Untitled-1 1
5/5/15 7:04 AM
!"#$$%&'() RUNI INDRANI + DEISHA TAMAR *+,$,-"./+%0'()'DAVID BURDEN 1$+%"'#2.-%34'IAS PORTRAIT BY STEPHAN KOTAS; PORTRAITS OF WILL, KYLE, SID, GUS RAI, AND GOVINDA ARE COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE OWNERS
36
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 36
May 2015
4/29/15 7:06 AM
PATRICK DAVID RAMON chef/connector By day, Patrick works in the kitchen of The Stones Hotel Legian as junior sous chef. Outside of that, when not spending time with his expectant wife, he goes about connecting experts with the community by providing a place, called Rumah Sanur (Jl. Danau Poso no. 51A, Sanur, T: +62 361 282 477), where ideas can be shared and possibilities explored. Partnering with, among others, Arief “Ayip” Budiman from the Kopi Kultur, Patrick explains that Rumah Sanur is a creative hub where great ideas are shared with a view to improving the lives of the community. “The whole point of Rumah Sanur is to connect people, share ideas, see which ideas can be developed, and, of course, to educate,” he says. “We have a regular gathering called ‘Kumpul’. The other day we brought in local farmers, experts and consumers, to figure out ways of improving the lives of the farmers.” He adds, “Another example is our plan to invite along young baristas, related experts and coffee farmers. This would mean the baristas learning to appreciate the whole process from the farm to the cup.” Patrick also brings in his culinary skills to the Rumah Sanur project. The 32-year-old is in charge of the food menu at the facility. “I want the place to offer
good quality food – the right-way food, if you will – but which is still affordable to everyone.” In the future Patrick wants to use his connections to bring in prominent chefs from five-star establishments all over Bali, who can then share their knowledge with the younger generation.
“It’s such a pity that we have vast opportunities in the hospitality industry in Bali, but not enough relevant skills among the local people. We must encourage the local youth. I want them to understand the importance of consistency and commitment to what they do.”
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 37
37
4/29/15 7:06 AM
islandlife
BAYU AMUS food blogger Perhaps one of the first food bloggers in Bali, Bayu started Epicurina back in 2002 when it was still a mailing list. The term Epicurina derives from the words epicurean and Indonesia. His mission is to promote Indonesian food to an international audience. “We need to show the world our wonderful food heritage, and I believe I can make a positive contribution through blogging, in English, about it. The project gained momentum when I moved to Bali and found so much promising food both on the street and at the fine dining level,” he says. He admits that it can be challenging to regularly update
38
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 38
postings while doing his day job and also taking care of his family – although he manages it anyway. Sometimes you can spot him bringing along his lovely wife and son when he’s on a blogging task. “At the moment I am joining some food-blogger friends and foodies to create an event called Mekulicious. It will be a vessel to better inform the world about the food in Bali. We are also planning seminars, and a possible collaboration with the nation’s best minds regarding food and tourism,” says Bayu. Stay updated with all the good food on the island by following his Instagram account @epicurina and website epicurina.com.
GOVINDA RUMI photographer This 24-year-old photographer started his photography company, Terralogical, in 2010 when he was still in his last year at university. He first partnered with his friend Bonjo. “We had no idea what we were starting. We had to learn from scratch how to be professionals. We began by photographing our friends and weddings for free to build up our portfolio. We managed to expand our team and are now photographing at least 100 couples every year. But we are always looking for talented photographers to join us,” says Govinda. Terralogical is currently one of the most sought after wedding photo services in Bali, thanks to its natural, creative and photo-journalistic approach. The young team of photographers also invests a lot of time in digital marketing and personal branding through Instagram. The small company has successfully gained over 8,000 followers on that platform alone. “I want our images to be mementos, or rather bookmarks in people’s lives, so they can look back at fond memories. Being a photographer means being a part of someone’s history. That is a mission I hold onto dearly,” explains Govinda. Get in touch with the Terralogical team via terralogical. com or their Instagram account: @terralogical.
