Jakarta Expat - issue 110 - Chinese New Year

I! CA FA XI NG GO

Indonesia's Largest Expatriate Readership 110th Edition | 29th january 2014 - 11th february 2014 | www.jakartaexpat.biz

Celebrating chinese new year in glodok by anu sarah mohan turn to page 4 for the story

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110th Edition • 29 January 2014 - 11 February 2014

Dear Readers

Editor in Chief

Angela Richardson angela@jakartaexpat.biz

Welcome to the Chinese year of the Horse!

If, like me, you are a Pig, you will be glad to see the back of 2013’s slippery Year of the Snake, which brought us ill health and not much else. The Year of the Horse, however, promises to be a much better year for us pigs, as well as for many other Chinese zodiac signs.

Management

Edo Frese edo@jakartaexpat.biz

Editorial Assistant

Gabriella Panjaitan gabriella@jakartaexpat.biz

Sales

The Chinese zodiac is not based on the stars like the western horoscope. Instead, it is all about life force energy, also known as qi, which the Chinese believe has a cycle of sixty years. In the same way that the world has climate seasons, the Chinese believe that the type of life energy on the earth at a particular time holds different qualities. When one is born, the qi that is in that particular place at that particular time infiltrates one’s body. If you were born in the year of the rabbit, for instance, and it is the Year of the Rooster, because the character and personality attributes of the Rabbit clashes with those of the Rooster, and because the qi in that year is not good for the Rabbit, you would not have a good year. However, knowing in advance what the energy of a particular year will be, and knowing what your own energy is, you can work out how to negotiate it in your favour.

Dian Mardianingsih Betty de Haan ads@jakartaexpat.biz

Graphics Perdana

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Pertiwi Gianto Putri tiwi@jakartaexpat.biz Lini Verawaty lini@jakartaexpat.biz

Contributors

Sophie Chavanel Terry Collins Tess Joyce Anu Sarah Mohan David E. Parry Hush Petersen Eamonn Sadler Grace Susetyo Joe Writeson Kenneth Yeung

The Year of the Horse starts on January 31, 2014 and ends on February 18, 2015. People born in the Horse year are generally energetic, bright, warm-hearted and intelligent people, and this year is considered one of the best for the Chinese because they particularly like the horse. The horse symbolizes travelling and means that everyone wishing to achieve success will be able to attain it this year.

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events@jakartaexpat.biz Jakarta Expat is published bi-weekly by PT. Koleksi Klasik.

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

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Published by PT. KOLEKSI KLASIK INDONESIA Jl. Kemang Raya No. 29A, Kemang, Jakarta - Indonesia Tel: 021 7179 4550 / Fax: 021 7179 4546 Office hours: 09.00 - 17.00. Monday - Friday

This issue is aptly named the Chinese New Year Issue, and we have some very interesting reads for you to enjoy, from history and culture to music and humorous observations. This is also the last issue of Jakarta Expat as we currently know it before we relaunch with a new look on February 12th as Indonesia Expat. We will still look and feel very similar, and we will have more content for you to enjoy, covering more topics and areas of Indonesia, as we merge with our sister publication, Bali Expat. We hope that with the New Year of the Horse by our side, our upgraded look will be well received by our valued readers and that we will continue to have your support and readership for many more years to come.

Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!

Angela Richardson

110th issue jakarta players hit the planks with a new broadway musical a tough slice of the past for chinese-indonesian women 8. history the massacre of the chinese in batavia 9.observations the eastern premise 10. music with a chinese twist sisca guzheng harp 11. culture 12. meet the expat prosperity beyond borders wenfei 13. faces of jakarta sam the bird seller of glodok 14. light entertainment a question of poop 15. food & drink espiga: dining with the stars 16.scams in the city we haven't learned a thing 16. Events 18. classifieds & property listings 4. featured

7. history

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heralding imlek 2014

6. theatre

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featured by A n u sara h mo h an

Heralding Imlek 2014 You know Chinese New Year (or Imlek as it is known in Indonesia) is around the corner when you step into your neighbourhood supermarket and see an explosion of red and gold in one of the sections. A closer look at the aisles will reveal a resplendent arrangement of lanterns, gold coins, trinkets, and decoratives, momentarily awakening memories of every Chinatown the shopper may have visited across the world.

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revoked the long-standing ban and Chinese New Year was made an optional holiday.

Later in 2003, his successor Megawati Soekarnoputri declared it a national holiday.

Chinese New Year celebrations in Jakarta have come a long way, from being observed quietly by family members within the four walls of one’s home during the days of General Soeharto, to being openly commemorated in the streets, shops and malls of present-day Jakarta. For 32 long years under Soeharto’s New Order regime, the ethnic Chinese in Indonesia led a suppressed existence, when all expression of one’s language, culture and religion was banned. It was only in the year 2000 that the then President Abdurrahman Wahid, more popularly known as “Gus Dur”,

Today, signs of Indonesian influence and assimilation can be seen in the streets of longstanding Chinese settlements in Jakarta.

One such settlement is Glodok, the name being a derivative of “golodog” which is Sundanese for “entrance to a house”. Located close to Kota Tua, and more popularly known for its electronics market, it is also a gateway into one of Jakarta’s oldest Chinese communities. Home to several generations of Chinese immigrants who had come to coastal Batavia to tap its vast maritime trade potential, it has seen a tumultuous and rather violent past – be it the 1740 massacres, the 1998 riots, or the devastating floods of recent times. Nevertheless, it seems to have resiliently stood the test of all such travails and walking down its narrow alleys and streets now is nothing less than an itinerant’s dream come true.

or Indonesia's seven-million-strong Chinese Indonesian population, January 31st 2014 marks the start of Jia Wu, or the wooden horse year, which in lunar calendar terms is counted as year 2565. It also marks the start of a 15day period of festivities, as celebrations begin on the first day of the first month, or new moon’s day, and continue until full moon’s day, which falls 15 days later.

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The sundry stroller can start with Jl. Pancoran, which branches off Jl. Gajah Mada and is seemingly the centre of all Imlek shopping action. Shop after shop of angpaos (red envelopes in which money is gifted to children and unmarried youth), ornamented lanterns, banners and hangings in gold, potted synthetic peach blossoms and children’s clothing line the street.

Mothers accompanied by their children, potter around piles of candied nuts, seeds, chocolates and other confectionery seeking the perfect mix to gift to friends and family.

Turning off Jl. Pancoran into Jl. Keadilan 10, one is greeted by shops displaying a larger, more exotic version of the Pancoran repertoire. Larger potted plants, this time including mandarin orange plants, life-size red candles and gold-coloured tasselled trinkets in all sizes consistently appear as you tread deeper into the lane. The gastronome would be spoilt for choice, with wayside stalls selling an eclectic selection of Chinese delicacies –

clams, meats, fish, fruits and vegetables.

The faint-hearted amongst you should absolutely shed all inhibitions and enquire about the items on sale, lest the sea cucumber be mistaken for an unsightly and wrinkly remnant of a marine animal (although you will find out later that it is in fact a marine animal – it belongs to the starfish and sea urchin family).

Interestingly, you will also find bird cages being sold. On New Year’s Day, people use these to hold birds and then release them, which in Chinese is called fangsheng or “life liberation”.

Dodol or nian gao, a sticky-sweet cake made of rice, is a repeat performer at most shops, as it is understood to be a popular choice of offering to the gods.

Herbal teas, coloured buns with Chinese characters on them, otak-otak (fish rolled into banana leaves), Chinese traditional fare and popular Indonesian dishes vie for the attention of epicurean pleasure-seekers.

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The reason these certain items are widely used by the Chinese in celebrating New Year is that they are homonyms for auspicious or otherwise positive words.

For instance, nian gao is a homonym for “higher year” meaning rising abundance.

The word for mandarin orange in Chinese is a homonym for gold or wealth.

At the bend around Jl. Kemenangan 3, is the Jin De Yuan temple or Vihara Dharma Bhakti. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Jakarta, built by Chinese lieutenant Kwee Hoen in 1650. Destroyed in 1740, and rebuilt in 1755, it is bright red (signifying fire which drives bad luck away), and has a wonderful old world feel to it. One of the larger temples in Jakarta, it has a main prayer hall surrounded by three smaller temples. It houses the shrines of 18 monks in addition to deities belonging to the Taoist, Confucian and Mayahana Buddhist faiths.

A giant bronze receptacle stands in a sheltered altar outside, into which followers

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place their hio (incense) and offer prayers to the Almighty before entering the temple.

The prayer hall in the main temple is lined with incense holders and several plus-size red candles, mostly donated by devotees. Doors on either side lead to the other surrounding temples, with people circling around going from one shrine to the other, and almost giving a sense of some kind of constant flow of energy.

Located close by, you’ll find Vihara Tanda Bhakti and Vihara Dharma Jaya, two equally old Buddhist temples.

Although not quite as imposing and spread-out as the Vihara Dharma Bhakti, they are enchanting nonetheless.

The streets surrounding the temples are certainly worth a walk, if you can deal with the crowds, the smells, the sights and the occasional moped trying to squirm through a narrow lane already chock-a-block with merchants and their manifold wares. You’ll most likely feel it was worth it when you

are sitting by the side of the central cove of the Vihara Dharma Bhakti, watching the afternoon sun stream in through the latticed ceiling and being mesmerized by a young Chinese devotee burning thick bunches of incense in the smoky haze of the temple air.

For those of you wanting to be a part of Imlek celebrations, Glodok is a great place to start. Temples conduct midnight prayers and in a most gratifying old school way, round it off with fireworks.

You can even warm up to the revellers with a sociable “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” The experience promises to be a welcome break from more “consumerist” experiences proffered by malls in Jakarta, although it may still be worthwhile catching one of the barongsai (Lion Dance) performances in the days leading up to New Year.

On the 15th or last day of festivities, when the full moon appears for the first time in the New Year, the Chinese celebrate Cap Go Meh or the Lantern Festival. Glowing paper

globules of red light will hang down from the ceiling beams of homes, temples and shops.

Parades would be held with miniatures of the Chinese gods being carried down streets, and performances of the dragon dance (Liong) are expected to follow. Of late however, most of these communal events are beginning to be held inside malls so as to avoid traffic disasters and possible damp weather.

Nevertheless, visitors would be well-advised to check closer to the day if these events are after all, going to be held in the open.

Until then, wàn shì rú yì (may everything you do have success)!

Anu sarah moran is new to Indonesia and although she is a lawyer, she is willing to work for pay as a writer, a movie critic, a traveller, a food taster, a pillow tester or a daydreamer if given the chance.

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Theatre by S op h ie c h avanel

Jakarta Players Hit the Planks with a New Broadway Musical After the success of Broadway Ke Java musical, Jakarta Players starts the 2014 season with another Broadway classic, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Jakarta Expat met the cast during general rehearsal and once again, this play promises to be high in energy with new and returning talents, including an ever charming choir of children. If you loved Broadway Ke Java or missed it, you will not want to miss this production!

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oseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is based on the biblical story straight from the Book of Genesis. The play tells the tale of the young prophet Joseph and his fateful journey as the favoured son of his father, Jacob.

He is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and, after a stint of impressive dream translations, finds himself at the top with Pharaoh the king.

The play’s director, Keith Allerton, selected this Broadway classic because it is a great fit for the Jakarta Players due to its large cast, variety of music, and family friendly story. It is also Allerton’s long time favourite, having performed himself in this show back in the United States. Supported by producer and choreographer Arianna Thurow and Ibrahim Bachmid, and a cast of 30 people on stage, Allerton is directing this play with the

same passion he has us accustomed to, which promises some not-so-biblical acts and a touch of humour.

Jakarta Expat is delighted to see returning, as well as new talents. Among many things, the audience will appreciate the choir composed of children aged from six to eleven. Once again this season, the cast is truly international, hailing from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, the Philippines, Australia, and of course, Indonesia.

According to Arianna, this play is a great opportunity for a family outing with music, story, and cast that will appeal to all ages and cultures. Beware, their enthusiasm is contagious and you might feel compelled to sing and dance along with them. A great idea for a night out on Valentine’s weekend.

