Jakarta Expat - issue 68 - Alcohol

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Dear Readers,

68 th Edition | 25 April - 8 May 2012 Editor in Chief Angela Richardson angela@jakartaexpat.biz Assistant Editor Cecilia Forsman cecilia@jakartaexpat.biz Management Edo Frese edo@jakartaexpat.biz Sales Dian Mardianingsih ads@jakartaexpat.biz Distribution Dian Mardianingsih dian@jakartaexpat.biz Graphics Adietyo Rukmono didiet@jakartaexpat.biz Frederick Ng fred@jakartaexpat.biz

W

hether you’re lifting your glass to toast a friend’s health, trying to forget someone in your past, or enjoying a glass of Chateau la Cardonne with your dinner, drinking is a favoured habit or even hobby of so many. Although it’s still unclear when alcohol was first used as a beverage, a late discovery of Neolithic beer jugs in China has established that intentionally fermented beverages existed as early as 10,000 B.C. and wine was first seen being produced in Egyptian pictographs circa 4,000 B.C, although a honey wine known as Mead was known to have existed as far back as 7,000 B.C and I’m told is making a comeback.

Developed over thousands of years in many civilizations including China, Greece, Babylon and the Islamic world, many other forms of alcoholic beverages have been created and used for a variety of reasons from anaesthetics to offerings for the Gods, not to mention recreational uses. Whether you fancy yourself a wine connoisseur or a whiskey fiend, this issue has something for you and we have added four more pages for your reading pleasure.

is a read you cannot miss on page 4. Our most popular writer, Sebastien Laurent, has an informative piece about wine so turn to 15 if you love this fermented grape beverage as much as he does. We also have an appearance by Jeremy Allan about alcohol and religion on page 10, which may give you a different perspective on things. As always, this and much more and we really hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together for you.

As Charles Bukowski once said, “If something bad happens you drink in an attempt to forget; if something good happens you drink in order to celebrate; and if nothing happens you drink to make something happen.” Having said all that, please drink responsibly!

Cheers, folks!

Finance & Admin Pertiwi Gianto Putri tiwi@jakartaexpat.biz Lini Verawaty lini@jakartaexpat.biz Contributors Darin Aarons Jeremy Allan Ed Caffin Sebastien Laurent Juan Leysner Putri Minangsari Eamonn Sadler Antony Sutton Kenneth Yeung Ponti Young Editorial Enquiries letters@jakartaexpat.biz Circulation Enquiries info@jakartaexpat.biz Subscription info@jakartaexpat.biz

A new contributor, Putri Minangsari has the history of the beer we’ve all grown to love; Bintang. Turn to page 6 for her insights.

Kenneth Yeung returns with an in depth read about lethal home brews and the illegal alcohol market in Indonesia, which

in this 68th issue: NEW IN TOWN Arma-who?

FEATURED Dying for a Drink FEATURED Bintang, Indonesia’s Most Loved Beer and the History Behind the Label HISTORY Bengkulu Blues LOCAL LIQUORS Arak a Bittersweet Story POINTS OF VIEW Alcohol and Islam MEET THE EXPATS Andreas Stokowy TRAVEL Nusa Lembongan. White Sandy Bays, Blue Lagoons & Mopeds GRUMPY OLD MEN The French Spirit of Wine PERSONAL TECH & APPS Don't Drink and Type ADVERTORIAL Real Advice about Preventing Heart Disease LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT The Truth Hurts JAKARTA EXPAT PROPERTIES EVENTS EVER WONDER WHY? The Price We Pay CLASSIFIEDS

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

New in Town John and Marc Gentzbourger, Owners of Chabot

Arma-who?

PONTI YOUNG Ponti is an avid food and wine enthusiast. Got food and wine questions? You can email Ponti at ponti@elbowroomjakarta.com

by Ponti Young

I say brandy… you say? Cognac?

Martell?

Please allow me to introduce the “other” brandy, Armagnac. To start on the right foot, I would like to clarify a couple of points. The type of brandy we are talking about here is made solely from grapes, not from any other fruits, vegetables or any other products that you may want to distill with. Another point are the regions, Cognac and Armagnac are two separate regions in France where brandy is made. Akin to the laws for Champagne and sparkling wine, anything produced outside of these regions are simply referred to as brandy. Armagnac was distilled almost 1,000 years ago, giving it a 200 year heads up on Cognac.

Located South West of France in the Gascony region, Armagnac enjoys the temperate Mediterranean climate and rolling hills. Grape brandy

starts off with white grapes from the vineyards and then fermented to produce a white wine. Here the difference between the two regions starts. Cognac predominantly uses a grape variety called Ugni Blanc (also known as Trebbiano in Italy), making a light crisp base wine with hints of Colombard and Folle Blanche. In contrast, Armagnac is produced with Colombard as the dominant variety which contains higher acidity and sugar level, accompanied with Baco Blanc, Folle Blanche and hints of Ugni Blanc.

This blend is used to bring together a combination of perfume, body and a spectrum of flavours in the end product. Meanwhile, the white wine is dry and acidic, probably resembling enamel cleanser, however this is perfect for distilling.

Once the wine is made, distillation kicks off. Armagnac producers

a concentrated and smooth finished brandy and ideally, the more time the Angels get to drink, the better it is for our mortal palates.

have kept this method in a very traditional form, preferring a single, continuous distillation method, retaining the fruit characters, though some say single distillation produces a more robust spirit than the double distillation used in Cognac. Ageing in oak barrels follows to take care of any roughness and softens the spirit, where the spirit will lie for a minimum of five years. Armagnac producers are unique by storing the spirit in barrels by each year of production (much like wine), and reserving them for the final blending. As the brandy ages, the oak cask imparts colour and flavours while undergoing a very slow evaporation and oxygenation process, commonly referred to as the “Angels share”. Thanks to the Angels, we mortals are able to enjoy

Houses will distinguish the average age of the brandy by stating: V.S.— Simply referred to as “Very Special”, this would is the puppy of the litter, seeing around two years of oak aging.

V.S.O.P.—Short for “Very Special Old Pale”, is a blend of brandy that’s been aged for a minimum of five years.

Look for a burnt orange colour and a powerful aroma.

X.O.—Things gets interesting here as the brandy is aged for a minimum of six years, though most “Extra Old” on the market are older, using a blend of six to thirty five year old brandy. Note the appealing orange/ caramel colour with a toffee nose.

Extra—Older and finer than X.O., “Extra” will for sure impress. This blend can consist of a six year old and up to fi ft y years of age. Smooth, delicate and definitely rich in character, sip with a good Cuban cigar or after dinner.

Vintage—A specialty from the Armagnac region, vintage brandy is made purely from the stated year, showcasing the uniqueness of the harvest. If collecting is your passion, grab a vintage Armagnac and truly impress your neighbours.

For most folks Cognac is the house hold name for French brandy, readily

available in most outlets around town and supported by a marketing machine almost as aggressive as Coca Cola. Huge companies have driven the Cognac world over the years, delivering consistently made brandy with an endless supply for the growing demand here in Asia.

This aggressive strategy has over shadowed the family operated co ops in Armagnac that can carve a niche market that appreciates the quality and character of Armagnac. With a mere 340,000 cases of Armagnac produced versus Cognac’s 10 million cases strong, global domination is obviously not the objective.

Today, brands such as Chabot and Sempe are gaining ground in bringing Armagnac brandy closer to our door step. Already available in major airports and markets in Asia such as Singapore and Hong Kong, I believe it will be only a matter of time before we will be able to reach for a bottle of Chabot off our own cabinets. 

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Featured

DYING FOR A DRINK THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT CLAIMS THAT ITS HIGH TAXES ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DISCOURAGE HEAVY DRINKING BUT THE REALITY IS THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE TURNING TO ILLICITLY PRODUCED LIQUOR, SOMETIMES WITH DEADLY CONSEQUENCES.

By Kenneth Yeung

E

VERY year, dozens of people across the archipelago are killed by consuming drinks adulterated with toxic substances, especially methyl alcohol, which is normally used as an industrial solvent and antifreeze, and sometimes as a racing car fuel. fu uel el.. In n tthe hee fi firrst rst st 15 15 weeks weeek eks of of tthis hiis year, the Indonesian media has h tainted alcohol. rreported re epo port ort rted ed more morre than th haan n 50 50 deaths deaatths de hs from fr Drinking can destroy the optic nerve, D Dr rin nki kingg as king as little lliiitt ttttlee as ttle as 5m 55ml ml of of methanol met eth hence term drunk’ while h he enc enc nce th tthe he tte erm rm ‘‘blind blin bl blin nd d dr runk’ unk’ un k’, w wh h 30ml can be lethal, although some people ingestion of 100ml. so ome me p eo eo opl ple have pl havvee ssurvived ha urvviive ur ved iin nge ges Methanol occurs naturally animals and plants, so Me M etth han anol ol o cccu urrs n na atu tura rall lly in in humans, hum um the body miniscule tth he b bo ody dy ccan an ccope an op pe wi with ith hm inis in ini iscu cule quantities. The liver converts methanol which m me etth han anol ol iinto ntto fo n fformaldehyde, ormal rmal rm ald alde deehy hyd dee, wh w hi is then oxidised into formic acid eliminated urine ac cid i aand nd eeither nd itthe her eel lim imin inat ated ted ed iin nu ur rin n or broken down to carbon dioxide.

But d di iox oxiid de. e. B ut iiff an ut an eexcessive xces xc essi sivvee aamount mo m ou un n is consumed, the resulting build-up fformaldehyde fo ormal rm mal alde dehy hyde de b uiilld u d d-u -u up will wiill w ill ll be be toxic. tox It can take up to 30 hours to drinking to experience the full aaft fteerr d fte dr riin nki king king ng methanol-tainted meetttha hano ha nololl-ta tain inte ted alcohol aall symptoms (beverage alcohol) is sy ymp mpto pto toms ms of of poisoning. po p ois ison oning. iin ng. g. If If ethyl ethy et hyl alcohol al al present of methanol into the p pr reessen sen ent in in the the he mix, mixx, it it slows slo lows ows ws tthe he eentrance he ntt n metabolism. the initial m me etabo taabo bolliiism ssm m. Aft Aft fteer er th he iin nit itia ial period ia perriiod pe peri od of inebriation, symptoms blurred painful iinclude in nccllude ude b ud bl lur urre urre red d an aand nd p pa ain infu infu ful vision, vissiion vi on, headache, nausea, dizziness, muscular musc mu scul sc cul ulaarr pain, ular pain, ain, ai n, respiratory res espi pira ratory toryy diffi to diffi fficu cculties lt and convulsions. Within a lt hours, the results ffew fe ew more ew more mo re h ourrss, tth ou he rre essu esu ultts ca ccan an b bee ccoma, organ failure, blindness, brain orr de death. b br raaiin in damage dam da maage ge o d eat ath h.. dangers of Indonesia’s relatively Thes Th ese da es ese d an ngger geerrs are are well weellll known, kno own wn, but wn, bu b ut many m number off aal alcohol llow lo ow nu n umb mber er o lcco oho hol drinkers hol drrin d nkkeers ers rs and and nd some impecunious expats they opt for the ccannot ca ann nnot not ot aaff ffor ff ord or d heavily heeavvilly taxed h taxxeed liquor. ta taxe lliiqu quor or. Instead, or In In ttraditional tr trad raad dit itio ion naal brews brreew b w wss that t at th at various var a io ious ous us regions reg egio egio ion have been making for centuries, orr th they may unwittingly buy a toxically tainted cocktail cent ce ntur nt urie ies, s, o heyy m ay u ay nwiittti nw tti ting ting ngly ly b or ccounterfeit or ount ou nter erfeit erfe ffeeit it spirit. spi piri piri rit. itt..

