FREE F Y 2014 • JANUAR
OR ALL
ON THE BALL
THE RISE OF GARUDA MUDA
KEEPING COVERED YOUNG HIJABERS SPEAK MONEY MATTERS SMART SPEN DING FOR STUDENTS
FRIEND OR FOE? FACING YOUR FRENEMIES
S SUCCESS STORIE
MAKING BIG DREAMS CHELSEA ISLAN A REALITY ENTERTAINMENT’S
www.youthspeak.com
@sp3akmagz
/speakmag
BUDDING BEAUTY
2
3
editor’snote
In With
the New
f I had to pick my t the top of the li op three holid st ( Vale ays, Ne free ch w Year ntine’s ocolate ’s would is a clo !). Apart fr se seco probab om the nd – I ju ly be at great t nice, q st can’t hing ab uiet we say no stroke o e to u k of mid t New Y followin night. ear’s is g the C We are t h h e “fresh ristmas all part start” fe holiday anothe of the w eling w , the r year o o r ld w e get a ide cele f endle we wan t t s h b s e r p a t to exp tions a ossibilit nd feel lore th There a e possib ies. Of course we are re a ha , it’s up blessed il ities be ndful o opport to us to with fore us f extrao unity a d o e r cide w nd rdinary not. to get hether youngs your en gone the extr ters wh a mile. gines r youth s o have We sha unning occer t grabbe r e fo their in r e the yea am’s ris d that To kick spiring r (page e to vic off 201 succes t 2 o 0 ry (pag ), inclu 4, we c a buzz s stor e 60). ding th hose fr on the e Indon ies esh-fac film sce the Refr esian e ne as o d actre ain sta ss Chels ur Janu r abou cinema a e r t a y movieIslan, w (page 2 making cover girl. Rea ho is cr 8). Make s d our in eating and tra ure you nsform terview holiday check o ing the w it h s to see ut our face of Travel p Indone where some la to go a ages b sian ughs w efore h nd wha ith stan then g eading t to avo d up’s K ets serio t id o Europe (page 4 emal P us with Say go ale for the 4). Spea Lily All odbye k! also en (pag vi and Fico Fa to your to tack s h c e a h res 5 r iz 4 school le frene a (page ). trouble mies (p 48) and allowa s a t g his yea nce (pa e 58) a r with t nd also ge 62). Hopefu he low advice lly our -down on mak excitin get you on how in g the m g articles ready fo ost out in this r the lo Happy of your year’s fi ng yea New Ye rst edit r ahead ar, frien ion of S . ds! peak! c XOXO, an help
Natas
ha Ish ak
4
5
20
Bop to the Top Success stories from bright young people to open the new year.
14 RY’ A U AN / J 8 #1
Intro 12
YouthSpeak Who would you want to be for a day?
14
Real Talk Alanda Kariza reminds us of the importance of fighting for our dreams.
16
Make Overs A showdown between on-screen classics and their remakes.
Pop Culture 24
Fresh Start We mark the new year with survival games, a band of Brits and after-life musings.
44
A Little Guidance Useful tips to get your time and money’s worth in Europe.
48
Comic Relief The popularity of Kemal Palevi and Fico Fachriza is a laughing matter.
28 6
Movie Magic: Actress Chelsea Islan is making movies with meaning.
Jl. Palmerah Barat no. 142 – 143 Jakarta 10270 Telphone: (+62 21) 5300476, 5300478 Fax: (+62 21) 5350050, 5306971 Email: speak@thejakartapost.com
Lifestyle 40
Creative Beast An artsy fashion fusion is indie label Monstore’s winning formula.
41
Curls of Wisdom Must-know grooming tips for all you curly-haired gals.
57
Tiny Tutors Fun applications for easy learning
34
Inspiration 58
Enemy Lines Coming to terms with that friendly foe.
62
Save Guard Simple ways to stop splurging and start saving.
67
Cover Girls Hijabers promote positive empowerment.
Take It From Them Following in the footsteps of K-Pop stars.
46
Eat to the Beat Perfect places for good tunes and good food.
52
Fashion Field Nurture your fashion fine points with these romantic ideas.
behind the scenes T E A M The Jakarta Post
Editor in Chief Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat and Riyadi Suparno Executive Director Riyadi Suparno Senior Managing Editor Kornelius Purba Managing Editors Primastuti Handayani, Rendi A. Witular
Speak!
Art Director Budhi Hartono Deputy Editor Natasha Ishak Copy Editor Imogen Badgery-Parker Interns Darleen Dumaguin, Suka Junin, Ailen Wijaya Contributors Erich Al Amin, Cindy Dwi Anjani, Kevin Aulia, Felicita Goentoro, Hanna Nabila, Doy Perkasa, Anita Putri, Raisa Benaya Ranti, Sekar Saraswati, Lidya Sophiani, Susan Suhargo, Ervi Tjahyadi, Hengky Wijaya Columnist Alanda Kariza Speak! is published by The Jakarta Post’s Supplements and Supplemental Products Department Head of Supplements and Supplemental Products Bruce Emond bruce@thejakartapost.com Advertising Inquiries Maritta Christiana (Advertising Manager) maritta@thejakartapost.com Astari Sirila Sakanti astari@thejakartapost.com
ON THE COVER JANUARY
FOR 2014 • FREE
ALL
ON THE BALL
NIE Partners and Sponsorship The Jakarta Post Foundation Executive Director Yulia Herawati nie@thejakartapost.com Mia Rubianti mia@thejakartapost.com
8
THE RISE OF GARUDA MUDA
KEEPING COVERED YOUNG HIJABERS SPEAK MONEY MATTERS SMART SPEN DING FOR STUDENTS
FRIEND OR FOE? FACING YOUR FRENEMIES
SUCCESS STORIES
MAKING BIG DREAMS CHELSEA ISLAN A REALITY ENTERTA INMENT’S
www.youthspeak.com
@sp3akmagz
/speakmag
BUDDING BEAUTY
Chelsea Islan Wardrobe Dress Zalora, Hat and necklace Stylist’s Own Photographer Kevin Aulia MUA Adindha (08561160374) Intern Suka Junin Editorial Assistant Hanna Nabila Location Hotel Borobudur Jl. Lapangan Banteng Selatan, Jakarta Telp (021) 3805555, Fax (021) 3809595 Email welcome@hotelborobudur.com Website www.hotelborobudur.com
9
Get your SPEAK! when you want it SPEAK! reports on the topics you like – ones that are entertaining and informative about your world today. So want to find out where to get your hands on a copy of your favorite magazine? Check out these SPEAK! hotspots where we are ready and waiting to reach you and your friends.
Cafes d n a nts aura t s e R
C 1. KF o .C ffee J . 2 cks Co use u b r a t Ho 3. S Muffin e h T 4. fé me Ca e 5. Do o Delifranc r t is 6. B ra za Ebir 7. Piz igroove sh 8. Su Coffee omali n 9. A dy’s n 10. We n Kitchen ba r U . 1 1 y ur Sall 12. So to Bar f la ea Lea 13. Ge e Bean & T ffe 14. Co en Dazs ag a 15. H kerzin La a B . 16 La fé Oh 17. Ca i Tei st sh 18. Su n Kaya Toa u K a Y . 19 rche 20. Ma n Eleven ve e 21. S y ur Sall g o S . 22 Kin r e g r 23. Bu e Toffee ffe 24. Co chies n M . ing! 25 u count
10
d ces an 60 pla Up to
Spe
ak!
Com
muni
Easi e onlin r for yo u com e? Sign u to read mun ity, w p as a m the mag az ww.y embe outh r of o ine @sp3 spea akma k.comur online gz !
ty
/spea kmag
chool, our s ommunity y t n c Wa K!? ut or hangoceive SPEA 1 s at 02 t. 2054) to re x st call u
Schools • Bina Nusantara School • British International School • Global Mandiri Cibubur • Global Prestasi • High Scope School - TB Simatupang • Indonesia Banking School • JIS • JNY, Jakarta Nanyang School • Lab School - Kebayoran • Little Angels School • LyCe’e Int’l School • PB. Sudirman • Royal Buckingham International School • Saint John’s Catholic School • Sekolah Cikal • Sekolah Harapan Bangsa • Sekolah Lentera Internasional • Sekolah Pelita Harapan Karawaci • Sekolah Universal • SMA 1 Al Azhar • SMA 3 Al Al Azhar • SMA Abdi Siswa • SMA Al Izhar Kebayoran • SMA Al Muhajirin 3 • SMA Al Azhar Pejaten • SMA Ananda • SMA Bani Saleh • SMA Bhakti Idhata Fatmawati • SMA Bhakti Mulya 400 Pondok Pinang • SMA BHK • SMA Bina Bangsa • SMA Binus Serpong • SMA Budi Luhur, Ciledug • SMA Budi Mulia • SMA Cahaya Sakti • SMA Cenderawasih • SMA Charitas • SMA Darussalam • SMA Don Bosco 1 • SMA Don Bosco 2 • SMA Gandhi • SMA Global Islamic School • SMA Global Jaya, Pondok Aren • SMA Gonzaga Pejaten • SMA Hutama • SMA IPEKA PURI • SMA IPEKA Tomang • SMA Islam Al Azhar, BSD • SMA Islam Al Azhar, Kemang Pratama • SMA Islam Harapan Ibu • SMA Islam Lazuardi • SMA Islamic Village, Tangerang • SMA Jubilee • SMA Kanaan • SMA Katolik Ricci II, Pondok Aren • SMA Kemurnian 1 • SMA Kolese Kanisius • SMA Kristoforus 1 • SMA Lab School • SMA Laurensia, Serpong
• SMA Mardiyuana Depok • SMA Marsudirini • SMA Martia Bhakti • SMA Muhammadiyah 3 • SMA Muhammadiyah 4 • SMA Mutiara Baru • SMA Nasional • SMA Notre Dame Jakarta • SMA Ora Et Labora • SMA PABI • SMA Pangudi Luhur • SMA Pangudi Luhur II Servasius • SMA Pembangunan Jaya • SMA Percik • SMA PGRI 1 Bekasi • SMA PSKD Mandiri • SMA PSKD VII Depok • SMA Raffles School • SMA Santa Ursula • SMA Santa Ursula, BSD • SMA Santo Peter • SMA Santo Yakobus • SMA Seruni Don Bosco • SMA Slamet Riyadi • SMA St. Bellarminus • SMA Stella Maris BSD • SMA Sumbangsih • SMA Tarakanita I • SMA Tarakanita, Serpong • SMA Theresia • SMA Tirta Marta • SMA Tunas Jakasampurna • SMA Tunas Muda • SMA YADIKA 5 • SMA YASPORBI 1 • SMAK 1 BPK Penabur • SMAK 3 BPK Penabur Senen • SMAK Ora Et Labora BSD • SMAK Penabur 7 • SMAK Penabur Gading Serpong • SMAN 1 • SMAN 1 Bekasi • SMAN 1 Depok • SMAN 101 • SMAN 103 • SMAN 105 • SMAN 106 • SMAN 109 • SMAN 112 • SMAN 12 Klender • SMAN 14 • SMAN 16 • SMAN 2 • SMAN 2 Bekasi • SMAN 21 • SMAN 22 • SMAN 23 • SMAN 24 • SMAN 25 • SMAN 26
at! Ju Elis (E No swe , and ask for e-mail 6 7 44), or m. 0 53004 .2 t x da (E st.co or Nan hejakartapo ou y t @ t k ectly o spea er it dir v li e d We ur and yo free*. and it’s ur copy – you yo So get e. e it! deserv the mailing fe s d n r frie fo pay nly
*You o
• SMAN 28 • SMAN 29 • SMAN 3 • SMAN 3 Bekasi • SMAN 3 Pamulang • SMAN 31 • SMAN 32 • SMAN 34 • SMAN 35 • SMAN 36 • SMAN 37 • SMAN 38 • SMAN 39 • SMAN 4 • SMAN 4 Bekasi • SMAN 4 Depok • SMAN 42 • SMAN 43 • SMAN 44 • SMAN 45 • SMAN 46 • SMAN 47 • SMAN 48 • SMAN 51 • SMAN 54 • SMAN 55 • SMAN 58 • SMAN 59 • SMAN 6 • SMAN 60 • SMAN 61 • SMAN 62 • SMAN 63 • SMAN 64 • SMAN 65 • SMAN 65 • SMAN 66 • SMAN 67 • SMAN 68 • SMAN 7 • SMAN 70 • SMAN 71 • SMAN 72 • SMAN 74 • SMAN 77 • SMAN 78 • SMAN 79 • SMAN 8 • SMAN 8 Bekasi • SMAN 81 • SMAN 82
• SMAN 85 • SMAN 86 • SMAN 87 • SMAN 9 • SMAN 90 • SMAN 91 • SMAN 93 • SMAN 98 • SMAN 99 • SMK Sahid • SMK Santa Theresia • SMK Strada • SMKN 1 • SMKN 108 • SMKN 20 • SMKN 26/STM Pembangunan Jakarta • SMKN 57 • SMP 1 BPK Penabur Jakarta • SMP 240 • SMP Ananda • SMP Lab School • SMPN 19 • SMP Pangudi Luhur • SMP PSKD Mandiri • SMP Regina Pacis • SMP Sang Timur • SMP Tarakanita • SMP Tarsisius II • SMPN 1 • SMPN 115 Jakarta • SMPN 12 • SMPN 131 • SMPN 15 Jakarta • SMPN 49 • SMPN 89 Jakarta • Swiss German University (SGU) - BSD • The Islamic College - Jakarta • Univ. Binus Alam Sutera • Univ. Paramadina - Jakarta • Universitas Budi Luhur - Jakarta • Universitas Indonesia - Jakarta • Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana - Jakarta • Universitas Multimedia Nusantara - Serpong • Universitas Pancasila - Depok • Victory
11
youth
Speak
In Other’s Shoes
IF YOU COULD TRADE PLACES FOR A DAY WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE? FOUR STUDENTS REVEAL THEIR PICKS.
