JPlus December 8, 2013 by Budhi Hartono

VOL. 1 NO. 8 I DECEMBER 8-14, 2013

WANDERLUST

THE BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS A LA MODE

PICKS OF PRESENTS FOR HER & HIM TABLE OF FRIENDS

THE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

GREEN LIGHT NADYA HUTAGALUNG’S COMMITMENT TO SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Noted in passing

mark MY WORDS

Presents of Mind THE YEAR is winding down and, for some of us, it’s time to start giving and receiving gifts, which is not as simple a proposition as it sounds. I enjoyed reading this week’s Table of Friends – the quintet of pals (you can’t miss their smiling faces on the opposite page) represent to me the true unity in diversity of Indonesia, and likewise their disarming and perhaps unexpected answers about the most meaningful gifts in their lives. Look no further for gift ideas than the four-page spread from METRO Dept. Store. Our A la Mode focus is also about treating yourself to some great fashion items for whatever mood takes your fancy. Model and spokesperson Nadya Hutagalung, this week’s cover, also bucks all those clichés about vapid beauties with her passionate commitment to fighting the very ugly ivory trade. You could say she was given the gift of beauty, and has chosen to use it for a worthy cause. My own viewpoint on gifts? I don’t think it’s about the amount of money behind it, but truly the thought that counts, and also how we, as the receiver, choose to view it (hence my play on words in the title). Some of the most meaningful gifts I’ve received over the years have been small but heartfelt, whether it’s the weekly housecleaner occasionally bringing me cakes she made, the rendang that my colleague’s mother sends in care packages or a Papuan painting that a friend had framed and now hangs on my wall. All those little things that, in the big scheme of thing, really do mean a lot.

Bruce Emond

@JplusSunday

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Check List

Gifts Galore

Feast your eyes on everything for her and him for the holidays.

Inn Things

The picks of the best boutique hotels in the world.

ON THE COVER Nadya Hutagalung Photo Fransisca Angela I Makeup & hair Tania Ledezma I Wardrobe Barli Asmara & stylist’s personal collection I Stylist Willy Wilson I Assistant Stylist Theresia Aprilia Photographed at Grand Hyatt Jakarta (www.jakarta.grand.hyatt.com)

JPlus Team Editor Bruce Emond I bruce@thejakartapost.com Deputy Editor Willy Wilson Graphic Designer Budhi Hartono Copy Editor Imogen Badgery-Parker MARKETING & ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Ady P. Pamungkas I ady.pamungkas@thejakartapost.com Marketing Executives Dewi Damayani I dewi.damayani@thejakartapost.com Sugeng Andrianto I sugeng.andrianto@thejakartapost.com

JPLUS December 8, 2013

SIX WORDS ONLY WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO SUM UP WHO YOU REALLY ARE?

WORDS JAMIE IRENA RAYER KEET

I ONCE read somewhere that the only way to truly get to know yourself is to write your own obituary. Not the most auspicious piece of advice, certainly, but like most awful truths, this one did not come sugarcoated. It’s no easy task. Those of us who suffer the occasional bout of writer’s block – or, in this case, panic attack – might find assistance in obitkit.com, a website that provides instructions on obituary writing – and encourages you to “put the ‘fun’ in funeral!” Perfect dinner conversation fodder. At which table I see my mother, cursing under her breath and flapping her hands in horror as she waves away my confabulation like a stench from hell. And my mother-in-law on the phone to the local psychiatric hospital. Ah, to be surrounded by those who adore me. It may be a bit unnerving to entertain such rotten thoughts, but not if you take it like a wheatgrass-swigging yogi would. Too Zen? I’m not suggesting that we sit and pen exact dates, locations and likely causes of our final exits. That probably wouldn’t amount to very much either, except perhaps an increase in the world’s consumption of marijuana. Believe me when I say that I am painfully aware of excessive hyperbole and never, ever dramatize or exaggerate anything, cross my heart and hope to die (excuse the contextual pun). But there are still things in this world that are life-changing, demand a fist bump whatever your age and are deserving of superlatives once every so often. Like rising to a challenge and writing an entire book in six words: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” You pause to grasp the plot as your mind zips into comprehension mode and unravels the story like a Persian rug, complete with patterned silk threads of broken lives woven into tassels

frayed with grief. The author capable of evoking such emotion? No other than Ernest Hemingway. Some time ago I came across the question: “What would you say if you had exactly six words to define your life?” This question lies behind a curious phenomenon known as the Six-Word Memoir, and it gave me reason to pause in my rabid clicking on Net-a-porter and do a bit of actual thinking instead. It started when a guy who called himself L. Smith put the question out there and half a million people promptly answered: “My life made my therapist laugh.” “Threw spaghetti at wall. Some stuck.” “Sometimes lonely in a crowded bed.” “Can’t accept that I’m not Beyoncé.” I love reading the entries. It’s so addictive that there are entire books on Six-Words. And if that isn’t enough, you can share your pronouncements in the form of personalized tees, sweaters, duffel bags or iPhone cases – and even flog them off on eBay to enthusiastic Gen-Ys hungry to don yet another Orwellian aphorism. I’ve yet to think about my own six words, those morphemes that may one day define me and what I was all about. But in the meantime I’m going to make sure that I chat often enough with this person who is me, find out what she would die to be remembered for and well, in six words, “just live it like it is”! The writer is a property investor and an oxymoron enthusiast.

table of FRIENDS

The Best Gift of All

What are the gifts that keep on giving, in their lasting memories, for our friends? @ReneCC

When it comes to gifts, on the giving end, I see only two problems: thinking too much about it or not thinking at all. Birthdays, weddings, holidays, you name it – either I simply could not make up my mind on what to give or I completely forgot about it. (And the second seems to be a bit more obvious of an issue). The variety of choices of gifts makes it even worse. Not to mention the kind of pseudo-competition you face whenever you are giving something to someone. I heard of a business tycoon who hired Incognito (yes, that Incognito) to sing at the wedding of a fellow bigshot. A good friend of mine gave a star constellation to his bride! I guess the sky is no longer the limit, not even the milky way ;) On the receiving end, things are so much simpler. I’m a sucker for all kinds of gifts, especially personalized ones. I cherish a simple thank you note, a batik shirt from Iwet’s TikShirt and ALL kinds of novelty products! But the best gift is when my wife gave me a truly surprising surprise party and my daughter Alea wrote what she thinks of me on pieces of paper. Who needs Incognito when you have your loved ones to sing your praises?

