NOW! Jakarta Oct 2011 by Ruals Syarif

ISSN 2086-2520

HEALTH AND FITNESS OCTOBER 2011

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OCTOBER 2011 RP. 30.000 www.nowjakarta.co.id

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Come To a Very Special Charity Event in Bali

The Bali Garden Party 29th & 30th October 2011 at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa, Bali Start at 11.00 am Corporate Sponsors:

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

KID’S AREA

MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCES:

MUSIC BY: Classical (Jakarta String Quartet) | Ryoshi Jazz Quartet (Itoh Kurdhi, Rio Sidik, Erik Sondhy, Eddy Siswanto) CABARET BY: Bali Bonita ILLUSION SHOW BY: Elfuego Illusion

FLOWER SHOW

SPONSORED BY: Chewy’s | Woof

FASHION SHOW

Invitations will be available at the gates on the day or can be obtained and picked up at : TAMAN BHAGAWAN Jl. Pratama No.70, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Bali P: +62 (361) 776 555 | F: +62 (361) 774 666 or contact: • Barbara: +62 812 9806 0046, barbara@phoenix.co.id • Yohanes: +62 (361) 823 6722 /+62 (361) - 9644524 +62 (361) 823 6723, yohanes@phoenix.co.id • Sulbi: +62 (361) 776 555, sulbi@tamanbhagawan.com

THE TALK SHOW

MEDIA PARTNERS :

NOW! Jakarta | NOW! Bali | Bali Alternative Media | Storm Fm 105.2 FM

SUPPORTING PARTNERS :

Bali Hotel Association | Bali Spirit | SOS | Royal Yacht Club

28th October 2011 Charity event for under privileged kids (closed to public) Special Room rates available at Conrad Bali, Bali Dynasty, The Viceroy and Melia Bali Please email barbara@phoenix.co.id for detail.

www.baligardenparty.com Organized by:

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contents october 2011

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Soapbox Calendar of Events

NOW! & THEN

NOW! People

EAT & DRINK!

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Restaurant Review: Approximating Glittering Ginza An organic question... and some unexpected answers –Petty Elliott

SHOPPING

Healthful Goods –Susanna Tjokro

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

An Interview with HE Mr. Børge Petersen, Ambassador of Denmark –Risti Brophy Danish Business Association An interview with H.E. Mr. Kai Sauer, Ambassador of Finland –Alistair G. Speirs World Design Capital Helsinki - Working for a Better City Sympathy for Norway Indonesia Norway Business Council (INBC) An Interview with H.E. Mrs. Ewa Polano, Ambassador of Sweden The Nordic Club Jakarta

NOW! Do it

New In Town? Get Out and Learn A New Sport!

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–Risti Brophy

Golf for Fun – A Beginner’s Diary –Risti Brophy 2011 Asian AFL Championships Bangkok –Lee Van Gils Rugby World Club 2011

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International Standard Hospitals & Clinics –Fransisca Restiawardani Diet Misconceptions –Fransisca Restiawardani The Health Industry: Going Alternative –Fransisca Restiawardani Wellness is a Many-sided Thing –Kindra Cooper Finding the Right Fitness Club for You –Fransisca Restiawardani

URBAN CHAT!

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Jakarta’s Monuments: Memory, Meaning and Misunderstandings –Amir Sidharta Queer and Still Here –Rizal Iwan Let’s Get Physical! –Craig Money October –John Paul Family Guide to Jakarta Jakarta’s 3-in-1 Jockeys –John L. Taylor

TRAVEL!

Beauty, History and Diversity Rolled into One: Medan –Kindra Cooper

Cover photo: Being Health, 100 x 100cm, oil on canvas, 2011. A Painting by Sudigdo

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Bukit Lawang, Sumatra and the Orang-utans Paradise Born of Fire –Kelly Bennett Bali Garden Party Travel Diaries –Made Wijaya Guest Profile: Frederick Alloysius

PHOTO: MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL

Fit and Healthy at the British International School

In today’s health conscience society it is important to provide children with the best health and nutrition knowledge, physical education and sciences in order for them to understand the value of a healthy lifestyle and lead an active life. Whether it’s studying the human body through science, opting for Food Technology at IGCSE or participation in numerous sports including, swimming, football, rugby, racket sports, athletics and others too numerous to mention, students are encouraged to look towards a healthy future. Also our sports and activities programme not only stretches a students’ physical prowess but helps nurture a spirit of cooperation, teamwork and fair play – essential elements of the BIS community spirit! Supported by a healthy eating policy including a variety of nutritious and balanced meals provided from our modern state-of-the-art kitchens, the BIS campus is certainly a “Fit and Healthy” environment.

A bridge to the world For further information about the British International School, please contact the Admissions ofce at Tel: (62-21) 745-1670 • Fax: (62-21) 745-1671 • E-mail: admissions@bis.or.id • www.bis.or.id www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 |

“New Jakarta” Phoenix Communications Publishing Division Alistair G. Speirs

TECHNICAL ADVISOR:

Risti Brophy

EDITOR aT LARGE:

ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Fransisca Restiawardani Sudigdo

ART DIRECTOR:

Djoko Prayitno

PRODUCTION:

Budi Suhendrio Maya Lolang Dian N. Dwiwindarti

Sales:

Welcome to “New Jakarta”! After every Lebaran holiday, when millions have undertaken the arduous journey to visit their families for their annual holiday, the city renews itself as people come back from their hometowns, with new clothes, new hope and often new members of the family ready to seek their fortune in the big city. In the meantime, the city has had time to breathe, clean up, repair and get ready for the new year (or it should have!), and the scene is set for another year of advance and progress. Or is it? During the holidays, a sluice gate burst leaving a million people out of water. Why? The city government called it “force majeure”. I would think it was simply lack of care and maintenance, same as the Situ Gintung dam which collapsed some 80 years after it was built. So nothing new there, same lack of care and professionalism. The traffic is also unlikely to improve, as the city government simply does not seem to have either the courage or vision to make drastic improvements. The two flyovers being built will not do it. We will face electricity shortages again as demand spikes with the opening of massive new superblocks all over Jakarta (which will in turn cause increased traffic and a greater demand for water and sewage, neither of which is planned for!). So “New Jakarta” is likely to be just like “old Jakarta” but a little worse, a little less organised and a lot more “developed”, by the private sector real estate industry that is! The prospects for making money here are improving quickly but there is a major difference between being wealthy There is a saying “A healthy body is a and “well off”. The city needs major healthy mind” and herein lies some truth. infrastructure improvements, green Keeping fit, in good body shape with regular areas, better public facilities of all exercise, will help your concentration and mind varieties. It has the resources to do capacity. Gyms and Fitness Clubs are everywhere it, the expertise is clearly available in Jakarta. One of the most common stores that I see (though not in the public sector, it in city malls are ones that sell walking machines and would seem!) and the need to make other exercise equipment or stores at the opposite end Jakarta truly a world-class city is of the health spectrum, selling massage chairs where stronger than ever. Why can’t the you do not have to even leave your chair to get “fit”. city government do it? Who knows?

Health and Fitness

But why do we want to be fit? Is it to have a healthy mind or are we obsessed with how we look and how others think we look? Think on it. Rev. Ian Hadfield, Vicar All Saints Church www.allsaintsjakarta.com

Marche Mantiri

Sales SECRETARY: MARKETING & PROMOTIONS:

Budi Suhendrio Richieta L. Aretha (Aghie)

FINANCE:

Eva Marliyana

DISTRIBUTION:

Denny Syafitri

Executive secretary:

Clora Matondang

Contributors: Amir Sidharta – Art Craig Money – Music John Paul – Culture Kelly Bennett – Features Krystyna Krassowska - Travel Lee Van Gils– Aussie Rules Made Wijaya – Travel Petty Elliott – Cooking Rizal Iwan – Movies Steve Barber – Rugby Susanna Tjokro – Shopping Agung Natanael

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Head Office: Jl Benda Raya No. 98 A-B Kemang - Jakarta Selatan 12560 T: +62-21 781 3212 F: +62-21 781 2476 www.nowjakarta.co.id Bali Office: Komplek Pertokoan Nakula Megah No. 5, Unit J, Jl. Nakula, Legian, Kuta Bali 80361 T/F: +62-361 8236722 www.nowbali.co.id Bali Office Manager:

Weni Ariasty

Advertising Sales: sales@phoenix.co.id Editorial Enquiries: editorial.nowjkt@phoenix.co.id Circulation Enquiries: denny@phoenix.co.id Subscription: subscriptions@phoenix.co.id Now! Jakarta and Now! Bali are published monthly by PT. Phoenix Communications. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and the publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors, ommisions or complaints arising there from. No part of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part, in print or electronically without prior permission of the publisher. All trademarks, logos, brands and designs are copyright and fully reserved by PT. Phoenix Communications.

Director:

Barbara Janthy Nihardjo

We all are longing for a “New Jakarta”. But it’s unlikely we’ll get it any time soon.

ALISTAIR SPEIRS

PT. Phoenix Communications Jalan Benda Raya 98 A-B, Jakarta 12560

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and we call it home.. 83% of total area is dedicated for Landscape with Garden & Pools 2 Private Lifts to each unit Advanced Security System Located in Kebayoran (area of South Jakarta) Great access to CBD & International Schools Sales & Leasing Office

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THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO THIS MONTH!

BUSINESS GATHERING

5:00pm. For more information or to book tickets, call +62-21 6586 7808 or 087771002009 or email boxoffice@ aulasimfoniajakarta.com.

THURSDAY, 13th

Amcham Networking Cocktail. Time and venue to be advised. For more information, call +62-21 526 2860 or email info@amcham. or.id.

THURSDAY, 20th

Biztro Networking Cocktail 2011. Time and venue to be advised. The Indonesia Canada Chamber of Commerce invites you to this social-business event to help you build new business and social networks. For more information, call +62-21 527 7890 or email ediccc@cbn.net. id or iccc@secretariat@gmail. com.

THURSDAY, 27th

BritCham Business & Social Gathering.

SUNDAY, 2nd – SUNDAY 30th

enrapturing performances by Michael Bolton, Charice, Philip Bailey, Russell Watson and many more. For more information or to book tickets, call +62-21 7007 7676 or visit www.blackrockindonesia.com.

