air thatched rooms offers Balinese massage, Indian spa treatments and a variety of therapeutic treats in between.

While such amenities make this a good spot for a romantic getaway, the resort also lends itself to family trips. Daily activities are offered to keep children amused, such as wood carving.

But rather than describe the Oberoi Lombok as child friendly, the whole experience might be described as friendly. The resort’s key asset is its helpful and charming staff, many of whom are locals and have worked there for years – some since it opened in the 1990s.

Upon arrival, this friendliness took the physical form of an aromatic frangipani welcoming garland a staff member placed on me. Later, its delicate scent permeated the room even once the petals started to wilt. But the hospitality itself did not wilt at all, with an accommodating, thoughtful but unobtrusive atmosphere consistently characterising the stay.

The Oberoi o ers a variety of accommodation options. Some are standalone villas, while others nestle in terraces although the presence of neighbours is not obvious.

tourists on a Skyride and lands near the beach at the Ciletuh Bay. The view from this vantage point covers the Bay, the far-off hills, the paddy fields and the Cimarinjung’s flow into the sea. The surrounding cliffs look weathered and worn, their faces carved by the elements over thousands of years. From this point, the Bay looks like a narrow strip of sand, where the waves of the sea crash against the shore. The sand is a mix of golden hues and black, with scattered pebbles and shells adding to the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Coastal West Java

BY PRAMOD KANAKATH

From the tip of the Ujung Genteng beach up to the Pelabuhan Ratu Bay in the west, the road winds up and down, tossing the car in a neverending seesaw ride. We see the sea above us and below us. A roller-coaster ride that gives unimaginable landscape views, unmatched by any amusement park entertainment. The rice fields and trees are on our right, complimenting the ocean’s blue with sparkling greenery. Fending off the serpentine ride’s bump on our heads, we savour each and every moment of being surrounded by nature. The asphalt we ride on cuts across one of Indonesia’s five geoparks – the Ciletuh-Pelabuhan Ratu Geopark. This is coastal West Java (and coastal Sukabumi).

Ciletuh-Pelabuhan Ratu Geopark is the newest addition to the geoparks list in Indonesia. Established as a Global Geopark Network by UNESCO in 2018, this park covers more than 1,500 km and presents a diverse range of landscapes, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to rugged mountains and towering waterfalls. Probably the most striking part of this park is the coastline where we drive. The Indian Ocean’s vast expanse offers endless views of the blue sea dotted with fishermen’s boats and bagan (floating fishing huts). Here and there, handfuls of surfers bracket the waters with foamy white rising above and breaking behind them.

Waterfalls are plenty in the park, as is the geographic norm throughout West Java. They compete with each other for the place of the most majestic and the most beautiful in Bogor, Bandung, and no less here in Sukabumi. The Ciletuh waterfall plunges 60 m into a crystal-clear pool. A hike up to the waterfall through the surrounding rainforest allows taking in the lush vegetation and the sounds of exotic birds and monkeys along the way.

We stop by Ciletuh Bay which lies at the heart of the Park. Here is a spot where the beach cannot dominate your sights all the time. Hills on your left, paddy fields on

your back, and the Cimarinjung waterfall further on your right all become bewitching agents of distractions. The distant sight of the waterfall from a beach is not something you can feed your aesthetic senses with everywhere as most waterfalls are covered by nature. But there flows Cimarinjung down to the valley and joins the Bay by cutting a stream across the beach.

The network of waterfalls in the Park is like a cobweb where one is situated not very far from the other but hopping from one to the other can take one to two hours thanks to the complex topography. Roads are not paved well everywhere, adding either to inconvenience or to a sense of adventure. The waterfalls are fed by the many rivers that flow through the geopark, and range in size from small cascades to massive torrents that plummet down from high cliffs.

Leaving behind the freshness of the Bay and the Cimarinjung Waterfall, we drive along the rugged terrain again. At one point where we reach a vantage point, we meet a lady who runs the Bukit Paralayang Ciletuh, a parasailing adventure point that takes keen

Another prominent feature of the Sukabumi landscape is the numerous small islands that dot the coastline. These islands are scattered throughout the sea, some close enough to swim to, others accessible only by boat. The islands are formed by volcanic activity and are a testament to the region's geological history. They are home to a variety of plant and animal species, and visitors can explore their rocky shores and hidden coves.

Down again in our whirring car, we pass fishing villages clinging to the coastline. These villages have been around for centuries and they play a huge role in contributing to the region's rich cultural history. The fishermen who live here still use traditional methods to catch fish, and visitors can watch as they haul in their nets and bring their catch to shore.

Leaving the Ciletuh waters, we slowly get down to the weekend hot spot of Pelabuhan Ratu. Our cultural stop here is a Buddhist Vihara that is perched on a clifftop by the seaside. This is one of the remotest Buddhist temples you will find in Indonesia.