@zoyaamirin

I am blessed with heartfelt gifts from my loving family and wonderful friends. My mom @SylviaRauw always picks the sexiest boots and awesome dresses for me. My dad Amirin’s best gift to me was taking time to read me bedtime stories about inspiring people and places and planning a family trip every summer break. My 10-year-old, Phoebe Amirin, loves to surprise me with stickers, or by cutting a slice of cheese into the shape of my high heels. She also made a keychain look like one of my handbags. My walking diary @RingkingKorah faithfully sends birthday cards to me, all the way from the US. Her cards are unique, and she even sends ones to cheer me up when I am feeling low. My partner in crime @AliaHadju gave me the most sexylicious pink stiletto on my birthday. My mentor, Prof. Dr. Sarlito W Sarwono, gave me the book Journal of Love (Clinical Journey from an Erotomania) and was the first person to encourage me to become who

@mrshananto

I would have to say, a brand new house inside the city! OK, that’s too materialistic :p Or, maybe getting taken on the haj pilgrimage. Oh, that’s too religious :p Well, Christmas brings back childhood memories. I grew up in a small mining town in South Sulawesi, where people from 30 nationalities lived harmoniously together. We had joyful Christmas parties – the whole town, regardless of faith, joined in for the good food and laughter, and Santa Claus arrived in a heavy duty mining truck! My best gift ever was a Mickey Mouse tool box – from my parents – given by Santa Claus at one of the Christmas parties :) I

I am today. My other mentor, Dr. Pramudya, always gave me his precious time to help me solve problems or discuss the latest therapies in sexuality or clinical psychology. Last but not least, the “Ex-Files”: My first junior high school boyfriend’s Christmas Card, bearing the image of a lion protecting a lamb. Its message inside – “I ‘ll be willing to protect you and care for you like the lion protect the lamb” – melted my heart like fondue. My ex-hubby was the only person who could find the perfect lipstick for me, and always made surprise birthday parties for me. One of my exes gave me a limited edition collection of Emily Dickinson’s selected poems, and quoted her PINK poem! My lover has a great sense of smell, he’s the only person who knows how to give the perfect perfume to me. On my last birthday, he gave me perfume (pink of course), with huge laminating paper featuring my picture and quotes from his poetry and writings about how special I am to him. Awww.

adored it and played with it for hours. Come to think about it, the tool box was not exactly an exciting gift for a girlie girl like me. And it didn’t have a great effect on my childhood development. I guess it’s not so much about the gift, but more about the day I received it, at a gathering with friends and family. That warm memory of gathering with people of different backgrounds, living side by side, with no hate, no discrimination. We simply enjoyed each other’s company and respected our differences. Yes, the best gift ever is peace and harmony.

@iwetramadhan

It’s not about the gift that you receive, but I believe it’s about the story behind it. I always appreciate something with a story, and respect a person who gives a gift with a tale to it. I have received a lot of gifts during my lifetime, but there’s only a few I’ve kept until today. And I can honestly say that a gift with a story will always remain with me. Yes, I am a very melancholic person, and stories are my kryptonite. That is why I love batik and culture – they tell so many wonderful tales.

@edwardsuhadi

I remember it very vividly. I was about 10 years old, it was early December, and there was a fishing “competition” in a restaurant. I loved taking part: we got to catch real fish (granted, it was a small pond with lots of them) and it was oh-so exciting. I remember squealing with joy every time one bit. On the way home, I couldn’t stop talking to my dad about the whole experience, including the rented fishing rod I had used. A few days later I attended one of the church Christmas parties. When it was my turn to go forward and receive my gift, I tore the wrapping open and, lo and behold, it was a fishing rod. My jaw dropped and I was dumbfounded that my Christmas wish had been granted. This is magic, I remember thinking, pure magic. Of course, Mr. Santa and my dad had arranged something between themselves, if you know what I mean. The next few months were spent going from one fishing pond to another, playing with my new shiny, magical rod. It was the best gift I ever received.

Join us at the table: send your feedback to @TOFChat and @JPlusSunday JPLUS December 8, 2013

well BEING

STOP SHOULDERING THE PAIN

Experiencing discomfort in your shoulders? The good news is most shoulder injuries are easily treated by medication, physiotherapy and surgery. “THE SHOULDER joint is made up of three bones – the upper arm bone,shoulder blade and collarbone – along with a combination of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff,” says Dr. Roland Chong, an orthopedic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore, who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery. “The joint is one of the most mobile in the human body and prone to injury because of the heavy use of the arm and shoulder.” “There are three main causes of shoulder pain: rotator cuff injuries, injuries to the labrum (a fibrous tissue that surrounds the shoulder socket) commonly caused by dislocated shoulders and frozen shoulders, four to one.” Rotator Cuff Injuries These range from less severe inflammation or partial tears of the cuff, to a complete tear. People most affected are those who have to constantly lift their arms over 90 degrees; larger tears are also caused by trauma, including sports accidents. Inflammation and smaller tears sometimes heal by themselves without

surgery; treatment for such conditions include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to bring down the swelling and ease the pain, combined with physiotherapy to strengthen the other rotator cuff muscles. Another option is an injection of a combination of steroids and anesthetic. Dr. Chong also advises activity modification, which may include physical exercise to strengthen the rotator cuff, and changing the patient’s posture during everyday activities. A cycle of non-operative treatment usually lasts about three to six months. In more serious tears, surgery may be recommended. “Such surgeries are usually performed using the keyhole procedure, and will attempt to repair any damage to the rotator cuff. Results are usually very good and most of my patients are able to return to their sport in six to seven months,” he assures. Dislocated Shoulder This happens when your upper arm bone pops out of the socket. After reducing the dislocation, one of the first steps of diagnosis is to undergo X-rays and a scan to find out why it happened,

CUTTING THE SALT WORDS CHO YOUNG-YUN THE KOREA HERALD/ANN/SEOUL

A LOW-SODIUM diet is one with a limited amount of salt taken in with food. The sodium component in salt is a risk factor for high blood pressure, edema, kidney diseases and cardiac disease, as sodium is a mineral that draws in and retains moisture, affecting the balance of body fluids. Reducing the intake of salt helps to control blood pressure, ease edema and reduce stress on the heart. Here are tips on following a low-salt diet: Know your foods On a preferential basis, limit salty food. Avoid taking too much of the following foods as they have high salt content. • Various types of salted fish, various types of pickled vegetables, salt-pickled fish etc. • Processed food: canned goods, sausage, ham, cheese, butter, biscuits. • Soups and broths, artificial flavor enhancers etc. Enjoying food without salt Reduce salt in cooking and add flavor to the food with seasonings that contain no salt, including sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, ginger, pepper, mustard, spring onion, garlic, sesame seed and curry powder. Use cooking methods that will give a strong salty taste to the food. • Do not use salty flavors on food while cooking, but just before eating • Only salt one or two different types of

JPLUS December 8, 2013

food intensively. • Cook to spare the fresh taste of the food. Enjoy its fresh and natural flavor. • Use visual stimulation by giving the food an appetizing color. Things to remember when dining out • While ordering food, request the food to be cooked with no salt (or other sauces and seasoning). • Avoid fast food, instant food or processed food, e.g. food such as black-bean sauce noodles and pizza. • Reduce intake of broth (stock). • When having soup, flavor by adding ground pepper and spring onion before eating, rather than salt.