SATURDAY, 29th

Piano Quatremains at Erasmus Huis. Starts 7:30pm. A classical music concert by Patrick Zygmanowski and Tamayo Ikeda. For more information or to book tickets, call +62-21 390 8585-80 or +6221 390 7719, or email ecrire@ ccfjakarta.or.id.

SUNDAY, 30th

Reformation Concert: ‘Introducing Works from Leipzig Thomascantors’ at Aula Simfonia Jakarta. Starts

CONCERT FRIDAY, 28th

Live in Concert Hitman Returns, David Foster and Friends at Plenary Hall, JCC. Starts 7:00pm. Watch upand-coming aspiring singers vie for fame and glory and catch

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101 Martini Brunch at Lobo, The Ritz-Carlton. Starts 12:00pm-3:00pm, available every Sunday. With 101 martini selections and an expansive spread prepared by Chef de Cuisine Mariano Liuzza, you’ll be tingling with the buzz of good food, atmosphere, and light music. The buffet comprises a Raw Bar, Pasta & Pizza Station, Bloody Mary and Sangria Station and a Dessert Table. Martini highlights include: Irish Wake-Up Call, White Chocotini, Summer Watermelon and Daisy Buchanon. Rates are Rp328,000++ per person for non-alcohol brunch and Rp458,000++ per person inclusive of bloody mary, martinis, sangria and selection of wines. For reservations, call +62-21 2551 8881.

SATURDAY, 1st – MONDAY 31st

Autumn Set Lunch at The Park Lane Jakarta features Rambutan Wood-Smoked Salmon, Mushrooms Ravioli, Pan-seared Australian Farm Barramundi and Pan-seared Wagyu Flank Steak “al’echalotte”. In the à la carte selections are Autumn Mushrooms Soup; Truffle Mushrooms Gougere, ‘Salad Gourmande’; Foie Gras Shaving, Seared Tuna, Yabbies, Curried Duck Breast, Poached Quail Eggs, Alaskan Wild White Salmon and Oven-roasted Rabbit’s Saddle, Organic Barley Risotto “Paella Style” Chorizo Emulsion. For more information or reservations, call +62-21 828 2000.

SATURDAY, 15th – SUNDAY 23rd

Tour of European Delights at Satoo Restaurant,

Shangri-La Hotel. The program presents the best of European cuisine, allowing guests to relish dishes from Italy, French, Germany and Scotland at Satoo’s open kitchen buffet stations. For more information and reservations, call +6221 3048 8565 or visit www. platinumclubjakarta.com.

EXHIBITION TUESDAY, 18th – MONDAY, 31st

‘L’histoire de la bande dessinée indonésienne’,

at Institut Français d’Indonesie (formerly CCF) Salemba Gallery. Opening begins at 7:00pm. An enthralling look at the history of Indonesian animation and comic strips. For more information, call +62-21 390 8585-80 or +62-21 390 7716. ZZz

PHOTOS: RITZ-CARLTON JAKARTA, NOW! JAKARTA

Venue to be advised. Starts 6:00pm-8:30pm. An excellent opportunity to expand your business networks and get together with the Chairman and other Board Members in a relaxed atmosphere. Light meals will be served throughout the evening with a free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice. Lucky draw prizes will be provided. To register, email events@britcham.or.id. Admission for members is Rp 200,000 and Rp 320,000 for non-members.

DINING OUT

OCTOBER

2011

calendar

MOVIE SCREENING FRIDAY, 28 30th

– SUNDAY,

‘Court Circuit’ Film Festival at Kineforum TIM.

Opening at 7:00pm on the 28th. The first film will be shown at 2:00pm on the 29th. A celebration of fine French and Indonesian cinematography. For more information, call +62-21 390 8585-80 or +62-21 390 7716, or email ecrire@ ccfjakarta.or.id.

OKTOBERFEST FRIDAY, 14th – SATURDAY, 15th

Die Stube Jakarta Oktoberfest Celebration 2011 at Plaza Bisnis Kemang. Special performance by Austrian band Die Soewa Gscnitztn of traditional Oktoberfest songs, and local band playing Top 40 songs. The outdoor event, held in a giant tent, will be teeming with games and doorprizes! Tickets are Rp450,000 per person (with voucher system). For more information, visit www.diestube.com. To book a ticket, call +62 21 7179 3486 or +62 21 718 1080; or email diestube@cbn.net.id.

Starts 6:30pm. The SpanishSpeaking Women’s Association requests the pleasure of your company at this festive social gathering; replete with saucy music, Spanish delicacies and easy camaraderie. Dress code is black tie. For reservations, call 081213065885, 0817712340 or 08111750786, or email info@ cshhjakarta.org.

SPORT SATURDAY, 1st – SUNDAY 23rd

2011 Rugby World Cup at Pacific Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton. Catch the World Cup live on the big screen. The 2011 World Cup is the seventh of its kind, held in New Zealand this year. The mega tournament features 20 teams and an expected 95,000 spectators from around the world. Cold beers, signature cocktails and the “Bites” menu, featuring tasters and desserts by Executive Chef Sean Macdougall, will be served to enhance the euphoria. Don’t miss the Foie Gras Terrine on Brioche, Klaapertart Cream Pots and Brie Cepe Risotto Balls. For reservations, call +62-21 2550 1993.

SEMINAR TUESDAY, 4

MORE TO SEE AND DO IN BALI Sat 22nd

Bali Pink Ribbon Walk at Nusa Dua (in front of BTDC office). Starts 12:00pm-6:30pm. Onsite registration at 2:00pm, walk starts at 4:00pm. Event features include live music and entertainment, auction and raffle, activities for children and spa cabins. Walk fee is Rp250,000 per adult (includes T-shirt and gift bag) and Rp100,000 per child (under 6 free). All proceeds go toward raising breast cancer awareness in Bali. For more information or to

“Thomas Raffles: His Brief, Active Role in Java” at Erasmus Huis. Starts with a welcome reception at 6:00pm. Indonesia Heritage Society Autumn Series Lecture by Mike Nicholson. For more information, call +62-21 572 5870.

SOCIETY SATURDAY, 1st Whisky Tasting & Ceilidh with St. Patrick’s Society at Murphy’s Irish Pub. Starts 7:00pm. Open to members of the Java St. Andrew’s Society and St. Patrick’s Society, but membership is available at the door on the night. Prize for the whisky tasting winner.

FRIDAY, 21st

Latin Ball with the Club Senõras de Habla Hispana at Shangri-La Hotel.

SATURDAY, 8th

Outward Bound Family Day with Bamboo at Outward Bound Indonesia Eco Campus. Starts 9:00am5:00pm. Outward Bound is a personal development program comprising outdoor teamwork activities that inspire leadership, innovation and compassion. Come with colleagues and family to enjoy special group rates. For more information, call +62-21 548 1529.

Sat 29th – Sun 30th

Bali Garden Party at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa. Starts 11:00am. An all-day event featuring fine dining in a garden setting, a classical and jazz music program, fashion shows, dog shows, flower shows and talk shows. A dedicated kids area, beach club and Eco Centre is sure to keep attendees of all ages entertained. For more information, visit www.baligardenparty.com.

HAILING HALLOWEEN SATURDAY, 22nd

Halloween Quiz with the BWA at BWA house. Time and venue to be advised. Ghoulish fun to celebrate Halloween! For more information, email Ingrid at socialactivities@ bwajakarta.org or call +62-21 719 5283.

SUNDAY, 30th th

book a ticket, call +62 361 286 564 or email balipinkribbon@gmail.com.

Funtastic Halloween Concert by JICC at Music Republicain Concert Hall. Starts 2:00pm-3:30pm and 6:30-8:00pm. Featuring songs from Broadway musicals: Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, The Adams Family, Rocky Horror Show and Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are Rp85,000 per person. To book a ticket, call +62 813 1047 3775 (Poppy), +62 815 900 6043 (Lena), or +62 815 1038 200 (Evi).

SUNDAY, 30th MONDAY, 31st

Jack-O-Lantern Is Back at Pacific Restaurant & Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton. Sunday Halloween Brunch starts 12:00pm-3:00pm. Monday Halloween Dinner starts 6:00pm – 9:30pm. Brunch and dinner buffet features a ‘spooktacular’ food parade of Sashimi Tuna Tortilla Web, Cider Brined Turkey, Chocolate Monster Eyeballs, Witch Finger Cookies and many more surprises. Live music and games will keep the younger crowd entertained, while the best-dressed stands to win a mystery prize! For reservations, call +62-21 2550 1993.

@WhatsNewJakarta WhatsNewJakarta.com

For more information on these events and others, please visit www.WhatsNewJakarta.com.

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16 New Ambassadors 21 Laser Golf

Richard Gere in Borobudur • Lufthansa Introduces New Chief • Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Extended to 2015

24 NOW! People

Largest Indonesian-German Event Series Take Off in October

ERIN (Jerman dan Indonesia) is a series of events taking place over a 5-month period in more than 12 cities in Indonesia to give a platform for closer cooperation between the two countries. Partnerships between Indonesia and Germany will be showcased throughout the events, under the motto of ‘Creativity through Diversity’. seminars and exhibitions across the country. Some of the highlights include: • The largest exhibition of renowned painter Raden Saleh’s masterpieces • Science film festival & screening of German movies • Participation in Jakarta Fashion Week • Germany for Beginners program

• Various musical concerts: Young Composers Workshop & Concerts, Wurttemberg Chamber Orchestra, Oliver Kern Classical Concert, etc • Various exhibition on German Development Corporation • Various seminars/ workshops/conference on various issues such as renewable energy, education, etc

Now! Jakarta has been a keen supporter of JERIN and will continue to feature their monthly programs throughout the course of the events. Check out page 21 for this month’s schedule, or visit www.jerin. or.id for the complete itinerary.

BY: RISTI BROPHY. PHOTO: JERIN

The unique set up of JERIN has brought together Indonesian and German partners from a broad spectrum; from business and development cooperation, culture, science, as well as education. The series of event will take off in October with opening gala concerts in Surabaya and Jakarta, followed by a series of performances, workshops,

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New Faces in Town

fter bidding farewell to some of Jakarta’s most familiar faces who had completed their assignments Indonesia, we recently welcomed in their replacement some equally as interesting individuals to lead their respective embassies.