Nam Hai Kwan Se Im Pu Sa Temple was built by Anothai Kamonwathin (“Mama Airin”), an ethnic Thai who acquired Indonesian citizenship. The temple is said to be founded sometime in 2000. The story goes that Mama Airin had a dream that at the location of this temple, 600 years ago (during the reign of the Ming Dynasty in China), this temple existed, but it disappeared due to the passage of time. She took it upon herself to rebuild it. After searching for suitable sites that flashed in her dream – Gunung Batu, Malang, and Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta - Mama Airin finally found the best one in the Sukabumi area.

The temple is distinguished from the other ones in Indonesia for its Thai style of architecture. We are prepared to get to the top. Yes, it is an effort of climbing winding stairs after stairs, probably around 500 of them. At each level, there are statues of the Goddess of Earth and Buddha. The altar on the topmost level features gods and goddesses from different religions, making it a harmonious spot.

One of the most unique things about this temple is the altars of King Siliwangi and Nyi Roro Kidul. The Nyi Roro Kidul altar is specially made in a wooden building that resembles a house. This altar carries a bed and a dressing table, devoted to the ruler of the South Seas. A green colour characteristic of Nyi Roro Kidul pervades the whole area. President Soekarno’s work table also features inside this altar.

COASTAL SUKABUMI

ALTAR AT THE TOPMOST LEVEL

THE WINDING ROAD

THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE PERCHED ON A CLIFF

UJUNG GENTENG BEACH

FISHERMEN NEAR UJUNG GENTENG

CIMARINJUNG WATERFALL

Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

BY STEPHANIE BROOKES | PHOTOS BY KYNAN TEGAR

When I entered Sungai Utik Village, in the heart of West Kalimantan, I felt very excited when I caught my first glance at the longhouse. This long wooden communal dwelling with one roof stretched for 214 metres and houses 293 people. A delegation of young Dayak Iban dancers was anxiously waiting at the front entrance to the village, their glittery headpieces catching the afternoon light. A few nervous giggles followed, and the girls motioned for me to follow them to their very long house.

With a tinkling of anklets and sweet voices serenading me, I was led to the front entrance, where I ascended a long, ancient, ironwood single-log staircase with carved steps. As I entered the longhouse, I was instructed to take some of the creamy, white drink (Ijuk) handed to me and promptly had to spill some on the floor. I was told this was for the ancestors, and the rest was for me to drink during the welcome guest ritual.

The residents of the longhouse sat on the wooden floorboards with beaming, welcoming smiles, and I immediately felt comfortable and warmly welcomed.

Next, the welcoming guest ritual began and was conducted by Bandi, the Dayak Iban village elder. The ceremony cleans the energy that people bring in from the outside, and then I was blessed. The ritual provides safety and protection from the ancestor's spirit. It allows for good energy while a guest stays in the longhouse.

I was mesmerised by Bandi’s tattoo motifs. I could not take my eyes off them, especially the flowers adorning the top of his shoulders and the intricate symbols tattooed on his hands. His back, chest, and neck were also tattooed. Tattooing forms an essential part of the tradition for males, with the motifs on their shoulders symbolising strength and protection.

The ritual continued with a live chicken being raised in the air and Bandi reciting mesmerising chants. Then the dancing started. I watched the girls move with a gentle, calm flow, moving in time to the beat of the music. Next, afternoon tea was served – a delicious array of miniature rice flour pancakes, strong coffee, and that milky drink again. Bandi explained to us that the liquid was tapped every day from the Ijuk tree, after which a piece of bark was added to assist the fermentation process, making it alcoholic. It tasted wonderful and seemed to be only mildly intoxicating. However, I erred on the side of caution and took only small sips.

“You can call me Apay Janggut,” Bandi said. “That means the bearded one,” he said with a chuckle, pulling on his long white beard.

“After you rest, you may go to the river and swim, but be careful because once you swim in our river, you will be captivated and always wish to return to our home, Sungai Utik,” he said with a confident wide smile.

It was very reassuring to learn that my invitation to visit this lovely community had already become an invitation to return, and I had only just arrived! That is the way of the Dayak Iban – hospitality plus.

Next, I was shown to my homestay room. It was surprisingly very modern inside and was more than just a room. The living quarters consisted of a large formal lounge, two guest rooms, a second lounge, a bathroom, an upper level for storage and a western toilet. It also had a TV and a washing machine. Very well-appointed digs. The 28 doors that stretched the length of the longhouse provided a private dwelling for each family with the same room configuration.

Adjoining the kitchen was an outdoor deck – a gathering place for friendly, social “5pm office meetings”, always accompanied by Ijuk

The river became my favourite place over the next three days. In the late afternoon, it became a playground for the village kids who leapt from rocks and clung to vines and played tag, jumping and swinging games. It was the most entertaining and lively scene, mostly without adult supervision.

The beautiful forests surrounding the river and Sungai Utik’s land are now protected. Bandi told me this had involved a legal battle, won with the help of AMAN (Indigenous

People’s Alliance of the Archipelago), who represented and supported Sungai Utik’s case for legal recognition of their forest boundaries.

“I cannot read,” Bandi said, “but I got help from AMAN, and we now have the legal title and protection of our forests. This is very important to us. It means the title to our destiny. The sign at the front of our village displays the details of our legal title for all to see. No one can take it from us now.”