The Korea Herald/Park Gee-young

because in young patients, the chance of it happening again is very high. “If a dislocated shoulder is not treated properly, the bone that is left out of the joint could damage the surrounding cartilage. Bone loss can occur because of the friction between the joint and the surrounding bone. Once that happens, it will be difficult to fix the problem with just keyhole surgery,” said Dr. Chong, who advises treatment from an orthopedic specialist for all dislocations. Frozen Shoulder Occurs when a patient cannot move his shoulder in any direction; cause is thickening of the capsule of connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint. There are three phases. The first phase is when the range of motion of your shoulder becomes limited and pain arises when you try to move it. In the frozen stage, the shoulder becomes even stiffer but the pain decreases. The thawing stage, which can take over a year, is when the patient slowly regains the range of motion. Treatment options include physiotherapy, injections of steroids and anesthetic into the joint to

help relieve pain and speed up recovery, and keyhole surgery to release the thickened capsule. “My best piece of advice for protecting your shoulders would be to know your limits. If you know that a certain action is causing damage to your shoulders or making them hurt, stop doing it – activity modification is very important,” says Dr. Chong. “And for sports enthusiasts, my advice is something I tell the guys I work out with – keep your ego at home when you exercise. See a doctor if you have any pain in the shoulder that persists beyond two weeks. “There is treatment that can help relieve the pain and prevent it from coming back again. Remember – you don’t have to live with shoulder pain!” Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore Patient Assistance Centre (Jakarta) Suite 908 Tamara Centre Jl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav.24 Jakarta 12920 24-Hour Helpline: (62) 811 942 720 Email: enquiry@parkway.co.id

taste BUD

ROLLS TO RELISH WORDS & PHOTOS THEODORA HURUSTIATI

fter presenting dishes from various parts of the world, it’s time to give you something with an Asian vibe. These shrimp and tofu rolls with tauco (fermented soy) sambal are easy to prepare, something good to have at this lazy time of the year (they are also always a hit among my Italian friends, further proof that everybody loves fried food). As you may know, the filling varies from one region to another. I’m not sure where my version originated, but it’s an attempt to replicate how my grandma used to make them. The salad addition gives a touch of freshness and the acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the oil.

Serves 6

18 sheets spring roll wrappers 36 medium shrimps (± 50 g each), peeled and deveined 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 2 cm (20 g) ginger, finely grated 200 g plain tofu, cut into 1-cm cubes 300 g bean sprouts 2 spring onions, cut into fine rings 1 teaspoon sesame oil 5 tablespoons Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce) Ground white pepper, to taste Salt, to taste 4 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons water Vegetable oil, for sautéing and frying Heat about three tablespoons of oil in a wok over low heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add shrimps along with sesame oil, soy sauce and pepper; cook until they’re starting to turn reddish. Add soy bean sprouts and spring onions, sauté for about 2 minutes until they’re just wilted. Adjust with salt if necessary. Mix flour with water to form a paste that resembles glue. Put about a tablespoon of filling on the lower bottom of the wrappers, making sure there are two shrimps on each one. Fold the bottom edges like an envelope and roll. Seal the final part with the flour “glue”. Fry in abundant hot oil until golden and place on a kitchen towel to absorb the excess oil. Serve hot with fresh salad and sambal tauco.

Sambal Tauco 75 g mild red chillies, deseeded 50 g fermented soybean 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar Put all the ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth. Place in a saucepan and simmer over a low heat until it boils and thickens a little. Serve at room temperature. Honey soy dressing 6 teaspoons olive oil 2 teaspoons Shoyu 2 teaspoons honey 1 lime, juiced A pinch of white pepper Put all the ingredients in a glass jar. Close tightly with the lid and shake energetically until it emulsifies. Use to dress the salad of your choice shortly before serving.

Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, an 11-year resident of Udine, Italy, was the runner-up in the TV cooking program La Scuola – Cucina di Classe (The School: Classy Cooking) in 2011.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

Reinventing Herself

MODEL NADYA HUTAGALUNG’S PASSIONATE CAUSE IS TAKING HER TO THE WILDS OF AFRICA. WORDS WILLY WILSON I PHOTOS FRANSISCA ANGELA

orn to an Australian mother and Batak father from North Sumatra, Nadya Hutagalung is the perfect embodiment of the meeting of East and West. With her long neck, high cheekbones and charming accent – Australian English mixed with a hint of Singaporean from her longtime residence there – the 39-year-old is every inch an exotic bird from modelville. Nadya has come a long way during a 27-year modeling career. Once a midriffbaring VJ on MTV Asia, she has reinvented herself as a mother of three, activist and founder of greenkampong.com Apart from her successful stint hosting Asia’s Next Top Model, she has taken on few commercial projects recently, although she remains a popular emcee. These days, she only really makes headlines by speaking about things that matter to her – and she likes it that way. “Over the past few years, I have become involved in environmental advocacy and animal rights issues,” she says. She had no epiphany à la Angelina Jolie. Rather, Nadya had always wanted to advocate for sustainable living and animal conservation, but only in the past few years

JPLUS December 8, 2013

has she had the time and energy to turn her attention that way. “I grew up with a mother who is environmentally conscious. She taught me to recycle and to be friendly to the environment,” she says. “And I have been rescuing animals since I was a kid – I wanted to be a vet at one point – so championing animal rights feels very natural to me.” The Singapore media have nicknamed her “Eco Goddess” – and rightfully so. Nadya is one of the first citizens of the citystate to build a “green” house. Equipped with eco-friendly fixtures, the house was designed especially for a smaller carbon footprint and lower energy use. The three-story, seven-bedroom house took more than three years to complete, but for Nadya and her husband, Singaporean swimmer-turned-banker Desmond Koh, going green is nonnegotiable. And in case you’re wondering, Nadya is also a vegan. “Less meat is less heat,” she quips. The Agony and the Ivory If you follow Nadya on Instagram or Facebook, you will know that she has joined the fight against elephant poaching in Africa. Her most recent trip to Kenya

cover STORY was just a couple of months ago. The ivory problem, she points out, is more than an animal rights issue. “These issues are much more complex than they appear,” she said. “I learned that many guards protecting animals from poachers have been killed.” Illegally hunting elephants in Africa for their ivory is a messy business that is raising concerns around the world. “In many cases, people actually slash the face of the elephants to get the ivory. During my recent trip to Kenya, I learned that more elephants were killed in the first six months of this year than in the whole of 2012,” she says. She believes that the solution lies in reducing consumer demand. “I was horrified to learn that most of the demand comes from Asia,” she says. “Apparently people don’t use ivory for its healing properties – they just use it for aesthetic purposes. I’m positive that, with greater awareness, people will stop buying ivory.” Nadya is passionate about the cause – yet she too once enjoyed a presumably frivolous life as one of the most famous faces in the region. Is this caring, spiritual Nadya a result of years of soulsearching? She shrugs off the question, saying that what looks like a carefully reinvented image is simply about growing up. But she does offer this much: “I spent time in LA and New York when I was in my mid-20s. I was exposed to all kinds of debauchery. Seeing what these people got up to shocked me. But I learned pretty quickly that fame and fortune don’t add up to meaningful happiness.” She notes a certain irony: It often seems that one’s internal