May 2015
4/29/15 7:06 AM
POPO DANES architect This creative Balinese man has been contributing to the island through buildings and houses. Coming from a family of architects and builders, it’s no wonder that Popo Danes is brilliant at what he does. “The decision to be an architect was made when I was seven years old. I am proud of Balinese architecture. It is in line with the natural beauty of the island. There are so many elements that need to be incorporated to create the right formula. The architecture has to represent the cultural identity of our unique island, and it needs to be appreciated by the local Balinese, not just by tourists or the media,” says Popo. Some of the big projects handled by Popo Danes include Hanging Gardens Ubud, Fontana Hotel, L Hotel Seminyak, as well as various projects abroad, such as Sheraton Visakhapatnam, India, and Whitcraft Residence and Resort, Thailand. “The challenge for an architect in Bali is how to be a good representative of the island by promoting the culture, preserving the environment, and also providing some benefit to the local community,” explains Popo. Besides contributing by way of architecture, he has also established a space for the local creative community, located in Denpasar. “We like to promote all kinds of creative work, especially that by the younger generation. The Veranda hosts various activities including art exhibitions, performing art workshops, literature discussions, and plenty else. Bali has got so much potential in this area, which is why through Danes Art Veranda (Jl. Hayam Wuruk no. 159, Denpasar, T: +62 361 242 659, popodanes. com) we support local artists. Think of it as our non-profit activity, and also as a great way for me to maintain good synergy with other creative minds,” he adds.
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 39
39
4/29/15 7:06 AM
islandlife
MELATI AND ISABEL WIJSEN anti-plastic initiators Sisters Melati and Isabel were only 11 and ten when they came up with the Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) initiative, influenced by the great people they had learned about in class – Lady Diana, Mahatma Gandhi and more. “After doing research on garbage in Bali we realised it was a huge problem.” What started out as a tiny movement on social media with only two ‘likes’ – from their parents – attracted 6,000 supporters overnight. They also gained team members from schools all over the island, aged from ten to 16 years old. Melati and Isabel explain that BBPB has a multilayer approach. First is the educational presentation that they do at
40
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 40
schools, through which they have spoken to about 4,000 local and international students to date. Second is the online and offline petition aimed at urging the governor to ban plastic bags in Bali. Last year the girls met the governor and got him to sign an MOU in support of BBPB and to help get people in Bali on board with the idea. Third is general awareness – the girls run booths at markets, wear BBPB t-shirts to events, collect signatures, participate in beach cleanups, and more. “Last but not least is our pilot village. It provides a test run of what we’re hoping to do slowly throughout Bali,” Melati says. “We take one local village – for now it’s Pererenan – with 800 families in it. We go in every week to give the shops and warungs alternative bags.” The goal is to have people saying no to plastic bags and bringing their own bags to shops by 2016. Also on the agenda are writing letters to all the big stores to raise awareness, and creating an educational kit. “Hopefully we can get support from the government.” It’s amazing to think that such young people can come up with this initiative. “With BBPB we’ve learned many skills, and one of those that we find most important is commitment,” Melati says. “Sticking with it when it gets tough. But we get a lot of support from family and friends.”
LINDA BULLER animal activist BARC stands for Bali (Dog) Adoption and Rehabilitation Centre. The organisation was founded by Linda Buller, a big-hearted woman who was driven to make a sanctuary for dogs that are mistreated and suffer from neglect. “It began in 1986 when I saw a dog wandering the streets in Bali with half of its skull missing. It had been hit by a car, and no one was giving it a second look. I had the idea for the BARC refuge. It was to be a rehabilitation and adoption centre for the suffering dogs of Bali, and it took me another 12 years to get back to the island to do it. I returned in 1997 and began picking up pups that were the worst cases. I did this for five years, taking them to my humble abode. I couldn’t just turn a blind eye like thousands of others do,” explains Linda. Being a painter and acupuncturist, she first financed BARC with funds from her own pocket. Now the rehabilitation centre has been successfully running for almost ten years, and is supported by generous donations and fund-raising. BARC has cared for around 300 dogs through sterilisation, vaccination, and putting them up for adoption. Linda welcomes anyone who wants to donate or volunteer at the centre. You can visit balidogrefuge.com for more information.