BETHARIA HARINI, 21, Bina Nusantara International University ERIC R SUMAIKU, 19, Kristen Maranatha University I would be Thomas Lang [member of metal band stOrk]. He is one of the coolest independent drummers out there. It would be awesome to play the drums all day long, to go on tour and meet other musicians.
I would just like to be a better version of myself. I want to be the daughter my parents would be proud of, the sister my siblings would adore, the star student my lecturers would praise, the girlfriend my boyfriend would be happy to be seen with and, last but not least, the true friend my buddies would appreciate. I am grateful for each of them to be in my life and I would like to show how much I love them in that way.
ELIZABETH PAMELA, 19, INT’I College Indonesia It would have to to be Big Bang’s G-Dragon. There’s one quote from him I really admire, it goes, “Learn to forget things that happen inevitably and if you give it your best, then there’s nothing more foolish in the world than regret.” His positive mindset has both inspired and motivated me to always try my best and work hard in everything that I do.
VIERA WIJAYA, 19, Bina Nusantara University Can I choose Cristiano Ronaldo? I’m not a soccer fanatic and I don’t even really understand the sport but I really give props to him for the discipline and dedication he puts in every game. He trains five to six sessions a day: Crazy! He is also very generous and loves to donate blood and do charity work. 12
REAL TALK
TheRight
to Fight
Taking responsibility for yourself means moving one step closer to your hopes and dreams, as Alanda Kariza explains through her own experience growing up.
T
he month of January is not only special for me because it marks the beginning of a new year, it also holds a deep meaning in my journey to follow my dreams. In January 2008, when I was 17, I was invited to represent Indonesia in a forum called the Global Changemakers. The Global Changemakers is an initiative that gathers young campaigners and social entrepreneurs from around the globe to share ideas and become empowered with new skills and opportunities. The 2008 forum was to take place in the UK and the organizer promised to cover all expenses for me to travel from Jakarta to London and back. I had always dreamed of traveling the world and finally the chance for me to do so had arrived. I was given the rare opportunity to taste a different city, country and 14
culture – all for free! Little did I know, however, that the one thing to prevent me from going would be my own parents. When I broke the news to them, of course they were delighted and proud that I had been offered such an opportunity. But they hesitated to give me permission to go because they were worried about me traveling on my own. I’ve heard stories of young people having trouble convincing their parents to support the path they wish to take. I was also faced with this challenge once, but I have always believed parents just want the best for their children. Sometimes their fear of us forging into the unknown by ourselves, with the possibility of getting hurt, makes it difficult for them to see eye-to-eye with us. I did eventually end up going to the UK for the forum. I took the time to explain to my parents how I felt,
Photo: Andra Alodita
what I wanted and what I hoped to accomplish in order to get their permission. I also promised them that, no matter what, I would always try to make them proud, even if it was in my own way. Now that I’m older, I get to fulfill my dream of traveling by visiting different countries every year. And my parents, to my surprise, have never tried to stop me from going again. The road to reaching your dreams, especially big ones, will never be easy. And the people closest to us may not understand them, but that doesn’t make those dreams any less worthwhile. I think it’s important for us to fight and defend our dreams, even to our parents. It’s like JK Rowling once said, “There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction”. Our parents can only lead us so far; it is up to us to ultimately take control of our own destiny.
ÂŽ
MY
GLOBAL
success!
Me and SGU Mulai kelas dua belas saya intensif mencari alternatif tempat kuliah yang sesuai dengan minat dan citacita. Ketertarikan di dunia farmasi membawa saya mengambil jurusan Pharmaceutical Engineering di Swiss German University. Saya tertarik dengan SGU karena kurikulum internasional dan program internship di luar negeri. Liana (paling kiri) saat mengikuti Sebagai anak talent show di minggu orientasi 2009 yang besar di salah satu kota kecil di Sumatera saya bercita-cita untuk tinggal dan bekerja di Eropa.
internship in Germany Selama magang di Jerman, saya merasa beruntung karena disupport oleh universitas partner SGU di Jerman untuk pengurusan dokumen-dokumen penting seperti pembukaan rekening bank, visa Schengen, ijin kerja untuk magang, sampai ijin tinggal. Activaero GmbH, adalah perusahaan tempat saya magang di Jerman. Mereka memproduksi alat-alat kesehatan di bidang pernafasan seperti alat bantu asma, nebulizer, dan masih banyak lainnya. Saya merasa beruntung karena mendapat tempat di bagian Research and Development (R&D). Posisi tersebut menuntut technical and analytical skill yang terasah. Saya dinilai cukup berprestasi oleh supervisor saya di Activaero. Istimewanya lagi, setelah lulus saya dipanggil kembali oleh perusahaan tempat magang saya di Jerman untuk bekerja sebagai karyawan tetap! Saya sangat senang karena cita-cita saya untuk tinggal dan bekerja di Eropa akhirnya tercapai. Bersama Swiss German University saya mendapatkan kesempatan untuk bisa membuktikan kemampuan saya di kancah internasional.
Kuliah di SGU memberi saya banyak pengalaman. Mulai dari hidup mandiri, magang semester 3 di Jakarta, dan yang tentunya tak terlupakan, pengalaman magang semester 6 di Jerman. Di SGU para dosen sering mengajak kita untuk mengikuti kunjungan industri, entah itu ke kantor pusat atau ke pabrik. Kita juga diajak mengikuti seminar dan simposium, tak hanya ilmu dan pengalaman tapi juga menambah networking. Setelah lulus, dosen SGU masih bertanya apakah kita sudah kerja, jika belum, mereka akan merekomendasikan kita ke relasi mereka di industri. Tidak heran begitu lulus dari SGU, lulusan SGU cepat dapat kerja. Hanya dalam kurun waktu sekitar 3 bulan, teman-teman satu fakultas saya sudah employed semua. Liana Amanda, S.T., B.Eng. meraih gelar Lulusan Terbaik 2013 untuk Bachelor’s Degree pada acara SGU Graduation Ceremony, 21 September 2013 silam. Ia lulus dengan IPK 3.97.
Liana di depan BMW Museum di kota Munich, Jerman. Ia menyempatkan untuk berkeliling Eropa semasa magang di Activaero, Gauting.
Text & Photo : Liana Amanda
Vielen Dank, SGU!
ÂŽ
SWISS GERMAN UNIVERSITY Your gateway to global success
EduTown, Kav. 2.1 BSD City, Tangerang (021)-30450045
@swissgermanuniv
SwissGermanUniversity
www.sgu.ac.id 15
POP coloumn
Are remakes as good as the originals? Darleen Dumaguin watches and sees. IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, the film industry has produced many remakes of classic movies. But some think these are put out simply as easy money-makers, riding the fame of
the originals and with little regard for quality. In some exceptional cases, remakes do work, and in others they fall short.
THE EVIL DEAD
When it was released in 1981, The Evil Dead was hailed as one of the most original low-budget horror flicks and became a cult classic. It spawned two sequels, video games 1981 2013 and even crossover comics, with the film’s main character appearing with Marvel’s “zombified” Avengers. One of 2013’s handful of remakes was Evil Dead. Not working in its favor was the previous year’s successful release of The Cabin in the Woods, a satirical take on the original The Evil Dead that was created by the geniuses behind Marvel’s Avengers, Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon. To compete with the unexpected box office success of “Cabin”, the Evil Dead toned down its original black humor, taking it out of the horror-comedy genre, and pumped up the violence factor. It turned out to be a bloodier and much darker take on the more absurdly comedic original — kind of a crossover between the original and the Saw series. But is it better? Well, you have to appreciate the high quality effects and make-up.
RED DAWN
2013
THE LONE RANGER
1949
The Lone Ranger was a radio series in the 1930s, TV and animated series in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and also underwent several film adaptations, including in 1956. The Western classic was once again remade last year by Disney, with Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer in the lead roles. A big controversy arose over the decision to cast Depp to play the masked man’s Native American sidekick Tonto. That was the least of its problems: cheesy, slapstick comedy and over-the-top action sequences were its kiss of death with audiences.
Josh Hutcherson and Chris Hemsworth became rising stars in 2012, the former as Peeta in the film adaptation of The Hunger Games, the latter doing a second turn as Thor in The Avengers. Good thing those movies came out before Red Dawn, starring both actors and Nickelodeon alumni Josh Peck, which was panned when it came out in November 2012. The basic premise from the original 1984 movie is kept intact: a group of teenagers come together to fend off national enemies—the original had Russians, while the remake went with North Koreans. 2012 1984 Combine a misplaced teenage romance with uncharismatic characters, and you have the recipe for a remake disaster. The original Red Dawn was by no means a great movie in itself; back in the day it was considered cheesy, and just implausible. However, it was a relevant topic in the ‘80s because of the nuclear war scare at the time. Today, the idea of North Korea starting a nuclear war has sparked little than jokes and memes over the internet, so the backdrop story is just not believable enough. 16
17
POP
Quiz
So who is the pop-quiz whiz, Anisa or Marlin? Time to find out.
Contestants:
Time: 30 seconds I Prize: Bragging rights
, 19, Aldila Anisa (AA) (AA) a esi University of Indon
vs.
Which Korean boyband has been chosen the ambassadors for the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea? AA: Super Junior 7 MIH: JYJ The only female smurf in the animation The Smurfs goes by what name? AA: Smurfette MIH: Smurfette What is the title of Lily Allen’s debut single off her latest album? AA: Hard out here MIH: Hard out here The drama Sokola Rimba is set in which part of Indonesia? AA: Jambi MIH: Jambi In which TV series does actress Jenna DewanTatum play a witch? AA: Dunno 7 MIH: Eleven 7 The correct answer is Witches of East End
18
Marlin Isabella Harlan (MIH), 18, Lasalle College
What is the name of the spin-off series of Pretty Little Liars? AA: Umm‌.. 7 MIH: Ravenswood Rumer Willis is the daughter of actress Demi Moore. Who is her biological father? AA: Bruce willis MIH: Bruce Willis After Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is released, how many Paranormal Activity films will there be? AA: Three 7 MIH: Four 7 The correct answer is five. Up-and-coming artist Eva Celia is the daughter of which Indonesian entertainer? AA: Sophia Latjuba MIH: Sophia Latjuba Who plays as Alexander Grayson aka Dracula in the new Dracula TV series? AA: Jonathan Rhys Meyers MIH: Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Anisa : 6 Marlin : 8
19
main feature
Speak! celebrates the ground-breaking achievements of our country’s future generation.