“I HAVE BEEN RESCUING ANIMALS SINCE I WAS A KID – I WANTED TO BE A VET AT ONE POINT – SO CHAMPIONING ANIMAL RIGHTS FEELS VERY NATURAL TO ME.” world takes the opposite direction from what people perceive, that the outer life masks what’s really happening inside. “I don’t really think about what people think of me. Not anymore,” she says. “But having been in the spotlight for more than half of my life, I can tell you that there is no such thing as picture perfect.” Modern Family She might speak words like that darkly, but Nadya lights up when the talk turns to family. “My idea of downtime is family time,” she says, referring to her multicultural and unconventional family. “We just love spending time together.” Nadya’s oldest son, Tyrone, is now 19 and doing national service; next is 10-year-old Fynn, whose father is Singaporean entrepreneur Brian Tong. With her current husband, Nadya has her only daughter, Nyla, 5. “I’m a very strict mother, but not tiger mom strict,” she says. “I believe that having a sense of humanity and worldliness is more important than excellent grades.” Desmond and Nadya teach the kids about environmental issues, self-respect, confidence and openness. Their idea of holiday involves a play date at an orphanage in Myanmar or an environmental study trip to the Arctic Council while in Norway to see the northern lights. “We learned several interesting things, such as that polar bears are born with dual sexes, that indigenous women can’t breastfeed because of the high mercury level in the water,” she says. “We try to have fun, meaningful and educational holidays as a family.” It is family, too, that often brings her back to Indonesia from Singapore, where she has lived for 18 years, “for practical reasons”. “But Indonesia means everything to me,” she says. “I’m always looking forward to exploring Indonesia – biodiversity, art, culture and food!”

JPLUS December 8, 2013

firm FAVORITES

Grooming Kit Cologne: Not all the time but when I do it’s Vetiver from Guerlain, for more than 30 years. Soap: Pear’s Soap, it’s really a great product. Love the smell. Skin care: When in a cold and dry climate I use Nivea, the one in a flat round blue tin.

At Ease Interior decorator Ted Sulisto is a notable man about town and a fixture at society dinner parties and galas. Known for his classic good taste (he was a consultant for the successful revamp of national airline Garuda Indonesia), he is an avid traveler, jet-setting between his home in Jakarta, London and many places in between. And as it turns out from our life and style questionnaire, he holds eclectic preferences, running from regular drugstore cosmetics to expensive handmade shirts, Vivaldi to Timberlake. + Bruce Emond

Favorite Movie: A Man for All Seasons with Robert Shaw

Timberlake.

Music: Songs by Nat King Cole, Vivaldi: 4 Seasons, Pink Floyd, Michael Buble, Debussy piano pieces, YES songs, Justin

Book: At the moment, Robert Harris’ Pompeii, great reading material while travelling. Dinner spot: Lately E&O, also love the food at te’Sate, on occasion Lyon at the Mandarin Oriental. Hangout haunts: Mostly at houses of friends. The Bar at the Four Seasons serves great martinis. Breakfast and Brunch: The Eggs Benedict at the Dharmawangsa is a treat. Bistro Baron at Plaza Indonesia is anther favorite brunch hangout. Goods Diner behind Pacific Place is also good.

Indulgences Watch: I have a few very reliable and dependable time tellers but I’m still never on time . . . Accessories: Pocket squares, amazing what they do to a look Car: I like my BMW, though lately Audi is looking better and better. Shirts: During the week only light blue, white or thin stripes, on the weekend

slightly more daring and on occasion Polos (red, navy even pink). No emblem please. Shoes: Loyal to JW Weston and my Converse sneakers, love them Designer label: Where do I begin? ... Biggest splurge: Have yet to indulge ... Artworks: Nothing much to brag about.

Shampoo: Head & Shoulders … I know, right?

Connections Camera: My Samsung Galaxy NoteII takes great photos, quite satisfied with the results. Laptop: Apple MacBook Cell phone: Samsung Galaxy NoteII. Gadget of choice: Me! And of my dreams: Let’s leave this one out for now. It will require a chapter or two . . . Social media fave: Sorry, don’t have any.

Travel destination: I’m constantly traveling to different places, but still the best destination is home. Luggage: I travel with my OLD BATAVIA carry-ons. They are beautifully hand crafted by friends in Bandung.

Sweet treat: Jajan Pasar from Blok M. Casual wear: 511’s and a loose T.

BACK IN BLOOM WORDS AND PHOTOS NATASHA ISHAK

UNLIKE TYPICAL Indonesian restaurants on the sidewalks of Jakarta, Bungarampai aims to bring the country’s cuisine to new heights. Located in the heart of swank Menteng, Central Jakarta, this fine-dining restaurant has served Indonesian dishes since it first opened in 2007. After a four-month renovation, Bungarampai has reopened in the hope of maintaining its philosophy of preserving local flavors and introducing it to a more upscale audience. The restaurant’s original romantic colonial concept by interior designer Agam Riadi has been kept with some new

JPLUS December 8, 2013

modern touches to the decor and color scheme, incorporating bolder colors like black and gold throughout. In addition to the main dining room, a VIP room and pastry corner on the ground floor, four other VIP rooms can be found atop Bungarampai’s two-storey flight: the smallest, known as Ruang Mawar, and three other separate VIP areas – Ruang Melati, Ruang Cempaka and Ruang Kenanga – that can be secluded into one large private section. A new rooftop area will also give guests room for an outdoor soiree once renovations are completed in January.