He explained that the battle to protect these lands went back a long way. In 1979, a corporation was licensed to develop the land in Sungai Utiks customary forest. The company tried to harvest wood but was met with resistance from the locals. In 1998, with the help of NGOs, including AMAN, the forests were mapped, and ownership of their land was secured.

Sleeping in the longhouse and living with the Dayak Iban was a cultural awakening for me on many levels. I took an overnight trip into the forest with Bandi, took walks to the rice field daily with the kids, met the farmers, and was invited to sit in their rice house out in the fields and talk about village life.

It was a delight to feel accepted and welcomed into village life and to discover more about the Dayak Iban world and their relationship with the forests. On my forest walks, my village guide pointed out various medicinal plants like the Kedadai leaf, which can be ground into medicine for breastfeeding mothers to improve their milk supply and the Raru bark, which cures stomach aches. In a true community way, care of the forest and the river is taken on by a different family every month. This way, everyone in the village actively bears this responsibility.

The Sungai Utik’s customary forest covers 10,087.4 hectares, and the protected forest is 9,480 hectares. The rest is used to cultivate orchards, crops, a rubber plantation, and swidden fields.

Clearly, a natural balance enables the local people to sustain their entire village through subsistence hunting, growing crops, and gathering food and medicine from the forest. The Iban are foresters and protect their trees, taking only what they need to build or repair a house. No trees can be cut for commercial gain.

My experience of life in a longhouse allowed me to become part of the traditional way of living which is increasingly rare in today's world. Give it a shot by flying to Putussibau, a town in Kapuas Hulu Regency of West Kalimantan. It'll take around 1.5 hours on road to reach Sungai Utik.

Community-Based Tourism: Pesona Borneo

Ibu Tina: +62813 4651 0198

Email: tinacassia89@gmail.com

Top Five Hidden Gems in Indonesia

BY RAZI FARUQI PASHA

With its natural wonders and cultural treasures, many people agree that Indonesia is one of the most visited countries in the world.

Indonesia has never failed to indulge both domestic and international tourists. It will take years to explore all the tourist spots over the archipelago. Natural places such as beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and historical places like fortresses, monuments, and temples are available to choose from. Jakarta and Bali may steal the show; however, numerous hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers.

Indonesia Expat has listed five hidden tourism spots in Indonesia. You better visit these places as soon as possible before it gets crowded!

such as Fort Belgica and Fort Nassau. And a fun fact, Indonesia’s first vice president Mohammad Hatta was exiled to this island. His house in exile still exists today.

BANDA NEIRA, A PIECE OF HEAVEN IN EASTERN INDONESIA

You wouldn’t find this island on Google Maps unless you do a few zoom-ins on it. This remote island is located on Banda Islands, in the south of Seram Island, Maluku. The accessibility to this island is still limited. The easiest way to visit is either to take a ferry or a flight from Ambon. Yet, a flight is not recommended since it can only accommodate a very few people and the schedule is only available on certain days.

Once you arrive at Banda Neira, you will be fascinated by the fresh view of the sea and the land. There are picturesque beaches which will hypnotise you with their underthe-sea panoramas, such as Maloli Beach, Waisamar Beach, and Taliu Beach. If you’re not done, you can still explore more islands around Banda Neira. Enjoy the natural landscape and say hi to the local people as they will welcome you warmly.

Next, get ready to see some historical places on the island. Banda Neira was once colonised by the Dutch company VOC as a trading point for nutmegs from the mid16th and 19th centuries. Therefore, you can see some Dutch-colonial architectures,

RANAU LAKE, THE SECOND LARGEST LAKE IN SUMATRA

Ranau Lake is located on the border of South Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra and West Lampung Regency, Lampung. This lake was created from a large earthquake and volcanic eruption that made a large basin. With its 125 sqm width and 229 m in maximum depth, Ranau Lake is named the second largest lake in Sumatra after Toba Lake.

The main attraction of Ranau Lake is its natural view. Although a lake, the water is clear and blue like seawater. The green hill surrounding this lake will spoil your eyes. This lake has two popular beaches, namely Pantai Bidadari (Angel Beach) and Pantai Pelangi (Rainbow Beach). On the east side of the lake, there is Subik Tuha Waterfall. You can enjoy the swift waterfall and the calm lake water in the same place. Ranau Lake offers you a complete package of natural attractions; the lake, hills, beaches, and waterfall are here for you.

After a long trip, don’t forget to relax your body in a hot spring inside the area, precisely on the slope of Mount Seminung. Enjoy the heat and relieve all the pain. If you plan to stay, you can stay in the resort around the lake bank. With the lake view, your eyes won’t exhaust to look at it all day long.

MAHITAM ISLAND, A HIDDEN HEAVEN ON THE TIP OF SUMATRA

For Sumatran people, Lampung is always the best option for vacation. Hundreds of beaches and small islands exist to entertain. One of the least-known tourist spots in Lampung is Mahitam Island. This island is located in Pesawaran Regency, about 30 km away from Bandar Lampung.