Local L Lo ocal ccaal concoctions co on nccoc coc octi tion ion ons come come co me under un nd der er a variety vaarri of names, a few of which best wh w hic ich are aarre interchangeable. inte in tercha rch rc haanggea eabl blee.. Th Thee b eesst kknown drinks are: cap tikus (literally brand’ distilled (l lit iteral erally er ally al ly ‘‘rat rat br ra b ran and’ nd’ d’, a di d dist isttillle led fermented ferm fe errm men en sago wine – a North Sulawesi brem SSu ula lawe lawe wesi si specialty) spe p ci cial cial alty ty) br b rem m ((fermented fermen fe rrm men ntteed ed glutinous rice wine), tuak ((usually (u usu sual sual allly ly palm ly pal alm wine, w in wi nee, but but also bu allso al so refers so reeffeerrs too a fermented rice and sugar drink), d dr rin ink) k), arak ara ar ak k ((distilled diist d stillle stil led fermented led ferrm fe mente ente en ted red red re ed rice, or distilled palm sap), ciu – a Javanese specialty), ci iu ((distilled dist di stil ille led fermented ferm fe men ntteed sugarcane suga su garc rcan rcan ane molasses ane mo mo lapen contraction or ‘instantly dizzy’, la ap peen ((aa cco ontra ont nttrraact ctiio on of of ‘langsung ‘lang langsu la ngsu ng sung ng pening’ pen en brew Yogyakarta palm-sugar wine, and also refers tthis th hiiss b rew fr re rew from rom om Y ogyyaakart og kart ka rta is rta is a p almal m-s high-strength mixed and syrup) and sopi to h to igghh-st stre treen nggtth h aalcohol lccoh holl m iixxed ed with wit ith water w specialty). ((distilled (d (di dis isti tiill llled ll ed Koli ed Kol oli palm-sugar paalm lm-s -sug ugar gar ar wine win ine – a Maluku ine Maa M

BOSS VODKAA is a legitimate brand made in Tangerang, however this bottle had been recycled and filled with an illicitly made local liquor.

CONFISCATED LOCAL MIRAS from www.humas-poldametrojaya.com www.humas-polda The Jakarta Police Website

These cheap drinks are for sale at roadside stalls, mostly unregulated and unmonitored by the Health Ministry’s Drug and Food Control Agency. They are usually safe to drink in moderation, with alcoholic content ranging from 5% to 70%, and at worst will cause only a hangover. Problems start when unscrupulous distillers, resellers or imbeciles decide to increase alcoholic content by adding either ‘rubbing alcohol’ or methanol.

Rubbing alcohol, which contains approximately 70% pure, concentrated ethanol, is primarily used as a disinfectant and surface cleaner, and can be bought cheaply at any pharmacy.

Methanol can be bought from chemical suppliers for under Rp.15,000 per litre. Bleach can be used to remove dye from methylated spirits. Some stallholders market their moonshine as jamu (traditional herbal remedies) in order to avoid upsetting religious groups or local authorities opposed to alcohol.

Health and trade authorities in Bali have regulated the traditional liquor industry in order to collect taxes, but there remains the risk of getting a drink from a tainted batch. In April, a Japanese man living in Jimbaran died after drinking methanol-laced arak.

One of the worst cases occurred in June 2009, when 25 people, including foreign tourists, died after drinking toxic arak in Bali and Lombok. In September 2010, three Russian technicians working on Indonesia’s Sukhoi fighter jets in South Sulawesi died after drinking methanol-adulterated drinks. In June 2011, four Russian sailors died after consuming alcohol bought in South Kalimantan.

Some countries have travel advisories warning of the potential dangers of Indonesia’s local spirits and suggest that tourists stick to bottled beer.

While the deaths of foreigners usually make the news, the vast majority of fatalities are young Indonesian men, often keen to prove their masculinity by downing dangerously strong drink at parties where hosts cannot afford expensive spirits. Victims tend to be from a low socio-economic background, generally pooling money to buy ingredients for a lethal cocktail to alleviate despondency. Yet alcoholism is not a huge problem in Indonesia, the chief exception being Papua province, where unfortunately there is a dearth of data on alcohol abuse. According to World Health Organization data, only 0.6% of Indonesian adults are high risk drinkers, which is defined as consumption of five or more standard drinks for males and three or more standard drinks for females on a typical drinking day. This data might not account for people drinking methylated spirits mixed with condensed milk.

The government doesn’t provide statistics on alcohol consumption

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

in rural communities, where some people engage in binge drinking at festivals and wedding parties.

Police and Customs officers occasionally raid producers and vendors of illicit spirits, especially ahead of Ramadhan, seizing thousands of bottles, which are sometimes steamrolled for the TV cameras. Some school students caught with alcohol earlier this year claimed to have bought it from police.

Aside from tainted local drinks, another problem is the counterfeiting of imported brands of spirits, as well as local brands such as Mansion House. Jakarta Police last year raided six illegal liquor factories that were producing thousands of bottles of spirits being sold as the real thing. The bogus brands included Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Martell VSOP, Hennessy VSOP, St-Rémy Authentic, Jim Beam, Jack Daniel’s, Pepe Lopez Tequila, Smirnoff No.21, Absolut Vodka, Bols Amsterdam 1575 and Gordon’s London Dry Gin. The operators mixed 90% strength industrial alcohol with bottled water and a variety of ingredients, including syrup, energy drinks, colouring agents and alcohol flavouring essences. The counterfeit liquor cost about Rp.40,000 per bottle to produce and was then sold to small cafes, bars and stores for Rp.70,000 to Rp.200,000 per bottle, whereas the genuine stuff would retail for about Rp.500,000 or more. Getting hold of the right empty bottles accounted for at least half of the production costs. These were bought from staff of nightclubs and restaurants for Rp.20,000 to Rp.30,000 each. The message for bar owners is simple: supervise the smashing of your empty spirits bottles lest they end up being refilled with counterfeit liquor. In China, many distributors and manufacturers of foreign liquor require the return of their bottles.

Some fakes can be spotted by printing errors on labels, plastic seals over bottle tops, blemished or chipped bottles, cloudy content, and most revealingly, by taste. One Central Jakarta cafe used to host a regular quiz night, with the winning team receiving a bottle of ‘imported’ spirits, but the usual victors complained it was definitely fake and made them ill. Police encourage the public to report any vendors selling extremely cheap spirits because it could contain lethal ingredients; however, it could simply be genuine stuff smuggled in with the complicity of crooked officials.

Workers in Jakarta’s counterfeit liquor factories are often part of syndicates but police seem to have trouble arresting ringleaders.

Officers are more adept at nabbing small-time liquor vendors

1 LITRE OF METHANOL can be bought for Rp.12,500

lacking a permit. In January a 72-year-old man living in a shack by the railway in Tanah Abang was arrested for selling vodka and wine.

By comparison, when police in Palembang, South Sumatra, in April found a warehouse stocked with 3,000 bottles of illicitly produced liquor, the owner of the operation was let off with merely a warning.

There’s no easy solution to Indonesia’s problem of methanol poisoning. Alcohol taxes could be lowered and traditional liquor regulations tightened, but some people will likely continue to tempt fate with potentially lethal booze. Banning alcohol would only perpetuate the black market’s dominance and lead to more methanol use. 

PABRIK MIRAS PALSU from www.humas-poldametrojaya.com The Jakarta Police Website

KENNETH YEUNG Kenneth Yeung enjoys an occasional drink.

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Featured

History

B

A holiday spent in Indonesia most likely revolves around a bottle of Bintang. It is a household name and the perfect thirst-quencher to help one survive the tropical heat of this archipelago. For years now Bintang has always been a favourite amongst locals and foreigners, both because of its great light taste and the fact that this beer can be easily found all over Indonesia.

by Putri Minangsari

C

onsidered a pilsner beer, as it is a clear, bottom fermented lager, the name Bintang means ‘star’ in Indonesian. Sold widely across the country, Bintang is available in almost all bars and restaurants, supermarkets, 24-hour convenience stores, side-street kiosks and food vendors. A Bintang can or bottle costs around IDR 12,000 to IDR 18,000 and with its 5% alcohol content, Bintang is considered a light beer. The questions on how it all started, and how this beer became a true shining ‘star’ as a famous local brand, and why Heineken is said to be Bintang’s sister beer, are all based on facts that interestingly intertwine with how Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony, with the focus of attention at that time being on the island of Java.

The brewery where Bintang beer was born, was founded in 1929 under a company by the name of NV Nederlandsch Indische Bierbrouwerijen. Initially established in Medan, this company’s sole brewery was in Surabaya, and its first brand was Java Bier. In 1936, Heineken NV became a major shareholder and as this happened, the company name then changed to Heineken NederlandschIndische Brouwerij Maatschappij.

The following year the company

introduced Heineken beer to the Indonesian market for the first time.

During the Second World War, the company ceased the production of Heineken beer, but not long after Indonesia’s Independence in 1947, Heineken Beer was reintroduced to the Indonesian market. This comeback proved to be successful, so in 1951 the company’s name was again changed to Heineken's Nederlandsch-Indische Bierbrouwerijen Maatschappij NV, with the sale of Heineken Beer back to full force on the local market. But since this was during the years of Indonesia’s Guided Democracy, a situation that lasted from 1957 until 1965, the Indonesian government took over many aspects of local businesses – and this forced Heineken to cease work as technical advisor for the company and also prohibited the use of the Heineken brand once and for all. Hence the birth of ‘Bir Bintang’, and what was before a Heineken beer was changed into this local brand with a local name. The company name also changed into Perusahaan Bir Bintang.

In 1967 Heineken resumed activities in Indonesia and with the renewed technical assistance of the Heineken company, the quality of Bintang beer was again brought up to

in an

international standards. Bir Bintang was re-launched under the name Bintang Baru. After changing its name several times, Perusahaan Bir Bintang as a company went public in 1981 and adopted a new name, PT Multi Bintang Indonesia. Today, PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk is the leading beer manufacturer in Indonesia which produces and markets a range of trademark products, including Bir Bintang, Heineken, Guinness, Green Sands, Bintang Zero and Recharge. The latest label change that took place to rejuvenate Bintang beer happened in 2011. A dominant beer producer in Indonesia, Multi Bintang Indonesia relies on Bintang Beer to cover more than 55% of the local market – and even reaching 70% in regions of East Indonesia and North Sumatra.

Although of Muslim majority, Indonesian people are generally still keen beer consumers, proven by the fact that Bintang Beer sells 950,000 hectolitres of the lager domestically every year. This is despite the fact that the price of Bintang, while cheap for westerners, is still relatively high for locals.

Bintang, though of good quality and refreshing taste, does not really have a distinctive flavour. As with most other beers, Bintang is ideally enjoyed when cold, especially ice-

7

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

?

ntang, nyone

Indonesia’s Most Loved Beer and the History Behind the Label

"Today, PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk is the leading beer manufacturer in Indonesia which produces and markets a range of trademark products, including Bir Bintang, Heineken, Guinness, Green Sands, Bintang Zero and Recharge." cold. In Indonesia’s more remote villages, the hope of finding an ice cold Bintang more often than not fails due to lack of refrigeration - and you’ll have to drink your Bintang warm. But at least they still sell Bintang! Whether drunk on its own, with fried peanuts and melinjo crackers as are often served in quaint Bali bars, with barbecued assortments, or spicy Indonesian food, the beer serves its purpose confidently and well.

dinner or drinks in more posh places like Potato Head or Jackrabbit, look for a bottle or a draught glass of Bintang - and without a doubt you’ll find it. But whether in Bali, Jakarta, Jogjakarta, in other tourist or business areas where people spend time roaming the city streets and buildings for leisure or work, the prospect of grabbing an ice cold one in the middle of a steamy afternoon always sounds like a good idea. ■

An American tourist in Ubud wrote in his blog about how he and his wife coped with their trip under the scorching Bali sun and survived, “Always order a LARGE Bintang beer”, he advises. “It’s as much as two small ones and it will cost thirty percent less. You know you’re going to have at least two anyway, right? If you don’t know that now, just wait till you get here and realize the average temperature is somewhere between soaking in sweat and heat stroke.” There’s a bit of traveller’s wisdom for you.