The restaurant, originally fit for a party of 300, can now accommodate up to 500 guests for a standing event. There are also a few additions to the house menu. Aside from favorites like Nasi Buketan (Buketan Rice) and Nasi Rebana (Rebana Rice), guests can now try Bungarampai’s new dishes: Oseng Itik Rempah (Fried Spicy Duck), Banjar

Satay, Salad Kecipir (Kecipir Vegetable Salad) and Ikan Bakar Parape (Grilled Parape Fish). Bungarampai serves lunch and dinner and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bungarampai Restaurant Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 35, Menteng, Central Jakarta Telp: (021) 31926224/25

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Not fierce enough to be in the spotlight? Well,this leopard pattern will reveal the unique side of you which goes right to anyone

02 Glo Leopard Chiffon

me a n Wild e l d d my mi is

Scarf RP 189.000 MPI, MSS, MPP, MGC, MCS West 01 nine Leopard Pumps with Ankle Strap

RP1.699.000 MPI, MSS, MCS

03 ChoCColat Leopard Loafer

Flats RP269.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

West 05 nine Leopard Desert

Boots RP1.799.000 MPI, MSS, MCS

04 Glo Leopard Clutch

RP369.000 MPI, MSS, MPP, MGC, MCS

West 06 nine Leopard Platform

Pumps RP1.699.000 MPI, MSS, MCS

07 neuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mor Baroque Leopard

Shift Dress RP549.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MGC, MCS, MPS

Eccentricities in the mix

It’s fun to be your own stylish. Never hesitate to play mix and match with these must-have items,and see how fascinating you can be.

Good Gift forGreat Men

Wondering what gift should be given? The useful ones are always the best answer. We offer various selection of gifts for him, which worthwhile for his daily runaways.

1 2

HUSH PUPPIES Keychain Holder RP219.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA

Citation Elbow Patchwork Blazer RP599.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

CITATION Travelling Pouch RP159.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

4 Glo Leopard Monochrome Scarf RP219.000

MPI, MSS, MGC, MCS

abba Black Suspender RP279.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

arroW Gingham Shirt RP 449.000

MASSAGE Travelling Pouch RP109.000

MPI, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

tommy hilfiGer Classic Leather Strap Watch RP 2.340.000 ALL STORE

tie ColleCtion Black Skinny Tie RP199.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

remix Baseball Cap RP399.000 MGC

tie ColleCtion Grey Bow Tie RP199.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

1. pierrox Brown Corduroy Blazer RP 629.000 MPI, MSS, MTA, MCS 2. abba Crimson Red Bow Tie RP139.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS 3. arroW Gingham Shirt RP 549.000 MPI, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS 4. abba Crimson Red Suspender RP 279.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS 5. CK Golf Light Grey Pants RP1.145.000 MGC 6. mario minardi Tan Leather Derby Shoes RP1.549.000 MPI, MGC, MCS

PANASONIC Travel Shaver RP87.000

MPI, MSS, MTA, MGC

CONDOTTI Foldable Backpack RP165.000

MPI, MSS, MBS, MPP, MGC, MCS

METRO COLLECTION Enamel Canister Set of 2 RP 79.000

Reg. price RP 99.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

METRO COLLECTION Enamel Stok Pot 8 qt RP 179.000

Reg. price RP 229.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

METRO COLLECTION Enamel Multi Pot 8 qt RP 249.000

ServetheJoy

EMSA Cooling Carafe 1 LT RP 329.000

The day has finally come. Present the real atmosphere with a perfect Christmas tone of red and green,on our variety serving ware collections to welcome your special relatives.

Reg. price RP 299.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

STELTON To Go Cup RP 329.000 Vacuum Jug RP879.000

Reg. price RP 399.000 MPI, MSS, MTA, MGC

Reg. price RP 399.000 - RP 1.090.000 MPI, MSS, MGC

RIEDEL Wine Tumbler PAY 3 GET 4

Reg. price RP 399.000 MSS, MGC

EMSA Vacuum Jug 1.0 L RP129.000

Reg. price RP 249.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

FELIZ Acrylic Pitcher 64oz/ 1.9 ltr RP 319.000

FELIZ Acrylic Canister RP199.000

Reg. price RP 379.000

MPI, MSS, MTA, MPP, MGC

Reg. price RP 249.000 MPI, MSS, MTA, MPP, MGC

Cultivating Christmas

EXCLUSIVE METRO Tablecloth / Napkin RP 279.000 - RP 549.000

A set of lovely decorations is the essential final touch to create the perfect Christmas ambience in your house.

EXCLUSIVE METRO Cushion Cover / Runner RP 299.000 - RP 599.000

MPI, MSS

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MGC

EXCLUSIVE METRO Christmas Plaid Tablecloth RP219.000 - RP 389.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

EXCLUSIVE METRO Christmas Cushion Cover

RP 99.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS, MPS

RP399.000 MPI, MSS, MGC

MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

EXCLUSIVE METRO Christmas Rug

RP299.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

EXCLUSIVE METRO Boston Bowl/Vase RP279.000 - RP799.000

EXCLUSIVE METRO Cushion Cover

EXCLUSIVE METRO Boston Bowl/Vase RP279.000 - RP799.000 MPI, MSS, MBS, MTA, MPP, MTM, MGC, MCS

mpi METRO Pondok Indah (62-21) 750-7018 | mss METRO Senayan (62-21) 572-5428 | mbs METRO Trans Studio Bandung (62-22) 9109-1888 | mta METRO Taman Anggrek (62-21) 565-6767 | mpp METRO Pacific Place (62-21) 515-0333 | mtm METRO Trans Studio Makassar (62-411) 811-7050 | mGC METRO Gandaria City (62-21) 2900-8015 | mCs METRO Ciputra World Surabaya (62-31) 5120-0025 | mps METRO The Park Solo (62-271) 789-1221 Prices are subject to change without prior notice

A la MODE

NAUGHTY AND NICE

Gifts for Him

MEN ARE practical creatures, and appreciate gifts they can use. These gifts will please your husband, boyfriend, relatives, even that guy in the office you’ve had your eye on. While the price tags may vary, it’s the sentiment and thought that go into selecting the gifts that really count.

Go ahead and ask Santa to put something sweet or spicy under the tree. WORDS WILLY WILSON

Back to Basic All-American denim label GAP reintroduces its classic 1969 collection, focusing on its signature fits and modern cut. Highlights include the 1969 Slim and Straight jeans,and the 1969 Chambray Shirt and Utility Shirt.

Her Wish List

PICKING THE right gift for your girl friends is never easy. But perhaps you want to start with jotting down the “Naughty” and “Nice” lists, and then see who gets what.

Alexander McQueen

GAP

Clip and Go Jack Spade money clip, with its twotone enamel diagonal stripe detail and signature engraved at back, is perfect for men who are too practical to carry a wallet and too proud to clutch a tote. Available at www.jackspade.com

Giuseppe Zanotti Design

Photos: Dennie Ramon and IrvanArryawan (Femina Group / Jakarta Fashion Week), Fashion First, On Pedder, Time International, GAP, Topman

Naughty Icon: Kate Moss Moss is the epitome of the rebellious, naughty girl in the world of fashion. The British model, who graces Playboy’s 60th anniversary issue due out next month, is known for Rock-and-Roll and Bohemian style. Every item on the “naughty” list is something she would don in a crack-sniffin’ second.