HE Mr. Federico Failla

Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Indonesia Part of the efforts in this regard is by strengthening the role of the business association by conducting various events to support the Italian companies. “We are hoping that by June next year we will be able to conduct some major events,” explained Mr. Failla. Education and culture are also of great interest to the Ambassador, who has produced various publications on Italy’s relationship with Asian countries such as China and Japan. Previously assigned as the Coordinator of projects for the internationalization of Italian universities, Mr. Failla believes that people-to-people exchange should be given a focus, in particular for partnership between universities in both countries. Plans are undergoing for the empowerment of Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the Italian Cultural Institute, with programs such as ‘Settimana della Lingua Italiana’ or the language week being prepared for October. There is also a planned exhibition by an Italian photographer who spent many years in Mexico, of her avantgarde works taken during her time there. The exhibition will be conducted in cooperation with the Mexican Embassy. Interfaith dialogue is another cause that Italy strongly supports, and Ambassador

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Failla hopes that Jakarta can host the second round of the discussion between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to work together on tackling this important issue. On a personal note, Ambassador Failla looks

forward to traveling across Indonesia and taking his family, including two sons, to meet the orangutans in Borneo. Now! Jakarta warmly welcomes HE Federico Failla and family, and wishes them a fruitful and memorable time in Indonesia.

BY: RISTI BROPHY. PHOTO: AGUNG NATANAEL

Having arrived in Jakarta just a few months ago, HE Mr. Federico Failla was quick to adapt to his new home. The Sicilian native is no new face to the Italian community in Asia. Earlier in his career, he was Deputy Consul General in Hongkong, before taking the post of Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Italian Embassy in New Delhi. For the next few years, Mr. Failla took up various overseas posts with the Directorate General for Economic Affairs, including as Deputy Head of Office for the North Africa and Middle East countries, as well as another posting for EU External Relations Office in charge of Asia, Latin America and Middle East. Ambassador Failla, who is knowledgeable in the Italy-China relationship, was also the Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou in the late 90’s. The Indonesian posting is his first assignment as Ambassador and the charismatic man shares how he feels about this exciting new chapter of his diplomatic career. “Before I came here, I spoke to some people who had been to Indonesia before and they all told me the same: that people here are very friendly and hospitable. I’m happy to say that it’s all true.” Ambassador Failla explained that one of his main focuses with his new assignment would be to expand the bilateral relationships between the two countries, particularly economic relationship. “There are already many Italian companies pursuing business in Indonesia in fields like energy and renewable energy, machineries, insurance, automotive as well as environment. But there is so much more than can be done to increase the relationship,” said the Ambassador enthusiastically.

An Interview with H. E. Mr. Mark Canning, the new British Ambassador in Indonesia The new frontman of the British Embassy is delighted to return to a posting in Indonesia after a 14-year gap, during which time he has been in Zimbabwe and Burma – with which the UK has a difficult relationship. “Both were fascinating but it is great to be back in a place for which I have such admiration and affection, and where the work of the Embassy is so positive and forward looking,” enthuses the father of one. Tell us about your background? I was raised in West Sussex and schooled there and in Somerset. I went to London University where I studied Modern History and later took an MBA. I’ve worked in Embassies across the world – twice in Africa, four times in South East Asia and twice in the Americas. It’s a career I would recommend to anyone.

What kind of things do you enjoy doing? I’ve always loved all kinds of sport but would probably rank soccer and cricket at the top. I wasn’t too bad at them in my youth indeed I was offered terms by two first division sides. Exercise has always been important to me but I tend now to restrict myself to the gym. I’ve always loved the ocean and sea fishing and until recently kept a boat down on the Sussex coast. Beyond that – reading and music are how I like to relax, as well as enjoying time with our 7 year old. Travel has always been a passion and that’s another reason why I am pleased to be back in this country.

BY: RISTI BROPHY. PHOTO: BRITISH EMBASSY

Tell us about your family. Have they adapted well to their new home? I met my wife Cecilia in Malaysia, where we were both working and where our daughter Ava was born. We’re reasonably familiar with this part of the world and have settled into life in Indonesia very well. Ava is enjoying her

new school and Cecilia is trying with some difficulty to balance a range of commitments - her jewellery design business, which takes her around the region, challenging academic studies and of course looking after Ava, so she looks to have even more on her plate at times than I do. The last six years have been difficult as a family since we’ve been in places which were not only quite isolated but which imposed

a range of other pressures, so it’s a huge pleasure to be somewhere which is a great deal easier for family life and we’ve already begun to explore what this huge city offers.

What personal and professional ambitions do you have for this tour of duty? My task here is quite straightforward – to develop the relationship between Britain

and Indonesia. It’s already strong of course, but both sides believe there is scope to expand it further. Prime Minister David Cameron has brought about a marked shift in our foreign policy emphasis. We have reduced significantly our presence in Europe, and in the coming months will be boosting it in a number of places, including Indonesia. Indeed Indonesia and China are the two biggest winners from this strategic shift. In the period ahead you will see an increase in senior level contact between our two countries and in our level activity across the board, whether in the business and investment arena, addressing economic and other challenges via the G20, fighting radicalism and developing common approaches to global issues like climate change. These are main areas on which I will be focusing. I’m particularly keen in particular to expand our trade links, and to cut through some of the obstacles to investment, indeed next month we have the first round of trade talks to look precisely at some of those issues. And there will of course be a range of other important business ranging from consular cases to the service we provide for visa customers. My personal ambitions tend to overlap fairly heavily with the professional, but my hope on that front is to make the very best of my time here, to see as much of the country as I can, and to balance work and play as best one can.

“My personal ambitions tend to overlap fairly heavily with the professional, but my hope on that front is to make the very best of my time here, to see as much of the country as I can, and to balance work and play as best one can.”

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Richard Gere At The Borobudur TEXT & PHOTO By Gary Plant

n June 2011 a man and his family decided to visit Indonesia and embark on what was intended to be a private holiday and a personal pilgrimage to the temple of Borobudur in Central Java. However, when someone as famous and popular as the actor and activist Richard Gere decides to visit, it is practically impossible to keep it private.

(Photo L-R: Gary Plant, Jero Wacik (Minister of Culture and Tourism), the Gere Family, President SBY and wife, Mrs. Jero Wacik, Mollie Rodriguez, Managing Director Gere Foundation, Mr. Sapta Nirwandar, Director General of Marketing, Ministry of Culture and Tourism)

Well known for his dedication to his Buddhist faith and charitable activities through the Gere Foundation, it was clear to see how eager Mr. Gere and his family were to visit the world’s largest Buddhist temple and to see how their visit might help bring much needed support for the restoration and maintenance of Borobudur and the surrounding temples, the local economy and the many victims of Merapi’s most recent eruption. The visit started with a dinner in Jakarta at the luxurious Dharmawangsa Hotel hosted by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism and attended by executives from PT. Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko, prominent Buddhist business leaders and members of the Indonesian film industry. All in attendance spoke passionately with Mr. Gere about Indonesia’s culture, diversity, the numerous opportunities that are presenting themselves because of the country’s burgeoning economy, and the impressive strides that Indonesia has made towards being one of the world’s shiniest examples of democracy and of music. Aside from being

a very talented actor, Richard Gere is also an accomplished musician who loves the guitar and has a collection that would be the envy of a rock ’n roll guitar god. There was surprisingly little discussion about his movies and the movie industry other than comments made on how much progress the Indonesian Industry has grown in recent years. A visit to the office of Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, started Day Two, followed by a private meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Palace. The theme that prevailed through both meetings again focused on Indonesia’s vast diversity and religious tolerance. The President and Mr. Gere discussed at length how Indonesia, despite its many challenges, can be the glowing example of how other countries can model their progress in the areas of religious tolerance, development of democracies and growing the economies

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of developing nations, proven by the fact that Indonesia has grown from economic collapse a few years ago to being a proud member of the G20. That evening Mr. Gere held a short but spirited press conference in the shadow of Candi Borobudur where he mentioned briefly how he would like to return to Indonesia with ideas of creating initiatives and events that would promote Indonesia even more as a model for the world to follow. Later in the evening the family sat down to watch a spectacular performance entitled ‘The Legend of Mahakarya Borobudur’, featuring over 250 dancers with impressive lighting and production, amazing costumes and choreography, that was immensely enjoyed by the 1,000 other spectators who joined the Gere’s for the evening. Day Three provided Mr. Gere with the pilgrimage to the temple he was longing for. It included a quiet morning meditation at the main Stuppa at the top of the temple, a guided tour that saw each panel explained in a manner that vividly described the story of Buddha’s path to enlightenment, and a private visit to Sewu temple with a few friends and companions. True, some felt

his celebrity status awarded him privileges many should be allowed to enjoy, but when balanced against his charitable activities and the vast coverage and exposure that his celebrity status gave to Indonesia and Borobudur, it was an investment well made. It was obvious to all who accompanied the actor and his family on their visit that Indonesia had touched Richard Gere in a very personal and profound way. He commented frequently on how much he and his family would like to return very soon and for much longer. It was also clear that his hosts were proud of the impact his visit created and how much it will and has promoted Borobudur internationally as a prime, must-see tourist destination, which in itself will benefit the very people Mr. Gere came to support. Let’s hope that his visit will prompt him to look our way in connection to possible future movie projects being filmed here that will promote Indonesia’s culture even more to an unknowing and curious world.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 19

www.jerin.or.id

@jer_in

jermandanindonesia

info@jerin.or.id

Let yourself be inspired by JERIN – Jerman dan Indonesia – an event series ranging from culture to business, from science to education, from politics to the environment. JERIN will take place from October 2011 to February 2012 in several cities including Medan, Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Yogyakarta and Surabaya. JERIN is an interactive project platform, so get involved with us and learn more about Germany!

Ger m a n y for be g i n n e r s

FOR C L I M E Onl in e P h o t o Conte s t 2 0 1 1

Berl in ’ L a b e l s on the J a k a r ta Fashio n We e k

Scien c e F i l m Fest iva l 2 0 1 1

How many clubs are there in Germany? How do the Germans stick to their past? How do they deal with foreigners? What role has work in the life of the Germans? With humor and from different subjective perspectives, the exhibition “Germany for Beginners” gives answers to questions about the history, culture and politics of the Federal Republic. This year the world celebrates the United Nations International Year of Forests. The GIZ Forests and Climate Change Program (FORCLIME), together with the Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia, supports the International Year of Forests through an online Photo-Contest. JERIN will bring fashion from Berlin to Indonesia. In Cooperation with the Berlin Fashion Week, the 2012 spring-summer collections of exciting labels Issever Bahri, Hien Le, Moon, Starstyling and Boessert Schorn will be shown as part of the Jakarta Fashion Week in November. The Science Film Festival, initiated by the Goethe-Institut in 2005, enjoys a unique position: It presents films, which communicate technological and scientific issues accessibly and entertainingly to a broad audience.