In the capital city of Jakarta, be it while strolling along the questionable-but-fun Jaksa strip, or sitting in charming old bars like Dyna Pub, or hanging out in cheapbeer places like Beer Garden or Melly’s on Wahid Hasyim, to having

PUTRI MINANGSARI Putri is a travel and lifestyle writer with an undying love—mixed with amusement and exasperation—for Jakarta, the city she calls home. She is also a professional Balinese Legong dancer and a seasoned language tutor, as well as an avid lager drinker.

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

History

BENGKULU

by Antony Sutton

BLUES

Carte de L'Isle de Sumatra by Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, mid-18th Century which shows Bengkulu on the west coast.

Courtesy of Bartele Gallery.

At

first sight Bengkulu seems an odd place for a trading post. It's situated on the west coast of Sumatra, maybe three quarters of the way down the mammoth island.

Head due west and you won't hit landfall until north of Zanzibar in West Africa. For the East India Company, that early London based multi national looking east it seems a very strange choice indeed but in the early 18th Century this small isolated port was their only presence in the whole of the Spice Islands. They had retreated there with their tails between their legs after the Dutch had kicked them out of Banten towards the end of the previous century.

The British had been touching base here since the 1600's, buying pepper and trying to offload Indian silks but cut off from the main trading routes by first the Portuguese and then the Dutch.

They called it Fort York and they had some 300 kilometres of relatively friendly coast to themselves. Hardly surprising of course, Bengkulu was remote from the main spiceries but for decades the British stubbornly plodded along there while looking for a way back into the main area where they could link their

India and China trade. They would of course eventually find Singapore but that was a century away yet and would come only after other such islands had been looked at, not least Penang. And of course the man who is credited with founding Singapore, Stamford Raffles, spent several years in this outpost bemoaning his fate and upsetting the Dutch. The climate was malarial and the traffic was insufficient to lure the smarter traders: it became a warehouse for the washed up and the desperate.

One such individual was appointed Joseph Collett who was appointed Governor in 1712. This guy was a Baptist with a coterie of women and a knack of finding himself in debt. So desperate the poor man must have been he scrimped and scrounged the necessary money to secure the position (much as senior police officers do today allegedly) but his dream came true and he became lord over all he surveyed. Which wasn't a lot!

Still, he kept busy. He replaced Fort York with a more sturdy Fort Marlborough and was even showing a profit after a couple of years. This didn't stop him bemoaning the 'quality' of people who were sent to the outpost. Mr. Ballard drank himself to death within a few weeks of arriving there while some guy called Eaton, no doubt upon hearing less than flowery accounts of his new

posting was arrested for mutiny, piracy and murder even before he'd landed.

Collett must have impressed his masters back in London for after seeing out 4 years he was transferred to Madras, a more than suitable position for this one time bankrupt.

Bengkulu failed to prosper and within months head office was bemoaning the lack of pepper shipments, its supposed raison d'etre. There were tales of woe from the Bengkulu traders aplenty and matching retorts from London: oh how those traders must have hated mail day! One report stated trouble with the natives. There was no sympathy from London; London replied that oppression 'though it lie and fester awhile will at last break out into a dangerous if not incurable sore.' Promises were made of fine new plantations being developed but as ship after ship returned empty 'good words will no longer go down well with us' roared across the oceans, the venom all too clear.

A particular target for London, as if the lack of pepper wasn't enough, was the drinks bill, something familiar no doubt to many a CEO today. Collett had boasted how he's turned rampaging, beer guzzling delinquents into angelic cherubs who never missed church services and were tucked up in bed by 10 pm.

The saintly Collett must have had

some leaving do if the drinks consumed in his final month is anything to go by. The total from this July 1716 bender far exceeded the export of pepper for the previous 12 months and it is a no brainer to imagine the rage as the Finance Officer dictated the following: 74 dozen and a half bottles of claret, 24 dozen and half Burton Ale and Pale beer, 2 pipes and 42 gallons of Maderia wine, 6 flasks of Persian wine, 274 bottles of toddy, 3 Leaguers and 3 quarters of Batavia arrack and 164 gallons of Goa toddy.

Consumed by 19 people in one month! Kind of puts Pressure Hour in the shade! Little wonder that the Company replied 'It is a wonder to us that any of you live six months and that there has not been more quarrellings and duelings amongst you'.

Bengkulu wasn’t the only place of course in the archipelago where alcohol was not just freely available but joyfully imbibed by expats far from home.

on deaf ears. In their eyes the Europeans were all the same.

Tired with forever pleading their innocence, the British community had a brainwave.

They decided to hold a celebration on Queen Elizabeth I’s birthday and they paraded through the Banten streets celebrating the monarch and their nation. The Bantenese were curious. They had their own monarch who they respected deeply, the remains of his kraton can still be seen, and they looked on the Europeans in a new light and with a new respect. But, they wondered, why were only some of the white people celebrating?

This was the opportunity the British were looking for. They explained that they were from two different countries and that they, the British, respected their monarch as the Bantenese respected theirs. The penny dropped and the local people followed the procession chanting ‘British good, Dutch bad’. ■

The port city of Banten, a couple of hours west of Jakarta had a small British trading community based there who would often get into brawls with drunken visiting Dutch sailors carousing through the narrow lanes.

The Bantenese, unused to the subtleties and nuances of European nation states would tar all Europeans with the same brush and British protestations that it was the dastardly Dutch who started the fighting fell

ANTONY SUTTON Antony Sutton is a writer based in Jakarta. Please send comments and suggestions to antony@the-spiceislands.com

9

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Local Liquor

by Ed Caffin

SINCE IMPORTED ALCOHOL IS QUITE EXPENSIVE IN INDONESIA – GOVERNMENT TAXES ARE SOMETIMES UP TO 400% – LOCAL BREWS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR. ARAK, A POTENT SPIRIT DISTILLED FROM SUGAR CANE, RICE OR COCONUT PALM, IS PROBABLY THE MOST WELL KNOWN OF ALL. MANY SMALL LIQUOR FACTORIES HAVE SPRUNG UP TO SUPPLY BARS AND ROADSIDE STALLS. AND OF COURSE, IT FEATURES ON DRINKS LISTS IN MOST TOURIST BARS AS PART OF THE NOTORIOUS ARAK ATTACK COCKTAIL. DRINKING ARAK HOWEVER IS NOT WITHOUT RISKS. HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INDONESIA’S MOST POPULAR MOONSHINE.

M

Y first encounter with arak I remember all too well. It was on my very first trip to Indonesia, somewhere in a deceitful local bar in Bandung. On the last round, the waiter persisted in making a cocktail for me. The waiter made me an Arak Attack, which sounded kind of funny to me. I then was unaware about the origin of the name: intoxicated tourists in Indonesia had once coined it, and it helped gain its reputation rapidly. I found out why the next day: the hangover lasted for hours.

The word arak comes from the Arabic language (araq), but Asian arak should not be confused with arrack, found in many North African and Eastern Mediterranean countries.

This type of arak is an anise-flavoured alcoholic beverage and is traditionally distilled from grapes; its alcohol percentage ranging from 40 to 80%. The names may be similar; Indonesian arak is quite different.

On Java, arak is mostly made of sugar cane. Batavia Arak aka ‘the rum of Indonesia’ is distilled to approximately 140 proof or 70% alc. vol. Like rum it is a unique blend of different parcels. Batavia arak is a so-called pot still distillation, a type of distillation process brought to Indonesia by the Chinese.

Local fermented red rice is combined with local yeast, giving it a unique flavour.

But arak is found throughout the archipelago. On Bali and Lombok, for example, it is easy to find: many small shops have small plastic bottles for sale, filled with a yellowish local brew distilled from palm sap or rice. The bittersweet taste of arak is not suitable for all, but mixing it with Coke or Green Sands and most find it to be quite tasty. Its prime selling point is its

low price. Small bottles go for around 10.000 Rupiah (around a dollar), or 30.000 per litre bottle. This arak can have an alcohol content of around 50% or more.

Although there may be risks involved, arak is a very popular drink in Indonesia. And with more and more local producers brewing the bittersweet spirit, it will remain to be that for a long time. Cheers! 

Arak from such roadside stalls is made in home industries and drinking it can be dangerous. Recently, media have reported about people getting sick or even dying after drinking poisoned arak in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Victims are said to have drunk arak that was tainted with methanol. This type of alcohol, also dubbed wood alcohol, is widely used in rural areas in Indonesia as a fuel for lanterns. Even a tiny amount is highly dangerous for humans. Buying a sealed bottle of arak in a proper store, although sometimes distilled up to 70% alcohol, might be a safer choice.

I got to appreciate the Indonesian local spirit more on my later trips to Bali, where drinking arak is blended into local traditions.

During most social gatherings, Balinese men drink rice arak. On several occasions I was invited to join. The booze is poured into a glass that is shared by all. After drinking you are supposed to spill some on the ground in honour of Dewi Sri, the Goddess of rice.

Batavia arak and Balinese arak may have their unique taste, similar spirits are found in other countries throughout Asia.

Like Lambanog, that is distilled in the Philippines, and has an alcohol content of 80 to 90 proof after a single distillation. The world’s largest producer of coconut arak, however, is Sri Lanka.

Like in Indonesia, arak is traditionally consumed by itself or mixed with sodas or in cocktails. But it is mostly mixed with Ginger Beer, a popular soda in Sri Lanka. Since I am planning a trip there in just a few weeks, I’ll soon find out how that tastes…

*ED CAFFIN Ed Caffin lives and works in Amsterdam, where he teaches psychology and communication. A born traveller, he is currently based in Indonesia from where he travels through Asia, writing and blogging about his experiences. To contact him email edcaffin@yahoo.

10

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

ALCOHOL AND ISLAM

By Jeremy Allan

D

URING one period of my years in living in Jakarta, a favourite activity was my weekly visit to Pak Trisno, an elderly antiques dealer and former journalist with a prodigious knowledge born of a long lifetime of reading in several languages. On one occasion, during Ramadan, I dropped by about an hour before sunset. When he offered the customary cold beer, I declined, citing good manners and respect for another’s religious beliefs. I knew the old man was fasting, and I was reluctant to drink in front of him, especially during the final excruciating minutes of a long, hot day without a drop of water. To my surprise, Pak Trisno popped open the cap and placed the bottle in front of me.

history and into the present day.

Fundamentalists justify an absolute prohibition of alcohol by quoting, not the Koran, but a hadith (a comment attributed to Muhammad) which has the general meaning of: “if it intoxicates in a large amount, it is forbidden even in a small amount.” Following this logic, a number of other common substances would be on the banned list. Coffee will go, as anyone with their own espresso machine will attest that double-digit consumption in a day brings a measure of euphoria as well as heart palpitations. The “sugar high” will put common sucrose in the same Class A Restricted category as some other fine white powders. Even eating durian would become a furtive activity, in light of the giddiness an aficionado experiences after over-indulging on the spiky, pungent fruit.

“No passage in the Koran forbids the consumption of alcoholic beverages,” Pak Trisno said. “Islam only enjoins moderation, sensible advice for believer and infidel alike.”