: ration
Illust di
jahya
Ervi T
20
entrepreneur, profiled in our May edition last year, creatively combines business-savvy with her passion for fashion and eco know-how. She launched Vertesac, a smart shopping bag equipped with a computerized tag. It allows buyers to receive discounts by using the canvas Vertesac bag instead of a plastic bag to shop. Not only is the invention good for the environment, it has also helped open up new job opportunities for residents of Cimareme village, West Java, where the bag’s production is based. Atika earned second place at the 2013 BNI Creativepreneur Awards and was also chosen Bayer Young Environmental Envoy. Also notable is activist-turned-author Angkie Yudistia, who lost her hearing at age 10. She did not let adversity get in her way in achieving her dreams. In 2008, she was a finalist in the Abang None Jakarta pageant for West Jakarta. She also became involved with the Sehjira Deaf Foundation and initiated campaigns to raise awareness about the disabled, such as #pitabiru (blue ribbon) and #thisablefest. She has also published two inspirational books – the most recent, Setinggi Langit (Reaching for the Sky), is a collaboration with L’Oreal about female researchers in Indonesia – and represented Indonesia at a number of international events, including last year’s Asia Pacific Center of Disability affair in Bangkok. Pretty neat, huh?
Atika Putri
Atika and Angkie’s stories are truly inspiring. The fact that they have managed to accomplish what they set out to do with such limited resources and facing obstacles
Photos: Antara, Indah Setiawati
W
hat makes someone successful? For many people today, the definition of success equals fame and money, like the celebrities we see splashed all over the infotainment news and gossip columns. Now, being popular and having money to buy whatever you want are definitely signs you are doing something right, but does success really just amount to that? At Speak!, we believe the true meaning of success cannot be measured in material terms. Instead, it reaches deeper than that, to our heart and passion. There are plenty of people who may not have their own reality show, or live in a glittering mansion, yet they have also managed to live up to their full potential. And – yes – these people are considered extremely successful. There is a saying by the late Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential humanitarian icons of today, which conveys this perfectly. ”A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” It is great to be smart, but to put those smarts to good use, especially for the betterment of others, is an even more worthwhile achievement. And there is no better way to start to make our own ideas a reality than by finding out how others set their course for success. Take 20-year-old Atika Putri, for example. The young
Evan Dimas
– and at such a young age! – is testament to their hard work and determination. Before you run out the door to launch your own big public campaign, it’s important to face up to the fact that nothing
worthwhile is ever easy to do but they are part of the experience. Evan Dimas knows full well the importance of making sacrifices to succeed. Asked about his individual ambitions during the run-up to 21
main feature
Rafi Ridwan
Patria Prasasya Fatin Shidqia Lubis
the final of the AFF U-19 Youth Championship, the 19-year-old captain’s reply was simple: “My goal is for the team to win. I don’t care about making top-scorer, so long as our team achieves victory.” Evan pushed his ego aside and, with his national U-19 teammates, proved skeptics wrong with an amazing display of teamwork throughout the Cup to take home the winning title – Indonesia’s first title in over 20 years. There are also plenty of talented young Indonesians making their mark in the worlds of entertainment and fashion. The boom in reality talent shows has helped turn dreams into reality. X Factor Indonesia alumni Fatin Shidqia Lubis and Mikha Angelo are cases in point; the former, who took home the title of first X Factor champion, recently released a platinum-winning debut album, while the latter is making waves with his family band under a major record label – and both are only 17! Among the youngest of Indonesia’s movers and shakers are 11-year-old fashion designer 22
Tyra Banks’ shoutout to Rafi online
Patria’s photos on the TPOTY website
Rafi Ridwan and 10-year-old photographer Patria Prasasya. Rafi is deaf and has been plagued with health issues since he was born. But with the help of his mentor, established designer Barli Asmara, Rafi launched his first collection in 2011 on his 9th birthday. He showed a new collection on his next birthday, where several of his physically disabled friends also took to the catwalk to model the clothes. The budding designer, whose celebrity fans include top model Tyra Banks, wants to encourage other kids to reach for their dreams too. Meanwhile, Patria was recently crowned as the winner of National Geographic’s 2013 Travel Photographer of the Year awards (TPOTY) in the “14 years
old and under” category, beating out hundreds of other hopefuls from around the world. The judges praised Patria because she “cleverly captured the busy world of an ant colony while showing good technique and an eye for design”. Patria’s photos will be shown along with the other winners at the Royal Geographical Society in London this July. So, you see, the road to success isn’t something set in stone; it is long, unpredictable – sometimes even unbearable – and can come earlier, or maybe later than you think. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, the key is to never be satisfied and continue working to achieve more than you have already accomplished. All you have to do to begin your journey is believe in yourself. And this year seems like a good time to start, don’t you think? + Natasha Ishak
23
hot stuff
Heavy Hitters WE READ ABOUT HEAVEN, WATCH A REBELLION UNFOLD AND LISTEN TO TRACKS ABOUT TEENAGE LIFE. READ ON TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HOT THIS MONTH.
Read The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom “What if the end is not the end?” is the premise that opens this story. Set in the small town of Coldwater, Michigan, we follow how a strange phenomenon – stemming from random calls throughout town claiming to come from the afterlife – affects the town’s people, including Sully Harding, a fallen pilot who is struggling
to cope with the death of his wife. Mitch Albom once again plays to his strength in raising the question of life’s end and putting it down eloquently in words. This book is a bit on the heavy side but the balanced mix of history and belief is a refreshing read for those tired of the same old cliché novels. We don’t imagine anyone will finish this book without being left inspired in some way.
Rating: 4/5
See The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Our favorite female fighter, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), is back; this time to face the inescapable horrors of another round of The Hunger Games in the “Quarter Quell”, where past victors will be pitted against each other in the 74th annual Hunger Games. With fellow-district victor and onand-off lover Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, Katniss fights (again) for her life and begins the rumblings of a revolution in
the process. As much as we adore Jennifer and her on-target portrayal of Katniss, we can’t help but be grateful for the additional screen time Josh and Liam Hemsworth, who plays hunky, dependable Gale Hawthorne, are getting this time around. Fans of the trilogy will also be pleased to meet the other victors, brought to life impeccably by an outstanding new cast, which includes Sam Claflin and Jena Malone.
Rating: 5/5
Hear Midnight Memories by One Direction It’s been three years since their debut as a band, but One Direction’s new album, Midnight Memories, proves the boys are still the hottest UK export to hit the music scene. In just three days following its release, Midnight Memories sold an astonishing 145,000 copies! The album features a range of sounds from upbeat pop-rock tracks like “Best 24
Song Ever” and “Diana”, while the rest of the album, such as recent single “Story of My Life”, are good, acoustic ballads. We’re a bit disappointed, though, that these catchy tunes are missing some depth in the lyrics. However, the record delivers something for everyone and it is enjoying healthy sales. We also hear that the album is set to be the biggestselling album of 2013. Our top track: “Little Black Dress”
Rating: 3.5/5
25
how to do
Pushing
the Button
SEKAR SARASWATI SHOWS US A SIMPLE TECHNIQUE TO CREATE A FUNKY BRACELET.
What you need
Materials: Local Cotton Yarn, Tapestry Needle, Crochet Hook #4, Button Tools: Scissors
QUICKIE TIPPY :
sults, always To get the best re the yarn tight remember to pull falling apart! to prevent it from
What to do To make the base of the crochet tie, you must first make a slipknot. To do this, take one string of yarn and overlap to make a loop. Then place the crochet hook in the loop and pull the short end of the yarn string through the hole to create a slipknot around it. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
1
Next, wrap the string around the hook once and pull the yarn over the hook to create a chain effect against the first slipknot. Repeat this step until you have about 45 chains
2
After you have your chains, you can start crocheting your first single row. Place the hook into the second chain, then wrap the leftover yarn at the end of your chains over the hook again. Pick up where you left off with the remaining yarn and put it through the first loop that is on your hook and pull. Wrap it over the hook again, but this time, put the strand of yarn through both loops on the hook. Continue this until you reach a desired length for your bracelet.
3
Pernak Pernik Sekar Blog: www.hanaiyzm.blogspot.com FB: www.facebook.com/sekarsucis Twitter/Instagram: @hanaiyzm 26
4 At the end of the single row, make 12 chains (same process as Step 2). This will serve as the bracelet end to fasten the bracelet together. Make another single crochet on the other side of the bracelet (repeat Step 3 and 4). Once this is done, tie up the leftover yarn for the bracelet’s end.
5
For the finishing touch, sow on a button at the front of the bracelet to tie it together.
27
cover story
28
Sweater H&M, Necklace Red Closet, Shoes Zalora Red Closet Telp: 081212873323. FB: Red Closet. Twitter/Instagram: @RedClosetMarket. Email: redclosetmarket@yahoo.com H&M Gandaria City Mall, Unit G-41 & UG-02), Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta Selatan. Telp: (021) 29236380. Web: www.hm.com
Chelsea Islan is the whole star-quality package: gorgeous and smart. But Natasha Ishak finds that, most importantly, the rising talent knows where she’s headed and how to get there.
C Photos: Kevin Aulia
Zalora www.zalora.co.id
helsea Islan is uncomplicated. A typical day for the IndonesianAmerican actress is working; on the set of a new movie, modeling for a product or doing a photo shoot and interview with a magazine – like this one with Speak! Her downtime is usually spent with friends, either on a diving trip, or shooting the latest short she wrote. Her high school life at Bina Nusantara International School, where she recently graduated from, was just as drama-free. Blessed with a pretty face and no frills-attitude, Chelsea didn’t have much trouble getting along with classmates. She wasn’t a loner, but she also did not stick to one group only. “I was friends with everyone. I’m not the type to have a clique of girlfriends that is glued together 24/7. I do have a circle of close friends, but they had others they hung out with too,” Chelsea, 18, says. “I don’t think people should limit who they socialize with. If you do, you lose the chance to swap thoughts with people who are different than you.” That mature outlook is what may have led to her seemingly overnight success. The model-cum-actress made her on-screen debut in 2013’s movie adaptation of Refrain, as the quiet and captivating Annalise. The sudden casting (she found out she landed the part a day before 29
cover story
Top, jacket and skirt H&M, Shoes Zalora H&M Gandaria City Mall, Unit G-41 & UG-02), Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta Selatan. Telp: (021) 29236380. Web: www.hm.com Zalora www.zalora.co.id
30
shooting) and her lack of experience pushed Chelsea to adapt quickly; she spent most of her time on set studying the script and getting into character. “I’ve never shot a movie before Refrain, so I learned a lot by observing what the more experienced actors did and taking in director feedback,” she admits. The experience was her first taste of the movie industry, which is not as glamorous as it appears. “The hardest part was getting accustomed to the long hours. There was one scene near the train station that was the hardest,” she recalls. “It was 5 a.m. and we’d been shooting since the day before. I was really tired by then and the line I had to deliver was so long! It was a challenge to concentrate on staying awake while getting my words straight.” The film, also starring Maudy Ayunda and Afgansyah, was a hit with the book’s loyal fanbase and moviegoers alike. The teen flick may have been her first foray on the silver screen, but the petite actress is by no means a newcomer. She landed her first commercial as a toddler for formula milk and continued to explore her potential, acting in school plays during her younger years (Chelsea’s first recollection of acting was playing a talking flower in her school drama of The Wizard of Oz). The New York City-born girl continued to book other big brand commercials up to her teens; right when she started to take up photography. “I love it but after a while I needed something more
challenging. There are a lot more elements that go into movie-making – angles, storyline, those kinds of things – which is very fun,” she says. So far, Chelsea has made two short films – both of which she wrote and directed. One was even submitted for a film festival, despite not making the final cut. But don’t expect any silly love triangles in Chelsea’s stories; she’s more of a dreamy indie ala Wes Anderson-type of gal (“His Moonrise Kingdom and The Royal Tenenbaums are my favorites!”). The next movie Chelsea stars is Street Society as Karina, a street-smart girl with a love for the finer things in life. Behind-the-scenes shots from the movie circulating online have already caught public attention, the action flick’s use of exotic cars reminiscent to a certain Hollywood franchise. Although she does not dispute the similarities, Chelsea remains adamant that the two can’t be compared. “Yes, we do have fast cars and all that, but we can’t be pit against a giant franchise such as that because they are on a completely different level, both financially and technologically,” Chelsea explains. “What we hope to accomplish with this type of film is carry Indonesia onto an international platform, preferably in the festival scene. We want to show others that our country is capable of producing quality action movies.” She closes on a positive note: “If the comparisons help generate interest to go and check out the movie, then I guess that’s the silver lining.” The film, also starring Marcel Chandrawinata, is set to premiere by the end of this month.