May 2015
4/29/15 7:07 AM
IKLA
islandlife
RIZAL & RASENDRIYA one-man band At a glance, Rizal looks like your usual guitarplaying crooner. But get a good look at his Rasendriya and you’ll do a double-take. The Rasendriya – the word is Sanskrit for the extension of your senses – is a musical instrument created by Rizal himself that combines guitar, percussion, and didgeridoo. Rizal spent his youth in his hometown of Majalengka, West Java, getting involved in communities like Konser Kampung, which introduced him to the concept of combining popular and traditional music. Also, Jatiwangi Art Factory gave him the idea of making DIY musical instruments. This relaxed guy had always known that he wanted to be a musician, but it wasn’t always easy for him. He once did a music tour in Java, Bali and Lombok for three months without a penny in his pocket, without even a guitar. He played door-to-door, borrowing guitars as he went. On his journey, Rizal learned to play many different instruments and met many like-minded people; and that has shaped him into the man he is now. In 2009 Rizal tried his luck in Jakarta, which turned out to be pretty successful – enabling him to launch his first album produced by famed musician Ras Muhammad, to collaborate with Indonesian legends like Edo Kondologit, Dik Doang, and the late Franky Sahilatua, and to play a concert in Mentawai with Indonesia’s biggest musician/activist Iwan Fals. The Rasendriya was conceived when Rizal was inspired by his Australian idol Xavier Rudd to play guitar and didgeridoo, but discovered that it was impractical to travel around with both instruments. “For me music is a way to convey a positive message,” muses Rizal. With the Rasendriya, Rizal wants people to be encouraged to not always buy, but instead to make their own instruments. “As an independent musician, I write, record, and mix my own songs; I make my own album covers. That’s the process that makes me love music even more – by getting to know it firsthand.”
42
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 42
SUPERMAN IS DEAD superband This punk rock band has been around for almost 20 years and is a legend on the Indonesian music scene. The laid-back group was formed in 1995 in what they refer to as Kuta Rock City. Comprising Bobby Kool, lead vocal and guitar; Eka Rock, bass and backing vocal; and Jrx (Jerinx) on drums – SID has become a huge cult with loyal followers everywhere they go. It’s no big surprise that these punk rock kids are also activists trying to save their beloved island home through the Tolak Reklamasi campaign, which aims to stop the Teluk Benoa reclamation scheme, in what is supposed to be a conservation area. “Although it’s been going for two years now, our campaign is stronger than ever. We know that some people have started to lose interest and are weary of the fight, but we encourage everyone to keep the struggle alive so we can win this together. Bali is our home. Once it’s destroyed, we will lose our culture forever,” say the band members. It might be a long and tiring process, but SID is confident that the government will eventually listen to the people’s voices. But even if they don’t, they believe that it’s the legacy that counts. This will inspire the next generation to protect their home and Mother Nature.
May 2015
4/29/15 7:07 AM
IBU MURNI entrepreneur Ibu Murni is a living legend in Bali. She started Murni’s Warung in Ubud, long before the island was overcrowded with tourists and taken over by commercialism. Murni’s Warung started in 1974 with humble beginnings. Ibu Murni admits that at the time she had no business plan, no mission statement, and no knowledge of Western food – all she served were bowls of soup and sandwiches. Little did she know back then that her little warung would grow into an empire. Her brand has now expanded to include hotels, known as Murni’s Houses, a shop called Murni’s Warung Shop, and even a spa with the name Tamarind Spa. She has also published several books including “Secrets of Bali, Fresh Light on The Morning of the World” and “Murni’s Very Personal Guide to Ubud”. Despite her age, Ibu Murni still looks radiant and beautiful, and shows no signs of stopping. She is planning to go in a hot air balloon at sunrise over the two-thousand temples at Bagan, Myanmar, in addition to creating a museum devoted to Balinese antiques, textiles and other ethnic pieces.