Carolina Herrera Men

Classic Fantastic Advertising executive Luthfi Hasan crisscrosses the globe – from Jl. Surabaya in Menteng to Georgetown flea market in Washington – in search of the perfect mid-century furniture he adores. He refurbishes them in his Dharmawangsa Square shop, and sells them at a very reasoanble price. For more information, visit www. jakartavintage.com

Christian Louboutin

Priyo Oktaviano

Giuseppe Zanotti Design Luthfi Hasan

Kate Moss

CharlotteOlympia

Rustic Italian Wine Chiller Ivory Christian Louboutin

Alexander McQueen

Givenchy by Ricardo Tisci

Nice Icon: Andien Aisyah The homegrown songstress, on the other hand, is the embodiment of prim and proper. Her style is classic but sophisticated; ladylike yet quirky; safe but certainly nonconformist. The 28-year-old, who recently attended Donna Karan’s birthday bash during New York Fashion Week, is regularly spotted wearing tradtional Indonesian fabric.

Andien

Man About Town Carolina Herrera 212 perfume has been touted as the ultimate fragrance for urban men. The concoction of fresh citrus leaves, white musk and sandalwood, packed in an impeccably attired bottle, evokes style, energy and masculinity.

Montblanc Caspar David Friedrich

Keeping Your Cool The Williams Sonoma rustic wine chiller is unique, one-of-a-kind earthenware with hand-glazed details. Perfectly sized for chilling a bottle of wine or champagne on ice, it is crafted by a family-owned ceramics company in Umbria, Italy. Available at www. williams-sonoma.com.au The Missing Ink Every detail of the Montblanc Caspar David Friedrich writing intrument pays a compelling tribute to the19th century German painter. This limited editon pieces (there are 65 of them) have intricate details reminiscent of the artist’s legendary work of art – Agate stone on the cap, Gothic motif on the barrel and a delicately engraved detail from “Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog” painting on the gold nib.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

wanderLUST

A PRECIOUS FEW

TIME TO CHECK IN TO THE WORLD’S BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS. WORDS & PHOTOS REUTERS/MR. & MRS. SMITH

JPLUS December 8, 2013

wanderLUST

outique hotel experts Mr & Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) have announced the winners of their first hotel awards celebrating the world’s best boltholes, a marker of the evolution of the boutique hotel industry over the last decade.

Best-Dressed Hotel Alila Villas

Uluwatu, Indonesia Staking a stylish claim on Bali’s rugged Bukit Peninsula, this is a cool, contemporary cliffhanger of a resort which delivers dramatic eco-friendly design in a jaw-dropping setting.

Sexiest Bedroom in the World

Blakes Hotel London, UK Arguably the original boutique hotel, Anouska Hempel’s wickedly opulent Kensington hideaway has been discreetly looking after lovebirds for over 25 years. It’s hard to imagine a more alluring setting for seduction than the honeymoon-perfect, white-onwhite Corfu Suite.

Hottest Hotel Bar Ace Hotel New

York New York, USA Hip, quirky and brimming with confidence, the Ace’s bar channels the spirit of its home city perfectly, and bustles with moving, shaking New Yorkers both day and night. They come for the cocktails, ingeniously crafted by Milk & Honey’s Sasha Petraske, they stay for the electric ambience.

Best Hotel Restaurant Bastide de Moustiers

Provence, France Alain Ducasse’s Provençal hideaway is a love poem to the surrounding area, a gastronome’s daydream that showcases the finest local produce in a daily changing menu of delectably inventive dishes. There’s no frippery or unnecessary extras; just simple, seasonal ingredients, intelligently prepared and served in a truly beautiful place.

Best Spa Hotel Como Shambhala

Estate Bali, Indonesia Como’s flagship retreat in Ubud renowned for its holistic back-tonature approach, and promises to soothe, relax, cosset and revivify, while surrounding you in totally tropical, thatched-pavilion, wall-to-wall waterfall luxury.

The Eco Award Sextantio Albergo Diffuso Abruzzo, Italy Albergo Diffuso is more than a hotel, it’s a whole new accommodation

FROM BALI TO THAILAND, FRANCE TO CALIFORNIA, LOVERS OF SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL HOTELS WILL BE ABLE TO FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THEIR LIKING AND TASTES. concept built around restoration and sustainability. Spread around the buildings of what was an abandoned village high in the Italian Apennines, the project hasn’t just created an utterly unique place to stay, it has reinvigorated an entire mountain village that would otherwise have been lost to history.

Best for Families Soneva Kiri Koh

Kood, Thailand With a breathtaking jungle-meetsocean setting, switched-on service and fun-loving attitude, eco-friendly Soneva Kiri takes luxury family holidays to a new level. The free kids’ club the Den is beyond impressive: Dutch eco-architect Olav Bruin asked groups of children to design their dream play area - and then built on that.

Best Budget Hotel Brody House Budapest, Hungary More than just a boutique bolthole, Brody House is also a members’ club with a stylish bar, a sometime film and fashion-shoot set, and a hub of local creativity with a calendar crammed full of art events and book readings. The very reasonable room rate gives you honorary membership to Brody’s members’ club rooms and events. The Greatest Outdoors Dunton Hot Springs Colorado, United States This unique mountain hideaway takes you straight back into the big-sky wilderness of the Old West, complete with log cabins, snow-capped peaks, not-so-lonesome pines and a perch on the porch to admire it all from. And, of course, there are the hot springs, which ensure that Dunton is a year-round alfresco spa haven.

Above & Beyond The Upper House

Hong Kong The Upper House may be in the heart of the city, but you’ll feel a tranquil world away from the moment you’re met in the lobby by your personal ‘guest experience manager’. This hotel prides itself on making stays simple, sedate and hassle free.

Best Newcomer Fogo Island

Inn Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada This Todd Saunders-designed beauty is a heartfelt home-fromhome set against a sublime crashingocean backdrop. Although the bold, Scandinavian-style architecture is as modern as it gets, the inn is inspired by long-standing community tradition. Every detail - from the ecoconscious practices right down to the hand-loomed rugs - connects back to the island and its end-of-the-Earth remoteness only adds to the allure.

Best Smith Hotel 2013

Post Ranch Inn California, USA Clinging to a clifftop along California’s wild west coast, this big-name Big Sur sanctuary manages to melt into the dramatic surrounds while showcasing dreamy design within. Cabins and cottages hover at the rocky edge (or teeter among the trees), each offering an eyeful of Pacific Ocean 1,200 feet below. The setting alone would put this hotel on most travelers’ wish lists, but combined with the luxury of a fireside massage, three infinity pools, clifftop hot tubs and a one-of-a-kind restaurant, it offers, quite simply, one of the world’s very best places to stay.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

EASY travel GIFTS

KEEP COMFY, ORGANIZED AND CONNECTED WITH THESE ITEMS.