Dress Zalora, Shoes Red Closet, Hat and necklace Stylist’s Own 31
cover story Bring it on! Chelsea’s 2014 resolutions: Create another short film related to Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage. Continue to college and take up Sociology. Maintain a healthy balance of both of the above!
32
Tropical
Touch
style spin FASHION BLOGGER ANITA PUTRI SHOWS US HOW TO STEP OUT WITH BELLA THORNE’S CLASSIC COOL.
The Look Bella Thorne wows at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.
te ver To
gs Sil
Top
fro
mS
ing
ap
ore
Earrin
Skirt Gaudi
Style notes
Bella is classy and edgy in this tropical graphic frock. A few things to remember in reprising it: 1. Details, details, details. If you don’t have a two-piece like Bella, the important thing is to pay attention to ss details. Her outfit features long-sleeves, playful prints and girly accessories so pay yle s Pa e o attention to those elements and put your own twist on it. Sh 2. Flatter yourself. The long-sleeves and puffy skirt give the effect of a fuller figure and longer legs, which is great for petite-sized girls. Try on a detailed skirt or ruffle top to get the same effect. 3. Accessorize right. Bella pulls off the loud get-up by using the right bling: simple earrings and a funky ring. Keeping it simple lets the outfit shine. 4. Stick to your basic instincts. Basic colors like black or gold work well with any other color and are must-haves for Anita Putri any girl’s wardrobe. These neutral colors make it easier to mix and match. www.anitaputri.com
Blog: Twitter/Instagram: @anitapputri
33
Petal Power Set your playful spirit free with a bouquet of budding floral frills.
Photographer Fikri Chairi, Stylist Erich Al Amin, Models Jennifer Septiana & Ratujesya, MUA Kiky Lutan (085959488861), Intern Ailen Wijaya, Location Greenville Housing Complex, West Jakarta New Look Senayan City Mall Floor 2-22a Jl. Asia Afrika No.19, Tanah Abang, Gelora, Central Jakarta Miss Selfridge Senayan City Mall Floor 1-93 Jl. Asia Afrika No.19, Tanah Abang, Gelora, Central Jakarta Argyle & Oxford http://www.argyleandoxford.com/ V_Jewelry Instagram V_Jewelry For order you can text to 0818 262 821 or line to v_jewelry bb pin: 28dc3b2a 34
hipes s d en r go
ve ke ri g Fprint neeven mnaned n i l dd ra an do
Bu retty flole and ct whencent theand A p of sty emen e. Ac piece n t o out ld sta d to t rhead s for a l a o a b m he flowe m hee st. i fro ith a ogra w t w hol ed t k c o lo endy expe tr un
On Jennifer: Dress Miss Selfridge Shoes Argyle & Oxford @TheGoodsDept Floral Crown V_Jewelry On Ratujesya: Dress New Look Shoes Argyle & Oxford @TheGoodsDept Floral Crown V_Jewelry
35
ed y iss’s beautstel K n re pa
Suce natu with a a cute
or at wn bra Em our o d top get th ok. e y o o h l t d an bellis ress hild” rize em phic d wer c cesso a c gra nt “flo t to a ns and e i a t g p ins ’t for hair and. b e n t t o s u i D th c l wr wi flora
On Jennifer: Top Miss Selfridge Skirt New Look Shoes Argyle & Oxford @TheGoodsDept Hand accessories V_Jewelry On Ratujesya: Dress Miss Selfridge Floral Crown & Hand Accessories V_Jewelry0 36
On Ratujesya: All from New Look
Cu
pid A fem white la ’s Bo inin w ce give e look top ha t s h off r idea at in s a o l s guy for a da mantic tantly . Sti vibe te o c ut w s k to with ith y , th e our ons, qually e girly g fem lik et and e comfy inine a -up a br m a ry ddight bow janes belt . 37
y t Lasdubtle bu? r i Fa gs end
My keep the flower ssories. e in
tr
o f th acce klac nt t Wa part o wer is ke nec ed i m nd e l s b an a talr-fra The h a pe flowe t frock c e t d Ma ce an a swe wear. pie with uter o s sse astel gla p
On Jennifer: Dress New Look Outer H&M Necklace Vashion Queen On Ratujesya: Blazer Miss Selfridge Shirt Miss Selfridge Skirt Zara Eyewear Vashion Queen Cuff Bracelet Unisouq
38
k On Jennifer:Dress New Loo elry ew V_J wn Cro ral Flo
R
There ed V el is and v nothing vet quite ibran Be pr t a epare as the co s bold lor re d to b of att d. e e red la ntion whi the cent er le spo ce dr ess (y rting bette es a r matc options th , there are hing a n w hite!) your flower p , ie favor ite bo ce and oties . 39
behind
the brand
Works of Art awan
Crystalia Gun
T
MONSTORE’S CRYSTALIA GUNAWAN TELLS SUKA JUNIN ABOUT BRINGING ART TO LIFE THROUGH THE LOCAL BRAND’S QUIRKY DESIGNS.
he scribbles and drawings on every piece of Monstore clothing at first glance appear like nothing more than figments of the imagination. But designer Crystalia Gunawan says there is actually much more to them than meets the eye. Crystalia and two close friends who were also interested in fashion design launched the label to close the gap between art and fashion. Not surprisingly, the concept for her dream label is wearable art. Established in 2009, the brand specializes in ready-toWhat is the philosophy behind Monstore? We think of Monstore as a human being itself, which reflects not only human behavior, but also our feelings and lives. We make an effort to put a story in each and every one of our designs. What is the best part about fashion design? Definitely the part where you can turn your ideas into a reality, and then seeing people wear them. Who do you have in mind when designing your collections? People who I adore, and also the type of people I would like to wear 40
wear staples that are inspired by works of both local and international artists. The independent label is now one of the most recognizable clothing lines in the market and has even branched out into the food and beverage industry with the opening of a bar above its Kemang store branch. Its latest collection, “Monstore Kokayne”, details people and the addictions we sometimes face. There are simple tees, tanks and sweaters, with an eclectic range of prints and patterns.
my designs, such as Giovanna Battaglia (editor of L’Uomo Vogue) and Miroslava Duma (former editor of Harper’s Bazaar Russia). What was the first thing you designed? A handbag. Monstore also carries pieces for men. Name three items every guy should own! A suit, a nice pair of shoes and perfume! Who is your fashion idol? Biyan Wanaatmadja, because he understands how to make beautiful pieces for women. It’s such an inspiration for local designers to
see someone from our community succeed on the international fashion scene.
ol Co Curls
groo ming
Beauty blogger Agnes Oryza tells us how to achieve the perfect curls. Want healthy, bouncy curls like “Royals” singer Lorde? Beauty blogger Agnes Oryza of thecurlygirljournal.blogspot.com has a few tricks up her sleeve to get your curls looking fresh and frizz-free:
#1 Always brush your hair before washing
If your hair is a mess, splashing water on the tangles will only make it worse. Wet, tangled hair is tougher to work with, so make sure to brush your locks thoroughly before you jump in the shower. This will make rinsing out your hair and applying products afterward a lot easier.
#2 Cut back on the shampoo
I find that the more I shampoo my curls, the frizzier it becomes. Try to reduce your showers to one every three days. For those of you who can’t stand going without a hair wash for more than one day, you can substitute the shampoo with conditioner instead to keep your hair hydrated.
#3 Keep your hair moisturized
Unfortunately, having a bouncy set of curls demands extra effort to maintain them. Applying hair conditioner, a hair mask, hair serum and leave-on conditioner after washing your hair should definitely be on your to-do list. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but hey – no pain, no gain!
#4 Air-dry
Hairdryers and the heat they generate is a curly-haired girl’s worst enemy. Make a habit out of air-drying your hair: a few gentle dabs with a towel should be enough. If you’re in a hurry and you really need to use a hairdryer, choose one with an adjustable temperature setting and diffuser attachment. A diffuser will reduce the air velocity of the hairdryer, allowing you to dry hair without messing with your curls.
#5 Hands off!
If you want frizz-free hair and beautifully shaped curls, the simplest thing you can do is stop touching your curls. Curlyhaired girls are prone to having their hair touched by others (people are always asking to touch my hair – even strangers!) but the end result of this can be disastrous; a friend of mine once left me with super frizzy hair after she kept running her fingers through my curls. Remember: your hair is your own, so don’t feel bad telling people it is off-limits.
Here are a few of my favorite anti-frizz products: Tangle Teezer – my go-to brush for untangling curls.
L’Occitane Repairing Conditioner – leaves my hair feeling soft and smelling nice.
Makarizo Hair Recovery – makes it easier to manage my hair and adds extra shine.
Pantene Nature Care Leave-on Conditioner – use it after applying hair serum to tame frizz.
Kerastase Chroma Riche hair mask. – a dab of this helps to condition my roots. 41
street fashion ok Blazer New Lo
ine, 17, SMAN
Livia Gerald 1 Denpasar
Whantd’s in aat’s wh outthe on S T E E R T S
Necklace from Origo
Dress Stradivarius
erkley
Rohan, 18, B
Top Giordano
Pants Levi’s
Shoes Zara
42
Shoes Forever 21
OTO OF H P A S U SEND YOUR G IN K O O L YOURSELF ARN OUR FASHION E BEST AND PPROVAL A STAMP OF JAKARTAPOST.COM E SPEAK@TH
Headband Warna
Valerie
Top H&M
Shirt Zara
, 14, Bin School
iversity
el Kors Bag Micha
ational
Pants Gift
g
Serpon
Dilla, 19, Trisakti Un
us Intern
Bag Suiteblanco
Shoes In Her Shoes ver 21
land
ational
Queens
h Intern
ersity of
7, Britis
18, Univ
Malu, 1
top
ador
bass
Am from
Nicole,
ore Top F
School
Bag fom Mom
enizen Jeans D
Jeans Guess
Shoes VNC
43
Travel
On the Spot RAISA BENAYA RANTI SHARES WHAT THE GUIDE BOOKS DON’T TELL YOU ABOUT EUROPE’S TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND GIVES POINTERS ON MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT. Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower Where: Paris, France No one can deny how lovely Paris is. Its architecture gives the town an old-world charm and romantic feel, and the beautiful Eiffel Tower is the crown jewel. But the whole time I was there it felt like I was paying more attention to my valuables instead of the beautiful landmark due to the danger of pickpockets and shady hawkers, who are known to scam foreigners with special tricks (in some extreme cases, even trying to take money by force). However, the Eiffel Tower is still a place that you really must see if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the city of love. To get the most out of the experience, be sure to visit the Eiffel Tower in the morning when it is quieter and less crowded, therefore much safer. You also get 44
a better view in the morning; make your way to the tower’s 2nd floor – which is 150 meters off the ground! – for an unforgettable view of Paris.