Sophie Chavanel is a Canadian communications girl and a confirmed globe-trotter. As a Journalist, she has worked for different media outlets in Canada and overseas. She is also a Communications delegate for the International Federation of the Red Cross emergency team. Sophie is a new mother. She moved to Indonesia in March 2013 with her husband and daughter.

Show times: Friday (Feb. 14) 9pm, Saturday (feb. 15) 5.30 pm and 8pm, Sunday (Feb. 16) 2pm and 6pm Venue: Music Republicain Theatre, Jl. Fatmawati No. 8, Pondok Labu, Jakarta Selatan Tickets: Rp.150,000 adult/ Rp.100,000 student Tickets can be purchased at jakartaplayers.weebly.com/ticket-purchase. html or jak.tickets@yahoo.com Website: http://jakartaplayers.weebly.com The Jakarta Players is a non-profit, multinational community theatre group that provides English language entertainment for Jakarta’s theatre-loving community. All profits from their shows are donated to charities that benefit Indonesian families in need.

Rizal's performance at school and his overall behaviour has improved a lot in the past school year. We are pleased to report that Rizal has advanced to 6th grade with good grades. His teachers and school principal have noticed his progress and are making sure to encourage him and keep him motivate so that he can eventually become the architect that he wants to be.

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history by tess jo y c e

A Tough Slice of the Past for Chinese-Indonesian Women In the 1800s, the richest man in Asia, Oei Tiong Ham lived in Semarang, Java. He was the Raja Gula, or the Sugar Baron and a room dedicated to his memory can be found at Tugu Hotel in Malang, East Java; the room also features rare Chinese antiquities which originate from the Han Dynasty era until the Qing Dynasty. Yet the real treasure of the hotel, in my opinion, is a haunting photograph of Oei Hui Lan (later known as Madame Wellington Koo) - the Sugar Baron’s favourite daughter. As she gazes into space, we can see her black hair reflected in the mirror behind her. As an infant, Oei Hui Lan’s mother placed an 80-karat diamond around her neck, yet she grew up without learning any of her father’s business secrets. Although she was once “the most beautiful and bejewelled woman in the world”, in her autobiography, No Feast Lasts Forever, she confessed that money did not buy her happiness and after experiencing the trials of a loveless marriage, she sought comfort in her later years from her dogs.

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1. An Sudibjo and husband Eddie dancing at the Kemayoran Airport Restaruant, Jakarta at Christmas 1960 2. Oei Hui-Lan at Tugu Hotel 3. An, son John (aged 3) and Eddie outside Hotel Lembang, near Bandung, 1948 4. Eddie and An-60th Wedding Anniversary (2004) 5. An

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espite their wealth, the Sugar Baron family could not survive the increasingly nationalistic independent Indonesia under Sukarno and their Indonesian business was confiscated. It was not just wealthy Chinese-Indonesian families who were affected in this unstable period of history. Stuart Pearson wrote a biography about a Chinese-Indonesian woman who lived through these “extraordinary times”, before fleeing the country and emigrating to Australia in the 1960s. A self-confessed “ordinary individual”, An Sudibjo explains how she, “lived through Dutch colonial rule, the Japanese occupation, the National revolution, Communist insurgency, the institution of a New Order Government, and finally emigration to Australia, where I have lived for the past forty years. Even though I consider my personal history unremarkable, I hope it may help others understand how extraordinary events affected the lives of the ordinary.”

An’s story was very different to that of Oei Hui Lan; in 1912, she was born in Kediri, East Java to a modest trading family and worked for her living. With a good educational background, An became a teacher, a school principal and even set up her own school Harapan Kita in Jakarta, which she governed between the years 1957 -1967.

Bittersweet: The Memoir of a ChineseIndonesian Family in the Twentieth Century is the first memoir of a non-elite Chinese-Indonesian and An’s daughter, Ingrid Pearson (who is Stuart’s wife) also voices her opinions about growing up in Indonesia and Australia where the family ran an Indonesian restaurant.

Stuart’s book is a fascinating account of a Chinese-Indonesian family that desperately sought acceptance in their place of birth.

An describes how her father bought a fifteen-piece gamelan set (which only the sophisticated, wealthy villages could afford) and the surrounding villagers respected him for this. He also organised wayang (shadow puppet) events. Javanese mysticism was accepted by the family and An lucidly described her encounter with a Javanese raksasa (a giant spirit that guarded their house from intruders

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which was gifted to the family by their powerful Javanese friend, Kiai Koermen).

finally departed, a brooding population wanted the Chinese to follow as well.”

Yet retaining their Chinese cultural heritage was not always easy and An was forced to adopt an Indonesian name in the mid1960s. The book questions the nature of nationality and the difficulties that many Chinese-Indonesian families faced as they tried to integrate. “In my opinion there were and still are three main reasons why this progress of assimilation did not take place,” explains Stuart. “First, the Chinese were ethnically different and in most instances could be easily distinguished from the native Indonesians. There was little intermarriage between the Chinese immigrants and host population and therefore the physical differences persisted down through the generations – even to today.”

These nationalist tensions culminated in the Indonesian Killings of 1965-66 when 500,000 or up to 1 million people were killed (including many suspected of being PKI communists). An Sudibjo explained that the family fled from East Java towards the cities where it was safer. “My relatives and friends in Indonesia today still do not want to discuss this period in the country’s recent past,” says Stuart. “It is still too raw and too ugly, but I am aware there is a slowgrowing movement to bring this episode into the open and confront this matter.”

“Politically, many of the Chinese-Indonesians aligned themselves with their Dutch ‘masters’ rather than the native Indonesians, which brings me to my second point,” says Stuart. “In the case of An Sudibjo, her family spoke Dutch as their first language, were educated in Dutch schools and dreamed of one day visiting Holland. As long as the three million Chinese-Indonesians emulated the Dutch and carried out their bidding then they remained firmly on the second tier of the political hierarchy – separating the 300,000 Dutch overloads from being overwhelmed by the 60 million native Indonesians. As long as the Dutch stayed in power that is!

“Which brings me nicely to my third and final point. While the Chinese-Indonesians in the main supported the Dutch, they were objects of resentment from native Indonesians. In simplistic terms the numerically inferior Dutch had forcefully taken over their country and the ChineseIndonesians were keeping them there.

True assimilation can only occur when the host population accepts the newcomers with little or no rancour. This did not happen in Indonesia. The native population felt the Chinese had been imposed upon them and they resented them for it. To some extent they still do even today. Like unwanted guests, the native Indonesians could not wait for the Chinese to leave and when their ‘protectors’, the Dutch,

Yet the family finally emigrated to Australia in 1967, since An was being targeted by both the communists and the nationalists. “For many months after the failed coup my parents-in-law witnessed (and luckily avoided) mobs of vigilantes roaming the streets looking for victims to imprison, torture or kill,” says Stuart.

An inventive documentary film called The Act of Killing has recently been nominated for an Oscar for documentary feature. The film delves into the motivations behind the killings of 1965-66 and makes for a tough viewing. Yet the documentary is important – the history books have been closed for too long and Stuart’s brave Bittersweet biography helps to subtly explain the difficulties of two ChineseIndonesian women who wanted to integrate in the land of their birth where the rules were yet to be decided.

Further Information: Tugu Hotel, Malang: www.tuguhotels.com/malang

Tess Joyce lives on an island in Raja Ampat at the moment. Tess is a writer from the UK with a little boat and two paddles who enjoys exploring the seas and corals there.

Stuart Pearson, Bittersweet: The Memoir of a ChineseIndonesian Family in the Twentieth Century (2008) Ohio University Press and NUS Press.

Madame Wellington Koo, No Feast Lasts Forever (1975) Quadrangle/New York Times Book Co. The Act of Killing: www.theactofkilling.com

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historical artifact by D av id e . parr y

The Massacre of the Chinese in Batavia on October 9th, 1740 During the early years of the Dutch colonization of the East Indies, many people of Chinese descent were contracted as skilled artisans in the construction of Batavia; they also served as traders, sugar mill workers and shopkeepers. The economic boom, precipitated by trade between the East Indies and China via the port of Batavia, increased Chinese immigration to Java. The number of ethnic Chinese in Batavia grew rapidly, reaching a total of 10,000 by 1740. The Dutch colonials required them to carry registration papers and deported those who did not comply to China.

The events of this terrible massacre are grimly detailed in the very rare large format mid-18th century print engraved by Adrian van derLaan of Amsterdam, fl.

1735 and published by Bernard Mourik (Bernardus) in Afbeelding van dat gedeelte van Batavia, alwaar eigentlyk de schrikkelyke slagting der Chinezen, na de ontdwjkking van hun verraad, geschied is, den 9. Octob. 1740.For sale at Bartele Gallery, Jl. Kemang Raya no. 29a, +62 (0) 21 719 0087.

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he deportation policy was tightened during the 1730s, after an outbreak of malaria killed thousands, including the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Dirck van Cloon. The outbreak was followed by increased suspicion and resentment in native Indonesians and the Dutch toward the ethnic Chinese, who were growing in number and whose wealth was increasingly visible. As a result, Commissioner of Native Affairs Roy Ferdinand, under orders of Governor-General Adriaan Valckenier, decreed on 25 July 1740 that Chinese considered suspicious would be deported to Zeylan (modern day Sri Lanka) and forced to harvest cinnamon. There were also rumours that deportees were not taken to their destinations but were thrown overboard once out of sight of Java, and in some accounts, they died when rioting on the ships. The deportation of ethnic Chinese caused unrest among the remaining Chinese, leading many Chinese workers to desert their jobs.

At the same time native occupants of Batavia, including the ethnic Betawi servants, became increasingly distrustful of the Chinese. Economic factors played a role; most natives were poor and perceived the Chinese as occupying some of the most prosperous neighbourhoods in the city, although the actual situation was more complicated. Many poor Chinese living in the area around Batavia were sugar mill workers who felt exploited by the Dutch and Chinese elites equally.

Rich Chinese owned the mills and were involved in shipping, milling and the distillation of arak, a molasses and rice-based

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alcoholic drink; however, the Dutch overlords set the price for sugar, which itself caused unrest. Because of the decline of worldwide sugar prices that began in the 1720s, caused by an increase in exports to Europe and competition from the West Indies, the sugar industry in the East Indies had suffered considerably. By 1740, worldwide sugar prices had dropped to half the price in 1720. As sugar was a major export, this caused considerable financial difficulties for the colony.

In September 1740, as unrest rose among the Chinese population, spurred by government repression and declining sugar prices, Governor-General Adriaan Valckenier declared that any uprising would be met with deadly force. On 7 October, hundreds of ethnic Chinese killed 50 Dutch soldiers in Meester Cornelis (now Jatinegara) and Tanah Abang, leading Dutch troops to confiscate all weapons from the Chinese populace and to place the Chinese under a curfew. Two days later, on 9 October, rumours of Chinese atrocities spread among the other ethnic groups in Batavia, including slaves from Bali and Sulawesi and Balinese troops, that the Chinese were plotting to kill, rape or enslave them.

These groups pre-emptively burned houses belonging to ethnic Chinese along the Kali Besar canal and the Dutch troops opened fire on Chinese-occupied houses with cannon, causing them to catch fire. Some Chinese died in the burning houses, while others were shot upon leaving their homes, or committed suicide in desperation. Those who reached the canal near the housing district were killed by Dutch

troops waiting in small boats, while other troops searched in between the rows of burning houses, killing any survivors they found.The Dutch politician and critic of colonialism W.R. van Hoevell wrote that “pregnant and nursing women, children, and trembling old men fell on the sword. Prisoners were slaughtered like sheep”.

The violence soon spread throughout Batavia, killing more Chinese. Although Valckenier declared an amnesty on 11 October, gangs of irregulars continued to hunt and kill Chinese until 22 October, when the Governor-General called more forcefully for a cessation of hostilities. Outside the city walls, clashes continued between Dutch troops and rioting sugar mill workers. After several weeks of minor skirmishes, Dutch-led troops assaulted Chinese strongholds in sugar mills throughout the area. Historians have estimated that at least 10,000 ethnic Chinese were massacred; just 600 to 3,000 are believed to have survived.