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 43
43
4/29/15 7:07 AM
islandlife
TOSHI NAKAMURA & EWA WOJKOWSKA kopernik creators Husband and wife Toshi Nakamura and Ewa Wojkowska are the brains behind Kopernik, a Bali-based organisation that focuses on distributing technology as a means of reducing poverty. Established in 2010, Kopernik is based in Ubud and has extensive programmes, with over 136 projects funded, and 43,587 technologies distributed to 237,186 people across 21 countries and growing. In Bali, the organisation distributes Navaza water filters to primary schools in the Payangan area as a way of providing clean and safe drinking water. Both Toshi and Ewa spent years as United Nations workers, with placement in places such as Timor-Leste, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and Thailand. Ewa also started the United Nations Development Programme’s access to justice initiative in Indonesia. To find out more about their programmes, and how to become volunteers or donors, check out kopernik.info.
44
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 44
May 2015
4/29/15 7:07 AM
IDA BAGUS RAI BUDIARSA wine patron
IMELDA WIDJAJA creative crew Many long-timers on the island know Mel as the designer of Jewel Rocks – a brand that boasts jewellery incorporating colourful threads and unique charms. More than that, Mel is one of the co-founders of Flux Lifeground, a youth creativity centre with its Artcademy programme, consisting of Star Factory (dance and performing art), Cookville (food art), Soundscape (music), and Artstronaut (visual art). The Artcademy programme is currently open for 20 kids from 12 to 19 years of age. Each group runs for two years. “Kids at those ages sometimes have problems that go beyond the merely financial; some come from difficult families, some don’t have parents, some find it hard to learn because of autism and ADD. Kids in general have many growing pains,” Mel explains. “Flux was born from this question: if you’re a kid and you’re in trouble, where can you run to? With Flux they can focus on creative stuff, and take their minds off negative things.” “We want to restore the hopes and dreams of the young generation through creativity,” Mel continues. Although the Artcademy
programme is free of charge, Mel emphasises that they are not a charity. “We don’t want the kids to feel like they’re being pitied. This is a normal business, but instead of operating to be profit-based, we’re purpose-based.” Lifeground itself is a cool space with wicked murals and sophisticated facilities. “We don’t have to have an ugly building!” Mel laughs. “I want the kids to feel cool while learning in a cool place. I also want the teachers (volunteers and experts from the related fields) to feel cool teaching!” While the Artcademy is its main programme, Flux is also developing other programmes that will reach kids outside of Bali. “We did a few workshops in Sumba, then we had the Anak Pintar Club for Lombok. We want to do more things for East Indonesian kids.” Mel informs us that they’re brewing the idea of Flux 2.0 for next year, which will be open to the public too. You can check out the website fluxlifeground.org to donate or volunteer. Even better come to the cool space on Jalan Raya Kerobokan 88.
The genius behind Hatten Wines, known simply as Gus Rai, started his company back in 1994. He has turned his family brem (Balinese fermented beverage) business into a wine empire that is now known internationally. Gus Rai overcame many challenges when he started the business and successfully became the first company to sell Bali wine. Today Hatten Wines is still investing in its vineyard research and development programme, owing to the difficulty growing quality local grapes in Balinese soil. He has also managed to make Hatten Wines one of the members of the Asian Wine Producers Association (AWPA), an association promoting Asian wine to the world. With all this success, Gus Rai remarks that his greatest satisfaction is simply seeing people enjoying their meal over a glass of Hatten Wine.
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 45
45
4/29/15 7:07 AM
islandlife
NI KOMANG AYU SURIANI opportunity organiser WILL MEYRICK travelling restaurateur Will is a Scotsman who spent a long time in Australia before making Indonesia his home, but he is without a doubt an ace when it comes to Asian food and culture – probably even more so than most Asians. With famed restaurants like Mama San and Sarong in Bali and more in other cities, plus TV shows, Will is definitely not slowing down. “I like to go where I can find the most interesting food. The whole point of cooking for me is to learn the culture,” Will says. “Indonesia is pretty much untouched when it comes to culinary exploration. Many people out there haven’t tasted the food. The countless local dishes and the influences that come from Indian, Arab, and Chinese cultures make this country the perfect place for me to learn and discover more.” When asked about his goal, Will simply answers, “I want to travel more to promote Indonesian cuisine and culture internationally.”