St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Basilica Where: Vatican city Vatican city is the smallest independent state in the world located within Rome, Italy, where St. Peter’s Basilica stands. St. Peter’s is the biggest church in the world with
284 pillars aligned among four rows. It was definitely awe-inspiring to see the famous carvings and paintings of the building firsthand after only seeing a glimpse of it in Angels and Demons (the novel-turned-movie starring Tom Hanks). Did you know the film was actually shot there on site? As the burial place of both its namesake Saint Peter and the first bishop of Rome, the church is an
Mountain Mountain Titlis Titlis Where: Engelberg, Switzerland Want to see snow even when it’s not winter? Many who visit Switzerland are keen to see Mt. Titlis, or you may know it as the mountain top in Toblerone’s famous chocolate logo. Jump in one of the cars of the Titlis Rotair – the very first 360-degree cable car in the world – straight to the top to enjoy views of the breathtaking
alps, so the downside, of course, is the freezing temperature. If you’re not one for cold climates, I suggest you visit during August-October, which is ideal for tourists who can’t handle the cold. Although the wind was blowing ferociously, that still didn’t stop me from enjoying the view: a sea of mountains covered by clouds and snow. It was a picture straight off a Christmas card! Check this one off your to-do list.
Gondola Gondola ride ride Where: Venice, Italy Venice is made up of two parts: the Mainland (Mestre) and the island of Venice. The mainland is intriguing, but it can get a bit chaotic at times
with the amount of people and cars roaming the streets freely (it actually reminded me of Jakarta). The island of Venice is very beautiful; a city-island surrounded by the renowned Venice canals that can be explored by boat ride on a traditional gondola. Each gondola can carry six passengers and one gondolier (boat driver). A ride takes you around the canals in 30 minutes and is a good way to explore the city, especially with the soft breeze against your skin and the smell of delicious food wafting from the Italian restaurants along the way. But being around all that water means it is likely you’ll get wet, especially when it rains. The city experiences floods around the end of the year, so try to avoid visiting during those months. If not, pack extra shoes and clothing when you head out.
mountain from all angles. But at an altitude of 3,020 meters above sea level, you will definitely feel the cold bite of the great Swiss 45
Photos: Raisa Benaya Ranti
important landmark for Roman Catholics. Unfortunately, the church grounds are not excluded as hunting grounds for pickpockets and thieves. This has caused the church to ramp up security with a body and bagscanner located at the entrance. I was lucky to be visiting the city during the low season [September to November] when there are fewer crowds, but it still took me a good half-hour to get through the long security queue. Make sure you plan your trip anytime but peak season to avoid the throng of tourists. Keep your personal belongings close to you at all times and stash your valuables in a secure pocket. That way you’ll better be able to take pictures with the Swiss guards in their adorable uniforms and admire the church’s beauty.
LIVELY
FOOD Get some tips on the coolest places for good food and good music.
TOKOVE Vibe: comfy, relaxed and intimate Live music at any time of the day! Price range: Rp 25,000-Rp 100,000 SOUTH JAKARTA’S Kemang area is a popular hub for hip hangouts, Tokove Masak and Musik (which literally means “Cook and Music”) being one of them. This little coffee shop offers a unique experience for those looking for a different place to chill, with a built-in stage and music studio for guests to release their inner rock star. On the menu are homemade specialities with a twist: Spaghetti Rendang (East meets West!) and Nasi Goreng Tuna Rawit (tuna cayenne fried rice) are the house’s top-rated dishes by Tokove regulars. Another goodie is the Tokove Cheese Mushroom Burger, served with super-sized, homemade thick beef patties topped with fresh mushrooms and melted cheese, and french fries on the side. To quench your thirst, try a refreshing glass of Iced Teh Tarik or Iced Lemon Grass, while piping hot Indonesian tea 46
Ruk o Jl. K Belle Po ema ng S int unit 1 elat an N , 2nd fl Ja oo o. 8, Tel: Sou r (021 karta th ) 81 71 toko ve.c 80078 om
served in a clay pot is great if you’re looking to warm up. Bonus point: Tokove’s small stage is a good place for music fanatics to enjoy performances by upcoming local acts – free of charge!
The Place BIRDCAGE Vibe: rustic and romantic Live music on Saturday and Sunday nights Price range: Rp 35,000-Rp 100,000
PENNYLANE COFFEE AND BISTRO Vibe: chilled and laid back Live music on Saturday night Price range: Rp 35,000-Rp 125,000 The name Penny Lane might ring a bell for buffs of British band The Beatles. Inspired by the song of the same name, PennyLane Coffee and Bistro takes visitors back in time to the 1960s, The Beatles’ glory years, with retro décor and The Beatles memorabilia scattered all around the café. The kicker? Quirky dish names on the menu inspired by the band. Take your pick from John Lamb Chopped, Madly Ringo Steak, Paul Fish n’ Chips or even George Pan Fried Salmon Paprika. But don’t let the funny names fool you, the food and drinks served here are worth every rupiah you spend. Take a sip of a glass of Yoko Ono or Day Tripper and you’ll be hard-pressed to disagree. If you’re looking for a place to unwind away from the city’s hustle and bustle, this is the right place. Live music can be enjoyed every Saturday night.
Located on the corner of Wijaya Street in Kebayoran Baru, BirdCage is a quiet spot for food lovers to spend quality time with friends and family. The restaurant contains rustic furnishings in pretty pastels that give off a sweet and romantic vibe. This two-story eatery serves a wide variety of food selections, from breakfast specials to Asian specialties. The Margherita Pizza is a great choice to share, whether with buddies or that special someone; perfect for pizza fans who prefer their pizzas thin and crisp. The Aglio Olio Pepperonico Tuna pasta and Chicken Butter are also must-tries. Gobble all that down with a glass of Cherry Dew – made with cherry, pineapple and a dash of honey. The second floor is usually pretty crowded on the weekends with live music performances. Bonus point: Live performances are all upstairs, which is nice for guests downstairs who prefer to be away from the ruckus. An ideal place Jl. Wijaya 9 No. 23 for those looking for a , Kebayoran Baru, South Jakart nice setting or, equally, a Telp: (021) 739243 0 for those who want to birdcageparc.com hear real music. + Hanna Nabila
Bonus point: The café’s cute props and interior items make for great photo ops, so be prepared to snap some pics an C-1, Jl. Kemang Selat with your pals South Jakarta 926 for Instagram! Tel: (021) 7196 m
pennylanejkt.co
47
Pop
personality
d u o L t u O Laugh Young comics Kemal Palevi and Fico Fachriza talk life
on the road, comedic inspiration wds. and dealing with tough cro
Fico
48
Photos: Kompas TV, Tribun Timur
W
e have seen it time and time again: reality TV shows like X Factor and MasterChef launching your average joe to super stardom. The same goes for contestants of comedy competition Stand Up Comedy Indonesia (SUCI). The show, which debuted in 2011 as the brainchild of several local comedians – including Raditya Dika and Ernest Prakarsa – has transformed newbie comics into popular TV fixtures. Just ask season two second runner-up Kemal Palevi, 24, and season three second place winner Fico Fachriza, 19. “My life has changed about 80 percent since the show. The biggest change, of course, has been my allowance,” Fico jokes. Aside from the popularity boost, these two have little time to relax with their stand up gigs and offair performances. Fan favorites like Kemal have even branched out to commercials and made-for-TV acting. But Kemal, who co-stars with a few fellow comics in his new action comedy flick Comic 8 out this month, says stand-up will always be number one. “It’s gratifying to see yourself on screen [acting], but the hours of shooting can take a toll on you,” he confesses. “I mean, each [acting and stand up] has their own ups and downs, but I prefer stand up. It’s simple, quick and a lot easier.” Speak! caught up with Kemal and Fico backstage at the final leg of the SUCI 3 Tour in Jakarta to find out what it takes to be the funniest guys in the room.
Let’s start with something simple: what is comedy? Kemal (K): For me, comedy is a means to express your ideals and opinions in a way that is easier for others to digest, especially when it comes to touchy subjects, like corrupt politicians. [Russian writer] Anton Chekhov once said that comedy is the highest level of tragedy and I believe that’s totally true. Fico (F): Comedy has different meanings for me but basically I look at it as simply a way for people to kick back and relax. Both of you have toured with your fellow Stand Up Comedy Indonesia comics [Kemal during the 2012 SUCI 2 tour and Vico in December’s SUCI 3 tour]. Any memorable moments on the road? F: I really enjoyed being on tour with the other comedians. Not only did we
get the chance to meet fans of the show in different cities, but we also got to meet up with other comics outside Jakarta who we’ve only known through Twitter. K: The SUCI 2 tour was amazing; we got to experience the fans and the crowd’s enthusiasm first-hand. Thousands of people showed up to our shows, so it was a pretty big thing. I’ll always have that memory of making so many people laugh. Ever been faced with a “tough” crowd? K: Of course, especially when I was first starting out. But from what I’ve learned, making a joke work isn’t just a matter of funny or not. It’s about being able to open people’s minds to accept what the comedian says. When I’m dealing with a really tough crowd, I usually incorporate the awkwardness
Kemal
of that into my act and start interacting with the crowd. F: Comedians have a technique where we search for the part of the audience that is enjoying our act the most, called the “hotspot”, and we focus on that. Once you get things flowing with the hotspot, the rest of the audience will follow. Who are the comedians you look up to? F: Sule and Komeng. People can easily get bored by the style of comedy that they do, but somehow those two manage to keep people laughing with their creativity. I really respect them. K: Louis C.K. has an amazing talent for storytelling. As far as local comedians go, honestly I think all Indonesian comics are great because each has something unique. But if I had to choose one, it would be my SUCI mentor Pandji [Pragiwaksono]. Speaking of unique attributes, what do you think is each of your strengths? K: I think Fico’s comedic strength lies in his absurdity. He can get away with talking about silly things like bottles and robots because of the way he carries himself. Not everyone can do that. I certainly wouldn’t be able to pull it off. F: Kemal has a very magnetic presence on-stage. When he’s doing his thing up there, it’s obvious that he enjoys what he does and I think the crowd can sense that. It’s hard not to be affected by his happy-go-lucky aura. He also has a really solid fanbase – they call themselves “Kemalicious” – and they’re very supportive of him. + Natasha Ishak 49
CELEB
buzz
L ike a B o s s money to be There is plenty of . We take a look made in showbiz rs commanding at the young sta der 20! top dollar – all un
Dakota Fanning Big break: Starring in drama flick I Am Sam alongside Sean Penn How much she’s worth: $16 million
Harry Styles Big break: A little boyband called One Direction How much he’s worth: $20 million
Having an early start in show business has proven a huge advantage for this young starlet. The surprisingly down-to-earth actress made her millions from starring in hit movies such as Charlotte’s Web, War of the Worlds and, of course, the Twilight saga. It’s hard to believe she’s only 19 years old and – with plenty of money in the bank – Dakota is savvy about her spending; she thanks her family for keeping her grounded. But it looks like there may be some competition from younger sister Elle Fanning, 15, who is slowly crawling up the list of richest young actors with her own string of hits like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Super 8, to name a few. Photo: AP
50
At 19, Harry Styles has it all. Not only is he one-fifth of the world’s biggest boy band, Harry is also the subject of adoration of millions of
Justin Bieber Big break: YouTube How much he’s worth: $130 million Who knew posting videos of yourself singing on YouTube could lead to a multi-million dollar fortune? Well, that is certainly what happened to the Biebs. After signing up with his record label with the help of R&B hitmaker Usher, Justin has gone on to become one of the richest teen stars today. His debut EP album My World went straight to certified platinum in the US. His follow-up full-length record My World 2.0., which gave birth to hit singles “Baby” and “Somebody to Love”, debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 and also
teen girls worldwide and, as of 2013, reportedly has a net worth of $20 million dollars to his name. Not too shabby right? As a Directioner, Harry makes big bucks from the band’s music alone, selling record-breaking platinum albums and concerts. And let’s not forget the boys’ big-time concert documentary This is Us, which topped the US and UK box office charts during its opening weekend. But he’s not doing bad just being Harry either, as he is listed as the richest of the five band members.
went platinum. And that’s not all: the 3D-biopic doc of the 19-year-old, entitled Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, was released in 2011 and grossed $30.3 million over the opening weekend – higher than One Direction’s concert movie (Sorry, lads)! Although it seems these days the teen pop star is busier making headlines, there is no doubt he will continue to grow his empire when he gets his head back in the game.