David E.Parry David Parry is a Soil Scientist and Land-use Planner who has been living and working in Indonesia for over 30 years. He lives in Cinere with his wife Sonja, their six dogs and numerous cats. Please email him at deparry777@ gmail.com

The following year, attacks on ethnic Chinese throughout Java sparked the two-year Java War that pitted ethnic Chinese and Javanese forces against Dutch troops. Valckenier was later recalled to the Netherlands and charged with crimes related to the massacre.

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Observations by joe w riteson

The Eastern Premise Mrs. Wee owned the Eastern Garden restaurant and guest house, situated a few hundred metres from the main entrance to a large construction project in East Java. A large sprawling two storey building that had been extended several times, and, it has to be said, not always with a lot of foresight or planning as rooms seemed to have been tagged on at random with dead end corridors and doors with brick walls behind them. The property was set well back from the road with a totally enclosed courtyard/ car park at the front; the only entrance was through securely guarded gates in the high walls that kept out the curious, the casual passersby and prevented kids gawping through the restaurant windows. It also discouraged the local guardians of morality from unwanted attention, not that there was anything untoward or illegal to see; not unless one considered ornate concrete work, Chinese lanterns and a fish pond subversive.

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he back wall of the dining area was a work of art in cement, formed to look like a natural rock formation with buttresses, niches and hollows filled with plants. Water cascaded down the face into a pool below stocked with Koi, creating a very soothing and pleasing effect. The ambience was also augmented with soft lighting provided by large multi-coloured paper lanterns.

The restaurant was very popular for company functions and dining in larger groups, and therein lays one of Mrs. Wee’s problems. The service was atrocious; the kitchen was incapable of handling more than one order at a time. Placing even a small food order just after a larger party had placed theirs could mean a wait of hours.

Another problem was the inability of any restaurant or bar in the area to stock enough cold beer or soft drinks; the first diners and drinkers of the evening secured the chilled beverages and everyone else was offered large blocks of ice to put in their warm lager - read that again ‘blocks of ice to put in their warm lager’. Evidently locals in East Java do not consider this an aberration.

Consequently, for most thirsty expats, the place was more of a pleasant venue for a beer or two on the way home rather than somewhere to sit all night. There was a regular early evening crowd but they invariably drifted away by eight o’clock.

Mrs. Wee decided she needed something to keep her clientele beyond this point, the obvious answer being fluorescent lights. After a casual comment by someone that it was too dark to read a text on his telephone (turn the backlight up, moron), Mrs. Wee got it into her head that foreigners found her Chinese lanterns antiquated and old fashioned and wanted to see modern lighting! The subsequent installation consisted of twin and single tube fluorescent lights of varying lengths and colour held up by pieces of wire and obviously second hand judging by the buzzing, flickering and popping.

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Despite the error in her reasoning being pointed out, the beautiful Chinese lanterns were gone forever; quite a few people would leave after one drink as the noise from the lighting was so annoying. So, now a further attraction was required; the obvious answer, an enormous and very loud karaoke system to distract the patrons and drown out the noise from the lighting, yes?

A huge set of speakers were installed along with all the ancillary equipment, but now an exasperated Mrs. Wee could not understand how or why she was losing even more customers. The answer was simple; locals were allowed to take over the system on a nightly basis. Now, many Indonesians can sing but unfortunately even more think they can! Not only can they not carry a tune, they shouldn’t even carry the box it came in. There is nothing, and I repeat nothing as annoying as a tonedeaf wannabe crooner destroying My Way at distortion level whilst you try to hold a conversation. Especially when it often appeared that the would-be Sinatra and his ‘fans’ were not buying food or drinks, and if pushed into actually purchasing a beverage, making one cheap drink last forever.

After numerous complaints, the karaoke system and the ‘Wailers’ minus Bob Marley were banished to another planet - nah a rear room, unfortunately still in the same building.

Mrs. Wee then managed to win back a few customers by instigating a ‘Half Price Happy Hour’, which appeared to be a success until she realised some punters would order many drinks at reduced prices then consume them later, or even slip them into a bag to sneak home. Rumour also had it one of our drivers was doing a roaring trade selling bottled and canned beers on to a warung next door. The promotion was running at a loss and soon the very ‘Unhappy Hour’ timed out.

Mrs. Wee racked her brain, what to do next?

What facility should every modern bar/ restaurant have that is trying to encourage drinkers to hang around, relax and spend quality time with their friends?

Of course! Right in the middle of the main dining area; a full size ping pong table.

Consequently and coincidentally, the night it was introduced was the same night the

Eastern Garden ceased to be a regular venue for early evening drinks.

A group of teenagers who all seemed to be related to Mrs. Wee were engaged in a very enthusiastic and rowdy game of doubles. The four actually playing were extremely agile and threw themselves around acrobatically with lots of Jackie Chan-style action and verbals. The ball ricocheted wildly around the room and as it crossed our table, one of our numbers caught the ball a little too firmly and ‘accidentally’ squashed it. “Oops”.

Joe Writeson is originally from the UK, resident in Indonesia for eighteen years, married to a Madurese lady, two children 14/9.

Previously worked in the oil and gas industry until forced to retire due to chronic Osteoporosis, citing being paraplegic as 'a new challenge requiring new ways of looking at things'.

Now a full time author with three books available.

You’d think they’d catch on by the fifth time this happened, but no, a new box of balls was produced, then another.

We retired from the venue, feeling just like so many Caucasian sportsmen and women; beaten into submission by Chinese table tennis players.

9

Music with a chinese twist by T err y c ollins

Photo by Bonie Hermansyah

Photo by Bli Bhagus

Sisca Guzheng Harp

Last November I was invited to a ‘secret’ gig at Goethe Haus featuring two of my favourite Indonesian jazz groups, simakDialog and the Dewa Budjana Band. Dewa’s band had a familiar line up with one notable difference; a young woman in Dewa’s band was playing a zither type instrument which I didn’t recognise. After the gig, I asked her about it and she told me that it was a guzheng. Since introducing ourselves, Fransisca Agustin (stage name Sisca Guzheng Harp) and I have had a series of conversations.

Was your choice of instruments made because you’re ChineseIndonesian or was it perhaps a form of ‘rebellion’?

Wow, I do toy with that idea! My parents hoped they would have a nice, obedient daughter, but they made a big mistake.

They gave me the wrong name; Fransisca, which in Italian means ‘a free one’. And mum gave birth on the wrong day; August 17th.

Consider yourself lucky - no doubt there was a street party in your honour.

*Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrP84bqkmSo What’s next in your musical development?

One day I hope I can be a group leader, perhaps even a composer. I’m not even familiar with jazz chords, not to mention world ethnic music scales, chords, ‘accents’, licks.

There’s so much to learn in one lifetime!

Photo by Bonie Hermansyah

Actually I had to go to school on that day because we had the flag-raising ceremony and I love Independence Day games. At high school, I was a balap karung (sack race) champ!

What are your usual gigs?

On average, I play around four to seven gigs a month.

Usually I play for weddings, gatherings, product launches, those sorts of things. The concept is about the same.

Sometimes I don’t know who I’m going to play with or what we’re going to play. The band leader or event organizer just tells me the where and when, then we just ‘trust’ each other.

One time I played at a well-off family’s residence in Jakarta.

I was told it was a birthday party, but the atmosphere was really melancholic. Then the elderly birthday man came in an ambulance, oxygen tubes and all. It turned out that his family had asked for a special day off for him so they could celebrate his “last birthday party”. We played the usual evergreen Chinese pop tunes in the living room while he stayed in a room next to us. Guests went to his room and everyone came out crying. Two weeks later the event organizer called, asking if I would play at his funeral. They said he had heard me playing from the next room and his final wish to his family was that I should play solo at his funeral. So, I went to the funeral home and played next to his casket.

Photo by Terry Collins

10

Was it a big jump playing with Dewa?

It wasn’t easy keeping up with his chord progression, modulations, speed, volume, with an acoustic pentatonic instrument. I had to be really creative to find which bars I could play, and if I couldn’t, what to play instead. So I survived with the only weapon I have; dynamic mood synchronization.

That’s an interesting phrase, and sums up the essence of jazz.

From a YouTube* clip of you playing with Mukti-Mukti, it seems to me that you bring that quality to all your music.

No one plays quite like Mukti-Mukti; he has extraordinary and consistent emotional intensity. He showed me how to produce the best sound, the notes that go straight from my heart to others, however limited our skill is.

What’s your musical education?

I got to love music because I spent the first 12 years of my life sharing the same bedroom with my parents (eek!), and my dad would turn his cassette player on. Too bad what he played was not ‘sophisticated music’; he loves pop oldies, the sweet memories, evergreen kind of albums most Asians love. I often wish he had listened to Ravi Shankar, the Beatles or Al Jarreau instead, so I wouldn’t have to struggle so hard now trying to pick up such chords and notes.

I don’t have any qualifications as such. I studied classical piano for eight years from grade six, and I was far from special, my progress was slow. Later, when I’d finished the high school national tests, I had too much time on my hands. I went to a music school and planned to pick up a new instrument. They had the usual classes - piano, guitar, violin, clarinet, but then the headmaster mentioned Chinese instruments.

How do you choose which instruments to play?

I pick those with a ‘piano logic’, which means one string/ button/ hole for each one note, vertical or horizontal.

As well as guzheng, your stage name includes ‘harp’. Do you play other instruments?

My guzheng skill and touch is far above my harp skill, since I started six years earlier, and I also had more guzheng jobs for the first eight years of my career. But I charge more for harp shows because it doubles as a nice decoration. For job shows, I sometimes play hulusi (bamboo gourd flute), piano in hotel lobbies, and, although rarely, accordion.

Photo by Terry Collins

Dewa put me in touch with Tony Prabowo, who’s currently writing a complex opera score. I’m studying composition with him and hope we’ll make a fresh hybrid together, something difficult to define.

I haven’t even started with fingering techniques of all my instruments. I should not pick up new instruments because I’m far from mastering any of them. But for making a living, it can be really tempting because in today’s music business, visual entertainment comes before audio.

Finally, what does music mean to you?

When I listen to music and especially play with a great team, I see the world through rose coloured glasses. It’s like living in an emotionally beautiful video clip. Of course, over time my ‘tastes’ demand more variation in terms of skill, genre and players. So I keep looking for ways to experience the rose coloured life. I may be addicted to it.

Terry Collins is the co-author of Culture Shock! Jakarta, and writes the Jakartass blog (now also on Facebook)

Contact Sisca: flowergenio@gmail.com ­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

A wedding in China © Wikipedia

Culture by G R A C E S U S E T Yo

A

s a child, I only remembered one occasion in the early 1990s where my father took us out to a family dinner and told my brother and me that it was Chinese New Year. No red packets, tangerines and lanterns, though. My devout Christian mother tended to be suspicious of “pagan” traditions and my father didn’t want to upset her. The Chinese suppression of the Suharto era didn’t help either.

I’ve always identified myself as “Indonesian” much more than I do “Chinese”. But it took me well into my adulthood to finally acknowledge that the Chinese cultural values that my father’s side of the family passed down to me - in the context of living in Indonesia as an Indonesian citizen - are a significant part of my identity as an Indonesian today.

That’s when I started taking the holiday more seriously, even if “serious” simply means visiting my 93-year-old grandmother on the fifteenth day to eat her lontong Cap Go Meh, visiting Chinese communities and landmarks in my travels within Indonesia, learning Chinese-Indonesian history, and discussing it with my father.

Multicultural couples and families are all about the merging of diverse ancestries and origins, sometimes at the expense of losing some traditional expressions, but nevertheless finding other ways to keep the values alive.

Kevin (32) and Rebekah (26) Atmadja are one of these couples. Rebekah, a Swiss-American raised in Japan, came to Jakarta in 2010. Kevin was born and raised in Jakarta but attended university in the US. They married in 2013 and have spent two Chinese New Years together before tying the knot.