Quite convenient to reach this island, simply head south from Bandar Lampung to Ketapang Dock. You'll pass by several

beautiful beaches along the way, including Mutun Beach, Sari Ringgung Beach, and Klara Beach. Once you arrive at Ketapang Dock, you can take a small boat to get to Mahitam Island, or if you’re lucky, you can go across the island only by foot when the seawater is receding. Yes, a bunch of beach sand will arise forming a long track that goes directly to the island.

Mahitam Island offers you captivating scenery. The beach track between Ketapang and Mahitam is the most favoured photo spot. The island is mostly dominated by coconut trees which gives you a warm and windy nuance. Lots of fun activities can be done here, such as swimming and snorkelling. If you want to extend your stay, you can rent a cottage on the island provided by the island manager.

The deserts of Oetune Beach are frequently compared to those of the Middle East. You can take photos of panoramic white sand wrapped in a beautiful blue sea in the background. The golden time for taking photographs is at sunrise. The sunlight affects the sand's colour from white to golden brown which makes it feels like in the Sahara Desert. Oetune Beach's landscape is also adorned with rows of Lontar Trees.

You can swim, snorkel, or dive in the sea and when you’re bored, you can play football or sandboard in the desert. Tasting the local palm fruit while resting is the best thing to experience. Besides the view, this beach is also a sea turtle conservation area. You can see the sea turtles laying eggs and the hatchlings make their way to the sea.

OETUNE BEACH, WHERE EXOTIC DESERT MEETS A MAGNIFICENT BEACH

Have you ever thought about going to a desert? You might think it’s impossible to see a desert in Indonesia. Well, Oetune Beach awaits. Oetune Beach is a beautiful beach located in Central Timor Regency, Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara. One unique thing about this beach is the wide overlay sand which forms a desert; that is Oetune Sand Dunes. By visiting this spot, you can experience two different attractions in the same place.

CITAMBUR WATERFALL, A GALLANT WATERFALL HIDDEN IN CIANJUR

Citambur Waterfall is a waterfall with a height of approximately 130 m in the southern part of Cianjur Regency, West Java. There are still fewer people that know about this waterfall. Yet, recently, this spot went viral on social media after Abah Jajang, an old man living near the waterfall, refused to sell his house. Who wants to move from a house which faces directly to the Citambur Waterfall view, anyway?

The nature scenery still looks natural with shady trees around the waterfall. The air is very cool because it’s located in the highlands. The water flows swiftly so that it creates a thin vapour around the fall of the water. The natural pool under the waterfall is not too wide and the water immediately flows to form a mini waterfall. Apart from that, there are lots of cute and unique photo spots to capture your beautiful memories at this waterfall.

With its fresh and clean condition and still not much explored by humans, this location is often referred to as Cianjur's hidden heaven. Overall, Citambur Waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Which destination fancies your travel bug?

I Have This Cough…

WHAT IS A COUGH?

A cough is reflex to clear your airways of mucus and irritants like smoke or dust. It is usually not anything serious.

When it's tickly and doesn't produce any phlegm it is called a dry cough. A "chesty cough" produces phlegm to help to clear the airways. Coughs usually clear up within 3 to 4 weeks without treatment. If your cough is not better after 3 to 4 weeks you should see your GP who can investigate the cause.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A COUGH?

Acute coughs

Common causes:

• an infection of the upper airways that affects the throat, windpipe or sinuses

• infection of the lower airways (bronchitis and pneumonia for example)

• an allergy

• a flare-up of a long-term condition like asthma

• inhaled dust or smoke

Chronic coughs (persistent)

• a long-term infection of the airways like chronic bronchitis

• asthma, this usually comes with wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath

• an allergy

• smoking

• postnasal drip – mucus dripping down the throat

• Reflux where the throat becomes irritated stomach acid

• Medication like an ACE inhibitor to treat high blood pressure

In a few cases it can be a sign of something more serious like tuberculosis, lung cancer or even heart failure or a clot in the airways (embolism).

COUGHS IN CHILDREN

More common causes for a cough in children include:

• bronchiolitis – an infection that causes cold-like symptoms

• croup – a barking cough and a harsh sound when the child breathes in

• whooping cough – hacking bouts of coughing

WHEN TO SEE YOUR GP

When your child just has cough with no other symptoms for a few days there is no need to see your GP. This is especially true if they are active and behaving normally. However, you should see your trusted medical practitioner if:

• you've had a cough for more than three weeks

• your cough is severe or getting worse

• you cough up blood or you become short of breath.

• you have other symptoms, such as weight loss, a change in your voice, or swellings in your neck

You might need a Chest X ray (after weeks of coughing) or an allergy test.

HOW TO TREAT?

It is most likely caused by a viral infection so medication is not really necessary for mild, acute coughs. You can look after yourself at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Cough medicines and remedies

Usually medicine that can suppress your cough or reduce your phlegm are not recommended, but some people find them helpful. Cough mixtures for children under 6 years old are also not recommended. Older kids should only use them after a discussion with the GP.

A homemade remedy containing honey and lemon is likely to be just as useful and safer to take. Honey shouldn't be given to babies under the age of one.