Though Islamic fundamentalists will vehemently disagree, Pak Trisno’s interpretation of a book he has read in the original Arabic is, in my opinion, valid. As he explained, the Koran itself contains only oblique references to alcohol, notably a verse forbidding Muslims to attend to prayers while intoxicated. This is hardly unique to Islam; staggering into a place of worship three sheets to the wind is universally frowned upon. Subsequent verses bundle drinking with gambling (never a good combination) as activities distracting Muslims from performing daily prayers. However, there is no direct mention of other modes of consumption, such as taking wine with the evening meal.

The idea that alcohol itself is haram, contrary to Islamic

So, as usual in these situations, the best option is to rely on common sense. As Pak Trisno would tell me: “Drink your beer slowly. This is a Muslim household, you won’t get another.”  dietary rules, seems fairly recent. Alcohol and Islam have been, well, drinking buddies since the earliest days of the religion.

Like the words algebra and alchemy, the word alcohol itself comes from Arabic, reflecting the discovery of the distillation process by Muslim chemists in the eighth century. Classical Islamic literature, such as the oft-quoted Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, has no shortage of paeans to alcoholic beverages as a component of the civilized life. Credible accounts (and not a few salacious rumours) attest to a healthy, if generally discreet, alcohol consumption in most Muslim societies throughout

JEREMY ALLAN Jeremy is a writer and long time Indonesian expat based in Jogjakarta. To get in touch with him email jeremy@jeremyallan.com

Jakarta Expat 路 25 April - 8 May 2012

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Meet the Expat

Meet

ANDREAS STOKOWY. The German Restaurant Manager and

Founding Member of the Combined Martial Arts Academy Jakarta.

By Cecilia Forsman

Andreas, where are you originally from?

I was born in 1962 Germany, growing up in and near Hamburg. In 1978 I started as a Fish Breeder and Fishery Biologist at a combined fish farm near Bremen. These had the first indoor self heated growing systems for all year round fish production.

In extension to my apprenticeship, I became a Marine Engineer to develop the technical aspects. I was working on the ocean for seven years then went into inland fisheries throughout Germany.

So what brought you to Indonesia?

In late ’89 I came to Indonesia, specializing in Indoor fish farming to build several eel farms (in Bogor, Cicuruk and Sukabumi). Due to the constant temperature, growing of eels was almost twice as fast and cheaper to produce as in cold Germany.

On weekends we went to the nearest beach looking for glass eels (eels in non pigmented colour 3-5 cm long). Besides enjoying the fresh air, surfing and lots of fun, this business made my decision to live here in Indonesia. I fell in love with this place and decided to stay and make a living revamping fish and shrimp farms on my own, and organized the catching and distribution of glass eels.

How long did you spend working in fish farms?

I lived in Pelabuhan Ratu for around seven years doing fish farm rehabilitation. The place was booming and I was looking after fishing boats of expats, running fishing diving tours, I ending up building and revamping some boats and houses for them, too. Another lucrative business during that time was smoking fish and chicken. All that made enough income to make a good living. The smoked fish were mainly bought by the expats that came for weekend holidays and turned me to what I am doing now.

How did you get from breeding and smoking fish to restaurant management?

I went fishing with an Australian restaurant owner in Pelabuhan Ratu and we were enjoying the trip but with no luck, we strolled to the old fish market.

There were plenty of fish but no buyers so half of the fish had gone bad, except for one huge 15kg MahiMahi. I bought it and said to my friend, “When will this place evolve so all this good fish can be used for what they’re supposed to be?” That night I decided to make a new company called Food Evolution Indonesia. I used to smoke this fish and decided to build a new smoker and maybe distribute on a slightly bigger scale. Then I was offered a managing position at a restaurant called “Metro Sky Garden” on the top floor of the German Centre BSD. I realized that this position had all that I needed to make Food Evolution Indonesia go where I wanted.

What were the challenges of taking this position?

Revamping was one thing, at a location on the seventh floor where all previous caterers failed to make a living in eight years. It was a challenge really, and after six months I decided to make a plan to take it over totally, and so Food Evolution Indonesia was finally born. Another six months passed and with the help of a previous co-owner, the business was ours. Now after three years, the business is starting to move in the right direction. We sell fresh bread, smoked fish and meats at a main supermarket chain in Kemang, with other outlets in Terogong, Bintaro and BSD Hypermarkets.

Sounds delicious! I hear you’re one of the founding members of the Combined Martial Arts Academy Jakarta. Could you tell us a little about the academy?

The CMAA was first established in late September 2005 by original founding members Glen Gardiner, Drew Lambert, John Brindley, Jeff Tuttle, and myself. Once a suitable training facility was finally found, the CMAA dojo became a reality at Graha Simatupang on April 1st, 2006. Classes included Zen Goshu Goshin Jutsu, Cacoy Doce Pares Arnis Eskrima (Stick Fighting), and IBF Nakamura Ryu. In November 2006, the CMAA submitted a team of seven competitors for the Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation 2006 Championships held in Cebu, Philippines, winning 10 medals. I had to stop due to a serious back injury, but still love the sport and continue with some light training.

Apparently you can make Samurai Swords! How did you get into it, and did you make them for yourself, or for customers?

We were at Glen’s house and while he was cleaning his swords I noticed some problems, so I offered to fix it. He joked and said it’s too old to be tampered with but gave me another one to fix instead and I said we should make our own swords. At first everybody thought it was a joke but during my time in Samarinda/Balikpapan I had a friend who started making Katanas (swords) so I had learned a little from him already. After studying on the Internet and reading some books, I had some blanks folded with a blacksmith. These were then dressed by me and my long time Indonesian friend and gardener Kadir, to get them into shape. Another friend in the heat treatment business gave us the opportunity to heat them to 980°C. We then quenched them in water which hardens the sword. It takes about five to ten months to finish one. Now we’ve got about 12 Katanas. I only made swords and knives for close friends; it’s too time consuming to make a business out of it (the price covers the cost). They are priceless to the one that knows how much work is involved.

Where is your favourite place to meet friends, unwind and have a couple of drinks here in Jakarta?

Sundays we usually go traditional with a group of friends to Eastern Promise for a drink and a game of Pool or Billiards. But mainly, because of work at my restaurant in Metro Sky Garden BSD I usually go to a gastro-bar called MoodZ located in Epicentrum.

So any plans to move on from Indonesia, or have you happily settled here?

I have settled already, pretty much. This country has looked after me well. I made many friends, locals and expats alike, travelled a great portion and these provided me with great opportunities, mostly sunshine and always a great smile. There is no plan of leaving as long I am healthy and happy here. I’d like to say a thank you to all locals and expats alike that have helped me over these years to fulfil my dreams and my adventures, and a special Terima Kasih to Indonesia. 

Jakarta Expat 路 25 April - 8 May 2012

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Travel

Nusa Lembongan:

White Sandy Bays, Blue Lagoons and Mopeds

By Angela Richardson

Even

during the rainy season the charm of this island off the East coast of Bali can’t be dampened.

It’s somewhat surprising that not more holidaymakers on Bali make the 30-minute speedboat ride over to this island paradise in the Bali Sea. Because paradise it is. As you pull into Mushroom Beach Bay, the waters below you are perfectly turquoise and baby blue. When you step off the boat you can feel the stresses of work and city life dissolve into the soft sand.

With no cars on the island except for the odd 70s colt van, means of transport are happily restricted to the trusty bebek moped which you can rent for around Rp.50,000 a day or bicycles if you’re feeling particularly fit and prepared for a workout. Accommodation on the island ranges from budget shacks, still quaint and comfortable, to villas with air conditioning. We opted for the latter and stayed at the Mushroom Garden Villas (www. mushroomgardenvilla.com), a new extension of the long established Mushroom Beach Bungalows, which are more rustic and nestled in a great spot overlooking the bay. The name itself is somewhat deceiving

because there were no mushrooms in sight, unless maybe they were talking about the magic variety.

This new mini resort has only eight rooms, under four thatched roofs.

Rooms have a double four-poster bed, bathtub and open air shower with hot water. In true Balinese style, the villas overlook a green courtyard with a swimming pool, just the right size for a relaxing dip. The villas have a spa and restaurant and if you crave a beach view, it’s only a fiveminute walk to the Mushroom Beach Bungalows.

Hopping on our mopeds with only a small black and white photocopy of a map of the island, we were on our way, riding over bumpy, windy roads through small villages where older ladies sat nonchalantly in their brassieres. We navigated to the South of the island and crossed over a narrow bridge to Ceningan Island. It is here that the Blue Lagoon lays, as does an adrenaline pumping secret; the Jumping Point.

When you hear 11.5 metres, you think, “That’s not so high”, but I can assure you when you’re on the edge of the cliff staring down from that height, it is a fair way away. After half an hour of false starts and coaching

from tourists from all over the world, I made the jump (holding my boyfriend’s hand!) and I would recommend to anyone who goes there not to miss out on the exhilaration. The climb up the shoddy metal cliff-ladder is the best bit!

For diving enthusiasts, Lembongan is a great spot to stay for boat dives out to neighbouring island Nusa Penida where you’ll experience an abundance of marine life, coral beds, great drifts, the gentle Manta Ray and mysterious Mola Mola or Oceanic Sunfish. There are several

certified dive operators. Try www.nusalembongandiving. com for more info.

For cocktails and lounging with a beautiful view and infinity plunge pool, try the Beach Club, formerly Scallywags, in Sandy Bay —their menu is superb and wine selection impressive considering the remoteness of its location. This is an island for true chillout lovers, so don’t come expecting nightclubs and flashing lights. Enjoy the views,

the beautiful clear waters, sunsets, marine life and the company you bring. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about really, no? ■

The Blue Lagoon with Jumping Point in the distance.

A daredevil making the jump at Jumping Point.

Mushroom Beach Bay. The Mushroom Garden Villas pool and courtyard

15

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Grumpy Old Men

Wine is the only subject that I can’t handle as the “Grumpy French Man”

W

INE is not only alcohol for me. It contains alcohol, nobody can deny this point, but it contains much more than that and it’s why I don’t drink beer or strong alcohol. Wine is a sharing drink that fills your mouth and your mind with extraordinary flavours, which makes you a bit dizzy but not sick, which brings you to some others worlds without being dead drunk on the floor. I am not really proud to be French for hundreds of understandable reasons, but if I have to choose one thing to be proud of from my country, then it will be wine. All real connoisseurs won’t deny that the best wines on earth are French. Of course you have amazing wines from Australia, Chile, South Africa, Italy, Spain or even California (I can tell you that for a Frenchman it’s extremely difficult to admit that they can do premium wine in the US) but, there is a but. Such quality and diversity on a small territory like France is simply unique. It’s also the way we handle our culinary culture with wine, and this is again more unique.

There are things that nobody can copy, and about wine, it’s the ground and the centuries of savoir faire (knowledge). From the fantastic white wine in the eastern part of France (Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer), to the Champagne (no need to explain Champagne), to the Burgundy (my favourite, Romanee Conti), to this tiny area of Côte Rôtie (what work they do over there!), to the fruity and festive Rose wine in the South (Tavel is still the best), to the prestigious Bordeaux (Chateau Latour to talk about something amazing, just try it if you are rich and lucky!), until the centre with the magnificent and simple Vin de la Loire (wine from the Loire river area surrounded by the most beautiful castles on earth, not a joke). Each region has its wine; almost each village has its own wine. Sometimes some bad ones that we still enjoy with a slice of saucisson, jambon et fromage (French sausage, ham and cheese) given by the proud small producer of this tord boyaux (“twisted casings” wine in English), sometimes some basic ones that we enjoy in a simple restaurant and sometimes (most of the time), some fantastic and affordable ones that have been made with lots of passion and love. Yes, because wine is not simply alcohol, and it’s what we learn in my country from very young. Basically, we learn it too young as our parents don’t hesitate to make us taste wine at the age other kids are begging for their first Coke. But, it’s also why most of the French people appreciate wine properly. It doesn’t mean that they know wine (that’s a big legend, and I am a part of it) but it means that almost instinctively we can estimate if the wine is bad, medium, good or extraordinary.