NOVEMBER’S EVENTS Seminar on Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development

Surabaya, 1-4 Nov.

DAAD Event

Yogyakarta, 7-8 Nov. Surakarta, 18-19 Nov.

Science Film Festival 2011

Jakarta, 16 -30 Nov.

Fabulous Fridays

Bandung, 3 Nov. Jakarta, 4 Nov. Yogyakarta, 9 Nov.

Jakarta Fashion Week

Jakarta, 12-18 Nov.

Conference on Development and Relationship of the Constitutional Courts in Germany and Indonesia Makassar, 14 Nov.

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DAAD University for Children

Bandung, 5,12,19,26 Nov.

Ma’a lot Quintett

Conference on Constitutional Reform & Civic Education

Bandung, 9 Nov. Surabaya, 10 Nov. Jakarta, 11 Nov.

Conference on Significance of Constitutional Issues for Civic Education

Yogyakarta, 12 Nov.

Jakarta Fashion Week feat. Berlin Designers

Jakarta, 15 Nov.

Jakarta, 10 Nov.

Exhibition German Development cooperation and Diversity Yogyakarta, 3-6, 9 Nov. Surakarta, 14-17, 20 Nov. Semarang, 28-30 Nov.

Germany for Beginners

Jakarta, 15-30 Nov.

FORCLIME Photo-Contest 2011

Jakarta, 15 Nov.

Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf in Kemang

ust how exciting would it be to play golf in a dark jungle near a vast ocean where sharks and killerwhales live? It can be really exciting! Mini golf in Kemang offers just this as an alternative entertainment for kids in Jakarta.

ufthansa, one of the longest serving airlines in Indonesia, recently introduced Leandro Tonidandel as its new General Manager in Indonesia. Leo, as he is more fondly known of, will oversee the German airline’s overall businesses in Indonesia.

in-the-dark pictures of a shark, a whale, seaweed and starfish. To play Mini golf, each player is required an entry fee of Rp 30,000 on week days and Rp 35,000 on weekends. There is no limit to the time allowed. Visit Mini golf at Jl. Kemang Raya No. 16A, South Jakarta, T: +62-21 718 1918 / 718 1921, W: www.lasergameindonesia.com. Soon to celebrate 45 years of continuous service in Indonesia, Lufthansa will upgrade its services for the Indonesian market by providing daily flights to Munich via Singapore starting 31 October. The new service will be deployed on the new Airbus A340-300, and will conveniently link

Indonesian customers to the daily Singapore-Frankfurt flight on the new A380, the world’s largest commercial air carrier. Indonesian-based travellers can now gain access to two of Germany’s busiest hubs, providing further access to the largest network of European destinations. To add to the excitement, Lufthansa is offering special fares to Europe for bookings received by 20 October (valid for travel from 31 Oct to 29 Feb). A return economy fare to Munich starts from as low as $979 net, while a return business ticket starts at a mere $3.748 net. Book now to take advantage of their new services. For more details please visit: www.lufthansa.com.

BY fransisca restiawardani, RISTI BROPHY. PHOTOS: agung natanael, lufthansa

Played in a dark room, Mini golf requires players to use glowin-the-dark golf balls and glowin-the-dark putters. The space encompasses nine mini golf courses which glow in the dark as well. The walls are covered with glow-in-the-dark paintings depicting tropical plants and trees with animals hiding behind them to create the feeling of being in a forest. There are also artificial plants and trees which separate some courses to elevate the jungle ambience. On one side of the wall, the painting boasts an ocean theme with glow-

Lufthansa Introduces New Chief

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 21

REPATRIATION OF PASSPORT PRINTING TO THE UK All British nationals wishing to apply for a new passport should note the following changes which will affect their application. From 18 August all passport applications will continue to be processed in Hong Kong, but the passports will be printed in the UK. The passports will be returned to the applicant by DHL Worldwide. This newly agreed contract will mean that individual applicants will pay less for courier fees for applications from Indonesia. These changes will ensure that you receive the new style passports which were introduced in the UK in October 2010. The new passports have more sophisticated security features, required to meet international quality and security standards. It is not affordable to print these new passports overseas. New designs and processes reduce the likelihood of identity theft and passport fraud, protecting British nationals and our borders. There is no change to our total processing times. We aim to return the new passport within four weeks of receipt of the fee and a properly completed application. If it is a first time application, you should allow at least six weeks. We remind all applicants not to make travel plans until they have received their new passport. If after submitting your application you have an urgent need to travel, please contact our team to ask about applying for an Emergency Travel Document. Further details can be found on our website: www.ukinindonesia.fco. gov.uk.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Extended To 2015

n agreement was recently signed between ETIHAD Airways and FORMULA One Group, extending the title sponsorship of the United Arab Emirate’s national airline through to 2015.

On hand to pen the multimillion dollar deal was Bernie Eccleston, CEO of the Formula One Group, alongside James Hogan, ETIHAD Airways CEO. As mentioned by Mr. Hogan, “We have seen that F1 is a highly effective vehicle, no pun intended, for promoting the values of the Etihad brand and showcasing our home city of Abu Dhabi to a massive global audience.“ Mr. Ecclestone agreed, “The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been an immense success for Etihad, Abu Dhabi and for Formula One, bringing the airline and destination to an estimate worldwide audience of more than 500 million F1 fans. The influx of visitors travelling to Abu

Dhabi also brings a direct economic benefit, with over 20,000 people pouring into the UAE for the event, representing tens of millions of dollars for the local tourism industry.” The FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX is the first F1 twilight race, with powerful lighting ensuring a seamless transition from day to night, for which Etihad has been title sponsor since its inaugural in 2009. Don’t miss this year’s event when one of Etihad’s two F1-branded liveried aircrafts, which fly to various destinations across its network, will again do a flyover of the Yas Marina Circuit to open the 2011 event.

BY RISTI BROPHY. PHOTO: ETIHAD

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Six new classrooms

ACG International School Kindergarten, Primary, Middle and Senior School

opening in August!

Bright Minds Bright Future ACG International School provides a proven educational pathway, from Kindergarten through to Year 11. We are a boutique school with excellent facilities in a spacious, caring and secure environment. Our dedicated team of experienced expatriate teachers challenge and encourage students to achieve their true academic and personal potential.

Come and see how Good School can be! To arrange a guided tour of our facilities please call

+62-21-780 5636

JI Warung Jati Barat (Taman Margasatwa) No. 19 Ragunan, South Jakarta Phone: +62-21-780 5636. Email: acgjkt@acgedu.com

www.acgedu.com

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 23

PEOPLE

The 23rd Oktoberfest 2011, 23 September at Hotel Aryaduta, Jakarta.

OCTOBERFEST

PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

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PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL, WHATSNEWJAKARTA-IIE MAULIDIA MASAPUTRA

Product of the Year Awards, 26 September at Mercantile Athletic Club, Jakarta.

Indonesia-Australia Partnership & Halal Bihalal by IABC, 21 September at the Australian Ambassador residence, Jakarta. IABC

IFCCI

PHOTOS: WHATSNEWJAKARTA-IIE MAULIDIA MASAPUTRA

IFCCI Monthly Gathering, 13 September at Al Nafoura, Le Meridien Hotel, Jakarta

@WhatsNewJakarta WhatsNewJakarta.com

For more photos and information on these events and others, please visit www.WhatsNewJakarta.com.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 25

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30 Organic Food 34 Anatolia

Approximating Glittering Ginza • Spanish Food Can Be So Good • Sushi Tei’s Sixteenth Outlet at Alam Sutera

35 Crepes Cake

starbucks VIA:

ready to brew coffee C

PHOTOS: STARBUCKS, AGUNG NATANAEL

offee enthusiasts who are always on the go can now breathe a sigh of relief to learn that even in the remotest of places they can still enjoy a cup of their favourite brew with the recent launch of Starbucks’ ready-tobrew coffee, VIA.

Starbucks VIA Ready Brew is a new generation of cofee-on-thego. It’s not instant coffee, it’s good coffee, ready to brew ... in an instant! This smart innovation by Starbucks is a result of 20 years of research and has been recognized as “Most Innovative New Product of the Year” in the U.K. by Allegra Strategies. As mentioned by Anthony Cottan, Director of Starbucks Indonesia, “We believe that Starbucks VIA will transform the way that people drink coffee.” Available in two flavours, the sharp Italian Roast and a smoother Colombia, VIA uses 100% naturally roasted Arabica coffee beans, microground to achieve a rich flavour, and is full-bodied – much like its freshly brewed siblings from any Starbucks outlet. VIA Ready Brew comes in single-serving sachets and is very simple to prepare; just add hot (or cold) water. Choose from a box of 3 or 12 sachets. Head to the nearest Starbucks outlet to stock up on your own supply, and get yourself ready for a New Way to Brew a Cup Anytime, Anywhere.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 27

approximating glittering ginza

s this issue’s theme is health and fitness, two subjects I know little about, it seemed a good idea to brush up on Japanese cuisine, known as one of the healthiest and certainly a favorite. Actually, as an omnivore, my favorites are not all that well defined. If it goes well with beer, or in this case, sake, then it’s probably just fine by this faux foodie. Japanese often do not eat rice or noodles at the same time as they drink sake as it is brewed from rice and traditionally takes the place of rice in a meal. Now that’s my kind of dietary custom! For starters try the gyoza dumplings with minced pork or the okonomiyaki, a savory pancake with minced

some yakitore, chicken skewers, or kushiyake, grilled meat or vegetable skewers. The edamame soy beans still in their pods and salted or seasoned are addicting. My friends enjoyed the nabeyaki udon with extra chicken, wakame (seaweed) and a soft-boiled egg.

pork filling and vegetables. Always popular is the hearty katsudon, a bowl of rice topped with crispy pork, beef or chicken, sometimes an egg, and condiments. The beef curry udon (noodles) is also worth a try as the curry is thick and flavorful. Kira Kira’s dishes are meant to be shared so get