Citra Kirana
Nikita Willy
Big break: Nikita How much she’s worth: Rp 15 million per episode Citra Kirana started her career in the entertainment industry as a finalist of the model search Gadis Sampul in 2009. Soon after, she was cast in the commercially successful soap Nikita and has continued to land roles in other series, such as Putri yang Ditukar (Switched Princess) and Dewa (God). Her photogenic features and good-girl act has snagged her one commercial after another, making her a favorite among Indonesian TV viewers. Citra’s current role in Tukang Bubur Naik Haji (Porridge Seller Goes on the Pilgrimage) has the 19-yearold earning a reported Rp 450 million a month. Talk about hitting it big!
Big break: Indonesian soap opera Bulan dan Bintang How much she’s worth: Rp 50 million per episode This young Indonesian actress broke onto the scene at age 7. Three years later, she landed her first acting gig on the soap series Bulan dan Bintang (The Moon and the Stars). Since then, Nikita has starred in more than 670 episodes of various soap operas, with her best-known role in the Japanese-adapted soap Nikita opposite Dude Harlino. TV stardom has also enabled the 19-year-old to shine musically as a pop singer (she has released two full-length albums to date) and has landed coveted contracts with big brands, such as Alba Watches and Makarizo. It doesn’t come as a surprise that Nikita is claimed to be Indonesia’s highestpaid young star today. + Suka Junin
o t b e w o H A
n a e r o K rstar Supe d of being a Ever dreame sensation? g K-Pop singin make your to w This is ho e true. dreams com
K
orea is famed for launching K-pop acts across the Asian region and internationally. But the Korean wave looks to be spreading worldwide; popular girl-band Girls’ Generation recently won the coveted Video of the Year Award at the first ever Youtube Music Awards in November. The girls beat industry giants like Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and fellow Korean phenomenon Psy to snag the award. So what does it take to become the next big thing in K-Pop? Speak! 52
breaks it down into four simple steps. #1 upup with starmakers #1Team Team with starmakers With a handful of top-notch talent agencies available in Korea and thousands of hopefuls ready to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry, competition to land the best agency is stiff. Each agency has its own recruitment criteria, so it is important to identify your strength and know what each agency is looking for.
Some agencies recruit solely on physique, while others focus more on talent (strong singing skills and musical compatibility). SM Entertainment – the agency behind Super Junior and SHINee fame – is known to recruit fresh faced talent, which is why a lot of their artists look so young. JYP Entertainment, on the other hand, is known to focus on strong vocals and dancing skills. No wonder JYP-launched acts like 2PM, 2AM, and Wonder Girls are all amazing performers.
Kpop #3 Get in shape Agencies don’t favor their artists lip-syncing through performances, so trainees are required to follow a strict diet and fitness regiment to keep their body in shape and in tune with vocals and dancing on stage. Get this: on average, an upcoming artist undergoes five to seven years of training and development before allowed to debut! Those slick dance moves you see the boys of Super Junior pull off live while singing their catchy songs on pitch? Yep, that is the result of years of practice. For these chart toppers, working to stay fit is not only to look good, but also to make sure they don’t pass out mid-performance.
#2 Work with what you got – and work hard! Korean talent agencies are world famous for their rigorous training, which is made up of meticulous vocal and physical training. The hours are tough, and trainees quitting before making a debut is nothing new. Not to mention the competition from within the agency; rivalry between young artists is
#4 Find your independence
Illustration: Ervi Tjahyadi
commonplace behind the scenes. Whether it be singing, dancing, or acting, it is important to always stay on top of your game because you never know when someone else might just outdo you. Apart from singing and dancing, another important skill agencies work on with their artists is language. Trainees are taught to
master other languages besides their Korean mother tongue, like English and Japanese, through daily lessons. Some agencies even provide opportunities to study abroad; SM entertainment sent Super Junior’s Choi Siwon and SNSD’s Hyoyun to China for a oneyear language training before both their debuts.
As a K-Pop trainee, once you’ve entered the agency you are bound to spend your days working on different skills almost non-stop. Media reports confirm trainees only get one day of rest a week on Sunday with three to four weeks of holiday a year. As a result, many wannabe stars do not have the luxury of spending quality time with friends and family. Trainees are put in dorm-like housing during training (sort of like a quarantine situation) and are required to stay in the capital Seoul. Jaejoong, member of Korean boyband JYJ, started trainning when he was only 15 years old, leaving his family and hometown behind. Establishing independence early is essential to make it in the business. + Darleen Dumaguin
Photos: AP
Who Runs the World?
W
controversy Susan Suhargo examines the back. surrounding Lily Allen’s come
hen British songstress Lily Allen finally ended her self-imposed fouryear break from the music scene in November, she did so with a bang. Her latest track “Hard Out Here” is not only a catchy tune peppered with clever words, but it has also brought an important issue 54
to light: inequality. The single takes a satirical swipe at the misogynistic (meaning hatred of women) culture of the entertainment industry, which has long objectified women for profit. Just take a look at any popular music video on YouTube; the ones with the highest views are easily the most sexually charged,
usually showing a number of scantily dressed female dancers performing provocative dance moves. And while the song’s controversial lyrics, including sarcastic lines like “You should probably lose some weight ‘cause we can’t see your bones/You should probably fix your face or you’ll end up on your own”,
CURRENT
affairs
have spurred heated debates online, cannot be solely accredited to Zurbriggen, associate professor it was the song’s bold music video of psychology at the University of the high-up men in suits. Plenty that generated the initial spark. California, explains in an interview of female celebrities that are The video, directed by Christopher with the BBC. considered strong, independent role Sweeney, boasts a number of “We have ample evidence to models have not been immune to parody throwbacks to Robin Thicke’s the “sex sells” mantra (hey Rhianna, conclude that sexualization has video for his equally controversial negative effects in a variety of are you listening?) single “Blurred Lines”. domains, including cognitive It is easy to be enamored by the Lily explains the motives behind functioning, physical and mental glitz and glam, especially when it’s the song and video in an interview health, and healthy sexual being done by the celebrities we with The Observer, hoping her development [in teenagers].” idolize. Admit it: you have probably two daughters and others of their And while female artists like Lily looked to your favorite celebrity generation “won’t feel and Pink (her 2008 single like this [objectified “Stupid Girls” carries a thing] … I want similar message) are them to realize that trying to take a stand for not everyone can be women and young girls ******* ‘hot’. Rather everywhere, it is hard to than attractiveness stop this vicious cycle being the end when many others still prize, it should be feel the need to use their as rewarding to be sexuality to boost sales. clever or funny.” The Of course, there “Hard Out Here” video are female stars that earned 2.2 million hits own their sexuality in its first two days on in a positive manner YouTube. as a natural part of But the single’s womanhood. Beyoncé, success and who coined the term empowering message “bootylicious”, is wellhas not come without known for her bodacious Lady Gaga has used her music to denounce gender stereotyping criticism. Some curves and killer dance have questioned moves, while Lady Gaga’s the explicit nature of Lily’s video, on at least one occasion for tips on revealing attire and “born this way” which also features dancers decked one topic or another, whether it be almost-nude approach are simply out in R&B couture dancing under fashion or music selection – even part of her eccentric artistry. Both champagne and grinding against dating. Young women are constantly remain true to themselves without one another. The explicit scenes are being told to dress and act a compromising their integrity. shown in sequence to behind-thecertain way through the media, and So girls, the next time you feel scene-style shots of Lily and her sometimes it can be easier to give disempowered as a young woman, posse being encouraged to amp up in to all the pressure because that is remember the Lilys and Pinks of the their sex appeal by what appears to what society dictates. world, and stick to your guns. It may be an executive handler. “The consequences of the be hard out there, but know that Sadly, the misogynistic approach sexualization of girls in today’s you are not alone. to making money in entertainment media are very real,” Dr. Eileen
what’s in your bag
Working C ollege can be a tough balancing act, especially when you take on extra stuff after school. But for INTI college student Megawati Nursalim, it is all in a day’s work. The 21-year-old balances her college responsibilities with work as a financial consultant
Makeover Lipstick & Estée Lauder Pallete: “I always have these two in my bag for a quick touch up on the go.” Muji Body Mist: “My job involves a lot of work outside the office and this helps me stay fresh all day, especially when I have an important client meeting.” L’Occitane Hand Cream: “Great to keep my busy hands moisturized.” Pink Compact Mirror: “I always have a mirror in my bag. That way I don’t have to worry about having something on my face or teeth. A definite musthave!” Blotting Paper: “I have naturally oily skin so blotting paper is important to keep my face shine-free.” Bobby Pins: “These little things help tame any unruly hairs that appear after a hectic day of school or work. A girl should always be prepared.” Coin Purse: “Perfect for stashing any extra change.” 56
Student Megawati Nursalim takes time out from her day job to give us a look inside her purse.
Girl
at one of the nation’s toughest financial companies. Mega is living proof that with discipline, commitment and a lot of focus you can multitask successfully. She let us take a peek inside her bag to see what helps her get through the day.
Makeup bag: “This is, of course, where I keep all my makeup. Plenty basics, like lipstick and lipgloss, inside.” Wallet: “Definitely one of the most important things in my bag, ha!” Iphone & Blackberry: “don’t like to mix personal stuff with business matters, that’s why I have two: my Iphone for personal contacts, while my Blackberry is for work.” External Battery Charger: “Keeping my phones alive all day is crucial.”
gEEky news
PHone
GUru
T
NEED A BREAK FROM THE BOOKS? RELAX WHILE YOU LEARN WITH THESE SERIOUSLY FUN EDUCATIONAL APPLICATIONS.
myHomework
hese days, you don’t need to highlight notes or draw elaborate (and sometimes confusing) mindmaps to top your studies. Smartphones reign supreme and more applications have popped up to help you ace your next test. Here are our top favorite study apps that we guarantee won’t bore you to death:
Vocabador
Whether we want to admit it or not, sometimes there are words we just don’t know the meaning of. But don’t worry, Vocabador will help boost your vocabulary while you battle it out in a virtual ring with 12 different wrestlers to win the champion’s belt. All you have to do is customize your own luchador (that’s what we call a masked wrestler – look it up!) and you’re ready to fight. Levels range according to word difficulty from lightweight to heavyweight.
Flashcards
Mindsnacks
The name of this application is selfexplanatory; it lets you create different flashcards for all the different school subjects. The application’s simple layout and easy access allow you to flip through subjects to study or review important material. You can also link this app to your Dropbox account so you can share notes with friends, or have your teacher provide additional flashcards without a hitch. The best part: you can create an unlimited number of flashcards for free!
Learning a new language is tough but Mindsnacks makes it a piece of cake (pun intended). Mindsnacks contains a series of applications for different languages such as French, Spanish and Chinese. It even has a special edition app for those who are studying for their SATs! After you go through a lesson, there are games to test out your newfound knowledge. Keep playing to increase your level and unlock more stages and you’ll be ready for your next French pop quiz in no time. Bonus point is the cute mascots and animations that appear on each level.