As a child Kevin remembers Chinese New Year as the annual open house. All the relatives come for New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by drinks for the adults and card games for everybody until near midnight. Early the next morning, the relatives offer New Year greetings, and unmarried family members would receive money gifts in red packets.

Kevin’s father and grandmother practiced the Buddhist ritual of offering milkfish, pork belly, and layered cakes to the ancestors. “It symbolises wishing everybody prosperity,” said Kevin. Although the ancestral rituals ceased when family members converted to Christianity, some taboos continued to be observed, such as refraining from switching the lights off and cleaning the floors on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Upon learning the history of Chinese New Year as a celebration of a prosperous harvest at the end of a great ­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

famine, Rebekah associates Chinese New Year as a type of Christmas and Thanksgiving. “We went to Kevin’s mother’s house and she made food. But I didn’t realise it was Chinese New Year,” Rebekah recalled her first one in 2012. “It was my first time meeting most of Kevin’s relatives. To me it didn’t seem too ‘traditional’ because it just felt like a bunch of people hanging out.”

In the US, Christmas Eve in Rebekah’s family meant preparing an elaborate Swiss Christmas dinner, everyone sat down to a set table to dine together, and exchanged gifts to open in an orderly fashion. “Chinese New Year felt a lot simpler. People just came when they came and ate with a plate in their lap in the living room, which took me some getting used to,” said Rebekah.

“That said, the relatives gave me red packets, which I thought was very sweet.”

Kevin believes that Chinese New Year would be a good opportunity to teach his future children Chinese values such as honouring the elders, being grateful for the past year’s blessings and looking forward to another prosperous year. “We’ll have some kind of Chinese dinner on New Year’s Eve,” said Kevin as he and Rebekah playfully negotiate whether she’ll be cooking. “We’ll definitely do red packets because I looked forward to that a lot when I was a kid.”

Darren (35) and Angelyn (28) Miao are both overseas Chinese, except that Darren is from Canada, and Angelyn is Indonesian. They also married in 2013 but have yet to spend their first Chinese New Year together.

“I’m thinking about going to Bali for a surf! I just got a new board and am getting two extra days off work,” quipped Darren.

Angelyn said they had no fixed plans yet, but will likely spend the long weekend visiting relatives in North Jakarta. “I need to tell Darren upfront that we’re giving away hong bao to my nieces and nephews,” said Angelyn, who as a newlywed, will be giving away money for the first time. “But it’s going to be fun hanging out with the kids.”

Darren and Angelyn both recall fond memories of Chinese New Year with their first families and said that they cherish the values that the holiday represents.

Angelyn remembers waking up early in the morning to greet her grandparents and getting red packets. “But I would give the money to my parents anyway so I don’t know where it went,” she laughed. Dressed in red new clothes, Angelyn would visit other relatives as well.

After spending her first nine years in her hometown

Makassar, young Angelyn also spent many years in homestay in Singapore and Jakarta away from her family. “But even when I was away, my aunts and uncles would still transfer hong bao to my bank account.”

Darren lived close to both sets of grandparents but far away from all other relatives. “It was never much. If we were in Chinese school (an extracurricular activity where North Americans of Chinese descent learned the Chinese language and culture), maybe they’d have some kind of a celebration,” said Darren. “Even when we lived in Hong Kong, where I attended high school, we would just go to a Chinese restaurant, say happy New Year, and maybe my brother and I would get hong bao. But it wasn’t a big deal. We’re like, ‘Oh, today’s Chinese New Year? Happy New Year!’”

“There’s basically no tradition,” concluded Darren, to which I nodded and thought about my own family.

As a Chinese-Indonesian who doesn’t speak Chinese, doesn’t observe traditions, and has never lived in China, I sometimes feel the tension of not quite fitting in the groups of people who take pride in being “asli Indonesia” (implying that my Chinese blood somehow doesn’t make me asli anymore), but definitely not at home in the land from which my ancestors come.

Kevin shared these feelings as he recalled a trip to China.

“There I was, in a land where I’m supposed to be the majority because of my racial background, but I couldn’t communicate with my own people,” he said. “But when I came back to Indonesia, which I call home, people associate me as Chinese. It’s very strange.”

Perhaps that’s why I feel that Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to reconnect with my roots. I may live most of the year as a landless cosmopolite with little regard to the strange rituals my ancestors practiced as an expression of their identity. But I have one day in a year to express my respects for my grandmother - the living woman who represents the ancestors whose blood run through my veins - gratefully reflect on the many challenging years our Grace susetyo is families have survived life in Indonesia a freelance writer, (or wherever else our travels take us), former TV journalist, and aspiring and pray for bountiful prosperity beyond documentarist with a passion for borders for our loved ones. To me, that is Indonesian history and culture. Now what Chinese New Year is all about. in her 6th year in Jakarta, Grace has lived in various countries and looks forward to exploring more places. Contact her at g.c.susetyo@ gmail.com

Xin Nian Kuai Le, Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year and may you increase in prosperity.

11

meet the expat by K ennet h y e u ng

WenFei A mainland chinese woman who manages a massage, spa and beauty salon in jakarta’s chinatown district of glodok.

Tell us about growing up in China.

My parents are farmers from Hunan province. They raised chickens, cows, pigs and fish, and grew vegetables.

I have two older sisters, one older brother and one younger sister.

Four sisters in one family? That’s unusual in ‘one-child’ China.

I was born in 1982, the same year that the government introduced the One-Child Policy, but rural families could still have two children. It was rare for a family to have five children, especially four girls, because it was difficult to feed that many children.

My parents were not wealthy, but they loved us and they made sure we all had enough to eat.

My father worked mostly as a poultry farmer. My oldest sister helped him after school every day. Prices were higher in the city. So each week my mother would set out with a load of chickens and eggs, and hitch-hike long distances to the city and back. Her hard work helped to feed the family and paid for my older sisters’ education.

My sisters and I had to feed the pigs and cows three times a day. This meant we had to cut and carry a lot of heavy fodder and straw. It was hard work for little girls. I used to fall down a lot. But it was a happy time and a simple life.

Did you attend school?

School was expensive if you had five children. But my father valued the importance of education, because when he was only 8 years old, he had to quit school and go to work, even though he was smart. He was determined that his own children would have more education. When my second sister was 13 years old, she left school and went to work. Her salary was small because she was a child. By the time she was 16, she was working three different jobs a day. All of her wages paid for me and my younger sister to go to school. The family worked hard and made many sacrifices, so we could have opportunities. That’s how life was back then. Family unity and resilience are very important in China.

How long have you been in Jakarta and what are you doing here?

I have been here for three years.

I used to run a beauty clinic here.

Now I am managing my older sister’s massage parlour. It’s at the back of the Mediterania apartments on Jalan Gajah Mada. You have to let me promote the business! It’s called Refleksi Yuan Salon.

12

Yuan has many meanings in Chinese, but in this case it means ‘fate’ or ‘destiny’.

Jakarta has many massage and health salons. Why is this one popular?

We are not a typical massage parlour.

Our staff have many years of experience in traditional Chinese massage and health treatments. Our services and hygiene are excellent. Customers keep coming back, even during the floods.

What sort of treatments do you offer?

Chinese traditional massage, spa treatments, reflexology, aromatherapy, lymphatic detoxification and cupping.

We do not offer miracle cures. We are not a hospital. If a person comes with a specific disease or severe pain, we advise them to visit a doctor or a hospital and get an x-ray. What we do provide is relief from stress and fatigue, healing and relaxation. If the body is exhausted or abused, our treatments can remove stress and rejuvenate the body, making people feel better. We assist with detoxification of any harmful chemicals that have entered the liver or kidneys. We also provide beauty treatments. Lots of women come to us to make their skin young, beautiful, soft and smooth.

Massage parlours in Glodok have a reputation for sex. What about this one?

Definitely not! There’s no naughty business. That’s forbidden. About half of our clients are women.

How much do treatments cost?

From Rp.100,000 to Rp.180,000 per hour for a massage. The top cost for a full spa treatment with traditional Chinese herbal oils and remedies is Rp.500,000.

What’s the point of a spa?

With the Chinese herbal oils, a spa can help detoxify the body, improve digestion, assist the recovery of new mothers, prevent gynaecological diseases, improve sleep, soothe itching and counter skin diseases. Spas even enhance the immune system. A person leaves a spa with a feeling of great wellbeing.

Who are you customers?

Most of our customers are Chinese and then Indonesians. We have some Western customers and some Arabs too. We’ve even had the occasional African. We are happy to serve anyone.

We open at 1pm and close by 2am.

How will you celebrate Chinese New Year in Jakarta?

On New Year’s Eve, we will finish work early at about 7pm or 8pm. Then we have a huge banquet of delicacies.

There will also be lots of beer, wine and spirits. After we finish banqueting, maybe we will get some cars and get driven to a tourist site. It’s good to drive after midnight because there is no traffic. Then in the morning, we can enjoy some sightseeing. We all work hard, almost every day of the year, so it is important for the staff to have a group outing and play together.

It is a special holiday for us and a fun celebration, even though we are sad we cannot be in China with our families. In the past, we have celebrated with trips to Ancol and Bandung.

You don’t use the word Imlek, do you?

We say - “xin nian kuai le” – which means “happy New Year”. Or we say “xin nian hao”, which is the same thing. “Gong xi fa cai” means “wishing a prosperous New Year”. Children say “bai nian” to their elders, as a New Year visiting greeting.

What are some of the customs?

The day before New Year, we clean the house. It is bad luck to sweep the floor on New Year’s Day. It is also bad luck if you get a haircut, break a dish or have a shower. We try to wear new clothes, something red, for good luck.

We give angpao [red envelopes of cash] to children. Fathers should give angpao to children on New Year’s Eve. Other relatives give angpao on New Year’s Day. Do you see Indonesians getting into the spirit of Chinese New Year?

The security guards here like to collect angpao. And so do children from the kampung. It’s polite for us to give out angpao. It’s not huge amounts of money, just Rp.5,000 or Rp.10,000 per envelope. When local children here ask for angpao, they say “gong xi fa cai” with their hand outstretched, which is actually rude. You are supposed to say it with one hand clasped around the other and make a small bow, then wait to receive angpao.

What do you like best about Jakarta?

The weather is always warm. China is very cold right now. Also, in China there is a lot of pressure, everyone is always busy. I like the pressure of China, but Jakarta is much more relaxed.

Meet WenFei in person at Refleksi Yuan Salon at Apartemen Mediterania Jl Gajah Mada, West Jakarta. Open from 1pm to 2am. ­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

faces of jakarta by h u s h petersen

Sam the Bird Seller of Glodok It sends a shiver down your spine to think that as recently as 14 years ago it was essentially illegal to celebrate Tahun Baru Imlek, the Chinese New Year in Indonesia.

Traditionally, Buddhists set once captive animals free as a way of accumulating health and longevity merits for themselves and their loved ones. The exact origins of the practice are unclear, though historians have traced “the act of releasing animals due to the mind of compassion,” back as far as the fifth century.

The fat red lanterns swooping golden characters, strewn across the rooftops and hanging above the heads of passersby were once absent from the crowded alleyways of China Town. Hong bao was passed silently between family members in the comfort of their own homes.

There were no drums announcing the arrival of the colourful lion dancers. Here in Indonesia, Chinese New Year used to be celebrated in secret. Luckily, Gus Dur, Indonesia’s fourth president abolished the 1967 decree outlawing the public celebration of Chinese New Year with the swipe of his pen in 2000.

“Some people come and buy 88 birds, some come and buy 288,” says Sam. “It all really just depends on the day.”

Now people like Sam, who has made a living selling birds outside the Petak Sembilan temple in Glodok, North Jakarta, are free to run his business without having to worry about being shut down or getting harassed. For Sam, who opens shop every day just beyond the temple gates, selling finches to both young and old alike, who then pass through the temple gates, releasing the birds ceremoniously once inside, business is booming. Both tourists and templegoers stop at his bustling bird cage, home to more than Hush Petersen is currently on a thousand sardinesabbatical from the hero's journey. packed finches; He loves sipping Budweisers, doing their orange beaks the crossword and judging people sticking out of outside Ranch Market in Mega Kuningan. the chicken wire You should join fencing. him sometime. ­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

Releasing the birds is said to bring merit. Most people who buy the birds release them as a sign of good luck, a prayer on behalf of the health of a loved one, or simply to wash away their sins.