Save room for your main meal though, as Kira Kira’s tempura, sashimi and sushi are excellent. Go to the sushi bar and watch the chef prepare your dish from the salmon, tuna, mackerel, octopus and squid fillets and other marine delights, some unrecognizable, chilling on ice. All of which go great

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Kira Kira Ginza Jl. Melawai IX, No. 30 (north of and parallel to Jl. Melawai Raya.) T: +62-21 726 2611

PHOTOS: KIRA KIRA GINZA

On the night in question, we were hosting an instructor from a college in Japan who was here with an environmental study program. He probably wanted to try something, anything, other than Japanese food, but that didn’t stop us from choosing our preferred Japanese joint, Kira Kira Ginza. Our guest would get a taste of Indonesia later, but that’s another story. Needless to say, there are many good Japanese restaurants to choose from in the city, but there is something about Kira Kira that combines quality, service, style and price in a way that keeps us as regular customers. Perhaps its name is the attraction, with kirakira meaning ‘approximately’ in Indonesian and ‘glittering’ in Japanese. Perhaps it’s the hearty greeting from several friendly waitresses and the hard working sushi chef upon arrival. Perhaps it’s the atmosphere that after 20 years seems to reside in the low ceilings and wood panel walls. Yes, it’s all of those, but the cuisine is of course, the main attraction and it keeps many Japanese men and women coming back for more of the izakaya-style setting, not just us barbarians. In fact, we are often the only nonJapanese in the place. Izakaya is a casual type of Japanese drinking establishment which also serves food to accompany the beverages, usually nihonshu (sake) and biiru (beer) to folks looking to relax after work. Judging from the line of ‘bottle keeps’ at Kira Kira, adult beverages are certainly a theme, but do make sure you explore their varied, pictured, menu. However, you should know that the

with Kira Kira’s grated white radish, soy sauce and high octane wasabi nasal dynamite. While the sashimi is of course raw, give the lightly seared tataki tuna a try. It has a slightly grilled flavor on the outside and fine raw tuna on the inside. Have a slice of ginger with your sashimi or sushi as a refreshing palate cleanser. Six of us had several of the above mentioned dishes and the bill was still reasonable. I think this is because, unlike some of the pricier Japanese restaurants in town, the fish served at Kira Kira is for the most part from this region and does not first go to Japan to be marked as imported when it arrives back to Indonesia with a hefty excise tax. The sake was a bit pricey but, no one cared after our third bottle. Given our usual sake and biiru consumption rate, we are often given the table closest to the front door. This is perhaps because as the drinks kick in we get a bit more gregarious and like to practice our Japanese drinking smiles with other customers, most of whom are behind us and out of view. On this night, however, there was a Japanese gentleman trying to enjoy his meal in peace off to the side of our table. After speaking the universal language of raising glasses to each other, he came over and offered us a few shots of his sake. It was much higher quality than what we were swilling down and gave us a taste of the good life. Arigato! I don’t really know how healthy the entire meal was given the beverages, fried foods and pork fat we also gorged on, but the endorphins we felt from a fine meal with friends had to be good for our souls. (WW)

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 29

CULINARY ADVENTURES

an organic question... and some unexpected answers TEXT & PHOTOS BY PETTY ELLIOTT

t might surprise you that buying organic food has never been easier in Jakarta. There are organic choices from specialities such as locallygrown strawberries to the vital staple of rice. There is still a long way to go however to match the scale and variety of organic produce in Europe, US and Australia. Indonesia’s organic industry is still just getting started.

One hindrance often quoted is the perception that organic food has only become a lifestyle choice for the people who can actually afford it. Ironically once upon a time – in fact since time began - all our food was organic. It was only the 20th century’s awakening to the huge growth market in processed foods and the rise in faster food retailing that changed everything. My relationship – if one can call it that - with organic food started 13 years ago when I lived for some time in the UK. I wondered then what was so great about organic food? Was it more healthy? More tasty? To find out I started with the basic building blocks of modern nutrition. I bought organic milk, bread, eggs, flour and fruits and vegetables. I like organic products which remind me of my childhood. It was completely normal for my family and many more around us to enjoy growing our own vegetables, raising hens

and rearing pigs in pens in the back garden in 70’s in Manado, North Sulawesi. My grandmother had her own vegetable and herb garden, while the chickens happily ran around among the coconut trees. The pigs had perpetually big smiles and scoffs of great content from the joys of consuming the ripe sweet chopped papaya and dried coconut – supplies of which were simply abundant. There were no fancy organic terms being used by farmers in Manado at that time – there was no need. Although the growth of organic farming industry in Indonesia, especially around Jakarta, has been gaining momentum in the last 10 years, as yet there is no formal organization supervising standards in the organic industry and establishing the genuineness of our local organic products. At present all we rely on is a label to claim “organic products - grown naturally without pesticide.” There is no

Cheese maker, near the croft farm

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single standard in place, just a selection of commercially established rating companies to whom farmers must pay a fee. Perhaps the best way to look at this question is to see what’s been done elsewhere – and so this past summer holiday I set out to investigate. I chose to focus my search in in the ancient counties of Cumberland and Westmorland in the UK. This intensely

Longhorn cattle

beautiful part of the world is popularly known as Cumbria and offers a considerable variety from prime beef to dairy county, among many other delicious foodstuffs. I stayed for a number of days on an organic farm and combined the visit with a tour with the local food artisans. It was a great way to learn a little of the enormous depth of knowledge about modern organic food. At the heart of the matter is the powerful body of the UK Soil Association. Founded just after World War 2 it began its life by investigating widely-held concerns at the time on the negative effects

of intensive farming. Today it oversees the proper regulation of the term organic in the UK for literally everything grown, from vegetables, chicken and eggs to rare breeds of beef cattle. Susan Aglionby, owner of the Croft Farm near Carlisle, at which I was lucky to stay, is an inspiring personality, with boundless drive, energy and a passion for organic farming. Her approach to life and farming is refreshingly clear: “We have the responsibility to pass our land to our children in fine food fettle,” says Susan. To understand the enormity of the challenges facing an organic farmer, take a look at this list of Susan Aglionby’s objectives:

Recycle natural waste Natural compost and farm manure are superb to enrich the soil and encourage plant growth.

Ensure a build up of healthy fertile soil Food crops take goodness from the soil, so after harvesting the fields should be rested. Growth of clover is encouraged as it fixes nitrogen to help restore the health of the soil.

Provide high standards of animal welfare at all times Farm animals with plenty of fresh grass in fields and abundant fresh air do very well on a healthy, natural diet with no routine drugs or feed additives.

Create wildlife habitats Trees and hedges must be planted to provide homes for birds, bats and beetles. These creatures then feed on and eradicate the insect pests which would feed on crops. Protect the environment Since chemical fertilisers and pesticides are never used, there is no leaching of these harmful substances into groundwater, the soil and ultimately the food chain.

Peas in the pod

Delicious perfumed peaches

Vine-ripened apricot

Delicous zukini flowers

Very quickly in Susan’s company it was clear that organic produce was not just about chemicals and genetics. It is much bigger than that – it is the creation of harmony between nature, animals and human beings. The considerations in deciding to go organic are a combination of not only of avoiding the taint of mass production but the fact that this food is actually good for you. A recent nutrition study in the US, conducted by the Organic Center, a non-profit group, in Boulder, Colorado, found organic produce was 25% higher in phenolic acids and antioxidants. I am a convert to organic food for all of these reasons. The health value is one consideration and debate continues on whether organic products actually offer better, fresher, more intense flavours than industrial crops, every time. Most compelling to me

is the concept of supporting a state of harmony between nature, animals and human beings - which in itself gives a great deal of satisfaction. And I am sure a clean environment, rich, fertile soil and the harvesting of freshly picked vegetables and locally grown meat and poultry does make a difference, to the family and to the people dedicated to produce it. We all agree the key to a good meal is the freshness of the ingredients and in reality it is not always possible to obtain all organic ingredients locally. One has to be smart about buying to find the right mix of imported, local, organic or conventional ingredients. Food for thought for all of us is provided in a quote from Xenophone (430-355BC): “Agriculture is the mother of all arts. When it is well conducted, all other arts prosper. When it is neglected, all other arts decline.”

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 31

tapas movida:

spanish food so good

ince opening its doors seven weeks ago, Tapas Movida has been a delightful addition to the relatively small number of Spanish restaurants in Jakarta. It promises the creation of authentic Spanish food to excite the growing number of gastronomers who love to hunt around for the best dishes in town. We visited the restaurant last month and were impressed with what we found. Interior wise, Tapas Movida is down to earth with no signs of arrogance; there is no glitzy element. Dark brown is the major colour with wood as the dominating element –all of which create the warm ambience of this establishment. ‘Warm’ is also the word to describe the staff here. Guests are served by attentive, friendly staff, and the chef himself will come to your table and help recommend some items from the menu. Tapas Movida offers an extensive menu which consists of pastries, raciones –starter-sized portion of meals, Pinchos –tapas, main courses and desserts. Although we heard that the tapas and paella are the favourite here, as were only two, we decided to have the smaller dishes such as the Croquetas –traditional Spanish croquettes for starter. These are the best croquettes in town! We also had a very tasty and spicy chorizo which was served

with delicious, fresh bread. Be warned though, that you won’t find the chorizo in the menu. The restaurant has chalk boards to display the house specials, which are not listed on the menu. This must mean that the stuffs on offer are fresh and regularly change. Another piece of good news! From the Platos Principales –main course menu, we settled for the Pollo a la vasca con patatas gratinadas, a Basquese styled fillet of chicken with

potato gratin. The tender chicken is a result of six hours of braising. However the hero is the bell pepper sauce with its stimulating flavours. The sauce is smeared on top of the meat while it also floods the plate, mixing with the creamy and cheesy potato gratin. The sauce brings together all the flavours of the ingredients -delicious to the last bite.

To elevate the experience and accentuate the flavors, we recommend you pair the dishes here with their collection of wine. Tapas Movida has Spanish, French as well as Australian wine in stock. The Spanish wines are offered at very reasonable prices, no more than Rp 450,000 per bottle. Visit Tapas Movida at Jl. Cipete Raya No. 66, South Jakarta.

SUNDAY SANGRIA OLE!