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 has 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.

Treating any underlying cause

If your cough was caused by another condition, it should be treated:

• asthma benefits from steroids to reduce inflammation in the airways

• allergies can be treated by anti-histamines or by avoiding the things you're allergic to. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.

• Reflux (acid) can be treated with tablets or liquids that neutralize the stomach acid or reduce the acid production.

• An obstructive airways disease can be treated with inhalers that widen your airways.

• Stop smoking

Talk to your trusted medical practitioner if you have any concerns. You may contact Good Practice Clinic if you have any further questions.

It is important that you identify a clinic you are comfortable with. Good Practice registered patients from 77 countries. Our English speaking team implements international guidelines. We provide highly personalized care. Try us!

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

Unsung

of Indonesia Heroes

BY RICKER WINSOR

The 10th of November is Heroes Day in Indonesia, to remember those who fought and risked everything to get the colonial powers off their backthe Dutch, the Japanese, and the English. Where I live, in Surabaya, many streets are named after these heroes and the “Suraboyos” know those names and what the heroes did. The battle of Surabaya, where the local freedom fighters battled the English, was the bloodiest confrontation. Indonesian citizens fought against the English who had more guns and even tanks. Thousands of these heroes died.

The history is complicated as so many nationalities are involved including the Dutch, the Japanese, and the English. On 17 th August 1945, two days after the surrender of the Japanese in the Pacific, Soekarno and Hatta declared the independence of Indonesia. Indonesia is a young democracy, and the citizens are proud of it and the positive future they are building.

As an expat from a developed country, I never stop noticing people here doing useful jobs for small money or no money at all. To avoid any misunderstanding, I want to mention why I care about these people as it relates to my own experience. Because of the intentional choices I have made to become an artist and a writer, my life has not always been easy. At one point I had an opportunity to buy a hilltop farm at an exceptionally good price. The nearest neighbour lived about two kilometres away. It was and is a beautiful place and suited my need for natural beauty and the peace needed to think, paint, and write. Unfortunately, work opportunities were few. There was, however, a very big YMCA camp about 20 kilometres away and they hired me as a maintenance man. For the next year, I unplugged countless toilets, dug up sewage systems, soldered copper pipes and other things like that. I was happy for the work and unashamed despite my fancy education.

Eventually, I found a more interesting way to make a living in that remote and beautiful place, but the point is that I relate when I see people doing humble jobs with energy and purpose. There is no shame in humble work. On the contrary, there are honour, fame, and glory there.

The most noticeable are the tukang parkirs who help us park everywhere. Without them, life in Surabaya and other cities would be impossible. Risking their lives, they flag the traffic and help us park, and get us in and out of the parking spot without having an accident. If that sounds simple, it is not.

One of my favourite guys is who we call Pak Ogah. He stands in the middle of a four-

way intersection and makes sure nobody smashes into anyone else. He stands there like a statue, an old man, wearing a broadbrimmed hat to protect him from the blazing sun. I know another guy like that, a very small young guy with long dyed red hair who always has a smile as he helps us move into the traffic without danger. Drivers give money to these people, small money.

When I take my morning walk, I always see the garbage man pulling a large wire

basket behind his motorcycle and throwing the garbage from the neighbourhood houses into it. Sometimes the garbage spills and hits the street. He picks it up. Sometimes I wave at him. We are about the same age, and sometimes he waves back but not always. He does not need that. He totally accepts his life and his responsibility.

These people are the real heroes to me, people who work, do their chosen job, don’t complain, and show up.

Streets in the neighbourhoods have gutters, channels at the side of the road. They are about a foot and a half wide and three feet deep. They collect all manner of water, dirt and lots of nasty stuff that comes from the “grey water” of houses, plus everything else that gets pushed or washed into them from the street. Periodically they must be cleaned out because if they don’t flow there will be floods in the rainy season. That is serious here.

Yesterday, I watched a man up to his waist in that dirt, scooping buckets of “it” and putting “it” into heavy plastic grain bags to be carted off. The city government manages to recycle it into “night soil” for gardening purposes. I have seen it used in the flower beds that separate the main thoroughfares here. The man doing that hard work is a hero to me.

Last night there was a deluge of rain falling as it can only fall in the tropics, so hard you can barely see. No way could these men get even small money in that situation. Still, they were there, almost invisible in the pounding rain, helping the cars make their turns, preventing stress and accidents.

We walk in the morning in our very pleasant housing area. We see birds such as the Javanese Pond Heron and The White Breasted Water Hen. It is a pleasure. My wife and I walk together, and I scatter some seed for birds, and she feeds the numerous stray cats who run out to greet her.

At one turning point on our walk, we noticed an old man, old but still strong. He was sweeping the street on the corner. Another time we saw that he was planting some vegetable plants on the edge of undeveloped land near that corner. We mentioned to him that we liked what he was doing. He told us that he had been part of the security team (satpam) for our neighbourhood for many years. But they fired him when he got too old, so he was jobless. Yes, jobless but still strong, proud, and straight, a very honourable old man. People like that are my favourite people, they continue to do their best no matter what.