GOIN

WORDS BETH J. PARPAZ/AP

oday’s travelers want to be comfortable, organized and connected. With those themes in mind, here are some ideas for gifts available online, starting with suggestions from three folks who travel for a living.

ALL ABOUT THE BAG Edward Piegza vowed never to check bags again after an airline lost his family’s luggage on a trip to London. Piegza, founder of the small-group luxury tour company Classic Journeys, now uses a carry-on zippered Victorinox bag (US$235), which won’t tear when stuffed. For kids and teens, he recommends a High Sierra wheeled backpack with detachable daypack (AT7 model, $176). His sons have used their High Sierra bags for more than 10 years in two dozen countries. Piegza also recommends Nike Free running shoes — lightweight, comfy and quickdrying ($100); fun, customizable luggage tags from Zazzle.com ($10); and a Gorillapod stand ($20-$30) that secures iPhones to anything “from a tree branch in a Costa Rican jungle to a cliffside terrace in Amalfi.” Combined with a timer app, “you can take some great selfies in spectacular settings.” Finally, for the ladies, Piegza suggests a pashmina wrap. His wife treasures hers because it’s soft, light and easily accessorizes various outfits. It also folds up small but is big enough to serve as a blanket.

GOPRO AND A POWER STRIP Brian Stacey, director of new product development for Tauck, the cruise and tour company, says his must-haves include Creative Labs noise-cancelling headphones for air travel (US$60), and a GoPro camera, which he describes as “the hottest thing out there” (newest model, HERO3+ Black Edition, $400). The tiny digital camera can go underwater or “attach to pretty much anything — your helmet, arm, leg, canoe” — and take video and photos while you’re moving. He also loves the Orvis businessman’s backpack ($150-$200). Among the things he stashes in it are a bottle protector from TravelSmith ($24) to bring home wine or olive oil without worrying about spills; and a Belkin power strip ($20). With a power strip, he can charge five gadgets with one hotel room outlet. If he’s traveling internationally, he only needs one adapter.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

STAYING CONNECTED For charging gadgets overseas, Flight 001 sells a compact adapter with four color-coded plugs, good for 150 countries ($25), along with a dual wattage converter ($30) to use North American appliances overseas. To keep cellphones working on the go, give the gift of backup power, like Anker’s Astro Slim2 external battery ($33). Charge the battery beforehand, and when the phone dies, plug it into the battery. For sunny climes, consider a solar-powered charger. Popular brands include Anker, Solio and Goal Zero, but do your research. Consumer reviews suggest some don’t work as well as advertised.

travel GIFTS

STAYING ORGANIZED Cellphone, iPod, tablet, Kindle, camera — many travelers carry them all, plus chargers and cables. GreatUsefulStuff.com sells Kangaroomstorage bags to protect and organize gadgets. A two-sided cord pouch ($25) has 10 see-through compartments with slots you can label and removable dividers so compartments can be enlarged. The compact personal media pouch ($13) has six small pockets and can fit a Kindle or iPad Mini too. Kohl’s carries toiletry kits for young travelers with Batman and Superman logos, and for men, a Dockers brand ($40). ToiletTree has a classy black leather kit ($20), while Flight 001 offers colorful Avery cosmetic bags with Eiffel Tower and white cross-on-red logos ($35).

POLAROID AND LAVENDER Harriet Lewis, vice chair of the tour company Overseas Adventure Travel, recommends the new digital Polaroid camera ($178). She can take photos of people she meets and print copies on the spot, which is a nice way to engage with locals who don’t have easy access to printed images. The 21st century Polaroid also prints multiple copies, offers a choice of borders, previews photos before printing and saves images to upload. Lewis’ personal comfort items make great stocking stuffers: scented herbal wipes (Herban Essentials, $16), pocket hand-warmers for cold places ($2), and lavender oil ($10 in health food stores). She sprinkles lavender on bed sheets and in her bath, and rubs it on her temples and wrists. (Some travelers sprinkle it on luggage and clothing, as it’s said to repel bed bugs.)

FOR FUN, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE For the traveler who wants to fill a home away from home with music, consider a small portable speaker. The NudeAudio Move M, about the size of a fat wallet, has an eight-hour battery, is Bluetooth-enabled, and has rich sound that rivals much bigger, pricier models ($70). Travelers who want to show off where they’ve been might like Flight 001’s Scratch-Off Map ($20). A layer of gold film rubs off to reveal countries visited in blue; available in December as a scratchoff 3-D globe puzzle ($32). For kids, here’s a freebie: Travelzoo’s “Map the World,” a new iPad app with nine puzzles that teach geography. Women can shrug off rainy days while traveling light with the hooded Rainrap ($60). Water beads off the silky fabric; it weighs under 9 ounces, drapes like a cape and is reversible, available in eight two-color combinations. You can’t wear flip-flops in snow, but Pakems are the next best thing: lightweight, comfy, rubber-soled, water-resistant shoes that slip on after ski boots or ice skates come off. They come in five colors, high and low tops, foldable with strapped carry bag ($60$70). Finally, even folks who can’t get away can enjoy a local adventure or dinner cruise. Cloud9Living.com makes it easy to give everything from zip-lining to walking tours in destinations nationwide.

FOR BIKERS Gifts for bikers — whether long-distance or day-trippers — include DeFeet Blaze wool socks ($12-$15); a handlebar bag like the waterproof Topeak DryBag with map cover ($75); a multitool for repairs and adjustments, like Pedro’s ICM ($34.50); and a phone case that can be mounted on handlebars, like the Topeak RideCase ($50).

JPLUS December 8, 2013

social HAPPENINGS

Dalton Tanonaka & Nadya Hutagalung hosting the event

Celebrity chef Bobby Chinn goes into the fryer

Mobiliari Group’s Millie Stephanie

WWF AND ‘INDONESIA TATLER’ PARTY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutardjo

Kartika Soekarno & Maria Lukito

Rina Salim, Margie Kusuma & Leeyen Wijaya

Rudy Akili & Ronny Wongkar

JPLUS December 8, 2013

Wulan Tilaar, Millie Stephanie, Mien Uno, Martha Tilaar & Henk Uno

hat better way to make your glittering comeback than with a worthwhile cause? After a threeyear hiatus, Indonesia Tatler’s annual ball returned on Nov. 29 as the social highlight of the year. The Indonesia Tatler-Panda Ball was held in support of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Coral Triangle Program, the main agenda of the black-tie affair. “As a company with a strong CSR focus, it is appropriate that we draw attention to the plunder of our oceans that so often destroys this fragile environment,” said Millie Stephanie, founder and CEO of Mobiliari Group, the publisher of Indonesia Tatler. “We have a duty to ourselves, to the planet and to our children to protect this precious natural resource.” The ball’s “A Tribute to the Sea” gave a nod to the WWF’s environmental work through the Coral Triangle Program. The initiative was formed in 2007 between six countries to counter the urgent threats imposing on the ocean’s marine life which has a direct impact on some 130 million people with livelihoods dependent on its natural resources. Among VIP attendees were Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sharif C. Sutardjo, model and WWF environmental ambassador Nadya Hutagalung, who was the emcee on the night, and WWF Responsible Seafood Ambassador celebrity chef Bobby Chinn, who performed a live cooking demonstration and oversaw the night’s tasty seafood menu – all ingredients resourced responsibly. Finally, the guests also got the chance to put their money where their mouth is during the event’s silent auction.