Did U Know? The word ‘paella’ refers to the shallow pan used to cook the rice, while the word ‘sangria’ refers to the deep red color of the drink. Bomba rice, which is the type used in paella, absorbs 30% more broth than regular rice.

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BY RISTI BROPHY. PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL

For a different experience, try Tapas Movida’s spin of the usual Sunday Brunch. For Rp 250,000++/person, enjoy 4 jugs of sangria which comes with a serving of paella for 4. Remember to let the staff know how you want your paella cooked. The Spanish way is to have the rice a little ‘al dente’ but if you are used to your ‘nasi’ it might be an idea to have your paella well done. The sangria here is very easy to drink and is refreshingly delicious it goes down fast! Before you splurge on a second serving of the ‘Sunday Sangria Ole’, why not try the selection of Spanish wine available at affordable prices. Each glass of alcoholic beverage gets you a piece of delicious empanadas!

welcoming sushi tei’s sixteenth outlet at alam sutera

ushi Tei is a pleasant surprise. Despite its upmarket image, lent by the luxurious aesthetic of its outlets and exotic-sounding menu, Sushi Tei’s prices are reasonable and quality always sound. The expanding restaurant chain hails the opening of its sixteenth outlet in Jakarta at Flavor Bliss, Alam Sutera. The Japanese eatery spans a vast 594 square meters of space and includes a designated smoking area and al fresco seating on the second floor balcony, making it the largest Sushi Tei franchise in Greater Jakarta. As per the Sushi Tei formula, the open kitchen is the dining area centrepiece, with a sushi conveyor belt that runs its circumference and delivers yet more Sushi Tei goodness to customers on small tasting plates. Booth seating oriented in a semicircle and subdued yet warm lighting confer

a cosy ambience. Though Sushi Tei’s niche is, of course, sushi; salads, udon, bento boxes and frozen Japanese desserts also populate its menu. The company’s slogan, ‘A Good Deal of Sushi’, purposefully ambiguous, expresses the diversity of the menu, superior taste

and affordability. Sushi Tei outlets are also available in Singapore, Malaysia and Sydney, Australia. Closer at hand are those in Bali, Bandung, Medan and Surabaya.

Sushi-Tei Flavor Bliss Area Unit #9-10 Jl. Alam Sutera Boulevard Alam Sutera Serpong, Tangerang T: +62-21 2900 5077

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chef kevser

brings turkey close to you

natolia is a restaurant that has stood the test of time. Since opening its doors in Kemang more than 10 years ago, Anatolia is still a favourite dining destination for those seeking authentic Turkish cuisine. Its excellent Turkish creations remain captivating even for the most discerning palate.

The only thing that has changed recently is the restaurant’s chef. Chef Kevser Dengiz is a delightful person whose cooking can blow anyone away. It’s hard to stop yourself from making the appreciative “Mmmhhs…” and “Aaahhs…” after each bite. The chef took over the Turkish restaurant’s kitchen right after the departure of Anatolia’s previous chef eight months ago and has quickly put the restaurant on track again by successfully maintaining Anatolia’s highly praised Turkish dishes. In fact, with

of cooking that mom would make back home. Kevser Dengiz shared with us why, compared to other cuisines, Turkish food is special. “It’s not only that Turkey has perhaps the most complete range of food”, she said, “Ours is the healthiest cuisine in the world. Most of the dishes are not fried but grilled or steamed, and we use olive oil for cooking. Moreover, all dishes that use meat are accompanied by salad.” At Anatolia, although no dishes will disappoint, we recommend the Lamb

a new menu underway, she aims to raise the bar for other Turkish restaurants in town. Chef Kevser has lived in Jakarta for 10 years. She hails from Iskenderun, a city in the province of Hatay on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey which is famous for its Turkish staples including kebab. Prior to taking over the helm at Anatolia, Chef Kevser ran a catering business at home to keep her passion for cooking alive. This was how she mastered her amazing Turkish cooking which for Turks is the kind

WORLDWIDE LOCATIONS : AFRICA

ASIA

EUROPE

LATIN AMERICA

MIDDLE EAST

Shank which is still one of the best in town, as well as the Adana Kebab. The absolutely delicious pita bread here is made in a traditional wood oven to accompany the mouthwatering hummus for starter. Meanwhile, Anatolia’s famous dessert, Baklava, will serve as a sweet end to your entire meal. Enjoy all with several glasses of Turkish wine or the delightful Turkish tea. Anatolia Jl. Kemang Raya No. 110A T: +62-21 719 4658

NORTH AMERICA

Epicurean Autumn Delight September – October When Japanese people speak about gourmet foods they refer to seasonal dishes and autumn is one of the best times to experience the most delicious Japanese food. Enjoy saury fish, red barracuda, sting fish, braquillo fish plus the all time favorite, premium wagyu beef at Asuka Japanese Dining.

Asuka Japanese Dining Lobby level of JW Marriott Jakarta

Jl Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav. E1.2, No.1&2, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950 Indonesia Tel 62.21 5798 8888 Fax 62.21 5798 8833 marriott.com/jktjw

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BY fransisca restiawardani. PHOTOS: ANATOLIA, AGUNG NATANAEL

Call (021) 5798 8898 for further information.

indonesian new! crepes cake delicacies in immigrant at pancious pancake

BY fransisca restiawardani, KINDRA COOPER. PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL, Pancious Pancake, GRANDKEMANG HOTEL

akartans love Immigrant for its lively night party scene, enticingly stimulating mixed drinks, as well as its delectable, hearty Western food. Those who have been to this lounge bar for lunch or dinner know that Immigrant’s signature dishes are the best among what Jakarta has to offer.

At the beginning of the month of Ramadhan, Immigrant added a number of Indonesian dishes to its already extensive lunch menu as well as its banquet menu. The chef’s recommended dishes which include Iga Bakar Bumbu Bali –Balinese Grilled Ribs and Udang Bakar –Grilled Prawns are among a number of delicious Indonesian dishes which are now available at this lounge bar, either for lunch or for private events. Next time you need to hold a banquet, party, gathering or a meeting, hold it at Immigrant

and treat your guests to the best choices of dishes from Immigrant’s banquet menu. For more information, please contact Immigrant Banquet Sales Manager at 0812 812 7441.

t Pancious Pancake, new creations appear every year. If last year Pancious lovers rejoiced as the restaurant added a new range of toppings to be enjoyed with its pancakes and waffles, this year 14 new delights have been introduced. Among them, the most interesting is perhaps the Crepes Cake. The dish is a real breakthrough for Pancious Pancake which redefines the restaurant. Crepe, a delicious French staple takes on a new form as Crepes Cake, in which each super-thin crepe is served in a pile of up to 20 layers and eaten with the customer’s chosen topping. With this new dish, the large variety of toppings in Pancious are no longer only to be enjoyed with pancakes or waffles. Whether savoury or sweet, every topping matches the crepes perfectly. Enjoy the Crepes Cake at all Pancious Pancake’s outlets. During the promotion period, you can avail of a reward for a minimum transaction of Rp 250,000++ (non member) or Rp 200,000++ (VIP member) which can be redeemed with a Complimentary Crepes Cake on your next visit to Pancious Pancake.

it’s a dessert parade at grandkemang hotel

f only dessert could be eaten as the main course… That will be your wistful thought when you sample Grandkemang Hotel’s new dessert menu at its Sperta All Day Dining Restaurant. The sinful new selection incorporates ice cream and types of cakes and pastries drizzled with delicious garnishes. As appealing to the eyes as to the tongue, the Apple Delight comprises a puff pastry encasing a warm cinammon apple filling crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and mint pesto. Wild About Berries is a mini mountain of Wild Strawberry and Forest Berry ice cream separated by thin pastry. A dusting of powdered sugar and cluster of fresh berries completes the edible masterpiece. An assimilation of hot and cold, Date with Toffee features vanilla ice cream doused in a rich caramel sauce, warm and sticky date pudding and English toffee. Alternatively, choose from 10 varied flavours of New Zealand natural ice cream - served in three scoops - including Rum Raisin, Strawberry Surprise, Chocolate ecstasy and more.

Sperta’s newest cocktails and mocktails include the hot-summer’s-day refreshing Tropical Green and the sweet Lychee Berry, made with blueberry and

pineapple juice and filled with lychee fruit. Sperta Allday Dining, adjacent to the Sparca Lounge, seats 100 and serves a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 35

ep·i·logue By: RISTI BROPHY

oming from a big family where good food is well-celebrated, Chef Sandra Djohan started her cooking experience as a little child doing chores for her grandmother in the kitchen of the family home. The sweet memories stay close to her heart and become the main inspiration of her cooking.

On our recent visit to Epilogue, Chef Sandra had prepared a scrumptious entree of ‘Ox Tongue in Wasabi Infused Dressing’. Not the typical dish you would find at a gourmet restaurant in Jakarta, so it was a delight to have. The ox tongue takes four days to prepare, salted and air dried, before it is slowly oven cooked to perfect tenderness. The

In 2010, when Sandra returned from Paris after finishing her training at the famed Le Cordon Bleu Academy, she wanted to implement what she had learned; ... and so began the story of ‘EPILOGUE’.

Epilogue occupies a quiet corner off Jalan Cipete Raya in South Jakarta. Upon entering the quiet driveway, one would appreciate the thoughtfulness of choosing a location away from the busy traffic. The restaurant’s Javanese joglo design, however, with its distinct square-shaped roof, defies any signs of a French establishment. But once inside, you would instantly be reminded of Sandra’s passion for home cooking; it feels like walking into the private dining room of a happy home. The concept of Epilogue’s cuisines is much reflected in its interior design. Modern, comfortable sofas in a hue of blue and white are paired with the dark wood of traditional Javanese furniture, while framed photographs taken

by Sandra, who is also an experienced photographer, give a strong homey feeling. The food seems to adopt a similar concept. Techniques that the Chef had learned in Paris are cleverly matched with her adoration for simple, home-cooked meals. A (big) pinch of creativity completes the picture.

wasabi infused dressing gives just the right tanginess without being overpowering. For our main course was the Chef’s prepared steak. So simple yet so incredibly good! The size of the steak is not for the pigeons like me, though. I was lucky to have brought my companion, though he did little to help finish the wonderfully juicy steak which came

accompanied with a potpourri of balsamic mushrooms, sauteed veggies and twicecooked mash. Our dessert was also inspired by a popular dessert of any Indonesian home, the mightily creamy avocado juice. Thanks to the Chef’s endless creativity, the usually boring green concoction has been transformed into a tantalizingly inviting cake. Epilogue’s Avocado and Chocolate Mousse Cake has the creaminess of its sister juice, but with a richer texture. I love the fact that it is not sickly sweet either. Chef Sandra has definitely stayed true to her passion, and her new creation is a breath of fresh air. Come and visit if you’re after a great home-cooked meal, prepared with love and a passion for creativity. With Sandra’s mastery of French cooking, rest assured that all ingredients are carefully selected –most still importedand are prepared to absolute perfection. Contact her in advance and she’d be happy to arrange a chef specialty just for you. Be surprised by her creativity. Duck confit at Epilogue is paired with ‘sambal matah’, but not the boring kind as it comes with green apples! Asked what’s next in her adventure, the bubbly Chef shares her dream of running a culinary school for Indonesian chefs. “It is often difficult to apply what I have learned in LCB, for instance using the exact same ingredients would make the final products too expensive here. I want to teach how to be creative with your ingredients and understand how to take into account all the different aspects of creating food that not only tastes good but is also economical.”