46
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 46
As a project coordinator for DNetwork, Suri explains that the company has a similar concept to Jobstreet – a world-renowned online job portal – but with a slight difference. DNetwork aims to connect people with disabilities to job vacancies. “There have been numerous organisations in Indonesia that train people with disabilities, but there wasn’t any that systematically connected them to the opportunities,” says Suri. “We want to show that people with disabilities can work just like those without, and probably even better because they tend to be more loyal to their jobs.” Suri explains that since 1997, Indonesia has had a regulation that enforces companies with at least 100 employees to set aside one per cent of their workforce for people with disabilities – but of course, many people aren’t aware of this rule. DNetwork isn’t just posting resumés and vacancies; it assists both applicants and business owners in many ways. For example, when a deaf applicant is offered a job interview, DNetwork helps the two parties to communicate. “We want to let the business owners know that it’s not that hard. Slowly that awareness should spread. But it’s not easy. Social changes take time.” So far DNetwork has been participating in job fairs, and also human resource conferences with the Business Export Development Organization and Bali Hotel Association, among others. They also get in touch with big companies, such as BNI and Carrefour, that are looking for people with disabilities that meet certain requirements. “We also encourage these business owners to interview people with disabilities in the same way they would everyone else. If they’re not qualified for the position then that’s okay too.”
May 2015
4/29/15 7:08 AM
KYLE PARSONS soul of indosole Although Kyle lives a world away in San Francisco, we just had to get in touch with him and talk about Indosole – a company that makes “soles with soul”. The brand consists of versatile casual footwear made right here in Bali. Even better it helps the island’s environment, one pair at a time. “We take discarded tyres from landfills and transform them – without using fuel-powered machines or off-gassing – into the soles of fashionable footwear,” Kyle says via email. “These tyres have seen miles and miles of open road, but we’re able to extend their journey by sticking them to the bottom of your feet.” Kyle got the idea a long time ago. “It was actually a clunky pair of sandals with tyre soles that I found in Bali years ago that inspired me to start Indosole. We aren’t the first to do this, but we’ve worked very hard to continually improve our sandals and shoes so that they’re light, comfortable, and attractive. No clunky footwear to be seen here!”
Aside from repurposing a pile of unused tyres in Bali, Indosole also makes other efforts to keep the environment clean. The company has supported Ocean Beach Clean Up in San Francisco for Earth Day 2015, and has been supporting Project Clean Uluwatu by making a collaborative hat – buy it and you’ll be supporting the great Bali project. “We’ve prevented over 28,000 tyres from clogging up landfills in Indonesia, and we hope to one day reach one million. We want to encourage people to think outside the box and be open to adopting new ways of doing things that are less harmful to our environment,” Kyle elaborates. “Ultimately, we hope that people will ‘vote with their dollars’ so that repurposing or upcycling becomes an attractive option – a necessity, even – for successful companies around the globe.”
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 47
47
4/29/15 7:08 AM
islandlife OLIVIER POUILLON environmental activist Waste is a global issue and one of the most talked about problems in Bali. Enter Olivier Pouillon, an American who has lived on the island for over 20 years, and a fixer who is not afraid to get down and dirty. Olivier is the brains behind Bali Recycling Company, which creates real solutions to reducing waste, helping to preserve the island’s environment. The company builds a zero waste system, where materials can be used multiple times instead of being thrown away. He also inspects the dump regularly, prompted by witnessing such tragedies as a one-year old child dying while living in a garbage area. Bali Recycling turns waste materials into useful items, such as wine bottles into glasses and plastic bags into wallets under the Bombastic Plastix brand. These recycled items are available for purchase and some major hotel chains in Bali even use Bali Recycling products. Don’t forget to buy your own recycled items through balirecycling.com
MAXIMILIAN JENCQUEL architectural storyteller Hailing from Paris, France, this architect made Bali his home in 2010. The following year Max established Studio Jencquel in Ubud, which draws on the principles of slow design, and focuses on harmonious composition through architecture, furniture, and interior design. “While I try not to be too adamant about applying any principle, I do believe in the importance of preserving cultural aspects in our environment,” Max says. “All my designs seek emotional connections with their
48
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 48
surroundings. Keeping all our senses open to what is happening in a precise geographic location now and in the past is one way that slow design translates to our designs.” Max explains that his designs aim to create not just space but also stories. “I help people realise their dreams by tailoring spaces to their particular needs, be it on a personal level, or a professional one.” One of his favourite projects to date is Sebun Kedis – meaning bird’s nest in Balinese – a private residence built from recycled teak from a rundown barn in Java and a revived ironwood bridge in Borneo, looking like a tree-house on a steel frame.