When we grow up, we of course become a bit more curious about taste, and wine is a fantastic base to discover new flavours. We have hundred of expressions to describe a meal without wine like “a meal without wine is day without sun”. We use this expression at the beginning of the meal when everybody is sober. Then the expression changes to something much ruder that I even cannot write. Because yes, food without wine is nothing. It can seem arrogant to say so as most of the people on earth don’t drink wine with their meals. But each kind of aliment has the perfect wine for it. It’s one of the magical things about wine. It brings flavours to another level which makes your mind ready to travel around the world. This gorgee (mouthful) of liquid mixed with a nice piece of cheese...how can I describe?

It’s just something we have to experience. It’s just, how can I say? I even don’t know how to say. It’s unique. It’s my ground, it’s France. It’s just great.

Maybe the most important thing about wine is the memories, memories of joy, sadness, confusion, and extreme happiness. But in any case, it’s sharing time with friends, family or beloved people. When the taste and the flying mind come, then you catch something different in the moment and this time stays engraved in

your life forever. Strong alcohol makes you forget the evening or even the entire night. It will never happen with wine. Wine is our roots, not the French roots, it’s the planet's roots. How can such a nectar come from our ground? Simply because hard workers, in France, Australia, Chile, South Africa, Italy, Spain and in so many other parts of the world, work so hard, every day of their life to grow the best grapes. We should pay tribute to all these guys everywhere on our planet, a tribute to all those guys who make us dizzy with their nectar.

Wine is not something posh, but it is in Indonesia because of the price. But in my country, it’s maybe the last luxurious thing that is affordable for people with financial difficulties. Sometimes the rich people in France have horrible words about this. Like, “How come this guy buys a bottle of wine for 3 Euros when he cannot even help himself to survive”. I will tell you why, because wine brings joy in the hard times, not only because of the dizzy side, it brings you joy and flavour, and flavour should be universal. Flavour is not supposed to be only for the elite. 

To finish, I would like you to read two fantastic quotes about wine:

WINE

IS ONE OF THE MOST CIVILIZED THINGS IN THE WORLD AND ONE OF THE MOST NATURAL THINGS OF THE WORLD THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE GREATEST PERFECTION, AND IT OFFERS A GREATER RANGE FOR ENJOYMENT AND APPRECIATION THAN, POSSIBLY, ANY OTHER PURELY SENSORY THING” HEMINGWAY Ernest, 1899-1961

WINE

IS THE

NOT

THAT EASY TO FIND A QUOTE FROM A GRUMPY FRENCH MAN WHO LIVES HERE. BUT, I WILL SAY “WITHOUT WINE, I WILL NEVER HAVE WRITTEN THIS ARTICLE”.

MOST HEALTHFUL AND MOST HYGIENIC OF BEVERAGES. A BOTTLE OF WINE CONTAINS MORE PHILOSOPHY THAN ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD.” PASTEUR Louis, 1822-1895 (French chemist and microbiologist)

The Grumpy French Man, 1972-????

SEBASTIEN LAURENT Sebastien is an antiques dealer.

To rant and rave at him email: sebastienlaurent@hotmail.com

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Personal Tech & Apps

DON’T DRINK AND TYPE! I

by Juan G. Leysner

F YOU THINK THAT ALCOHOL AND YOUR COMPUTER DO NOT MIX, THINK AGAIN. NORMALLY A FEW GLASSES OF BEER WILL NOT BOOST YOUR MEMORY, BUT IN THIS ISSUE YOU WILL LEARN THAT MORE BEER EQUALS MORE MEMORY. BUT ALCOHOL CAN ALSO DESTROY THINGS IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL. ON THE OTHER HAND THERE ARE GADGETS OUT THERE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES. THERE HAVE BEEN RUMOURS THAT THE MOBILE PHONE WOULD BE ABLE TO ACT AS A BREATH-ANALYZER.

DRINKIFY.ORG

TEST YOUR ALCOHOL LEVEL WITH YOUR CELLULAR PHONE The latest breakthrough and interesting integrated cellular phone feature is the alcohol tester that makes sure you are not caught by police for drink driving. This alcohol tester feature is available on LG-SD410, LG-KP4100 and LG-LP4100 cellular phones.

Hopefully, FCC approves these cellular phones as soon as possible so that more Americans can save their money –and lives!

So you can now check with your mobile phone whether you’re able –or should I say, allowed by law– to operate a car. Disturbing and scary –as well as a stern warning to many of us– is that driving and talking on your mobile is the same as if you would have been drunk.

What alcoholic beverage goes best with the Beatles, the Glee soundtrack, or another artist or band you’re listening to? Drinkify can tell you. The drink recommendations are served up by connecting Last.fm, the Echo Nest, and a proprietary drink database. Simply type in the name of the artist and Drinkify plays music from the selected artist in the background while suggesting drink recipes.

Some of the suggestions make sense: whiskey and Johnny Cash, for example, while others might have you scratching your head. Still, it’s fun and interesting playing around with the site just to see the drink and music pairings, so go ahead and give it a try. Maybe Drinkify could inspire your next cocktail party!

DRIVERS ON CELL PHONES ARE AS BAD AS DRUNKS Psychologists at the University of Utah have published a study showing that motorists who talk on handheld or hands-free cellular phones are as impaired as drunken drivers.

They found that people are as impaired when they talk on a cell phone while driving, as they are when they drive intoxicated at the legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.08 percent, which is the minimum level that defines illegal drunken driving in most U.S. states.

NOW LET’S MOVE ON TO SOMETHING COOL. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT LIQUIDS AND ELECTRONICS DO NOT MIX, BUT A COMPANY IN FLORIDA HAS SOME COOL IDEAS. .. Check out this beer-filled USB Flash Drive! www.cnkpromos.com

Well, OK, I’m pretty sure it’s not filled with actual beer but the liquid within does do a good job of looking just like the real thing. It’s one of a line of liquid filled flash drives from Florida Based CNK Promotions, and you can even have your own made up with your logo on the side for $9 a piece.

Connect more beer to your laptop is the slogan here, I guess. The alcohol brand marketeers have also found and entered the Web to sell their products. The mobile industry is changing the alcohol marketeers’ goals from getting customers familiar with their brand to wanting them to engage with it and incorporate it into their daily lives.

ALCOHOL BRAND MOBILE CAMPAIGNS MALIBU Island Bowling is a free iPhone game where you can “Bowl in a rum

shack. Bowl on the beach. Bowl in an underground cave or inside an aquarium.” Check out the App Store to download.

Drinkspiration by Absolut Vodka is a GPS-enabled free application for the iPhone designed to help you order or recommend a cocktail to match the moment’s mood, weather, colour, time, location, bar vibe and more. Check out the App Store to download. 

JUAN G. LEYSNER Juan G. Leysner has lived and worked in Jakarta for over 10 years and is the founder of 2 db.mobi, www.2dbarcodesolutions.com

jccwinesandspirits.com The Jakarta Comedy Club offers its members an online delivery service for discounted wines and spirits. They stock a variety of wines from Spain and Australia as well as various brands of whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and others. Payment is made by cash on delivery, and deliveries are free for orders of 3 bottles or more.

To sign up for free membership, send your details to Jakarta@thecomedyclub.asia or call/sms 0821 119 43084. Sign up now and take advantage of the great offers available on jccwinesandspirits.com!

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Real Advice about Preventing Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis has a very long phase where symptoms are not obvious. During this phase, fat, fibrous tissue and calcification, along with an inflammatory reaction progresses in the wall of the arteries long before any obstructions occur. Because this phase is so long, it is important to have strategies to assess the degree of abnormalities in the wall before proceeding to the conventional tests such as stress testing and coronary angiography.

Conventional Medicine

by Dr. Ross Walker MBBS (Hons) (Sydney) Preventative Cardiologist. FRACP, FCSANZ The shocking death of 25-year-old Italian footballer Piermario Morosini from sudden cardiac arrest during a football match serves as a reminder of our own heart health. Particularly men age 40 and above, or 50 and older for women, need to be more vigilant. Living in Jakarta doesn’t help with its epic traffic and air pollution.

Cardiovascular disease is the dominant killer in modern society. Up to 45% of the deaths are attributable to some form of cardiovascular disease, the most common being related to atherosclerosis.

Unfortunately many members of the general medical profession still use the older model of stress testing and the more invasive coronary angiography. Many cardiologists also rely heavily on the Framingham Risk Equation or a similar method of assessing risk which, although cheap, is very inaccurate and many people are either unnecessarily treated long term with medications which may have side effects, or are often falsely reassured because they appear to be in a low to intermediate group.

more accurate predictive measurement combining clinical assessment, arterial stiffness measurements, coronary calcification and advanced cardiac pathology, allowing not only an accurate prediction of risk but also individualised plans and programs that can markedly reduce the risk for a significant cardiovascular event.

Based on the initial assessment and risk reduction program, appropriate supervision and follow up can be maintained for long term optimum care.

Bartele Santema – A Unique Expat With Common Health Conditions

A Proven, Modern Approach

Jakarta Expat’s own Bartele Santema is one of Walker Health’s first patients. Bartele came to us wanting a serious change for his health after the decade long expat lifestyle had taken a toll. In addition to repeated dengue fever, a painful kidney stone operation, and other mishaps with a local medical provider that caused an overdose of antibiotics, it was time for his health to take priority.

Progressive cardiologists now utilise arterial stiffness measurements along with coronary artery calcification scores to provide the most accurate form of screening for atherosclerosis and therefore cardiovascular disease. This ‘new’ approach is well documented and has had significant clinical trials that have proven their efficacy.

Bartele has gone on the Walker Heart Health™ program to help improve his overall cardiovascular health with a combination of routine medical monitoring, medication management, personalized supplementation and coaching for life style changes.

I have been using this approach at my practice in Sydney, Australia for the last 9 years with 30 years of medical experience. The Walker Heart Health™ system offers a

I encourage you to learn more and to experience the benefit of living without the anxiety of heart disease and its related illnesses.

18

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Light Entertainment

To find out more about live stand-up comedy in Indonesia please e-mail jakarta@thecomedyclub.asia text or call 0821 1194 3084 or register at www.thecomedyclub.asia

THE TRUTH HURTS

by Eamonn Sadler

I

have decided I am going to be completely honest with everyone from now on. No more lies, no more pretence. When I meet people I don’t like, I’m going to punch them in the face straight away. When someone asks me a stupid question, I’m not going to answer politely any more, I’m just going to say “You are a moron”. When someone shows me a picture of their ugly baby and says, “Isn’t he gorgeous?” I’m going to say, “No, he’s hideous, but don’t worry, by the time he grows up plastic surgery will be much cheaper.” When I fart in a public place, I’m not going make a “disgusted” face, look around and point furtively at the nearest old person any more, I’m just going to put my hand up and shout, “That was me!” When someone starts showing

me photos of their recent holiday, I’m going to say, “What on earth makes you think I give a sh*t?” When I see a woman wearing too much make up, I’m going to tell her, “You look like a clown.” When I see someone wearing too much jewellery, I’m going to say, “I don’t care how much money you’ve got.” When the lift doors open and people start trying to get in before I can get out, I’m going to shout, “What the hell is wrong with you people?” and start laying about me with my briefcase.

the absolute truth all the time the world would very quickly descend into chaos. Imagine if there was no “diplomacy”. If world leaders were to tell each other the honest truth all the time instead of pussy-footing around and couching everything in terms it would very quickly lead to World War Three. The strange thing is, everybody involved knows that they are lying and being lied to, but nobody minds because everyone is being civilised and politically correct.