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PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL

Chef Sandra currently teaches private groups at Epilogue. For more information, please contact Epilogue, Jl. Cipete Raya 18-19, Jakarta Selatan. T: +62-21 75902411. www.epilogueindonesia.com

38 Healthful Goods 40 Tudor Watch

Find tips from Susanna Tjokro about where to buy essential products for health-conscious people.

TAG Heuer Meridiist:

Adventure is a Matter of Prestige

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTO: TAG HEUER

Targeted for world travelers, TAG Heuer’s luxurious mobile phone, the Meridiist has successfully made a name since it took an important role at the Odyssey of Pioneers, an epic around-the-world-voyage. This journey, which was initiated by the TAG Heuer teamed with Tesla Motors, demanded only the best in avant-garde technology and internal precision instruments. Thus as the first communication instrument engineered by a Swiss horology leader, Meridiist was specially fine-tuned and brought to peak performance to accompany the meridian crossing global adventurer of TAG Heuer and Tesla Motors as they visited 15 key cities including Basel, Moscow, Tokyo, Los Angeles and Paris.

prominently featured in the horology industry— into the Meridiist shows the core timekeeping DNA of the TAG Heuer tradition. Meridiist boasts superior design features including a top sub-LCD screen which allows user to discreetly view time when the Meridiist is situated in a shirt breast pocket. Meanwhile, a direct touch of the polished stainless steel side button allows user to politely refuse a call. The model of the Meridiist is superiorly sporty with a smooth black rubber back with an inlaid TAG Heuer logo or genuine alligator skin with an exclusive ‘soft touch’ black rubber coating – an advanced finishing technique never before used on a telephone.

Today, Meridiist advances to the forefront of advanced capability with the integration of the GMT function –Master Time-. With Master Time, mobile users are allowed to maneuver more than one time zone, reference across meridians, and switch between home/travel or origin/ destination time. The integration of the GMT function --which is

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 37

Healthy Goods In line with NOW! Jakarta’s October theme of Health & Fitness, in this article you will find tips on where to buy various healthful merchandise – BPA-free colorful water-bottles, air purifiers, ergonomic desks and stylish bag hangers that keep your bag clean, off the germs on the floors. Happy Shopping! By: Susanna Tjokro

Health-conscious folks as well as fashionistas might find bag hooks irresistible (probably for different reasons though). Just place the flipBag hooks – keep around bag hanger on the ledge of your bag clean your table with the hook pointing and the germs underneath, hang your purse on the away hook, and voila - your belonging is safe from germs and dirt on the floor as well as possible theft. Fashionistas might love to flaunt their trendy bags hanging stylishly while chatting with their friends, without loosing track of their belongings. Healthconscious persons, whether or not they like to show off their purses, are usually reluctant to set down their totes on the floor – especially if they are familiar with health reports from Chuck Gerba, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona. In 2006, for ABC News, using a hand-held germ meter on the audience’s purses, Gerba showed how much bacteria could grow on women’s purses. They ran an instant field test and later a lab test on swabs from the outer

Jaquelink

bottom of 10 purses showed every single one had at least some bacteria. Half of the bags tested positive for coliform bacteria, which indicated the possible presence of human or animal waste (www. abcnews.go.com). Most germs are found at the bottom of the bags – many women put their belongings on the floor in public restrooms, restaurants, hairdressers etc. Although the ladies do not usually touch the bottom part of their purses on purpose, nevertheless, as Gerba says, it is very easy to unknowingly transfer the germs – whatever touched the bottom of your purse would touch you when you grab it. If you eat a sandwich soon after that, the germs go right into your mouth (yikes!). Whether or not you take Gerba’s reports seriously, bag hangers can keep your bags clean (and no need to put your big tote on the crammed table at the café). Jaquelink offers various stylish bag hangers, including the ones adorned with Swarovski crystals – each can safely hold a bag that weighs up to 8 pounds. Most bag hangers are priced between Rp 239,000 and Rp. 639,000. You can also order your very own, personalized bag hooks (www.jacquelink.com).

These German-made desks will delight health-conscious parents who look for ergonomic desks that their little ones can use for years while they grow in height. Moll’s desktops are not only heightErgonomic desks adjustable (for user heights from 112 that grow with – 202 cm), but can also be tilted easily your kids with continuous adjustment to 30° to guarantee the ergonomically correct posture when drawing, writing or reading (www.moll-system.de). To suit all tastes, Moll offers various product lines with their matching swivel chairs, containers, non-glare desk lamps and accessories (from colorful data boxes to PC trolleys). If your kids spend hours glued to the screen of their PC, their desk should be able to adjust not only its height, but also the angle and height of the monitor shelf. We all know that the right desk can prevent your kids to lean towards the screen with slumped shoulders, which eventually will strain their back. To minimize strain and discomfort after studying for hours on their PC, Moll recommends Pro Combi which is designed primarily for computer users. Pro Combi desk (see photo) has a monitor shelf, which is located at the back of the desk. The shelf itself can be lowered into three different positions / stages, depending on the user’s height, so your little darlings can do their homework comfortably. Prices start at Rp 16,497,800 for the height-adjustable ergonomic desks.

Address: Plaza Indonesia Level 2 # E 19, T: +62-21 2368 3839

Moll

PHOTOS: JAQUELINK, MOLL

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Note: Ergonomic desks for adults are also available. Address: Ergo World, Pacific Place, 2nd floor # 23. T: +62-21 5881 080 Website: www.my-ergoworld.com

If you believe that the air you breathe inside your home is filthy and can cause serious long-term health problems, or if you simply want to make the air cleaner in your room, Gives you clean, then you might want to invest in air filtered air purifiers. They clean the air by filtering out harmful particles and air pollutants - in fact air purifiers are important to people who suffer from asthma and allergies. Blueair is one of the best brands and consistently receives one of the highest CADR ratings over 200 air purifiers in the market (the amount or volume of clean air delivered per hour is called Clean Air Delivery Rate / CADR). It is the simplest yet most accepted method for consumers to compare air purifiers. For more information, just click www.cadr.org Blueair wins budget-conscious as well as eco-conscious folks’ hearts by producing energy-efficient products, thus you will save your money and at the same time help your environment too. These Swedish-made air purifiers are Energy Star certified, a guarantee that the products meet very strict energy efficiency guidelines as set out by the US Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As states on www.blueair.com, all of Blueair air purifiers are made of galvanized steel and come equipped with HEPA Silent Particle Filters – optional Smoke Stop Filters are available for people who smoke or live with a smoker. Blueair’s patented 3-stage HEPA technology is like having 3 filters in 1. Ultra thin fibers in 3 different sizes ensure that various particles from large to microscopic (from pollen and dust to cigarette smoke) are captured at each stage and will not be re-released into your environment. This company states that its HEPA Silent technology captures 99,97% of the tiniest 0.1 micron particles on level one, including allergy-provoking pollen grains, dust mites, mold spores and pet dander particles. You can choose amongst Blueair 203, 403, 503 and 603 (see photo) air purifiers, dependent on the size of your room – prices start from Rp 4,450,000 to Rp 11,475,000. They all eliminate bacteria, viruses, mold and other harmful stuff. These ultra quiet goods are backed by a 5-year warranty with free 6-monthly maintenance service. Even though you live in a polluted city like Jakarta, thanks to excellent air purifiers, you won’t feel like you would need to live in a big plastic bubble instead of a bricks-and-mortar house!

PHOTOS: BLUEAIR, SIGG

Blueair

Address: P.T Higienis Indonesia (www.higienis.com), Permata Plaza, 7th floor, Suite 07-01. MH. Thamrin Kav 57. T: +62-21 3983 5295. Blueair is available at Best Denki stores, Electronic City (SCBD), Electronic Solution (Puri Indah Mall, Emporium Mall, Taman Anggrek), Metro Department Stores, Home Fix (Plaza Indonesia), Pong Do It Best Home Center (Kelapa Gading Mall).

If you want to shun single-use plastic bottles (that will end up on landfills) in favor of reusable water bottles, check out the colorful BPA-free, Swisscollection of SIGG aluminum water made aluminum bottles. This Swiss brand has been water bottles manufacturing aluminum drinking vessels since 1908. Thanks to paparazzi, photos of Hollywood celebrities quenching their thirst from SIGG bottles (Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts and the like) have graced magazine pages. However, aside from its glamorous side of becoming a favorite to the celebrity cult, SIGG wins the hearts of health-conscious folks with its non-toxic, BPA-free aluminum water containers. All SIGG bottles manufactured after August 2008 use the “EcoCare” bottle liner – it is a guarantee that the entire products, including the inner liners of the bottles, are 100% free of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. BPA has been linked to reproductive effects, increased risk of certain types of cancer and other healthrelated matters. As stated on their website, www. sigg.com, SIGG water containers are fully in compliance with standards imposed by all of the world’s major regulatory agencies, especially in Europe (European Food Act / EFA) and the U.S. (Food and Drug Administration / FDA). SIGG bottles are lightweight, 100% recyclable, 100% leakproof, and do not absorb, leach or transfer odors or favors, so you can fill your drinking vessel with various beverages, such as acidic fruit juice, energy drink, coffee, tea and even alcohol if you wish. SIGG offers a wide variety of aluminum water bottles for adults and kids alike (you and your little ones will be spoilt for choice!) – all of them are made in Switzerland. Prices start from Rp 277,000 to Rp 467,000. By always carrying your own in-vogue aluminum water bottles, you can be an ecofriendly person, stay hydrated and fashionable at the same time!