Mr. & Mrs. Irman Gusman

Sebastian Gunawan & Didi Budiardjo

culture VULTURE

A celebration of Indonesia’s masked wonders GALERI INDONESIA KAYA TURNED THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE MASK TRADITIONS OF THE INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO.

THE BEAUTY and philosophy of Indonesian traditional masks was explored at Galeri Indonesia Kaya last weekend. The “Archipelago Masks” theme on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 featured two shows from young performers who are upholding the age-old tradition in their own contemporary way.

Young figure skater, dancer and choreographer Chiquita Limer brought a traditional mask dance Klana Udeng from Indramayu in West Java to the stage. She presented two performances during the show: the Klana Udeng dance itself and her own original work entitled Indonesiaku (My Indonesia).

The two repertoires were presented in a simpler, more modern way without changing the foundations of tradition. While performing the Klana Udeng dance, Chiquita wore a more modern costume without discarding the significant parts of the traditional get-up. Meanwhile, Indonesiaku, which was adapted from her choreography for a figure skating number, was performed by six dancers and highlighted the archipelago’s familiar dance movements. On Dec. 1, Teater Abang None presented Topeng Betawi Jaya Bersama. The show’s theatrical comedy featured the underlying values and philosophy of Betawi traditions, with particular focus on traditional masks of Jakarta’s native people and what they symbolize.

The performance centered on a simple plot: An old Betawi couple welcomed home their son who just graduated from his school in England. They remembered that they had made a kaul, a solemn promise that if their son graduated from university, they would arrange for Topeng Betawi, a series of celebrations with traditional mask dancers and musicians. The traditional dancers and comics showed how the meaning of one mask differs from the others through their dancing and witty repartee. Galerie Indonesia Kaya, opened in October, is an exhibition and auditorium space built by the Djarum Bakti Budaya Foundation. It is open for rehearsal, exhibitions and performances free of charge.

A CONTEMPORARY TURN FOR THE BETTER WITH DANCE PERFORMANCES NEXT WEEKEND GALERI INDONESIA KAYA has a mission to uphold Indonesia’s rich cultural traditions through its roster of varied performances. Of course, culture is not static and unchanging, but continually adapting to the influences around it. The key is to retain the original cultural elements while branching out into new and enriching artistic explorations. In recent weeks, it has held hip-hop performances that borrow from Betawi (Jakartan) dance traditions, as well as entertainer Aming’s camp exploration of Aceh’s iconic Saman and Seudati dances. Contemporary dance performances

will be a center stage at the beautiful cultural venue on the 8th floor of Grand Indonesia’s West Mall on Dec. 14-15. Over the weekend, Bang Ucuy and Indra Zubir will demonstrate their unique takes on contemporary dance that still incorporate the roots of Indonesia’s traditional arts. Bang Ucuy will focus on a thoroughly contemporary issue through a Betawi dance performance entitled Sekong. In modern Indonesian slang, the word “sekong” literally means “transgender”. If most dance performances display strongly delineated movements for the masculine and feminine dancers, Bang Ucuy will

combine both genders into one in creating an eccentric and modernized Betawi dance. Two dancers perform Indra Zubir’s work Somnabulis. The ups and downs, problems and conflicts of living life in the present day are presented through gestures, words and multimedia interaction. Indra studied dance from childhood, and subsequently established his own eponymously named troupe. He has performed 25 contemporary dance repertoires at both local and international solo dance festivals.

ir Dancers Indra Zub

Performances are open to the public at no charge. For more information on Galeri Indonesia Kaya, upcoming performances and schedules, visit www.indonesiakaya.com.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

20/ 20

“I’M A BOY WITH 63 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE” First thing I do in the morning… Going to the bathroom (laughs) … and jogging with my big, spoiled dogs. I have golden retrievers, sheltie, Rottweiler, Siberian husky – and they breed. I used to have smaller dogs back in the 1980s, but since my fire accident I prefer bigger dogs.

My guilty pleasure… Such endless questions! When I couldn’t speak a word, when I was mute for 22 years.

If I wasn’t a fashion designer I would be… Well! I would be a teacher.

Favorite city in the world … I love small cities that are very organized, like the ones in central England and in France. But there are many in Indonesia as well, like Ambarawa and Bukittinggi. There are also some small cities in Sulawesi where you can see millions of stars, because it is so clean.

Idea of perfect happiness … When I can really serve people and I can serve my creator. My most treasured possession… Integrity, because we are here for others. So integrity is the most important. Greatest achievement… Well, I have designed grand pianos, cars, interior, jewelry, but (I would say) designing a curriculum. It’s vital and that’s the key to educate others. EVER YOUNG at heart Harry Darsono truly is the life of the party, despite admitting to sleeping a mere 2.5 hours a day (he feels younger today at age 63 than 15 years ago). The passionate haute couture designer-cumprofessor, who showcases his creations and treasured acquisitions in his private museum in Cilandak, South Jakarta, is also an accomplished amateur pianist. He counts the six-legged piano of music prodigy Frederic Chopin among his extensive collection.

Biggest extravagance… I like parties.

And literature of all time… Shakespeare. Dream dinner guests… They would be my loved ones, but they are already in heaven.

Words I overuse… It would be “lots”.

I am most inspired by … Nature. Every color you can think of – in all sorts of combinations like purple flowers with green leaves – you can find it in nature.

If I could have one superpower… To be able to help more people.

When I am down, I… Just pray, I don’t want to depend on anything else.

My scariest experience… Oh. Oh my goodness. When I lose my faith. The times when I lost my faith are some of the most scariest moments.

Life motto … Serve with honor, and with styles. “Styles” with an “s”, because everyone has different styles. +Words & Illustration Felicita Goentoro

talk of THE TOWN

Fine Wines and Fine Food From a Green Land NEW ZEALAND FOOD AND WINE TASTING GUESTS ENTHUSIASTICALLY devoured the best of what New Zealand has to offer in the culinary department at Dharmawangsa Jakarta’s Sriwijaya Restaurant on Nov. 27 during the New Zealand Trade Enterprise Food & Wine event. The delicious three-course lunch was specially prepared by executive chef Vindex Tengker.

JPLUS December 8, 2013

New Zealand trade commissioner to Indonesia Tim Anderson, Willy Wilson, Bruce Emond