Some people also release turtles or fish after a ceremony at the temple.

Sam also has a few white pigeons he keeps in a different box. The bigger birds go for Rp.150,000 and are released with the hope that their freedom will clear obstacles and create a smooth path for business in the coming year.

Meanwhile, others come to Sam with red eyes and tired hearts, purchasing his pigeons and heading inside the temple to pray for the speedy recovery of a loved one who is very ill.

“I have been here for eight years now and I have seen people buy birds for all types of reasons,” says Sam, who sells the finches for Rp.2,000 a piece. “Most people don’t spend too much time telling me why they are buying the birds. The only people who tell me why they want to release the birds are the tourists and they say they are doing it for good luck. It’s really a personal thing for the others.”

The listing can be found at https://www.airbnb.com/ rooms/1254243 and will be updated regularly to show how the money raised is helping the village.

13

light entertainment by eamonn sadler

A Question of Poop

W

e average working class “westerners” are taught from a very young age that in order to be successful in our lives we must always plan for the future. Get into the best school so you can go to the best college and then get the best job. Work hard and climb to the top of your career ladder, earn as much money as you can to provide the best for your children and their futures, buy a nice house and a nice car and all the other things that are expected of us. All the while you must plan for your retirement years, by which time you will hopefully have paid for your house and have a nice “nest egg” in the bank and a pension that will see you through to your grave in relative comfort without being a burden on your children (but your insurance will pay for an old people’s home if necessary so your kids will never need to clean you up after you poop your pants).

Some people even buy their own burial plot in advance so their offspring only need to throw them in the hole and chuck in a handful of dirt before scooting down to the solicitor’s office to see how much they’ve inherited.

The problem is, very often the “retired” bit at the end of that life is very much shorter than anyone likes to consider possible, so many people study and work and save for 40 or 50 years and then have no time to enjoy the fruits of their labour. If they do manage to live to a ripe old age they are often too weak or too sick to really enjoy the last part of their lives. This means many people shuffle off this mortal coil having done little more than work and sacrifice themselves for their children. And this would be considered a “successful” life by a large percentage of westerners and is of course admirable. The problem is, you won’t find out if you are one of these “successful” people until it’s too late.

It appears to me that the average Indonesian is not bound by the same rules and expectations. Many Indonesians don’t seem to think about success in a lifetime, rather they seem to think about success on an almost daily basis. If they have a decent place to live and enough food to eat today they consider that a success for today and hope and pray that they will succeed again the next day and every day. And when parents get old they expect their children to take care of them and the children expect to have that honour.

Of course, thanks in no small part to western influences, there are rapidly increasing numbers who strive to buy a nicer house and a nicer car, but thus far generally things seem to be financed and dealt with largely through the family (I’m sure there are also rapidly increasing numbers who don’t want to wipe their parents’ butts). The 30+ year bank loan for a house which is so, common in the more “developed” countries is pretty much unheard of here, but I’m sure it will come. So, there are many happy Indonesians who get to experience the warm glow of success on an almost daily basis, whereas most westerners have to wait 50 years to experience that feeling once if they are lucky. I know it is lower levels of income that cause the shorter term view of success, but this seems like a positive side effect to me.

So, who has got it right? All I can say is the only way to judge that is to consider which group is happier. We’ve all seen Indonesian people on the side of the road in Jakarta who work for a week for less money than we have in our pockets at any given time and many of them look genuinely happy. We are grumbling about the traffic as we sit protected from the rain in our air conditioned cars while they smile and chat with plastic bags on their heads as they wait for the first of several hot and crowded buses that will eventually get them home. Complaining is not something you hear very often. People seem to count their blessings and make the best of whatever life gives them. Of course, there are regular and vocal protests demanding a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and that is precisely as it should be, but average Indonesian people seem to be much more focused on what they have than on what they want. Westerners generally are the complete opposite.

for the macet mind

So, which is better? Lower income, lower expectations and a greater appreciation for what you have - leading to genuine happiness and the warm glow of success almost daily (with your kids wiping your butt at the end) - or higher income, higher expectations, the constant yearning for more and better things and then the warm glow of success once after 50+ years if you’re lucky (with a stranger wiping your butt at the end)? The problem is, you couldn’t change it if you wanted to.

To read more by Eamonn Sadler, go to www.eamonnsadler.com To find out more about live stand-up comedy in Indonesia please e-mail info@jakartacomedyclub.com text or call 0821 1194 3084 or register at www.jakartacomedyclub.com

SMS THE FUNNIEST, MOST CREATIVE, AND OUTRAGEOUS PHRASES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ON A PUB BLACKBOARD AND YOUR ENTRY COULD BE PROUDLY DISPLAYED OUTSIDE OF EASTERN PROMISE, KEMANG! THE WINNING ENTRY WILL ALSO WIN 2 TICKETS TO JAKARTA COMEDY CLUB. SO GET TEXTING!

0821 1194 3084 Congratulations to DORA for sending in this issue's winning phrase! Contact the number above to claim your tickets!

across

down

1 Involving several parties (12) 9 Coldness (5) 10 Herb used in cookery (7) 11 Wind instrument (4) 12 Stuff to throw at weddings (8) 14 Cape with hole for head (6) 15 Sausage in roll (3,3) 18 Time or space without limit (8) 20 Egg-shaped (4) 22 Such days are calm and happy (7) 23 Book of maps (5) 24 Removed from competition (12)

2 Mythical beast (7) 3 Converse (4) 4 Be a spectator (4,2) 5 Arboreal amphibian (4,4) 6 Respond to stimulus (5) 7 Mirror (7-5) 8 Having particular skills (12) 13 Polite acknowledgment (5,3) 16 Disclose (7) 17 An alto (anag) - without a fixed key (6) 19 Victoria or Niagara, for example (5) 21 Angler’s pole - it can be blown (4)

*Answers for Edition 109

across: 1. Once 3. Stampede 8. Yank 9. Evensong 11. Plagiarism 14. Abacus 15. Grudge 17. Necropolis 20. Hogmanay 21. Kepi 22. Wrestled 23. Byre

down: 1. Olympiad 2. Cinnabar 4. Tavern 5. Manuscript 6. Eros 7. Edgy 10. Lieutenant 12. Adultery 13. Perspire 16. Create 18. Show 19. Ague

14

­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

Food & Drink by G a b riella panjaitan

E ‘When you have an obstacle in life, look up to the stars to find the answer’. The good people at Espiga restaurant have faith in this philosophy.

Take, for example, the serendipitous way they came up with the name ‘Espiga’. The owner of the Modern European cuisine house took some time up on the roof of the Cilandak Executive Offices to contemplate on a name that fits the profile of proper dining and majestic views. There, he witnessed the beauty that is the constellation Espiga; he knew that was the answer to his questions. Thus, Espiga was born right there, at the heart of South Jakarta.

spiga is tucked in nicely on the 17th floor of the CEO building in Cilandak. Opened in October 2013, Espiga is a new comer on the block with a lot of potential. With a private elevator to the 17th floor, it is a well-kept sanctuary that few know about yet very soon, I suspect, will be the freshest new hot spot for diners in South Jakarta. This anticipation is due to Espiga’s imminent plan to expand its establishment by adding a signature rooftop lounge.

Upon entering the premises, I could see that Espiga is very spacious, with 42-seating capacity. The bright coloured sky comes in to the room quite nicely; not overpowering yet also not dulled. However, Espiga is a bit of a chameleon in its own way; at night, when the skies light up with moon beams and stars, I witnessed a different beauty compared to the one just a few hours before. The Jakarta night lights sparkle as I dined at the top of the building.

When asked about the inspiration behind the interior design, Head of Public Relations Laksmi P. explained that the atmosphere is intended to have an old castle feel; with its unpolished bricks, their signature wooden chandelier and the earthycoloured ceiling. “Once the 18th floor rooftop lounge is done, guests will be taken up there via a classic spiral staircase with our staff carrying a lantern; it will be a nice addition to the old castle design,” Laksmi pointed out. Nice touch, indeed!

Immediately after sitting down, the staff at Espiga, some of the nicest and friendliest servers I’ve ever encountered, directed me into ordering their signature Espiga cocktail, to which I agreed. And was that a good decision! Their namesake cocktail is nothing short of a sweet affair. The dark rum-based drink, coupled with amaretto, is a spicy cinnamon delight with orange slices as garnish. Another recommended drink is the Tanqueray Gin & Tonic.

Not just your regular Gin & Tonic; it’s livened with oranges, grapefruit and a chamomile flower garnish making it a very refreshing drink. Their Hendricks Gin & Tonic is another twist to a classic with cucumbers and rose petals garnish – worth a try!

Espiga Restaurant 17th Floor of CEO Building.Jl. TB Simatupang 18C, Cilandak.

Reservations: (021)2986-8866 - espiga_id@yahoo.com

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Espiga is proud of being a home of classic dishes with refined tastes that isn’t found in many other establishments. Guests are able to take a look at the menu and recognise some familiar cuisines, yet the

quality of the taste is polished and magnified. They took, for example, a classic smoked salmon starter to the next level by adding wasabi mayonnaise and fresh beetroot salsa.

The mayonnaise complemented the smoked salmon very nicely without overshadowing it with the strength of wasabi, and the beetroot salsa keeps the whole dish fresh. I would have to give the beetroot salsa an A+ for its tangy, playful character.

One other starter worth trying is the Boston Seafood Chowder, a delicious combination of rich creamy chowder and fresh seafood with a garlic finish; once again proving that a classic dish can be wonderfully refined for the palates at Espiga.

We moved on to the main course; while my gastronome partner chose the Wagyu Beef, I opted for the tuna steak nicoise salad. Both of these come highly recommended at Espiga.

The Wagyu beef is garnished with mashed potato and onion gravy and the cherry on top is its sautéed mushroom and onion. It was a bit heavy for dinner but we didn’t mind, as the beef was tender, juicy and rich. The tuna steak nicoise salad was the highlight of my supper, I must say. It was a delightful mix of greens in vinaigrette - and a bit of spicy pepper that really gave a kick – with succulent tuna steak flambéed to perfection.

The dessert was another portrayal of refined classic dishes. The crème brûlée was wonderful. But the real winner is the panna cotta. Espiga’s panna cotta was a pretty sight to see and a pleasure to taste. Unlike many other panna cottas, Espiga’s was not overly sweet; it was balanced with the tartness of raspberry paste, yet the building blocks of the panna cotta, the vanilla custard, is still very much alive in the gelatinous dessert.

There’s a little something for every guest at Espiga; the décor, the food, the magnificent views. One of the perks of Espiga is its location; close to multiple business districts in South Jakarta. Now your business lunch doesn’t require you to drive to other regions of Jakarta – you have an option to wine and dine right at the heart of South Jakarta.

It is best to experience Espiga at night time accompanied by the sparkle of city lights and a clear night sky. As the motto says, per adua ad astra (‘through adversity to the stars’), so has Espiga implemented its philosophy. Dine with the stars at Espiga.

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exhibition

It is almost a year since I wrote my first Scams column for Jakarta Expat and there is no shortage of material for future columns. Yet like a stale TV sitcom that lazily cobbles together old clips to make a ‘new’ episode, it’s time to look back at a classic scam.

S

pecifically, the very first scam I wrote about: black money. This is partly because it remains prevalent, but mostly because the previous edition of this magazine carried an embarrassing advertisement for the swindle.

The ad stated: “We are a leading company dealing with SSD automatic chemical solution for cleaning black money and any colour of defaced currency is available in our laboratory worldwide.”

I emailed the villain who placed the ad, claiming I needed his literal money laundering service. I was informed that one litre of the chemical would cost $14,500, and that a supplier from the US would be sent to Jakarta within a day. I haven’t yet decided whether to ask him to meet me inside an upscale brothel or a flooded slum.