Forgot what classes you have today? Keep on missing auditions for the school play? This app will ensure that you never miss a deadline again. myHomework easily keeps your school life organized with features to record assignments, create daily timetables as well as a separate schedule for your social life and extracurricular activities. It’s kind of like having your own personal assistant. + Suka Junin
More brain food
Brain Trainer Keep your memory sharp with a brain-teaser each day. BrainPOP Funny animations to simplify your studies. 57
THE
Illustration: Cindy Dwi Anjani
FRENEMY
There is always that one friend who pushes all the wrong buttons. So, it’s time to learn how to deal with these “frenemies” (friendly enemies) and see whether they truly are friends, or foes. 58
Secon dary
life
Miss or Mister Always-Number-One Your friend always wants to be number one and is used to being on top. Their competitive nature is a great thing because that means they are motivated, which often pushes you to be the best that you can be, too. The downside: there may be moments when you feel your friend is not so supportive – especially when you share the same goal. DO THIS: Make the best out of an awkward situation by turning your rivalry into a friendly competition. Create a pact to help each other reach the same goal, so neither gets left behind; lunch is on whoever reaches that goal first! But if things don’t calm down, the best thing to do is just be straight. Overachievers often don’t realize how their competitive streak can appear to others. Give your friend the benefit of the doubt and tell them how much their support means to you.
The Blabber-Mouth Sarah is your best friend. She is always there to hear about your troubles, gives helpful advice and even treats you to ice cream when you’re feeling down. But you’ve caught her talking about you behind your back more than once, even making negative remarks about your issues. DO THIS: People who talk about other people behind their backs are usually bad at being blunt. They want to avoid confrontation, so they
your friend will be more open to your input.
The Nosy One
let out their opinions to others when the person being talked about is not around. The easiest way to deal with this kind of friend is to keep your personal matters to yourself. And you are definitely not the only victim of their back-end gossip so avoid any negative conversations that they start up with you. Hopefully, this will give them the hint.
Bossy-pants Your friend is a natural-born leader. Being captain of the cheerleading team and student president, sometimes she can’t separate between leading and bossing people around. This type of friend loves to take control – so much so, you are unable to have anything but one-sided discussions with her. DO THIS: The only way to deal with a bossy friend is to stand up for yourself. If they don’t see you as a pushover, they will be less inclined to try to push you around. Discuss things together before making decisions that involve both parties. It could be the simplest things (which movie will you guys watch on Saturday, comedy or action?), but it is important to establish your stance in the friendship. Slowly but surely,
This type of friend secretly thrives on other people’s business and often offers up unwanted commentary on the matter. A bit similar to the bossy friend, he or she might even try to stage their own “intervention” in your personal interest without your say-so. Be careful, if they get too deep their interference could ruin your personal life. DO THIS: Believe it or not, your friend means well. If their actions have gone too far, get them to sit down with you for a heart-to-heart. Let them know you appreciate that they’ve got your back, and if you do need any help they will be the first to know. But in the meantime, being your shoulder to cry on is more than enough. + Lidya Sophiani
Is it time to let go? Nobody wants to throw away a friendship. But if you have done everything in your power to improve your relationship and nothing has changed, maybe it is time to reevaluate your friendship. You deserve to be respected. If your friend can’t see that, then that is their loss. 59
living large
Winning Ways
Indonesia’s homegrown young soccer talents are scoring success.
I
n September, the Under-19 Indonesian National Soccer Team made headlines across the region as champions of the 2013 U-19 ASEAN Football Federation Cup (AFF). This was a big deal for two reasons: first, it was Indonesia’s first ever championship title since the AFF’s inception back in 2002. Second, the victory comes as 60
the country’s first soccer title in 22 years. Indonesia triumphed over 10 other Association of Southeast Asian Nation members, sealing the championship with a penalty shootout against Vietnam. It was a much-need boost in the arm (or make that leg) because local soccer has dealt with much public controversy, most notably
concerning the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI), from cases of alleged bribery, game-fixing and in-fighting. All the negative press about the game put a damper on the nation’s hopes of becoming a formidable force in the international soccer arena. The U-19 national team’s victory, however, has sparked renewed faith,
Photos: Tribun, Jawa Pos
especially among fans. Sports magazines are rife with talk of the team achieving international success and there are reports of foreign clubs looking to recruit a few star players off the team. But major talent comes with a bucketload of responsibilities. Head coach Indra Sjafri, who toured 43 cities nationwide to scout the nation’s best talent, has tried to keep the team’s feet firmly on the ground amid all the hype. The boys are training vigorously and refusing any commercial and media inquiries. “The toughest challenge in moving the team forward is character building and developing a strong mentality. If the players don’t have high standards, they will not progress. They may be content with this [AFF Cup] title but I want players who are not easily satisfied so they always strive to achieve more,” coach Indra, as he is simply referred to, said in an interview with Suara Pembaruan. “I also remind the players to stay humble and not to be enamored by all the commercial offers that have come their way because I don’t choose players based on popularity.” Evan Dimas, 18, the captain of Garuda Muda, is setting a good example for teammates working by the keepyour-head-down philosophy championed by his coach. Evan reportedly turned down a Rp 100 million paycheck offered by a big-time brand to star in their commercial. According to coach Indra, the young athlete gave the company a shocking response: he told them not to offer up any deals as he is “prepared to be poor for this country.” The team is already preparing for this year’s U-19 Asian Football Confederation Cup (AFC) in October. Evan, assisted by winger Maldini Pali, scored the team’s second goal to qualify for the cup. + Suka Junin
Soccer Standouts Get to know two of the players behind all the U-19 team’s success: Evan Dimas, 18 Jersey #6 Position: captain/midfield Born Evan Dimas Darmono, Evan started his soccer career from an early age playing for the East Java provincial squad. At 16, Evan was already competing in international tournaments with the Indonesian youth team, winning the 2012 HKFA International Youth Invitation in Hong Kong. He also represented Indonesia in The Chance, a soccer talent search organized by Nike, and became one out of hundreds of lucky teens that got to train with former FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. Not too shabby for a budding soccer star. Maldini Pali, 18 Jersey #15 Position: winger Maldini, who is originally from Mamuju, West Sulawesi, honed his athletic talents at the now disbanded Indonesia Football Academy (IFA), which earned him a spot on the U-16 National Team in 2010. A year later, he was selected as one out of the three young players to train in Leicester City, England, for a period of three months. Maldini was chosen again to train in Uruguay and play for Deportivo Indonesia, which prepared him for his future as part of the U-19 national soccer team. His soccer idols? Apart from AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who he is named after, the young star also looks up to the likes of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.
University
M
Life
a t t e r s M y e no
GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT More often than not, we find ourselves tempted to buy what we want instead of what we actually need (that cute wallet over a new notebook for class? Been there, done that). To tackle this dilemma, the main thing is to set your priorities. An easy way to sort out what you want and what you need is the quartile divider system. Divide your needs into four sections.
62
Illustration: Cindy Dwi Anjani
Living on your own means major responsibilities and one of them is managing money. Lidya Sophiani gives us tips on how to spend and save wisely.
Put forward the things that you need now (quartile one and quartile two). Once those two sections are taken care of, you can move on to the other two quartiles. PLAY WITH NUMBERS Done with your priority list? Then we can move on to budgeting. This is where you decide how much money goes where. Done properly, budgeting can be a total life saver and makes sure you have enough cash to shop and still last until your next pay day. But remember: Once you’ve got the budget figured out, be sure to stick to it. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE Another important aspect of money management is saving money. Include a certain amount to put aside for your savings in the budget you’ve created. This, however, is easier said than done. But the beauty of saving is that a little goes a long way. If you are really having trouble, another sure fire way to save is to setup a piggy bank that is off limits no matter what (a container that is inaccessible unless broken works best) and commit to putting in the small change you find in your pocket or wallet every day. Believe me, you will be amazed at how much you manage to save by doing this small act. RECORD EVERYTHING Another thing that will help you manage your money better is a spending log. List your daily spending and evaluate how much money you spend on each category, such as food and entertainment. Updzate this record every three days or weekly. This gives you an insight
Amanda Aji, Bandung Institute of Technology “It’s hard to prioritize, but I try to remind myself that I’ll regret it later if I splurge on things I don’t need. Sorting out the things I need from the things I want makes it easier for me to decide what I should buy first whenever I’m in doubt.” Diah Ayu Pertiwi, President University
into what things you can cut down spending on, or add to if need be. Shopping expenses looking high? Let’s cut back on trips to the cinema. SHOP SMART Last but not least, being a student on a budget requires savvy shopping. Do your research before you shop; look online for the best discount deals, find out sale dates from your favorite shop and scout for cheap alternative places to get your goods. It is also important not to be close-minded about the things you purchase. Secondhand is all the rage these days, so who is going to care if your Accounting 101 book is “pre-owned”? All the pages are still clean and intact. If you can get something you need for the right price without compromising on quality and content then why not.
“Living on your own pushes you to do your own financial planning, whether you like it or not, especially if you don’t want to spend the rest of the month eating instant noodles because you blew away your allowance!”
Making Money A few ways to earn extra cash: Join creative competitions – use your talent and submit your work to a competition. They usually offer generous rewards. Plus, you get to build up a portfolio. Be flexible – use any skill you have to find different jobs to take on: tutoring children, babysitting or even designing your campus event posters can be a source of income. Band together – start up a small business together with your friends! The more hands on, the easier the work load will be and the easier money is made. 63
Spies, lies and a man on the run; Speak! delves into a real-life espionage drama.
Secrets Out
Long Story Short
In June 2013, American computer specialist and former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) worker Edward Snowden disclosed hundreds of thousands of the US National Security Agency’s (NSA) classified documents to the public. The leaked documents highlighted the US government’s mass surveillance program which allows the government to monitor every individual’s phone calls, cyber activity and other private information within the US; basically, it means each US resident is being watched in some 64
way or form. It was soon discovered that, according to the leaked documents, the NSA had even been gathering intelligence on many of its allies. In November, the case went from being a national issue to an international scandal when Snowden wrote a letter to inform German Chancellor Angela Merkel that her mobile phone was being tapped by US Intelligence.
Why It Matters To be clear, the NSA’s job does include monitoring and collecting any information that runs through
the country for foreign and counterintelligence purposes. However, unlike the CIA (which specializes in foreign espionage), the NSA is not authorized to gather human-source intelligence or communications overseas. What is even worse, reports claim the leaked documents mention toptech companies, like Facebook and
In The Know
Google, involved in assisting the NSA collect private data from users. This includes access to emails, file-shares – even live chats and videos! The companies involved have denied any knowledge of the program. Public opinion on Snowden’s actions has understandably been divided. Imagine the government spying on your every move online and listening to your private phone conversations. Sounds like some Mission Impossible kind of stuff, right, but in this day and age it is a reality. Some believe he has threatened global security by exposing all this classified information, while others see him as a human rights hero. He is probably the most hated man in America, with his compatriots considering him a traitor. Either way, now that the information is out, a lot of countries are pushing their governments to be more transparent, such as France and Canada. Debates on surveillance projects and its possible infringements upon
privacy rights have also sprung up throughout the globe. Meanwhile, diplomatic ties between the US and its allies, especially with nations of he European Union (EU), have become strained since the Angela Merkel incident.