There are only two groups of people who don’t lie. Children and drunks.

A few years ago I took my youngest daughter to her friend’s birthday party, and while I was standing talking to one of the other fathers, a little girl about eight years old

These and many more completely honest acts would make the world a much better place don’t you think?

Actually they wouldn’t - because lies are a necessary part of civilised society. If we all went round telling

the reason why it is nearly always the drunk guy who ends up in a fight.

suddenly appeared in front of me. I looked down and said, “Hello.” She looked up at me in silence for a few seconds and then asked, “Are you Samantha’s daddy?” I said, “Yes, I am.” Without missing a beat she said, “Yeah, my dad’s old as well..” and walked away.

A woman is paying for her items at the check out in a supermarket when a drunk guy behind her says with a slur and a wobble, “Wow... you... must be single...” The woman smiles slightly thinking he’s hitting on her and says, “Oh really... You think I am single because of the items I bought?”

The guy says, “Nope.. because you’re ugly.” 

Of course children tell the truth because they have not yet learned the rules of civilised society and are therefore not bound by them – and nobody expects them to be. Drunks, on the other hand, know the rules but have forgotten them, or they just make simple mistakes that they wouldn’t make if they were sober, or they have ingested enough liquid courage to make them brave enough to speak the truth. I am sure this is

Last Edition's Winner

This Edition's Competition…

Caption Competition

Hello..?

Yes I’d like to book my desk in for a service please..

It was a weird one last issue and there were many weird entries but this month’s prize goes to Mary T. from Cipete. Well done Mary, see you and a friend at the comedy club next month as our guests!

SEND YOUR ENTRY BY TEXT TO:

0811 999603

1

ACROSS 1 A continual watcher of TV, videos, etc (5,6) 9 Slightly mad - on the wrong track (2,3,4) 10 Epoch (3) 11 Aquatic mammal (5) 13 Simulate - make up (7) 14 Hand over - die (4,2) 15 Very light - dark red - strand (6) 18 English poet, diplomat and customs official (7) 20 Splendid - organ stop (5) 21 Day before (3) 22 Insulting - attack (9) 24 Narrator (possibly a liar?) (11)

DOWN 2 Choose (3) 3 Farewell - drinking toast (7) 4 Speedy - help for forgetful actor (6) 5 Topic (5) 6 Consequently - for that reason (9) 7 Poorer after a transaction (3,2,6) 8 Strait separating Asia and Europe (11) 12 Will - covenant (9) 16 Armoury (7) 17 Yield - gain (6) 19 Singing group (5) 23 Wrath (3)

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{ Answers in the next edition! }

THE COMEDY QUIZ

CARRYING ON LAST'S EDITION'S QUIZ: COMEDY Scan the barcode on your smartphone and answer the questions for a chance to win a Room Service voucher worth Rp.300,000!

Closing date May 2nd.

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*Answers for Edition 66 Across:

Courtesy of Room Service

1. Beck 3. Idle rich 9. Obvious 10. Rifle 11. Helot 12. Outcry 14. Hard luck story 17. Clover 19. Rummy 22. Draft 23. Impulse 24. Steerage 25. Chef

Down: 1. Brouhaha 2. Civil 4. Disconcerting 5. Egret 6. Inferno 7. Heed 8. Portal 13. By myself 15. Release 16. Script 18. Voter 20. Mulch 21. Odds

19

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

A GREAT FAMILY HOME Land Area: Land size 900m2, building size 400m2 Description: - Bedroom & Bathroom: a. 1st Floor: 1 Master Bedroom + 1 room + 2 bathrooms. b. 2nd Floor: 3 rooms + 2 Bathrooms - Air condition: c. 1st Floor: 5 A/C. d. 2nd Floor: 4 A/C - Swimming Pool · 2 Pantries (Wet Pantry & Clean pantries incl. refrigerator, stove.) · Maid Rooms: 3 rooms + 1 bathroom - Garage can fit 2 cars · Carport can fit 4 cars · Security Room (In front of the house) · Big Front Yard and Medium back yard · Electricity: 23.000VA Price: 1 year contract at $3700 per month 2 years contract at $3500 per month 3 years contract at $3300 per month For more information, please email: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

EXCLUSIVE LAND FOR SALE WITH SEAVIEW IN JAVA.

BRAND NEW APARTMENT IN GANDARIA CITY

3000 m2, size negotiable, plot of land for sale to build your own house near the beach idyllically situated around 200 metres above sea level. Beautiful and discreet place, after Pelabuhanratu, Cisolok, next to beach resort Ocean Queen, 3 to 4 hours drive from Jakarta.

Description: Apartment Gandaria City for Rent, Full Furnish/Semi Furnish, High Floor, 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath room + 1Maid Room, New Kitchen, Good Location, Next to Shopping Mall, Swimming Pool, Minimum rent for 12 Months.

Expatriate family, in love and engaged with this part of Java, designed and built their own exclusive villa several years ago.

Complete infrastructure, gardens, road, water and electricity, staff, even local constructor to assist in building your tailor made villa, available. Limited costs and no risks, only for serious candidates.

We are looking for friendly neighbors to enjoy this wonderful place together. If you are close to your retirement or want to build your own house with sea view and exclusive surroundings to escape Jakarta please use this one time opportunity. You are welcome to visit our place.

Price: Rental Fully Furnished USD 1.600/Semi Furnished 1.500.

For more information, please email: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

For more information, please email: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

VILLA LAVENDER LESTARI SANUR Villa Lavender is located in the sought after Kutat Lestari district, overlooking green belt land with beautiful rice fields and lily ponds, offering a peaceful lifestyle in a private and quiet street. The villa has 2 floors, both fully furnished. Approximately 7 minutes by car to Sanur beaches.

- European style fully equipped kitchen bar - Lounge and dining - Beautiful garden - Indovision connected - Private parking area - Fitness room Building size: 250 Sqm Land size: 4.10 ara Rental Price: USD 20,000/year Sale Price: USD 300,000 For more information, please contact: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

TOWN HOUSE IN PONDOK PINANG

TRANQUIL OASIS IN HEART OF KEMANG. FAMILY FRIENDLY SECURE TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT

Land size: 190m2 Building size: 350m2 3 Bed room, 2 maid room, 3 bathroom (jacuzi in master bedroom), 1 guest toilet , 1 servant bathroom, Kitchen, Pantry, 1 large storage, service area, garage, carport, swimming pool, pool deck.

Facilities: - 24 hours security post - CCTV Camera - Cable TV and broadband internet (optional).

- Certificate Hak Milik.

Sale Price: IDR 3.85 M (negotiable) For more information, please email: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

Newly Renovated 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom 200 M2 Furnished Common Area includes: - Swimming Pool, BBQ Area - Mini Gym, Courtyard, Playground - Perfect for families with children - 18 units in secured complex - With 24 hour security Price: $1900 USD / Month 1 year minimum For more information, please email: property@jakartaexpat.biz or call 081317722271

Are you a Property owner? Let us help you rent/sell your property.

Contact us at property@jakartaexpat.biz // p. 08131 7722271

20

BUSINESS & NETWORKING

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

all with an acoustic twist on Rolling Stone Cafe’s outdoor veranda stage. Raffle tickets also available to win 2 Blackberry Bellagios, 1 iPad2, a weekend trip to Bali (hotel and airfare included), 2 tickets to watch Lady Gaga live in Jakarta and much more!

General Admission: Rp. 100.000.

VIP Pass: Rp. 500.000.

SPORT

BRITCHAM IN ASSOCIATION WITH SANTA FE ‘’WORKING IN INDONESIA’’ INSIGHT FOR EXPATRIATE PROFESSIONALS Wed, 2nd May 2012 Cost: IDR 3.500.000 Speaker: Sendy Widjaja, Director of President University & Terry Burkin, Technical Advisor of Hill & Associates So many recently-arrived expatriates find working life in Indonesia substantially different to that of other countries. Cultural influences in the workplace are a major factor. This seminar sets out some essential do’s and don’ts, explores business ethics and provides opportunity to better appreciate Indonesian business culture. Former attendees confirm that this seminar went a long way to helping to avoid conflict and develop more conducive workplace relationships. The seminar also addresses many preconceived concerns over day-to-day security issues.

RSVP: events@britcham.or.id Location: TBA on RSVP Web Site: www.britcham.or.id Email: events@britcham.or.id

CHARITY

LEGENDS III JAVA TOUR FUNDRAISING DINNER Sat, 27th Apr 2012.

5:30pm – 11:00pm Kristal Hotel Featuring Special Guests: Mark Greatbatch Venkatapathy Raju Gladstone Small Adam Hollioake Ron Conway Graeme Hick Noel David Q&A Session Door Prizes Auctions Raffles For More Info & RSVP: Robert Baldwin Email: baldyciawi@gmail.com Phone: 08159217115 www.taman-olahraga-pancawati-international.com

MUSIC

Location: Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan, Jakarta INDIKA Productions presents: “Morrissey live in Jakarta” Ticket price: VIP tickets: Rp. 2.200.000 Ticket Hotline: +62 8282 137 Web Site: www.rajakarcis.com

• Saturday, 28th April 2012, 2pm – 6pm Masterclasses at Bandung International Music Academy (BIMA) • Sunday, 29th April 2012, 4pm – 6pm Concert at Auditorium Bandung International School (BIS)

RED NOSE IN CONCERT A CHARITY NIGHT FOR RED NOSE FOUNDATION Friday, May 11th 2012. 7pm – Close Rolling Stone Cafe, Jakarta Some of Indonesia’s most popular and talented musicians gather together for a night of charity dedicated to the Red Nose Foundation. Everything from Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, Folk and Pop

Masterclasses in Bandung (Rachmaninov, Schumann and Sukarlan) Thursday, 26th April 2012, 8pm Concert at Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jakarta

MORRISSEY LIVE IN JAKARTA

CUMLAUDE CONCERT SERIES XI PRESENTS: ALESIA ARNATOVIC

Thu, 10 May 2012

Solo Piano Concert in Jakarta, Concert &

Info and Reservations: • Jakarta: Ananda Sukarlan Center Tel: 021-7237285/HP: 0818891038 Email: ycep@yahoo.com • Bandung: International Music Academy (BIMA) Tel: 022-4238962 or 08531426688 Email: bandungpiano@yahoo.com

21

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Food & Drink Ever Wonder Why?

by Darin Aarons

A

night out on the manic streets of Jakarta amongst good friends can cause a slap of the back pocket, a scratch of the forehead looking for those extra fresh Rupiah bills, only to realize a second trip to the ATM is in order!

We all grit our teeth when we stroll from, roll to, or cruise out of any establishment that provides alcohol. This is the price we have to pay to enjoy some of the best night spots that Asia has to offer.

The question is, “What is the reason behind the cost?”

In the government’s attempt to stem alcohol consumption, the government has placed exorbitant taxes on our palatable vice. For example; a bottle of wine (post base costs) is then slapped with an additional Rp.55,000 for import duty (per litre), customs and excise tax of Rp.40,000 (per litre), PPN at 10%, and finally let’s not forget the obligatory profit margin! Your previous 5 Euro bottle of ‘plonk’ from the ‘hot specials’ bin has now morphed into a 40 euro ‘mid-shelfer’ subsequently contorting your face into the same shape as a fish’s bottom. The above only stands true to wine; however, contrary to general understanding, alcohol is categorized into three types according to alcohol content:

A—Up to 5 % (Minor hangover material) B—5 to 20 (Dear Lord what did I say last night!?)