In designing, Max makes sure that each component serves a purpose and tells a unique story. “The idea is to provide a tailored service to each of our clients. We let them come up with an idea for a story to tell, and we help them to create that story,” Max says. “To do so we establish a relationship with the client, as well as a connection with the project. This is part of the slow design principle, where we try to abstain from the McDonaldisation of design, where everything is predictable, standardised and mass-produced. It is hence not only important for ourselves, and for our clients, but also for our environment.”
May 2015
4/29/15 7:08 AM
IAS BALASKAS music man This music enthusiast turned entrepreneur hails from London, England, and now runs Jazz Café. He is also the pioneer behind Bali Live Festival, Bali’s version of Java Jazz Festival. Jazz Café actually started as a business built by his sister and brother-in-law almost 17 years ago, but they handed it over to Ias and he’s been on it ever since.
Prior to coming to Bali, he worked in London setting up government projects for underprivileged youths and disabled children, as well as conducting after-school recreation activities involving music, film and art. Thanks to Ias’s initiative bringing the jazz festival to the island, local musicians such as Dice and Jim Larkin have a major event to take part in. “I also have an ambition to present more traditional music from Indonesia, and I also
would like to branch out to other islands that haven’t had any international events yet,” says Ias. This year, he is planning to create a similar event to Bali Live Festival called Bali Live Soul, focusing on hip-hop, R&B and soul music – in addition to launching Bali Live TV, where people can stream performances from Jazz Café or the events.
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 49
49
4/29/15 7:08 AM
islandlife
NILUH DJELANTIK shoe artist Designer and entrepreneur Niluh is all about making shoes with love. She started her own brand in 2004 with the name Nilou, but after meeting several challenges in 2007, she relaunched as Niluh Djelantik in 2008 and has now become an iconic brand both in Bali and abroad. Niluh Djelantik offers shoes that are handmade near the Canggu area. When she first started, she had only two staff. Now her beloved factory has expanded to employ 16 loyal workers. And anyone who owns a pair of Niluh’s shoes can testify that they are genuinely comfortable and long-lasting. The multitasking mother will soon open her first Niluh Djelantik store in Kemang, Jakarta. She is also planning to utilise her store in Petitenget as a space where other local designers can showcase their brands. Niluh sees this as a way of supporting other Indonesian designers. “When we grow, we need to grow with others too. To compete isn’t always about being the best. It is also about how you can help others to shine as well,” says Niluh.
50
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 50
May 2015
4/29/15 7:08 AM
SUSAN ALLEN & SUSIAWAN holistic educators We first met husband and wife Susiawan and Susan in Ubud, at their brainchild Yellow Coco – a bamboo dome built in harmony with the green surroundings, and adorned with arts and crafts. Yellow Coco is a creative nest providing art-based activities, and is open to children from any cultural background. But it’s more than just a space to teach the younglings all the necessary elements of education; it’s also a place for the parents – or teachers even – to share their knowledge. Pak Susiawan explains that Yellow Coco is an education place that is practical and actionoriented. There are two vital points in their holistic learning concept, “It is very important to apply multiculturalism and also localism.” This means that although the participants come from various backgrounds and ethnicities, they should be aware of where they are. Susan adds, “We want people to be aware that we’re in Indonesia, because Bali often feels like a separate country. They don’t realise Indonesia has a set of rules, laws, history. How
are you changing in accordance with where you are? Are you just coming in and wanting your own needs on your own terms? Or are you engaging with the issues that are before us in this country?” “We try to involve the kids as subjects, not just objects,”
Susiawan continues, and Susan chimes in, “At Yellow Coco we try not to be blind to the surroundings, to the things in front of us. We don’t have a strict curriculum that everyone has to follow to the letter while ignoring everything else.”
May 2015
36-51 ISLAND LIFE.indd 51
51
4/29/15 7:08 AM