Latest Update Snowden has since fled the country to Russia, where he has been granted temporary asylum. That means he can stay in the country without having to worry about being deported back home despite his high-profile case. The US government has filed espionage charges toward him and is trying to persuade the Russian government to give him up. But the relationship between Russia and the US has always been complicated, now even more so with the Russian government’s refusal to hand him over; stating there were no legal grounds to deny his request. However, the US government is desperate to retrieve the rest of the documents in Snowden’s possession. Talks of granting the wanted man amnesty (clearing him of all charges)
to keep him from leaking even more secrets has been circling the media, but were quickly shot down by the White House. “Mr. Snowden is charged with a felony and he should return home to face those charges, where he will be afforded all due process,” Caitlin Hayden, the National Security Council spokeswoman, states as quoted by The Telegraph. He reportedly managed to steal over 1.5 million files containing the US’ secret intelligence strategies; any more leaks could not only further damage the US government’s reputation but also compromise its national security. Only time will tell how this one plays out, including if Snowden is considered a hero or a zero for what he did. + Lidya Sophiani
Photos: The Guardian, AP, Bloomberg
Edward Snowden
German Chancellor Angela Merkel 65
minD yourEnglisH
Say
What? SOMETIMES EXPRESSIONS CAN CONVEY WHAT WE MEAN BETTER THAN A FEW CHOICE WORDS. SPEAK! LISTS A FEW COMMON ENGLISH PROVERBS AND TELLS YOU HOW TO USE THEM CORRECTLY. BEAUTY LIES IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER Meaning: different people have different ideas about what is beautiful. How to use it: “I think that painting of a garbage can is hideous, but my friend loves it. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS Meaning: if you want to prove something, it is better to show people instead of just talking about it. How to use: “I guess Jessica lied about cutting back on sweets because I saw her finish a whole bag of candy yesterday. We all know actions speak louder than words.” THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE Meaning: people often want what they don’t have. How to use it: “You should be happy because your brother only got roller skates, while you got a brand new bicycle. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side.” YOU CAN’T MAKE AN OMELET WITHOUT BREAKING EGGS Meaning: it is difficult to try and achieve something great without causing any unpleasant effects or upsetting a few people in the process. How to use it: “Maria says you don’t deserve that perfect grade because she was the one who helped you study for the test. Don’t mind her; you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.” BEGGARS CAN’T BE CHOOSERS Meaning: don’t ask for more than what people can give you when you need a favor. How to use it: “As beggars can’t be choosers, I took the notes Hillary made even though they aren’t what I wanted.” A CHAIN IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS WEAKEST LINK Meaning: if one member of a team doesn’t perform well, the whole team will fail. How to use it: “Hopefully, Nina takes the group assignment more seriously because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” + Ailen Wijaya
66
COM munity
Unveiling Unveiling Stereotypes Stereotypes
The Hijabers Community’s colorful scarves are a proud call for acceptance.
W
earing a hijab (the head covering worn by many female Muslims) can mean different things to different people who wear it. But for the women behind Jakarta’s Hijabers Community (HC), it is a way for them to show pride in their faith, bond with fellow Muslimahs (female Muslims) and express their own unique style. In less than three years, the Hijabers Community in Indonesia has already amassed tens of thousands of members across the region since it was founded in 2010, namely Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta. And amid the rise of ‘hijab fashion’ with the likes of Muslim fashion designer Dian Pelangi putting a fresh – and fierce – spin on the way fully-covered girls are presenting themselves, it looks like the community will only grow bigger. The Hijabers Community’s main goal is to empower young Muslimah through positive activities held every month. Aside from religious routines, such as pengajian and charity events, HC regularly hosts fun-filled affairs that
any girl would love. One of the group’s most popular events is their annual Hijab Day – a full day of insightful talk shows, fashion clinics and bazaar. The informative and inspirational nature of these activities is not just a way for members to blow off steam, but a means for the community to break away from the negative stigma that has often been put upon them (critics have accused the community of promoting hedonistic values into a Muslim way of life). Against all odds, these girls have muddled through the backlash and come out unscathed. Members of the community see both criticism and support as a natural thing and
they hope to continue to appreciate, learn and grow as part of both the hijabers community and the public community. “The reason I joined HC Jakarta is because I was intrigued by this vision and mission. It’s a community where I can learn to be a better muslim and– together – we can make that happen,” shares member Dian Elanda. So does one have to sport a headscarf to join all the fun? The answer: definitely not! All Muslimahs are welcome to join. There are no requirements or age restrictions, all you have to do is show up to one of their gettogethers, signup as a member (free of charge!) and you’re part of the family. + Hanna Nabila
Scarf it Up! Want to learn more about HC and their mission of positivity? Check them out online: Hijabers Community Twitter: @HijabersCommJKT Instagram: @HijabersCommunityJakarta FB: Hijabers Community Jakarta 67
STAR
Hello 2014!
struck
Let’s see what the stars hold for you as the new year dawns.
Capricorn (22 December – 20 January) Love: This year is the time to be more confident and to treat yourself right. School: Try to play less and work more on school for 2014. Friendship: Your friendship reaches the 5-year mark. Total BFFs!
68
Aquarius
Pisces
(21 January – 19 February)
(20 February – 20 March)
Love: New year, new love.
Love: Surprises await in the dating game.
School: Learn from last year’s mistakes. Friendship: Changes on the horizon. Don’t worry, true friends stick together through thick and thin.
School: Time to get a move on your future ambitions, don’t you think? Friendship: Make 2014 all about friends on the road.
Aries
Cancer
Libra
(21 March – 20 April)
(22 June – 22 July)
(22 September – 22 October)
Love: Be honest. School: New Year’s resolution: stop procrastinating. Friendship: It’s always great to make new friends.
Love: Someone new will catch your eye come mid-year.
Love: Are you the yin to his yang? You’ll find out soon enough.
School: Your hard work is about to pay off, congrats!
School: Put aside all those distractions.
Friendship: Give more and take less.
Friendship: Sisters can be BFFs too.
Taurus
Leo
Scorpio
(21 April – 21 May)
(23 July – 22 August)
(23 October – 21 November)
Love: What’s past is past. Move on.
Love: Can you already feel the abundance of love this year?
School: Go against the status quo. School: Health comes first.
Illustration: Felicita Goentoro
Friendship: If things don’t change in the first few months, maybe things should change.
Friendship: It may be a good year for a reunion.
Gemini
Virgo
(22 May – 21 June)
(23 August – 21 September)
Love: If you have the patience, 2014 will be full of love for you. School: Develop your creativity; this year looks like a good one for music. Friendship: Please, please, put your ego aside.
Love: What about “me” time? School: Want things to change this year? Get active and they will. Friendship: Be the bigger person.
Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)
Love: Rocky roads ahead.
Love: Love is a rollercoaster ride.
School: Three words: priorities, priorities, priorities!
School: Show them you can do better this year.
Friendship: The new year will shed light on who your real friends are.
Friendship: Maintain your LDF (Long-Distance Friendship).
69
School Stats Family Cancer Camp 2013: Golden Spy Academy Young cancer patients and their families were treated to a charity retreat organized by the medical students of Atma Jaya Catholic University with the support of the Asian Medical Students’ Association and the Indonesian Children Oncology Foundation (YOAI). The three-day, two-night excursion included informative talk shows on cancer, fun games and an arts and crafts session for the 77 kids. The fun-filled getaway When Nov. 22-24, 2013 was closed by a mini talent show, with a special appearance Where Via Renata, Puncak by cancer survivor Raffi Superboy Indonesia.
When Nov. 15, 2013. Where INTI College campus, West Jakarta INTIFest 2013 INTI College Indonesia held their second day of the INTI Festival 2013, with Speak! making an appearance at one of the seminars to tell students about the upcoming Speaker 70
Competition. The talk – preceded by a workshop on Jakarta Fashion Week – included insight into the important qualities that working in journalism offers and ended with a mini giveaway on the magazine’s trivia.
The Lion King Musical The Lion King was on the prowl on the grounds of Saint John’s School. The classic Broadway musical was reinterpreted and brought to life by students during one of the year’s annual plays. The theatrical showcase, including ornate costumes and stage decorations, had the students acting and dancing accompanied by a 30-member orchestra. The runaway hit was directed by Saint John’s own Bahasa Indonesia teacher Mr. Yeremia Kahesa.
When Dec. 13, 2013 Where Maria Kusuma Karmel (MKK) auditorium, St. John’s School
HighScope Model United Nations 2013 HighScope hosted its annual Model United Nations conference on the topic of “Youth’s Role on the Evolution of Power, Prosperity and Poverty”. This year, 17 delegates from nine schools in Jakarta and Bandung attended the conference. Delegates each represented a United Nations member and immersed themselves in a debate-like competition on global issues.
When Nov. 27-28, 2013 Where High Scope Indonesia, Jl. TB Simatupang no. 8, South Jakarta
“Since I just entered high school, this is my first MUN experience and it’s been a lot of fun so far. I think it’s very interesting how we discuss a lot of issues that not many people my age think about. And we also get to practice our public speaking skills. It’s a really good opportunity for our generation to be involved in something like this.” Fabian, 15, High Scope (Economic and Social Council) 71
UPdates
? u o y e r e w e r e h w
2013 National Science Olympics by Pertamina As many as 27,000 students sent in applications to compete in this year’s National Science Olympics (OSN). The nationwide competition, now in its sixth year, was held by Pertamina in cooperation with University of Indonesia and supported by the Education and Culture Ministry’s General Directorate for Higher Education. The competition is divided into three stages: provincial selection and poster session, science project elimination rounds and national finals. Among attendees at the 2013 OSN opening ceremony , themed “Innovations from Earth’s Friends, Achievements for the Country”, were UI Rector Muhammad Anis and Pertamina human resources director Evita M Tagor. The OSN grand prize haul is worth Rp 2 billion! When: Nov. 27, 2013 Where: Study Hall, University of Indonesia, Depok
Combi Bike Sunrise Challenge 2013 At the beginning of December, Combiphar with superior brand OBH Combi organized a ‘Combi Sunrise Bike Challenge’ for the young community of bike enthusiasts in Jakarta. The activities involved biking around the Sudirman Central Business District area followed by live music performances, it closed with an education donation made by Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa. When: Dec. 1, 2013 Where: Parking area of SCBD LOT 7, Jakarta
72
Award Leader Forum Fourteen finalists from the Greater Jakarta Area and Bandung came together to take part in the International Award for Young People (IAYP) forum between teachers and staff from different schools. The finalists also gained new tools and experience outside the forum to enhance their skills as educators with a garbagecollecting community service and by learning to make batik at the Textile Museum.
English First Launches Efekta System in Indonesia The latest study and education innovation from English First (EF) is its Efekta System method. This method combines elements of both online and offline methods of study, which allows students for more flexible studying hours and techniques to accommodate their busy life. The system includes online classes and interactions with
When: Nov. 30- Dec. 1, 2013 Where: Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and the Textile Museum
native lecturers. The first Efekta System in EF Indonesia is available at the institute’s latest branch opened at fX Lifestyle X’nter in Sudirman. EF currently has more than 450 schools in 54 countries worldwide, where, in some, the new Efekta System has already been implemented. When: November 2013 Where: fX Lifestyle X’nter, Sudirman
73
University
life
In
the City For Zara Nadia, 19, traveling is one of the best things in the world. It is also one of the reasons this student from Jakarta decided to continue her education abroad and attend the UK’s Brunel University, London.
Why did you choose this university? I applied to Brunel University because of its reputation for post-degree work placements for students. The campus’ location in Central London was also a factor. What are you studying there? I chose to study media studies & communication because this major 74
offered the perfect opportunity to explore a lot of my interests. After graduation, I will have the opportunity work in a multitude of fields, such as public relations, journalism and broadcasting. What is your favorite part of life in London? The multiculturalism of the city. It is diverse and contains a rich history, making it an interesting place to reside. There are also a lot of parks where people can enjoy outdoor activities, which is a far cry from the environment back home! How do you spend your downtime off-campus? I have a few friends from Jakarta whom I spend time with. We tend
to shop and eat in cozy restaurants around Central London. I’ve also started traveling with a few classmates to different parts of England, like Reading, Brighton and Kent. It’s great to experience what the whole of England has to offer, instead of just London. What are your two cents for students wanting to study in the UK? It is an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it. The UK is very diverse so there is something here for everyone. In other words, you’ll definitely feel like you belong – even when you’re miles away from home. + Suka Junin
• Premium metal body • HTC BlinkFeed™ Live home screen • HTC BoomSound™ Dual frontal stereo speakers • HTC Zoe™ Your gallery brought to life HTC One dual sim+
HTC One mini
You’ve heard about the best Now meet the rest
Available at:
HTC One V
HTC Desire X dual sim
HTC Desire V
• Instant camera captures every perfect moment
• Instant camera captures every perfect moment
• Large brilliant 4” high-res WVGA display
• Metallic body with a distinctive curved-chin design
• Dual-Core Multitask with ease
• High-speed dual SIM (3G + 2G GSM)
HTC One awards:
COMPUTEX TAIPEI d&i awards - 2013 Gold • 2013 MWC - Global Mobile Award for Best New Mobile Handset, Device or Tablet • Tech Radar - Best Phone and Best in Show • Mobile Geeks - Best Smartphone
75
76