Sadly, the scammer will now be using the printed advertisement to lend credence to his sales pitch, which will go something like this: “I have $1 million that was dyed black to avoid detection by Customs, but I can’t get the dye off the banknotes. Then I saw this ad in Jakarta Expat for a special chemical to clean the money. If you can pay for enough of the chemical, I will split the million dollars with you!”

A conman recently tried to pull this scam on a friend of mine at Sarinah shopping centre. She said the foreign man was impeccably dressed and charming, and wanted Rp.15 million – or more if she could afford it – to buy the chemical to clean dollars that had been dyed black.

The dye on the ‘money’ is nothing more than iodine, while the cleaning chemical is vitamin c dissolved in water, and the black money is worthless paper.

Fake advertising to lure people into scams is nothing new. In Australia, England and the US, a phony ad is printed to support a swindle called the White Van Speaker Scam. I almost fell victim to this scam many years ago.

I was in an Australian supermarket carpark when a white van pulled up

16

alongside my car. Two men in the van asked if I wanted to buy some cheap speakers. They claimed to be professional installers of state-of-the-art sound systems. Dispatch workers had “accidentally loaded an additional unit” into their van that morning and they wanted to dispose of it at a low price.

Grand Wedding Expo 2014 14-16 February 2014 Following the success of last year’s event, (8,000 couples attended) the Grand Wedding Expo is set to take place again this year. The Grand Wedding Expo will showcase multiple offers, merchandise and packages for wedding necessities in order to help couples plan and execute their wedding well. Among others, there will be make up demo, door prizes, and the chance to meet top-of-the-line wedding planners, caterers and makeup artists for your big day.

Exclusive offers on wedding gowns, bridal accessories and services are also the perks of attending the Grand Wedding Expo. There is a Rp.15,000 entrance fee. This event will take place at the Jakarta Convention Centre’s Assembly Hall from 11am to 10pm.

Contact Chintya on (021)2556-5000 or chintya@reedpanorama. com for more information on the event. www.grandwedding-expo.co.id

photography

“This isn’t a scam or nothing,” the van driver insisted. I inspected the goods on offer and didn’t recognise the brand name. The conmen claimed this speaker set would usually retail for over $3,000, but they would sell it to me for only $700.

same root; jazz. For its 10th year anniversary of bringing worldwide jazz music to the Big Durian, Java Jazz Festival is presenting top-shelf names such as Jamie Cullum, Natalie Cole, Allen Stone, and past Java Jazz performers to liven up the town with good music.

This year Java Jazz will be held at PRJ Kemayoran. Day tickets are sold separately to the special show tickets.

To purchase tickets and for more details, go to www.javajazzfestival. com or call the hotline on (021) 968-10022 or (021) 968-10023. You can also email ticketing@ javaticketonline.com

Valentine Concert with Michael Learns to Rock 19 February 2014 ‘Paint My Love’, ‘Sleeping Child’ and ’25 Minutes’ are just some of their well-known hits. Michael Learns to Rock is once again coming to Jakarta. This time the Danish band will perform a romantic set at Skeeno Exhibition Hall in celebration of Valentine’s Day. For more info on ‘Romantic Valentine Concert’ with Michael Learns to Rock. www.fullcolorentertainment.com

When I expressed doubt over the original price, they showed me a $3,500 sticker on the box. I told them anyone could print a fake sticker. This prompted them to play their trump card; a magazine on high-fi equipment, containing a full-page advertisement for this very product priced at $3,499.

I still balked at the price, as I didn’t carry $700 for a supermarket trip.

“You can drive to an ATM and get the money, and we’ll follow you,” said the driver. I was still not convinced.

Sensing my hesitation, they reduced the price to $500. I haggled a bit more and got them down to $300. That was good enough for me. I drove to the ATM and withdrew the money.

“Because we’re giving it to you for such a low price, you owe us a case of beer, hey?” the driver said affably.

I had no desire to buy even a single can of beer for these guys. Before handing over my cash, I asked to see the specifications and the goods once more. I was too ignorant to know a woofer from a tweeter, but I knew something was wrong. As they loaded the speakers into the trunk of my car, I apologised and said the deal didn’t feel right. They took back their near worthless sound system and drove off in search of another sucker.

I’m yet to hear of the white van speaker scam reaching Jakarta, probably because sound systems here are already cheap. Instead, Indonesia has a host of other scams. I hope the media will give them only negative publicity.

Seven Days Nyepi Bali Photography Tour 26 March – 2 April 2014 David Metcalf (Dayak Dave) is hosting a photography tour once again; this time in Bali for the Nyepi holidays.

Together with Mark Rayner, this seven-day photography tour is designed to not only teach and improve your photography skills, but also to challenge you in the application of the theories of photography. Dave and Mark will take you to some of the nontouristy places in order to get great shots of the raw, natural Balinese beauty. There will be wildlife photography, images of Balinese dancers, as well as photos of the vibrant and colourful side of the island.

Contact Dave for more info on davidmetcalf3@mac.com or call 08111331255. www.davidmetcalfphotography.com

music Java Jazz Festival. 28 February – 2 March 2014 Possibly the city’s most anticipated music event of the year, Java Jazz is back, offering many artists from multiple sub-genres with the

or call (021)563-9543 or 0815 1055 3800. Skeeno Exhibition hall is located on the 3rd floor of Gandaria City Mall, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda No.57A, Kebayoran Lama.

Both Fischer and Kool will perform in collaboration with students from the faculty of performing arts at IKJ (Institut Kesenian Jakarta).

The concert is set to start at 7.30pm at Erasmus Huis, Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. S-3, Kuningan. Call Erasmus Huis to find out more details of the performance on (021) 524-1069.

celebration

Keraton at the Plaza Valentine’s Day Dinner 14 February 2014 The Keraton at the Plaza is hosting ‘Celebrate Your Love’, a five-course dinner at a special price in celebration of Valentine’s day. From 7pm to 10.30pm, guests can dine on a prix fixe menu at Bengawan at Keraton for Rp.1,200,000++.

Guests can start with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon champagne and choose from a wide selection of dishes; starting from amuse bouche, foies gras or scallop starters, tender Wagyu beef and many other choices for main course, to mouth-watering desserts and petit fours to close the night with. Starwood Preferred Guests (SPG) members may dine with a 25% discount.

Reserve now by calling (021) 5068-0000 or by sending an e-mail to bengawan. keratonattheplaza@ luxurycollection.com www.keratonattheplazajakarta.com

art

Nora Fischer & Daniel Kool in Concert. 13 February 2014 A free classical music concert to be held at Erasmus Huis Jakarta will feature Nora Fischer, a soprano, and Daniel Kool as the pianist. Fischer’s adventurous career began with the study of classical music which she tailored along her journey to have a more specific niche and a style of her own. Kool, on the other hand, is a gifted pianist with experience in touring all around the world and is now one of the youngest teachers at the Conservatory of Amsterdam.

Kunstkring Bijoux Deluxe Until 6 February 2014 The art of personal adornment and jewellery is celebrated through Kunstkring Bijoux Deluxe. A jewellery exhibition, Kunstkring Bijoux Deluxe displays some of the most intricate and delicate jewellery work in Indonesia. Jewellery designers who are exhibiting their work include Manjusha Nusantara, Asiattic, E.P.A Jewels, Zann Jewelry Design and Aldasa.

This exhibition will be open until 6 February 2014. You can experience the beauty of these jewelleries by coming to the mini gallery shop on the first floor of Tugu Kunstkring Paleis, Jalan Teuku Umar No.1, Jakarta. Call (021) 3900899 for more details. ­­ ·

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Automotive

Non-Commercial Classifieds are still FREE! Send in your classifieds to ads@jakartaexpat.biz Next issue deadline: 4th February 2014 Have something to sell? Looking for something to buy? Looking for staff? Selling property? Or need a place to live? Why not place your classified ad with Jakarta Expat!

Your classified will be placed once for 2 weeks online and once in our printed version which has a circulation of 15.000 copies bi-weekly.

Conditions: Personal classifieds : Free of Charge / 50 words max Commercial classifieds : Rp. 100,000 / 0 - 50 words

: Rp. 200,000 / 50 - 100 words - Property listings are considered as Commercial.

- For adding an image / company logo in our printed issue another Rp. 150,000 needs to be charged.

Send in your classifieds to ads@jakartaexpat.biz spotted PIC

FOR SALE. 2007 Toyota Kijang 2.0 V Mini-van. • UN diplomatic-plated vehicle • Automatic transmission • Available at mid-March (perhaps earlier) • Black exterior • White leather interior • Air-conditioning • Low mileage • Well maintained with new battery • Excellent overall condition (no accidents) • Very reliable • Second owner • Kept in garage • 11,000 USD. Serious inquiries only – contact Robert (Bob) Adolph at Robert_Adolph@yahoo.com or call +62-811-856-365 (Cell) Avanza for rent! I have a black Toyota Avanza car year 2013, Manual,want to rent for Rp 3.500.000/monthly or close with this rate. Please email me at : irentcar@hotmail.co.id if interested.

For sale: beachfront FREEHOLD villas-North, Sanur, Bali$239,000usd and $450,000usd.

BEST PRICED BEACHFRONT VILLAS ON BALI! private pools, fully furnished, fyibtw@yahoo.com For sale: beachfront FREEHOLD villa complex, 3br/3ba villaNorth, Sanur, Bali- $229,500usd private pool, fully furnished, fyibtw@yahoo.com Rent your dream townhouse or villa at cost. rent for 5 years only. we build based on your design, your rent cost will come from build cost, divided by 5 years. why rent so expensive while you can get exactly as per your need? location in Muding, Kerobokan. saramissara@gmail.com Guesthouse for sale in north Bali.

Eight rooms, pool, restaurant and 2 bedroom house. Rice field views, close to beach. For more details: 0362-343-5729. Price: $700,000. contact@mumbul.net

Property

Good view of Jakarta City. Size: 950f2 or 88m2. Please call me to discuss 0818606683

Pondok Indah. Big Garden, S'Pool, Complex, 4-5 bedrooms, U$ 2000 - U$ 7000. Phone 0816859551 or 08170093366

41sqm 1-bedroom apartment on 19th fl. in the 18th Taman Rasuna Kuningan. Fully furnished, near business district, embassies, international hospital. Epicentrum shopping center within walking distance. Facilities including swimming pool, convenience store etc. 24 hrs security. Parking space available. Call Hana 087878384384.

A NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN PRIME LOCATION OF LEGIAN BEACH FOR RENT. 10 M AWAY FROM THE BEACH. 72 DELUXE ROOMS (44 SQM), 1 JUNIOR SUITE (100M), 2 EXECUTIVE ROOM (125 SQM) AND PRESIDENTIAL SUITE (300SQM).

ROOFTOP POOL AND BAR, GYM, SPA, RESTAURANT, FUNCTION AND MEETING ROOM. FOR MORE INFO CALL/WA: 0818.070.26269

Houses for Rent. 2 nice houses 2 storey, one large join pool, beautiful garden, 24 security compound, no cement wall between houses in the compound, approx 500 M2 house with 1,000 M2 land, located at Jl.Margasatwa Raya, 10 Minutes to Cilandak Commercial Estate, @ USD 2,500,- to USD 3,000,- per unit per month with min one year lease. If interested (no Broker/ Agent), call owner 0811180605

Houses for Rent 2 nice houses 2 storey, one large join pool, beautiful garden, 24 security compound, no cement wall between houses in the compound, approx 500 M2 house with 1,000 M2 land, located at Jl.Margasatwa Raya, 10 Minutes to Cilandak Commercial Estate, @ USD 2,500,- to USD 3,000,per month with min one year lease. If interested (no Broker/ Agent), call owner 0811180605

Zen Villa 2 bdrms 2 ensuites plunge pool bale bengong air cond ceiling fans fully furnished 2 TV's Printer/copier/scanner WiFi parking 24/7 security.

Available now US $20000 pa.

Apply to allan.liene@gmail.com Nice apartment, 3BR,2BT, full furnished, bed, sofa, Flat TV, cable, high speed internet, modern kitchen, amazing view of Jakarta's skyline, swimming pool, jogging track, supermarket, cinema, strategic location in Rasuna Said. Close to Kuningan business district, Sudirman, Central Jakarta. Affordable.