C—20% and above (Ouch!)

All with their own cost structure and specific

taxes.

This country continues to legally (and on occasion illegally) import ever-increasing amounts of alcohol year on year, and is supposedly the 6th biggest importer in the world.

In a recent paper by the “New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Group on Food and Beverages” it states the wine market in Indonesia has grown in sales by 61% during 2008–2010.

With Indonesia being one the world’s fastest growing countries—both economically and demographically, it is a fair assumption to say that alcohol consumption will continue to rise in the not too distant future.

Based on the astronomical price of alcohol, it has subsequently caused some individuals to turn to illegally produced products with no limited quality controls and/or standards.

A possible solution to the multitude of issues that Indonesia faces with a booming economy, whilst ensuring lost government taxes are recouped, is to enable the local Indonesian alcohol Industry to thrive and relax current import restrictions.

Currently this is slightly difficult based on the fact alcohol is on the negative list relating to investment —“production is not allowed for investment”, in turn hindering the production and distribution of alcoholic products.

What most people are unaware of is; there are numerous Indonesians products that are of excellent quality (both beers and wines). This will continue to improve—some are actually

winners of various International awards. Give them a go! You might be surprised!

Now, let’s give you the facts of the why’s and how’s that cause the ‘throbber’ you face on some bright and sunny Saturday mornings.

Fact 1—Alcohol does not enjoy being shook, rattled or rolled, moving across the high oceans in a makeshift Swedish sauna.

Fact 2—Alcohol does not enjoy basking in the sun with no SPF 50+ only to come out looking like an overcooked prune whilst waiting for the infamous customs officer to let it loose on the streets of Indonesia.

It has been a rollercoaster ride to get this far and you would hope quality would prevail!

However this is not always the case. More often than faced in other countries, you are presented with a bottle that is ‘corked’ (due to its adventures rivaling Indiana Jones!).

There are two elements to your pounding headache that you suffer the next morning. 1; Excessive alcohol consumption dehydration 2; ‘Corked’ and tainted alcohol.

Few establishments (and I stress few) provide so called ‘cost avoidance’ to patrons by mixing the ‘real deal’ with cheaper alternatives.

Patrons take a great risk drinking some dangerous concoctions blissfully unaware of the risks associated. This practice is minimal but individuals still need to be hati-hati.

Here are a few tips to consider before your fingers do the walking and select a drink from the menu of your favourite watering hole:

1. Stick with branded products - local or import.

2. If purchasing wine—choose a product you are familiar with, sniff the cork like a dog with his bakso. If it is not to your standards send it back.

3. Cocktails—avoid cheap cocktails in more dubious establishments. Who knows what concoction you are drinking!

4. Your body is a temple—don’t drink on an empty stomach. Beware of that after-work, liquid dinners.

5. Manners—be polite to bar staff. If you are not happy, explain calmly and more often than not your request will be accommodated.

Not all bar staff are drinking pro’s (like yourself).

6. Drink spiking—don’t be fooled!

This goes out to both the men and the ladies!

It can happen, so try not to leave your drink unattended.

7. Most importantly—enjoy your night, alcohol cost what it costs, it won’t change overnight! ■

DARIN AARONS Darin is a long term Jakarta expat, loves a fine wine, a classic motorbike and socialising.

22

Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Place a Classified Ad and get results!

Classifieds are still FREE! Send in your classifieds to ads@jakartaexpat.biz Next issue deadline: 2 May, 2012 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 quite place, 5 minutes from Bali Deli Seminyak. Price for sale : Rp. 1.300.000.000 negotiable.

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2002 Mercedes CL 500. Model 215. 2 door S-Class. 2+2 seating. complete papers. white with light gray interior. AMG carbon fibre details. 45,000 km. V-8 engine, 5 speeds. Unmarked AMG wheels.

New Toyos. New tie rods. New auto leveling suspension. New pulleys.

Belts. New MB Command Center. Pro stereo. i Pod dock. No damage ever.

New oil and trans fluid. An everyday classic with dynamic performance capability. Rp 840 mill. gary.sweitzer@hotmail.com

2005 Toyota Crown. Japan Import.

Complete papers. Black with creme leather. 16 inch factory rims plus 18 inch black and chrome performance spokes. 58.000 km.

3 liter V-6. 6 speeds. Reclining rear seats. Multiport rear aircon.

Refridgerator. Wonderful factory sound system. Moonroof. A fast luxury sedan for those who know about cars. Rp 1.1 bill new. Asking Rp 490 million - gary.sweitzer@ hotmail.com

Original and rare first edition Boss Hoss motorcycle. 1996. V-8 Corvette powered single speed.

Water cooled. 260 horsepower. low compression. Full papers.

Black. Never dropped. Too fast for most. Kemang. gary.sweitzer@ hotmail.com

HOUSE FOR SALE : Jalan Takuban Perahu gg solo antigue THE NATA RESIDENCE padang sambian kelotKrobokan - Seminyak - Bali, semi furnished, LAND size 100sqm, BUILDING 85sqm, FREE HOLD certificate, DUPLEX 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hot water, mini garden, living room, kitchen, garage, possible to make a small pool. Good location, tourist area,

FOR RENT/SALE: 2 bedroom + 1 Office + 1 bath apartment at Hampton's Park, Pondok Indah.

Fully furnished. Unit is located on ground floor - tower A. Pool View.

Rent cost: $1500/month (includes maintenance fee). Sale price: Rp. 1.500.000.000. Call/sms to: 087878010799 (Bu Mahmudaowner) Email: davidrshipley@ gmail.com For sale/rent units at Kemang Village, St Moritz, Senopati penthouse,Essence dharmawangsa, Senayan city, Bellagio mansion, Bellagio residence, Kuningan city, Pakubuwono residence, Pakubuwono view, Belleza and Condotels investment all over Bali (kuta legian, sunset road, seminyak, petitenget, jimbaran, dreamland, uluwatu) *Please contact Alice-for your trusted agent 0818-0857-7529/0815-7448-5050 email: aliceenny@yahoo.com

SUBLEASE Villa in the heart of Seminyak behind Oberoi for 10 years, 7 Ara land, 4+2 bedrooms, fully furnished, cable tv, wifi, security & housekeeping, large kitchen, swpool, courtyard, spacious indoor&outdoor lv room.

Call owner now : +62 812386658 <tel:%2B62%20812386658> , +62 81805699355 <tel:%2B62%20 81805699355> . Email : avatarintl@ cbn.net.id <mailto:avatarintl@cbn. net.id Lovely furnished, renovated 2 BR apartment for lease at The Essence Dharmawangsa, South Jakarta.

One full bathroom, separate living room, a closet and a kitchen.

Free access to swimming pool, gym, tennis court, children’s playroom and dedicated garage parking space. 24-hour doorman available in the lobby. Also on the complex: café, convenience store and laundry. USD 1,500/mo, 1 yr min. Maintenance fees covered.

Contact 0811-85-2620 or sgsirait@ gmail.com.

Apartment for rent.Jakarta Residences : Cosmo Mansion at Thamrin City (100m from Grand Indonesia). 3 BR +Maid,FF,107 m2,2 balconies. For photos and details, please refer to http://jakartaresidences-apartment.blogspot. com/ Info : Owner : widayati_sri@ yahoo.com

Apartment Kemang Jaya ground level for rent, fully furnished 2+1 bedroom, 2+1bathroom, huge balcony with bbq, gym, pool, tennis, basketball, huge garden, jogging track, 24 hours security, luxurious.

USD 1700/month.

081807026269 Houses for rent at Kemang, Cipete, Cilandak, Pejaten Barat, Pondok Indah. Big garden, S'pool, Complex, with 4/5 Bar. Ph. 0816859551 - 081287488717. email: nantha_realtor@yahoo.com . Sunday open Sub lease office space (254 sqm) including partition at PLAZA MUTIARA BUILDING. Kawasan Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Please Call 021-57988623 Mobile:0816-1938580.

An established and running Edu centre in Central Menteng with good prospect,is looking for serious dedicated buyers to take over. If interested, please email: educentreinfo@gmail.com For rent:1/ House at Pinang ranti mansion 3br (+1 studyroom and maidroom service area)All bedroom equipped with fully furnished, 3LCD tvs, 5 airconditioner Living room,dining room,parking 2cars.

Pool facility and small gym at the compound. Military environment very safe. 5mins walking to Busway and Tamini square/carrefour. 5mins to JORR freeway to all Jakarta.

15mins to TB Simatupang/Citos/ pondok indah/Ampera-Kemang.

Rent per year usd 12,000 inclusive maintenance fee. 2/ House at East Jakarta. Cipinang muara. Fully furnished luxexclusive, marble flooring, 8meter- high ceiling, 4bedrooms, 3bathrooms, 1maidroom and service area. 5mins by car from Patria Park hotel,H residence, The Hyves, 30mins to airport, 10mins to Casablanca. Rent for usd 13,000/ year. Contact Alice 0818-0857-7529 aliceenny@yahoo.com House For Rent.

Keb.Baru,$2000-3500,3br.Angela 0811919741,60854285 FOR RENT: Batavia Apartment, very nice furnished, minimalist design, parquet floor, new appliances, 2 BR + 1 study + 2 shower + maid's quarter & toilet. 120 sqm. High floor. City view. Free reserved parking. Located near SCBD and Thamrin. 3-in-1 free. Call 02132220003 or email hosea96@ yahoo.com for details Luxurious rooms for rent in Senayan Area. Jl. Patal Senayan IV no.27.

Fully Furnished including 32"LCD TV, Fridge, Kingkoil bed, Internet, TV Cable and ensuite bathroom.

Price starting at Rp.3.900.000 per month. For more detail go to www. facebook.com/wismapertenunan, email at jakartacityrentals@gmail. com or contact Ron @0818 770 619

Freelance female is looking for a part time job or a job from home to suit family requirements.

Bachelor degree in mechanical engineering, Masters in materials and manufacturing (foam glass manufacturing), native Arabic speaker and fluent English (translation is an option). dina. bayo@gmail.com

I am a Canadian conga/percussion player, and I play with a popular Indonesian Band in Jakarta. I would like to put together a hot Dance Band comprised of Bules and Indonesians. If you're an expat musician and would like to play at night as a hobby, please contact me. Dono 0813-8647-4577 / donosetiono@hush.com Looking for work! I am an American citizen who currently lives in Bandung but I am looking for employment opportunities in Jakarta. I am 37 years old and have lived in Indonesia nearly 15 years total. I can speak, read and write Indonesian well. Currently I teach English but as I have a degree in leadership and management and have over 8 years of sales experience, I am looking for an opportunity in Jakarta at this time.

Please email me at joscul@gmail.com Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Ed.D, Executive Masters Degree in Business Administration in Leadership, Bachelor of Science, 30 years Educational experience, Certified, Broadcasting, Special Education background, seeks Successful Management of Private Educational Institution. Salary negotiable/ available immediately.

Call 081398989033 / 082153348585/ 082152914931.

We are looking for a Governess for 2 children (5 and 8). She/He is expected to pick the children up from school, take them to after school clubs and support them doing homework. She should also help with their learning of Indonesian. Option to live in.

Please call Dini 087881505955.

PT. Wahana Inti Global is a new company based in Kemang, we have an immediate opening for a Personal Assistant to BOD. Preferably female between 2230 with excellent communication skills and speaks English. Fresh Graduates are welcome, finance / accounting background is a plus. Candidates should be able to start working by May 1st, 2012.

Please send your complete CV to threexkemang@gmail.com Im looking for a young (age 30's) live out house maid to work Full time Mon-Fri in Kemang Timur.