Others also deserve praise. I taught at a school here for several years and one of my former colleagues has, for eighteen years, made the commute to school two hours each way, from Sidoarjo to Pakuwon City, Surabaya. That is our hours a day on a motorcycle to get to school, teach classes, and go home. For me, that is truly fame, honour, and glory. Blessings all around.

These people are the real heroes to me, people who work, do their chosen job, don’t complain, and show up.

Market Entry and Expansion Strategies in Indonesia

BY NADHIFAH AGUSALIM, SEVEN STONES INDONESIA

TIPS FOR BUILDING A STRONG LOCAL NETWORK IN INDONESIA

Building a strong local network is critical for success in the Indonesian market. Some of our tips for building a robust local network in Indonesia are:

• Attend industry events and conferences

• Join local business associations and chambers of commerce

• Work with reliable partners and suppliers

• Hire local staff with knowledge of the market and with language skills

• Establish a strong online presence through social media and digital marketing

It is also essential to build relationships based on trust and mutual respect. In Indonesia, personal relationships and networks are crucial for business success.

CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS WHEN ENTERING AND EXPANDING INTO THE INDONESIAN MARKET

Entering and expanding into the Indonesian market comes with its unique set of challenges. Some of the common challenges that foreign businesses may face include:

• Complex regulatory environment

As the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia is a prime market for foreign businesses. Its economy has been growing consistently over the past decade, with a GDP of USD 1.1 trillion in 2020, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Economic Outlook Database – October 2021 edition. Furthermore, McKinsey & Company note that the country’s middle class is expected to triple by 2030, reaching 19 percent of the total population, which provides a significant opportunity for businesses.

The country’s favourable demographics, abundant natural resources and strategic location make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses. The Indonesian government has also introduced several measures to encourage foreign investment, such as tax incentives, simplified businesslicensing processes, and relaxed restrictions on foreign ownership.

DIFFERENT MARKET ENTRY STRATEGIES FOR EACH SECTOR

Entering the Indonesian market requires a well-planned and executed strategy. Different sectors have unique characteristics and challenges that must be taken into account when developing an entry plan. Some of the common market entry strategies for foreign businesses in Indonesia are:

1. Joint Venture: A joint venture involves partnering with a local business to establish a new entity. This approach allows foreign businesses to leverage the local partner’s knowledge of the market and regulatory environment.

2. Wholly Owned Subsidiary: A wholly owned subsidiary involves establishing a new entity that is 100 percent owned by the foreign business. This approach provides complete control over the business operations but requires a significant

investment in terms of time and resources. This can be in the form of foreign-owned limited liability companies or a Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing (PT PMA).

3. Licensing and Franchising: Licensing and franchising involves allowing local businesses to use foreign brands, products, or technology in exchange for a fee or royalty. This approach can be less risky than establishing a wholly owned subsidiary, but it also provides less control over the operations.

4. Exporting: Exporting involves selling goods or services to Indonesian customers from abroad. This approach can be beneficial for small businesses with limited resources or those testing the market before making a significant investment.

MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS IN INDONESIA

Market research and analysis are crucial for identifying the most promising sectors and target audiences in Indonesia. By understanding the market dynamics, foreign businesses can tailor their marketing and sales strategies to meet local needs and preferences.

Some of the essential factors to consider when conducting market research and analysis in Indonesia are:

• Consumer behaviour and preferences

• Competitive landscapes

• Regulatory environments

• Cultural and social factors

• Economic indicators

It is essential to work with experienced market research firms with a deep understanding of the Indonesian market. These firms can provide valuable insights and data-driven recommendations for businesses looking to enter the Indonesian market.

• Limited infrastructure in certain areas

• Cultural and language barriers

• Corruption and bureaucracy

To overcome these challenges, businesses should work with experienced local partners who can help navigate the regulatory environment and provide valuable insights into the market. It is also essential to invest in localising products, services, and marketing strategies to meet local needs and preferences.

Despite the challenges, entering and expanding in the Indonesian market can be highly rewarding for foreign businesses. By conducting market research and analysis, building a strong local network and utilizing the appropriate market entry strategies, foreign businesses can tap into Indonesia’s potential and gain a competitive edge.

START YOUR JOURNEY RIGHT WITH SEVEN STONES INDONESIA!

At Seven Stones Indonesia, we specialise in providing market research and analysis services to help foreign businesses identify and evaluate the most promising sectors and target audiences in Indonesia. Our experienced team use a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, to provide our clients with comprehensive insights and recommendations.

If you’re interested in entering or expanding in the Indonesian market, contact Seven Stones Indonesia today at hello@ sevenstonesindonesia.com to learn how we can help you achieve success. Our team will work with you every step of the way, from initial market research to developing a customised market entry strategy, to ensure your success in Indonesia.

TANJUNG PRIOK, NORTH JAKARTA (IMAGE BY TOM FISK ON PEXELS)

Indonesia’s favourable demographics, abundant natural resources and strategic location make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses.