Contact: siitink@yahoo.com A curious shop display in East Jakarta By Anon.

FOR SALE 3 double bed/3 bath/ private pool condo in the Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel and Residences Bali. Private residence but with the ability to rent out thru Novotel when not in use Enjoy all of the 5 star facilities of the hotel Please contact fraser@truemail.co.th For rent: Two spacious 2 bedrooms, top floor apartments at Galleria Court Condominium, Warung Buncit, close to Kemang (see Google maps), available end of Januari. Price : 1500 $, monthly, negotiable dependent on floor area being 156 M2 or 136 M2 Description: Classical design, 2 bedrooms with bathroom annex, with maid's room and extra kitchen fully furnished (bed and livingroom furniture, refrigerator, washing machine etc.) Facilities: reserved parking space, swimming pool, fitness room, badminton court (under renovation). Contact Mariaty at :081226 93579 or 081915 535558

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Looking for a person to join a house in Kemang. Very big (4 rooms, 3 bathrooms), furnished, great location (close to McDonalds Kemang), large pool and price very well negotiated with the owner. Possible to rent per month. Total rent price $1,900 per month to pay between you and me. We could pay less if we find someone more. Please send me a message on 081218935277 if you are interested.davidgarrigosa@gmail.com

Hi all, I am leasing my Furnished apartment in Taman Anggrek (on top of the Taman Anggrek Mall) 31st floor, tower 5. Rp700,000/ day or $70/day. Special discounts for long-term stay. 24hr security. Swimming pools. Garden. Mall (shops, restaurants, Cinema, Ice rink, massage and reflexology, food delivery, etc).

English ok. Specifications: Bedrooms: 2 (1 masterbedroom, 1 bedroom). Bathroom: 2 (1 main, 1 toilet) Living room. Kitchen.

Villa Damee - Your luxury stay in the rice fields in a traditional village, 10 mins out of Ubud. 3 Bedroom Villa, Breakfast included, Private pool Sleeps 6 people, Welcome drink, Villa cook, 5 full time staff, 24 hr security, Complimentary escorted village tour and local river walk . Villa Damee, Br Kelusu, Pejeng Kelod, Ubud, Bali.

Bookings – www.villadamee.com Tel: 0813 53486791 – Stephanie Brookes and David Metcalf | e: stephtravelwriter@gmail.com

Cozy House For rent. Location : 10 mins drive to Senayan City, 30 mins to SBCD and Gandaria City House information : Land/ Building : 145m/ 189, Total floor : 2 Bed Room : 1 (1st floor) + 3 ( 2nd floor) + 1 for maid (1st fl) Bath Room : 1 (1st floor) + 1 ( 2nd floor) + 1 for maid (1st fl) Electricity : 3600 watt, Water : land water + PAM, Phone line : - , Car : 1 Facilities; 2 beds ( in 2 different room ) + 1 for maid, TV cabinet, Book Cabinet 2 air conditioners, 1 air fan, Water heater, Cable TV ( First Media), Kitchen utensil (some) Little garden. Please contact: amalia.frese@gmail.com

88Office Center situated in Kota Casablanca, Kuningan business area. We offer Virtual office service, office space rental, meeting facilities, security 24 hours video surveillance, office assistant service and etc. Call our marketing office to get a special rate. Ph :+6221 29631688 M : 0812 9397 8618 E : sales@88office.co.id W : www.88office.co.id

A new boutique hotel in prime location of legian beach for rent.

10M away from the beach. 72 Deluxe rooms (44 sqm), 1 junior suite (100m), 2 executive room (125 sqm) and presidential suite (300sqm). Rooftop pool and bar, gym, spa, restaurant, function and meeting room. For more info call/wa: 0818.070.26269

Discover Villa Gamrang. Experience our hospitality and the complete privacy of your own beach house. Villa Gamrang (Cisolok

Houses for rent at Kemang, Cipete, Cilandak, Pejaten Barat,

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beach, 4 hours’ drive from Jakarta) is designed to offer guests a wonderful and luxurious holiday with beautiful and natural surroundings. Stylish interior, several outdoor terrace’s, sea view, spacious garden, swimming pool, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, complete kitchen, cable television, internet (WiFi). Idyllic place for couples or one or two families.

Staff and in house catering available. Attractive prices starting from IDR 1,400,000 per night.

Most of our guests visit us again.

Reservations. www.villa-gamrang.nl or just mail us villagamrang@gmail.com Houses for rent in Kemang, Cipete, Cilandak, Pejaten Barat, Pondok Indah. Big garden, S’pool, complex, 4-5 bedrooms, US$ 2000-$7000.

Please call or sms Madam Heny: 085212655150 or 02198861136.

Looking for fun expat to join 3 males in kuningan house. Very big, furnished, great location, large pool and took us a long time to find. Rent is year upfront $800 per month. Please send me a message on 083875377583 if you are interested. adampdarcy@hotmail.com

Jobs Jobs Available English speaking maid required, location: Kemang apartment, live-out only, no children or pets to look after, Australian couple. Must have current references, and good command of English language. Immediate start January 2014. Sms only 087888982697 or emailindostuff58@hotmail.com I am looking for a cook for my shop. Working hours 7am - 3pm.

Mon to Fri. Male or female. Call/ SMS: 087854387565 Full Time and Part Time vacancies are now available for experienced English language instructors for corporate courses around Jakarta. Competitive rates and travel allowance are offered. Please send your CV to recruitment@ kpiconsultancy.com The International Humanity Foundation is looking for a volunteer English teacher to come teach children at our center a few hours per week. We are located in Cipinang, East Jakarta. We are also looking for a part-time Math teacher, fluent Bahasa Indonesia compulsory. Both expatriates and Indonesians are welcome.

If interested, please write us at volunteering@ihfonline.org or apply directly on our website https://www.ihfonline.org/overseasapplication.php. For more information, you can also check our blog : ihfblog.wordpress.com.

I am looking for a live in maid for an Indian family of five people living in Cilandak. The work would include cleaning, Laundry, helping in Kitchen and looking after three year old kid occasionally. You can contact me on 08121 296 7516 Are you looking for friendly private tutor for Bahasa language? I will help to teach you from beginner. I live in South Jakarta area, so if you are interested please contact me: anggiie91@yahoo. com or +6281219120047 (Lely) 20

Looking for Work Good morning. My name’s hendra, I’m looking for job as a driver, this is my number 085885900687 / 081311338774 Looking for job as Personal Assistant. Female with 17 years experience in multinational companies.

Excellent English, Computer Literature, Admin skill. Dynamic, independent, dedicated, loyal, honest.

Willing to travel. Interested in my CV, pls contact +62 81319191851, e-mail: evi.na70@gmail.com Hi Guys, I've been an expat driver for almost 8 years, my last employment with Australian family, they leave jakarta on september this year, call me on 08567121155 Ibu Mursi Maid with more than 2 years experience is looking for a new job (we are leaving JAKARTA) very professional and good worker she will help you every day with smile and she speaks english phone contact : 083872042085, reference olivier_francisco@yahoo.com Need a job as a nanny or a personal assistant. Not an expert but will do a good job 087884997677 Indonesian tutor for expatriates & translator English - Indonesia ( vice versa ). I am from University of Indonesia, the second most reputable university in Indonesia ( QS. World University Ranking 2013 ). My Teaching experience: 2 years for all ages, I also teach master international student, the schedule is free at anytime you want and it is Rp 150.000/ hour. We can study at your home or in a place you like, please feel free to ask me to email: leonyangela1@gmail. com. Thank you Sutarno / Tarno has worked for us for almost 3 years as a night jaga and has been excellent in all areas. He is cheerful, always on time, never missed work, never borrowed money, and worked a double shift on the weekends when needed. He does not speak much English but understands basic instructions. He has worked for BP families now for over 6 years and has been fully vetted. He is available on January 25th. All of our staff was excellent and snatched up immediately, however not everyone needs a night guard, or their company provides one. I promise you won't be sorry if you hire him. Please phone me to arrange a meeting until Thursday, Gail Green 081 1910 9219. Or Tarno directly at 021 9419 806 Looking for job as Personal Assistant. Female with 17 years experience in multinational companies. Excellent English, Computer Literature, Admin skill. Dynamic, independent, dedicated, loyal, honest. Willing to travel. Interested in my CV, pls contact +62 81319191851, email: evi.na70@gmail.com Hi, am Theresia Dyah. For those who wants to learn bahasa Indonesia, especially for the expatriates, don't be hesitate to contact me. I will teach you bahasa Indonesia. Here is my number #082111005582# or you can contact me through mail tedy. aries@gmail.com. I am waiting.

See you.

Skillful, hardworking & multitasking excellent english.

An Indonesian female single with over 10 years experiences in secretarial and admin. Need a job urgently. Pls contact dety (081380301180 dety. palimbong@gmail.com)

Services DTG (Direct To Garment) Printing T-shirts, Polo Shirts, Canvas Bag, etc. Custom Design. For your Events, Uniforms, Reseller, Community and everything.

Price start from IDR 34K. Visit www.printingkaos.com for more info. Telp. +6283891420002

This Saturday art class provides a safe and fun environment for your child to imagine and create. We seek to inspire children into the world of art from a young age! Classes are designed for children from ages 9 to 13! For more information please visit our website:www.michelleworthartstudio.com or drop us an email michelle.worth.art.studio@ gmail.com Golf lessons for expats by USA expat Golf Teaching Professional. Convenient locations in Cilandak and Bintaro. kenrunyon01@gmail.com Odisea Bali is a company established in Indonesia, in response to the increasing demand for exclusive architectural and interior design services, as well as reliable building services, in the Islands of Bali and Lombok. we offer the most exclusive Architectural Design Services for Luxury Villas or Hotels. korueta@odiseabali.com Personal Trainer. I am certified with 7 years experience including certification through Fitness First.

I now work with expats in the Kemang/Cilandak/Pondok Indah areas. Let me help you achieve your fitness goal this year. Contact me directly at 081905552337 Hello, I'm Herry a professional airport handling at Soekarno Hatta Intl airport. If you need assistance like Fast Track Immigration, Check in, Transit etc

for arrival & departure, please contact me at +6287808522300 / +6281317927009 / BB pin 2A3A60B2. Thank you for your attention. Best Regards.

Need Bahasa Indonesia tutor in Jakarta area ? The meetings can be held at your home / office / public places at your own convenient time. Call me RICKY by phone/ whatsapp 0817 6055511 or by mail : ricky.dsmith@yahoo.co.id

Conceived in the City of Manchester, UK, now residing in Jakarta; Light Within Productions provides services across the spectrum of video production, including corporate videos, induction videos and promotional videos. We produce video explainers and animated marketing videos that inform and entertain. Convey the benefits of your business, product or service. Illuminate your target audience with a Light Within Production. Contact us at office@ lightwithinproductions.com or visit lightwithinproductions.com Australian Psychologist, recently living in Jakarta - An experienced expat, mum and child Psychologist Lydia is available for online counselling and therapy. Expat issues, teenager and family issues, as well as learning disability issues - ADHD, Autism, etc visit www.childpsychmum.com Spanish Tutor. Learn Spanish at your place with an experienced Spanish tutor from Spain. Most of my students come from International Schools (JIS and BIS). Please call me (Raúl) 082110502786 Email: unascartas@yahoo.com Hello, I'm Herry a professional airport handling at Soekarno Hatta Intl airport. If you need assistance like Fast Track Immigration, Check in, Transit etc for arrival & departure, please contact me at +6287808522300 / +6281317927009 / BB pin 2A3A60B2. Thank you for your attention. Best Regards.

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE Come your place 7 am - 8 pm sms : 021.

9609 7388

Spanish Tutor. Learn Spanish at your place with an experienced Spanish tutor from Spain. Most of my students come from International Schools (JIS and BIS). Enjoy discounts for intensive courses during Christmas break. Please call me (Raúl) 082110502786.