Will pay overtime if needed. Duties include Indonesian cooking twice a week. Must speak a little English and like our small dog. Start in May: SMS Teressia- 081294475814 I'm forming a new Party Organizer, need a few foreign talent, i will teach them how to be a DJ for free and find the job and also perform in best local club in Jakarta. If you’re interested call me 085717581771(dany)/ dany. phoenix@ymail.com Investing partner needed to open Menteng (or other) area gallery for the largest commercially- available collection of genuine Indonesian antiques, antiquities and Tribal Art in the world. All possibilities considered. Call or sms me on 0811824302.

Looking for a Copy Writer for Art:1 Museum located in Kemayoran.

Excellent Indonesian/ English. With work experience only. Looking for a Salesperson for an art gallery located in Kemayoran. Excellent

interpersonal skills, female only.

With work experience only.

Looking for Fresh grads/ interns for art museum conservation laboratory located in Kemayoran.

Excellent attention to details.

Training provided. Forward CV to monik@mondecor.com 5 Star Prestigious Hotel, Located in golden triangle (CBD area) of Kuningan, South Jakarta, looking for partners to open Fine Dining Restaurant or Lounge or Cigar Bar at the Jakarta City with the most breathtaking & panoramic sky view from 36th floor. Looking for well established brands to join hands to match with our concept & uniqueness as matched to our modern hotel ambience. Interested Party to post: • Company Profile • Proposal Letter • Picture of existing outlet (if any) • Name and complete contact information Email to: Shielamht88@gmail.com

Spanish native teacher can come to your place, flexible time. Contact 081908720198 or estarrona@ gmail.com

We provide nurturing environment that encourages the growth and development of the child through age-appropriate planned activities and positive reinforcement.

Arts and craft, Indoor outdoor playground, CCTV, Hot meal 3x, Nursery, Baby Massage. 3-48 mths 021 7664986/ 99191022. www.kupukupudaycare.com Jl Kemang Selatan XII/7, JakSel

Growing up is fun at kupukupu!

Do you need Indonesian Law Enlightenment? For foreigner only, contact 08179755729 INTERNATIONAL, DOMESTIC, LOCAL, OFFICE MOVING, STORAGE …

Call Francois 085 8838 98678, email: francois@safeway.co.id, or Lanny 081 3166 61874, email: lanny@safewayrelo.com www.safewayrelo.com “RELOCATION MADE EASY”

PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST OFFERS SERVICES TO ARTISTS AND DISCERNING LADIES FOR VENUES, WEDDINGS, SPECIAL OCCASIONS, ETC. We will come to you at your Home, Office or Venue. Professional, Experienced and Courteous Make-up Artist

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Jakarta Expat · 25 April - 8 May 2012

Place a Classified Ad and get results! with that special touch. Call Eka at: 081280964477 to schedule an appointment; or email at kjbjkt11@ att.net. Hair and Nail services can also be pre-arranged!

An ex Jakarta resident runs this service. We are experts based in England who can advise on UK schools/school fees/visa and guardian services. Check out our website: www.queensenglish.info TRAVELING? LET US HELP YOU! As your partner in business, we aspire to provide service standards that are faster, more accurate and more reliable. Contact us now to assist you for all your travel needs.

PT. Amazing World Explorer T&T. Kemang Square, 3rd floor unit III12. Jl. Kemang Raya no. 5. Phone: 7179 4722 - awe.tours@gmail.com ART OF HEALING Healing is best done when done by self as healing helps restor damaged living tissues, organs and our biological system to its normal workings. Helps from minor to major disorders. Open to all. Children from age 12 may attend the Shoden Level I course. Below are the dates and days for the upcoming courses.

There are also courses on weekdays and evenings for those unable to attend the weekend course. Please contact for more information.

REIKI LEVEL I SHODEN – one day course – Saturday 12TH May 09.30 to 16.30 hrs.

REIKI LEVEL II OKUDEN INNER TEACHINGS – one & half day course Saturday 19th May 09.30am to 16.00hrs & Sunday 20th May 09.00am to 12.00noon SHINPIDEN & SHIHAN – LEVEL III & IV please contact on details below.

REIKI HEALING courses – 1 to 6 participants Courses to be held at Country Woods Residence, Chiputat Raya. Willing to travel to your location if you would like arrange 4 to 6 participants.

Please contact on details below for prices and full address.

Contact : Dr. Holistic & Alternative Medicines & Reiki Master - Neelam Bertelsen.

Mail : neelkbertelsen@gmail.com / Mobile – 0813 19827569 Hari here, Need a driver or Guide in Jakarta for 1 day or on weekend?

Email me : injakarta@ymail.com FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC. Professional health-care with experienced practitioners. Careful assessment and individually designed treatment plans. Excellent results with low back and neck pain, shoulder problems, sciatica, disk herniations, headaches and migraine and other musculoskeletal disorders and wellness care.

Don’t suffer another day call us today. HOTEL KRISTAL (021) 7507090 SPANISH LESSONS. Native speaker.

Contact: juana@vivaspanyol.com Tel: +62 81310576748.

LEARN INDONESIAN LANGUAGE FOR EXPATRIATE. PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS COME TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. CONTACT: Jl. Albezia VI. Blok B No. 22 Cipinang Kabembem Jakarta Timur 13240. 0219602950 2/08979332879/087885296161/0 85781173576 - PIN BB : 300A2424.

Bandung - Jl. Banjarnegara No. 13 Antapani Bandung. (022) 7203042 +6281394624172 - Pekalongan (0285) 9104091 excellentprivat@gmail.com. http:// expatriateindonesia.com/

Bali private swimming teacher, all levels & ages - Fitness private coach come to your place - Leo: 081 338 704 319 bali

For over 14 years, Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates has provided expats with “Practical Information” to help smooth the transition to their new life in Indonesia. Choose from 1,200+ articles – all written by expats to address the specific concerns of expats. Living in Indonesia, A Site for Expatriates www.expat.or.id

For fast response please email us at bagus.rochadiat@gmail.com or sms / call us at 0818 068 558 17 Have the Coolest Party With BINTANG PARTY EXPRESSWe deliver and serve Bintang & Heineken Draught beer to your door, just email to : party_express@yahoo.com or dial 0818 948 627 and 759 4611

Special offer! Private Diving Cruises (6days/5nights) on a traditional buginese schooner in Komodo. Minimum 3 persons, maximum 8 persons. Price starting at $ 160 person/day. Departure every Wednesday.

For more information contact: info@divingcruisesambasi.com Need flexible courses? Want to www.divingcruisesambasi.com study privately at home, office or in a class? Bahasa Indonesia class starts on 22 May at the American Club. Private classes also available for Bahasa / English/ Mandarin. Does Your Child Play Soccer?

Qualified teachers & excellent Give your child the chance to materials. 021-68888246/0813- become the best soccer player 85590009 sibchool@sibschool. on the team!Try the SuperSkills guaranteed way of creating skillful com, www.sibschool.com soccer players. We teach the secrets to expert dribbling & complete We urgently require a Full-Time mastery of the ball. All of our coaches or Part-Time English Teacher are former professional players for our language school. The and certified in the SuperSkills applicants must have the following methodology. Currently SuperSkills qualifications: is available 5 days per week after • Min S1 (Preferably in English) school on Mondays, Tuesdays, • Excellent English skills Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays • Having 2 years teaching at 9 various locations in Jakarta experience – South, North, & Central Jakarta • Local Indonesian living in Jakarta all have centers including Pondok Send CV & Photo to Indah, CiToS, ISCI, Kelapa Gading, hrd@sibschool.com and Ancol. We're somewhere near you! Contact us now and set up a Free Trial for your child & guaranteed to improve every player during every session (even at the Free Trial). There is no risk, we love what we do & it’s Medical evacuation health & life fun and healthy. Contact us now & Try insurance. Let us diagnose your for Free! SMS or Phone: Contact us today at +62 - 815 1160 7218. needs. Contact Paul Beale, SuperSkills@SuperSkillsSoccer.com mobile: +62 816 137 0663, www.SuperSkillsSoccer.com office: 021-5220990 E: paulbeale@gms-financial.com LOOKING FOR : DO YOU HAVE TOO MUCH UNUSED STUFF? DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO YOUR ORIGINATING COUNTRY AND WANT SOMEBODY TO BUY YOUR STUFFS? WE BUY USED GOODS like Relax we carry the load. Your peace furniture,electronic,clothing,sport of mind is our highest priority. One equipment,household,bag,shoes, etc. company Allied to Allied, over CONTACT: 082123232589 (CHRISTI) 800 locations worldwide. Your specialist in household goods moving services.

Jakarta (021) 780 7851, Surabaya (031) 749 8377, Email: info@alliedpickfords.co.id Website: www.alliedpickfords.com www.Kekayuan.com.

Modern, Minimalist, Industrial Furniture. We Two turtles looking for a new are a furniture manufacturer based home. Bart, hp 08-11923608, email in Jakarta specializing in reclaimed / recycled teakwood. We accept bart@vdongen.com custom made furniture requests.

Italian Institute of Culture Jakarta Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, 117 Menteng - LANGUAGE COURSES - COOKING CLASSES - FILMS SCREENING (English subtitles) (Every Wednesday [7 pm] and Saturday [4 pm]) For further information please contact: (021) 3927531 / 3141647 – email: iicjakarta@esteri.it

EILUX WATCH WINDERS. Most innovated technology mimicking human wrist action to keep your automotaic watches fully wound with no possibility of overwinding. Innovated technology you can trust. Satisfaction and Lowest Price Guaranteed. Visit us at: SENAYAN TRADE CENTER (STC) G-121, Jl. Asia Afrika, Jakarta or call 021.70078262/ 0811106776

Visit our wine boutique at Jl. Kemang Raya 45B. Open daily 10am - 2am. Wine price list inquiry, Wine delivery, reservation and private function please call 02171792577, nurul@vinplus.biz, punny@vinplus.biz"

Jazz / Popular / Classic Piano /Keyboard Course with modern method, a study can be at your home. Interested? Please call : Iwan SM -(021) 96198431 - 0812-98634475 ARE YOU A FAT EXPAT? Get from FAT2FIT; I’m a British expat with a WELLNESS CENTRE. Let me give you a FREE WELLNESS EVALUATION (Fat Check, Personal Consultation & Samples). Come to us/we will visit your WORK/HOME. Call Daniel/Shinta 087889043818 or add BB 255BB3F2

I want to trade used postage stamps. I have many stamps from various countries.Please SMS 081 7472 8036 or 0821 4361 5555.

Denpasar Bali.

Art Deco—very rare large “partners’ desk”, small display cabinet, pinball machine, “baby box” et al. Also collection of highly important Javanese Classical and Folk Art pieces—and many Kraton (royal family) pieces.

Want to sell cheap. 0812 98861232.

These two super friendly female dogs need a new home to guard.

They love to be around people and will let you sleep soundly at night.

"Broni" is a 7 year old American pitbull terrier, and "Underdog" is her daughter and pet. dunderduck@ gmail.com

ABC Acai Berry Soft Gel (Double Effects) is a 100% natural product, which helps on fast fat reducing and also beautifying your skin.

ABC Acai Berry Soft Gel with its Unique formula on Pure Acai Berry and many other carefully selected Chinese herbs will benefit you like never before. 1 bottle containing 30 capsules for Rp. 250.000 to be delivered for free in Jakarta. Info: 081317722271

For sale. USA-bred male maltese dog, vaccinated, potty-trained 100% adorable 2,5 year old cont: 0811 910 555 or 0812 8111 2848 Email: lannysoen@gmail.com

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Jakarta Expat 路 25 April - 8 May 2012