The Apurva Kempinski Bali Presents: Gallery of Art Volume II

The “Gallery of Art” returned to The Apurva Kempinski Bali on 1st April 2023, which was celebrated through an art and dance performance at its majestic Pendopo Lobby.

Seeking to appreciate the talented artists of Indonesia, the gallery featured a captivating collaboration between the Indonesia-based intuitive photographer Stephane Sensey and the highly-acclaimed Indonesian traditional dance maestro Didik Nini Thowok. Guests were invited to witness a mesmerising dance, “Tari Dwimuka Jawa-Bali”, and extraordinary photographs of Indonesia. Sensey’s portrait collections will be displayed until the end of June 2023.

“The collaboration between Stephane Sensey and Didik Nini Thowok through this ‘Gallery of Art’ programme is a remarkable example

of cross-cultural artistic exchange. This programme offers a sneak peek into our 2023 ‘Powerful Indonesia’ campaign, in which we

Utmost Relaxation at Pullman Spa

Pullman Spa exclusively offers ultimate wellness experiences with natural organic and modern healing methods such as facials, manicures and pedicures, relaxing massages, healthy scrubs, and hair spas. The Spa also offers a Spa Ritual for couples and special treatment options for kids. The signature treatment is the 90-minute Pullman Ciawi Signature Massage priced at Rp550,000 ++ per person. This soft and energising massage alleviates stress through a variety of techniques using Eucalyptus Oil to boost circulation, improve energy flow, and release tight muscles.

The five spa treatment rooms are fully equipped with a massage bed, shower and balcony overlooking the natural outdoor garden, bringing in a refreshing breeze of Ciawi. Two special rooms with two massage beds are also available for couples who seek to revitalise their souls together. Furthermore, the In-Room Treatment and In-Room Bath Service allow guests to experience the same treatments offered at Pullman Spa to also be available in the comfort of the rooms and villas. Aromatic bath set ups for children and adults such as the Milk Bath, Blissful Bath, Slumber Time and Ocean Bath start from Rp200,000 ++ per set up.

Reserve your treatment by calling +62 (251) 830 6888 or email your inquiries to H9061-RE@accor.com. For maximum experience, spend the rest of your time at the resort by booking your stay from pullmanciawi-vimalahills.com.

put more emphasis on the wonderful talent and culture of Indonesia,” said the General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Vincent Guironnet.

The Pendopo Lobby has been home to the resort’s unique “Gallery of Art” programme since 1st December 2022, which features carefully selected works of art by local and international artists every three months. As part of the “Powerful Indonesia” campaign, this programme aims to promote Indonesia's rich and diverse culture.

“I feel very honoured and grateful to be part of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s ‘Powerful Indonesia’ campaign. I believe that art has the power to inspire, heal and transform, and the culture of Indonesia is truly remarkable,” commented Sensey.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Bali Released Baby Turtles

The hotel also takes the opportunity to educate its guests on the life cycle of these endangered marine creatures and their role in preserving them. The turtle release event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both guests and staff, who gathered on the resort’s beach. The emotions were palpable, and Pierrick Gautier, General Manager at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa invited some guests as well as I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, the General Manager of The Nusa Dua, to participate in this meaningful conservation activity.

The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa released 95 baby turtles from their hatchery into the ocean on 24th April 2023. The hotel and its staff take their role in protecting the sea turtles seriously, starting with carefully relocating the turtle eggs after they were laid to ensure natural incubation. Once the baby turtles hatch in a secured location, they were safely released back into their natural environment.

Since 2013, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa has released more than 2,600 baby turtles into their natural habitat on the shores of Nusa Dua. By continuing these conservation efforts, the hotel hopes to inspire others to join them in protecting the world’s marine life for generations to come.

Visit www.nusaduahotel.com for more details.

Gaurav Saxena, the New General Manager of Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection

A five-star distinctive independent collection hotel by Marriott International, Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection has appointed Gaurav Saxena as the new General Manager.

Prior to his appointment in Jakarta, Saxena was the Director of Food and Beverage at Hyatt Regency Dushanbe, Tajikistan. He joined Marriott International Inc. in 2014 as Director of Food and Beverage for JW Marriott Surabaya.

His dedication to enhancing the guest experience and hotel revenue led to his promotion to General Manager. He now oversees 430 elegant guest rooms, three bespoke restaurants,

a lounge, a pool bar, a deli and café, an outdoor swimming pool closely connected to its surroundings, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

“I am honoured to join the excellent team of Sari Pacific Jakarta, Autograph Collection. I look forward to building on the hotel’s reputation and continuing to provide excellent hospitality and experiences to our guests as we enter a new era in the hotel’s long history,” said Saxena.

Visit www.saripacificjakarta.com for more details.

Expat Advertiser

JAKARTA

Automotives

Honda Scoopy 2022 Eco. Bought in July 2022 brand new. Excellent gas efficiency, I only fill it up once every 3-4 weeks. Keyless. Price 17 million. Pick up available June 9. Contact: Alba at acastaneda@jisedu. or.id

Private piano lesson by Patricia Marissa. Online/home private within South Jakarta. Free trial. WA:+6287885728595

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Send your classifieds to: info@indonesiaexpat.biz

Next Deadline: May 30, 2023

recommend our wonderful nanny. Ibu Fatiha has made life so much easier for us. For any questions, you can contact me through my Whatsapp number +34660733673 or my email carla.ferrer.gallo@gmail.com

I am looking for a driver for my family. Location Jakarta Selatan. Working from Monday to Saturday. Please contact me via WA: +6281119027369.