Email: unascartas@yahoo.com

Relaxing Massage for Women in Jakarta - Therapist from India, trained in the 'Art of touch and pleasure' - Service at your home in your privacy - For more details, visit http://pijat4wanita.blogspot.com - Message vsinha1982@gmail.com OR to BBM PIN 7A42E9DC - 50% Cash Back Offer, in case you don’t like the massage !

YOUR PATHWAY TO 2ND YEAR AT UNIVERSITY OVERSEAS. Accounting? Finance? Marketing? Management? Media & Communication? IT? MIBT Jakarta campus provides programs that allow you to enter the second year of university overseas. Located in a bright new modern building with facilities that support first-class teaching and learning activities, MIBT Jakarta facilitates your transition from high school to university level education in Australia and other countries. Special direct pathway to Deakin University. For questions about MIBT Jakarta campus or to request a brochure, please contact us at 021 29022285-89 or visit our website at www.mibt.or.id

Frustrated HomeBrewer? Malt and Hops Available. Email: maltandhops@bataviabrewing.com "Learn Bahasa Indonesia fast at your office / place/ house /.

Flexible time. Contact: 0811 899 864 or sinta.permadi@ yahoo.com For Employers looking for an English Course for their employees. From a very trustworthy female who had grown up for 12 years in the U.S. and has years of experience teaching in prominent International Hotels and Multinational Companies. Reasonable prices and various programs such as Business and Conversations. Call 081584109845

Medical evacuation health & life insurance. Let us diagnose your needs. Contact Paul Beale, mobile: +62 816 137 0663, office: 021-5220990 E:paulbeale@gms-financial.com Salon de Coiffure. The Papilion, Jl. Kemang No. 45AA. Monday to Sunday / 9am to 7pm. The latest addition at The Papilion, the iconic glass structure of Kemang, is Salon de Coiffure, a full service unisex salon. Immaculate service, great skills, exceptional creativity and hair color technique • Cut and Blow [Woman] from IDR 200,000++ • Cut [Man] from IDR 150,000++

Massage for Woman Jakarta. Traditional Massage Service for Woman.

- Rp.150rb per hour. - Experienced and professional 30 year old Indian male therapist. - Service at your apartment in your privacy. - Make your booking at vsinha1982@ gmail.com. - 50% cash back, if you are not satisfied with the massage ­­ ·

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• Color / Highlight from IDR 450,000++ • Pedicure / Manicure from IDR 200,000++ • Make-up from IDR 150,000++ For appointment, please contact Antin or Nuke at +6221 719 3118 This free service is provided to assist expats if you have items to sell or if you are looking for things to buy. Maybe you are leaving Indonesia and would like to find jobs for your household help. Send your information to mary.a.wiley@uppercrustjakarta.com. No attachments or photos, please.

Bahasa Indonesia lessons for expats at your house of office given by an instructor with 15 years of experience. Letters of recommendation available upon request.

Please call Pak Chairuman on 0812 1037 466 or email chairuman2013@yahoo.co.id I'm teaching piano and everybody's welcome. I can teach to your home (private). For all ages 3 - 60. Besides normal people, also give music therapy to special needs (autism, slb, hyperactive, old people). asryna 08578 24 64 801 (sms)

PHOTOGRAPHY TRAINING With an award-winning professional photographer PART 1 "Getting The Best From Your Digital Camera" Seminar Saturday February 22nd 9.30 am – 4.30 pm PART 2 "HandsOn Practical Photography" Workshop Sunday February 23rd 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Venue: south Jakarta Spaces filling fast! Contact Maria: 0816976707 melbourne@ melbournethephotographer.com

tos please check: http://www. flickr.com/photos/69658447@ N05/ If interested please call: 0811184290 (Simone)

Stamps collection from Indonesia and other countries for sale.

Please contact hans at prohans@ gmail.com or call 08891514823.

Klipsch RF-7 II Reference Series 7.1 Home Theater System. The best Reference II has to offer - the luxurious flagship RF-7 II home theater system delivers powerful sound reproductions fit for the most discerning audiophiles. Skype :eztekltd Hi, selling EcoCoolRoof to keep your house cool at all time. EcoCoolRoof reflect heat off your rooftop before it was absorbed.

Easy application, extra waterprofing benefit. Contact 021 57941139 or Wahyudi at wahyudi@tawadacleantech.com

Hi, I'm down sizing. Check this site http://www.flickr.com/photos/114762236@N06/ If you interested, text me at +6281284694817.

For Sales I full set of Premier Cabria Drum Set. 2 x floor toms 1 x 12” tom Hi-Hat Double Kick for the Bass. Cymblas, splash and bell. All stands needed to make this into a great set of drums. Owner is leaving town and needs to sell quickly. Please call – Leon - 081294646273.

Bahasa Indonesia class in January 2014 at the American Club.

Private & In-company training also available for Bahasa/English/ Mandarin. Qualified teacher & excellent material 02168888246 or 0813-85590009 www.sibschool.com 22

Very good private English and Bahasa Indonesia teacher in Surabaya. If you really want to learn Bahasa and vice versa just dial 085218880017 or add pin BB 29356da0 with Ms. Vina. She is very good teacher for children and adult

For SALE FITNESS EQUIPTMENT..

1 PROSPORT Treadmill, 1 static cycle - KETTLER , 1 Step Treadmill - KETTLER .. In good condition..

All 3 for Rp.20.000.000 (nego)..

Email pulislina2012@gmail. com. Or text/SMS 0811131742

Dali Zensor 6 5.1 (Danish, famous for listening to music and home theater) 2x Tower Speakers 2x Rear speakers. 1x sub woofer. 1x center speaker.

Rare white wood finishing.

Shipped brand new from Hong Kong. Out of box for 2 weeks.

Rp.3,000,000 or USD2400. No low ball bids please.timchuang888@yahoo.com

Generation Pink Cocktails/ Party Dress, size 2, price Rp.350,000 Sandra Darren Black Yellow White Dress, size 6, price Rp.300,000 NEW Vibrant Butterfly Rainbow Tutu Skirt, price Rp.150,000 NEW vibrant Butterfly Pink Black Tutu Skirt, price Rp.150,000 Wonderkids Pink Greyish Blue Sneaker, Toddler 3-5 yrs, size US 10 EUR 27.5, price Rp.80,000 Skechers Twinkle Toes Pink Glitters Sneaker, Toddler 3-5 yrs, size US 9 EUR 26.5, price Rp.70,000 Baby Trend Nursery Center Playard, Deluxe Havenwood, price Rp.1.5 mio Moby Wrap Baby Carrier, Born Free Chocolate, price Rp.500,000 Children's Place Bow Headbands, 2 packs (6 colors), price Rp.100,000 White Yellow Blue Infant Caps (3 pieces), Rp.100,000 Children’s Place Safari Changing Pad Cover, price Rp.60,000. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE at http://www.flickr. com/photos/99122069@N07/ sets/72157639061937214/ If you are interested, please contact me at my mobile 0812 2240 1946 or email miox88@yahoo.com

lect from Cilandak area (south of TB Simatupang toll road). Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/110575570@N03/ Email: graham.borthwick@gmail.com For Sale: Transport box for small dog/cat IDR200,000 Good size for our dog when she was a puppy but she has outgrown it.

Would also suit a cat. Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/110575570@N03/ Email: graham.borthwick@gmail.com For Sale: Wardrobe(s) (2 available). IDR350,000 each Photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/110575570@N03/ Email: graham.borthwick@gmail.com

NANO 2 FACE SPRAY. Buy now Nano 2 Spray. For orders and info: 081317722271

Others ITEMS FOR SALE - all available immediately: 2 x Tuscany Fossil Side table with glass top.

Size: 60x60 cm. Rp. 500,000 each. Holux GPS for SINGAPORE, Rp. 150,000 Looking for some paintings for your empty walls: Large Orange Painting, ready framed, Size approx.

100x100cm, Rp. 500,000 Large Green/Red Painting, ready framed, Size approx. 125x100, Rp. 500,000 2 x small orange ready framed paintings, Sizeapprox. 50x50cm, Rp. 200,000 each Lamp Shade, D=35cm, color beige, Rp. 20,000 For pho-

For sale old gold collection of Sumatra, ladies rings fastened with ruby stones ​​ and emerald stone, there are also earrings, and rings men saphiere blue stone, gold layered bronze sculpture, holy old teak bed, ceramic china 60cm blue and white jar shape and painting works of Hendra Gunawan old, Hofker, Widayat and other old paintings, serious contact, 081318747770

Dell Vostro 1500 laptop for sale.

RAM: 3GB. Processor: 1.8GHZ. Size: 15'inch. PRICE: 1.800.000 IDR. Phone: 08119403176

Looking for an art and craft tutor for your kids?(english speaking tutors) more info www.doodleacademy.blogspot.com Scan your books to read them on the go!!! PT. MegaEnviron is specialized in scanning books even without removing the book bindings (non-destructive scan). Other services include scanning documents, photographs, films, and slides, data entry, managing documents and database. Contact: Charoen Sanpawa, Mobile: 0811930-3744, Office: 021-632-6667.

E-mail:charoen@megaenviron. com. www.MegaEnviron.com

Few items for sale https://www. dropbox.com/sh/0td9um0rvm mb204/2i7HWJlYxH Please contact Lia Mobile: 081280480429

Learn French the easy way - with a native speaker Private lessons, tutorial & remedial, For people of all ages. Modem teaching methods from an experienced, dedicated instructor. Available at : JI. RS. Fatmawati No. 52 Wisma Subud No. 22B Cilandak Barat Jakarta Selatan 12430 Please contact: Phone. 021-7690216 Child's size guitar for sale! Classic guitar suitable for a child under 14, in a nice soft sided case 350,000Rp Kemang. Recently restrung. SMS or call 08121004980 for photo WANTED: 1. New or used sofabed, which can sleep two people 2. Used staff furniture (sofa, bed frame, TV) 3. Golf instructor based at the Cilandak driving range. Any leads, please email me annali.hayward@hotmail.co.uk For Sale: Mattress (200 x 200).

IDR500,000 Custom made 2 years ago to fit the bed at our oldhouse and still in very good condition but now too big for our new house so it is for sale. Buyer must col-

CANOPY BED for SALE (immediately available) Canopy bed in old selected teak wood (doesn’t crack overseas and/or in AC rooms) including four large drawers for handy storage for sale 10 million Rp See picture at http://www. flickr.com/photos/108537466@ N06/ lucajakarta@yahoo.com PETS LOOKING FOR A HOME. Jack the One-Eyed Kitten Needs a Home! Jack was found in the gutter by a friend of Jakarta Animal Aid Network when he was only 3 weeks of age. He was in horrible shape and had lost 1 eye and had scabies. He spend 1 month at a clinic in North Jakarta before he came to us. Jack has recovered nicely and is very healthy now.

His eye does not seem to bother him and he loves to play with other kittens.He is sweet and affectionate! For more info please email : jaan_adopt@yahoo.com To view pics of Jack please follow this link: http://berniesdogtraining.com/blogs/bernie-failla

Personals Wanted: Expat band looking for a keyboard player who likes to sing. Someone who was raised on Rock n Roll and The Blues preferred. Must love Pink Floyd, Muddy Waters, the Stones, Nick Cave & the Beatles. Call 0816 88 5080 or email tdonohue@ jisedu.or.id R&B singer/songwriter looking for band. 25-year-old female lead singer from California, used to play in Hollywood and surrounding areas, in search for an existing band in need of a vocalist or interested sessions musicians (bass player, drummer, and guitarist) with a soulful/R&B inclination to play at Jakarta’s top spots. Send an e-mail (preferably with a sound clip or a link to video) to stacybrown0301@gmail.com

DOWN SIZING SALE Kate Spade New York Large Cobble Hill Leslie Black Shoulder Handbag, price 2 mio NEW Kate Spade New York Lainey Grove Court Green Satchel Handbag, price 3.5 mio Charles & Keith Black Shoulder Handbag, price Rp.400,000 BCBG ­­ ·

issue 110

· 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

颅颅 路

issue 110

路 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014

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颅颅 路

issue 110

路 29 january 2014 - 11 february 2014