Classical piano teacher and English & French fluent speaker with more than 15 years of piano teaching experiences using ABRSM. Possible to support IGCSE & IB Music.Visiting area: Kebayoran Baru & Cipete only. Contact: Winta +628119992585. Email: rinipianojkt@gmail.com

Apartment name: Puri Garden (Jakarta Barat). Size: 136 sqm, Bedroom: 4, Bathroom: 3, Condition: Fully furnished, Price:Rp85,000,000 per year (negotiable). Heater, microwave, washing machine, air conditioner 5 units and refrigerator, PAM & electricity fully installed, Close to the hospital & shopping mall,16 minutes to the airport. Contact person: Mrs Julia Susento –+6281287837370 (WA)

Need a live-in maid/nanny at central Jarkata. One 6-yearold girl. Apartment around citywalk. Please WA me at +628111680114. (Theresa)

English Language teacher required for International School in Semarang, Indonesia. Must have experience of Cambridge Curriculum up to IGCSE level. Start July 2023. Please send CVs to career@ binabangsaschool.com

Beacon Academy, Jakarta is looking to recruit the following teachers for the academic year 2023 - 24. Junior school : Homeroom teacher (Early Years), Art teacher, Trained SEN teacher.Indonesian teachers with experience in the international curriculum may send their resumes to careers@ beaconacademy.net

Available Jobs Services

Your annual report, company profile or other global-oriented corporate publication should contain perfect business English, to be effective and impressive. A long-term

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Comprehensive health insurance: (1) Optional addons for outpatient, dental, maternity; (2) Direct billing for inpatient and post-inpatient care, accident emergency care, dialysis, etc. according to plan;

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Casagrande Residence. Jl. Raya Casablanca, Tebet, South Jakarta. Size 76sqm, Type 2BR, Balcony + city view. Rent charge

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Young Chang piano – recent complete overhaul Collection from Bintaro Sektor 2. Call: +62 818 0771 2660 (WhatsApp)

EXPERIENCED NANNY OR HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE

I am posting this message to help amazing women whose employers left the country not long ago, they are actively looking for work. If you are looking for the perfect housekeeper, cook and/ or nanny, Ibu Yati and Ibu Tumilah are the women for you. You can contact them directly: Ibu Yati: +6285714133084 Ibu Tumilah: +6281310742206.

Serviced Office Virtual Office Meeting Facilities • Company Incorporation

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NOW. Ibu Ani is our former energetic live-out nanny who is very experienced with Expat families and is a jack-of-all trades in the house. She cared for our two children when they were ages 4 and 1 years old during weekdays and often babysat on weekends. Additionally, she has housekeeping experience and does dishes, laundry, sowing, and tidying up around the house. You can contact Ibu Ani directly at +6287780975990. For more information please contact: juliana.bah7@gmail. com

DRIVER recommendation.

A total of 6.7HA with views over the south sea and Pel. Ratu. Road access. Ideal for building a hotel or villa(s). A private road has been constructed to the top of the hill, from where you have 360 degrees views. All certificates are complete (Hak Milik). PRICE: Rp290,000/m2 contact: qiroto37@gmail.com or WA +6281510006287

Kemang house for rent: recently renovated home of 670m 2 , strategically located in the Kemang area

Pak Pras (43), our friendly and reliable driver Pak Pras has been working with us for just a couple of months and is available for work as we are moving back to the Netherlands. Pak Pras is a good and safe driver. He knows his way around Jakarta well. He is always on time and makes sure the car is in good condition. You can contact him directly on Whatsapp: +6287888546825.

Wonderful Live-Out nanny with good English and who loves dogs available in midAugust. In August, we will leave Jakarta, and we would like to

Brand new Villa available to rent (long term preferred) as of mid May. Padonan, near Amore Patisserie. Residential: 7 min from Perrenan beach. Construction finished in Dec 2022. Details: 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms en suit (1 even with a bath), 6x3 swimming pool, vertical garden to keep you cool in our jungle garden, 2 balcony of which one has a rice fields view, sunset view (not always guaranteed), private car parking, fully equipped kitchen, laundry machine, separate staff room. Financials: Rp45 million per month or Rp500 million per year. Excl. utilities & cleaning. Viewing date : Sat 13 th May. PM for more details ; contact +31632068128 to confirm viewing. Location: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Kota Denpasar, Pulau Bali 80361. Available from 28 April until 10 May (12 days only).

The price is Rp10 million. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, private kitchen, private pool. Including: pool cleaning, change linen, wifi. Excluding: electricity. +6285333516493

BRAND NEW 3bdr VILLA IN BEARAWA AVAILABLE FOR YEARLY RENTAL.

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