SIGG

Sole distributor: PT MACINDO SWADESI (www. macindo.com), T: +62-21 549 4049. E-mail: macindo@ gmail.com. SIGG bottles are available at Seibu (Grand Indonesia), Sogo (Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall), Metro (Pacific Place, Plaza Senayan, Taman Anggrek), Times Bookstore (Karawaci).

My apology to Bouvardia Floral Artistry (www.mybouvardia.com). In September issue, the correct telephone number of Bouvardia should be +62-21 2358 1136. The photo captions of the printed rose as well as table setting should read “courtesy of Bouvardia”.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 39

Capturing the Spirit of Race:

The Tudor Fastrider Chemicals reacted when Tudor and Ducati partnered up this June to create the Fastrider chronograph line. A hybrid of the racing spirit and the high accuracy and durability so important in watchmaking, the Fastrider marries Tudor and Ducati’s finest design emblems. The 42mm watchface is not unlike a speedometer; it comes in a striking Ducati red, as do the needles of the three subdials, and is emblazoned with three contrasting racing stripes. The satin-polished case features pushers fitted into the middle case by two black PVDcoated cylinders shaped to resemble engine pistons, and the watch is fitted with a Tudor calibre 7753 self-winding movement with a 46hour power reserve. The design in its entirety visually communicates the tension and excitement of the race track. The timepiece itself is a symbolic commemoration of the partnership between the Swiss watchmaker and the Italian motorcycle firm, which began when Tudor became the Timing Partner for Ducati, a stalwart in the MotoGP World Championship. The watch is hence designed to measure

Italian engineering and the attention to detail of Swiss watchmaking. The Fastrider is available with a leather strap, steel bracelet or black fabric strap with three racing stripes, a visual continuation of the stripes on the watch face and most distinctive of the Fastrider brand.

very small time increments like in racing. The Tudor-Ducati partnership is just one part of a larger foray for Tudor into the world of motorsport. The pairing up furthermore marks the attainment of new heights of quality with the advantage of its one-of-a-kind formula: the logistics of fine

53-X Series:

The Slimmest LED Monitor from AOC

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On 23 September AOC launched three new LED monitor lines with the 53-X Series as the slimmest. The revolutionary 53-X monitor, which is dubbed as “world’s slimmest monitor” up to date, boasting of a display panel measuring just 9.6mm thin. With its brushed metallic texture and clear crystal stand, the monitor can be tilted and transformed into a wall mount. It also has an In-Plane Switching panel, which provides consistent colors and images across the display, no matter how extreme your viewing angle is. What’s more the 53-X has a high contrast ratio at 50,000,000:1 (DCR). With twin HDMI ports and traditional VGA inputs we can use it with multiple computers and devices like external hard drives, making it the perfect display for work or home.

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI, KINDRA COOPER. PHOTOS: AOC, TUDOR

Art of Colors (AOC) is a well-reputed brand for its technologically advanced and eco-friendly LED monitors. AOC technology allows people to watch movies with crystal-clear clarity, each detail as crisp and vivid as though it were real. The LED monitor saves half the power consumption compared to LCD monitors whilst the LED backlight contains no toxic mercury, ensuring safer disposal when it is eventually retired.

COUNTRY REPORT NORWAY

FINLAND

SWEDEN

DENMARK

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA There is a lot more in common between the people of the Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden- and the people of Indonesia than their love for pop music.

The connection goes deeper, with Scandinavian furniture, famous for its signature modern-minimalist design, now being produced in Jepara in Central Java, previously known for its craftmanship for intricate wood carvings. But these are just to name a few to illustrate the close connection between Indonesia and Scandinavia.

Innovation and technology are two areas where Indonesia can definitely learn from the Norsemen, while the diversity of Indonesia’s geography and culture continues to be a magnet for the Nordic visitors. Indonesia’s forests have caught the attention of the environmentally-conscious people of Scandinavia, and are the object of various projects on sustainable development. In the next pages you will meet the charming ambassadors of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, and learn more about the unique connection between Indonesia and Scandinavia.

BY RISTI BROPHY

While the Scandinavians were known for their invincible Vikings, the Indonesians’ ruthless Buginese seafarers gave name to the legend of the ‘boogey man’. Pop bands such as Roxette (Sweden), Michael Learns to Rock (Denmark) and A-HA (Norway) gained tremendous popularity in Indonesia, much more than at their respective homes, while an

Indonesian girl, Reza Ningtyas Lindh, caught the attention of the media when she became a finalist of the Swedish Idol in 2009. A few years earlier, Wisnu Witono Adhi –also from Indonesia- had also made it to Top 5 of Norway Idol in 2006.

www.nowjakarta.co.id OCTOBER 2011 | 41

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

AN INTERVIEW WITH

HE Mr. Børge Petersen

Ambassador of DENMARK to Indonesia

he knowledgeable HE Mr. Børge Petersen is a well-liked figure in the society who is also known for his relaxed poise and affability. NJ’s Risti Brophy sat down with the keen golfer to catch up on the latest in the relationship between Denmark and Indonesia.

Asked about the main focuses of Denmark in Indonesia in 2011, the ambassador explained that green growth would take a major focus this year. The efforts to provide green energy solutions also include cooperation with the Indonesian government, in particular with the Directorate General for Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, with Denmark providing a sum of US$10 million in 2009 to fund various programs for energy efficiency and conservation. The program is part of the environment support programme of USD 40 million and runs through 2012. It includes Energy Efficiency In Industry, Commercial and Public Sector (EINCOPS),

which aims “To assist the Indonesian government in the implementation of efforts for energy efficiency in industry, commercial and public sectors”. An example of Denmark’s assistance in green growth efforts through the EINCOPS programs is a pilot project on energy efficient buildings which takes place at the Directorate General’s office, where a whole floor at the building has been transformed to showcase various ways to save and reduce energy consumption using natural light and energy efficient technology and design. “After a six-month trial period, it was proven that a total of 40% saving was made,” explained the Ambassador.

Could you explain more about the new DANIDA Business Partnerships program? How is it different than previously?

Previously the program was focusing on energy and environment, now the programme has a wider scope. We see there is an interest in Indonesia establishing partnerships to enhance the knowledge and

technology in sectors such as fishery, food processing, oil & gas, environment, energy and climate change. We have the capabilities to meet that requirement. Basically it is to facilitate and financially support the matchmaking of companies coming from Denmark as well as Indonesians going to Denmark to see if we have the technology to match their needs – all aiming at establishing a commercial viable joint venture. How is Danish-Indonesian trade developing? Is there progress in both directions?

For the past 3-4 years export from Denmark has been more or less the same but I’m very pleased to see that the relations improved tremendously last year when Danish export to Indonesia increased by more than 60%. Moreover, I just got the statistics today which show that for the first 5 months of this year it is still increasing by 20%. The figures show that there is a high interest from Danish companies to work together with Indonesian companies which is reflected in the number of companies that actively are pursuing business relations with Indonesia. That could be just with representative offices in the first instance, but Indonesia is gaining much more focus by Danish companies than it has been in the previous years especially in sectors such as pharmaceutical, food and food-related products and machinery in general. Through my contact with the

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL

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Under the new DANIDA Business Partnerships program (Danish International Development Assistance), Denmark actively supports Indonesian companies by providing grants to gain access to Danish technology. The Ambassador gave more details.

Danish companies, we believe the direction is going towards industries where Indonesia is developing very fast and where we have capabilities. It could be infracstructure, water, and waste as well as oil & gas production. Anything that can support climate change and energy efficienciy or renewable energies will also do well. I notice that the service sector is also flourishing. This is an important element in the relationship between Denmark and Indonesia as to my knowledge the Danish companies employ between 65,000-70,000 people.

the local people also, for instance for the nursery, to plant trees or to become rangers etc. The project will be well documented throughout implementation, hopefully to become an an example to be used elsewhere in Indonesia. Denmark is trying to build the foundations of democracy and good governance in Indonesia. How are you doing that?

We have a program called Support to Human Rights, Democratization, Good Governance and Anticorruption in Indonesia,

through a similar cooperation with the Asia Foundation and Paramadina University, which was a very successful seminar -with more than 200 people signing upon Islam and Women in the Public Sphere. We wanted to facilitate a discussion, which was all conducted in Bahasa Indonesia and was officiated by the Indonesian Minister of Women’s Empowerment, among Indonesian NGOs and government organizations to empower women to be more involved in the society. The overwhelming reception resulted in the continuation of

that there is an increased interest from Denmark for non-traditional destinations in Indonesia. I have myself been on Krakatau Island this year. Certainly Bali and Lombok continue to be the main destinations for Danish tourists, but Indonesia is becoming more and more of a household name in Denmark. The Danes are speaking and hearing more about Indonesia. Have you traveled much in Indonesia? What has been your most enjoyable memory?

It’s such a vast country and

“Under the new DANIDA Business Partnerships program (Danish International Development Assistance), Denmark actively supports Indonesian companies by providing grants to gain access to Danish technology.” There was recently a USD 10m grant to Burung Indonesia for the Harapan Rainforest. Please tell us more?

The project is an element of the financing program which was agreed upon by the partners in COP 15 at the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009. Indonesia is one of the recipients of this fund initially amounting US$ 10 million, which is for an ecosystem restoration project located in Jambi, South Sumatera at the Harapan Rainforest, a 100,000 hectare area where there is a huge number of species of flora and fauna, some close to extinction, which we are also trying to preserve. It is a matter of reducing emissions from deforestation as well as forest degradation. For us it is also important that indigenious people are involved and that we pay respect to their interests as well. We will seek to employ

which is currently in its third phase and running from 2010-2013 with a budget of approximately US$10 million. It is to assist in the consolidation and transformation of Indonesia to full democracy and reform of the Indonesian government. Furthermore the Embassy is working on a new initiative together with the Asia Foundation and Paramadina University under a program called ‘The Freedom Fund Project’. This project is aiming to support Indonesia in promoting democratic principles and providing opportunities for equal participation of all citizens in society. Any support initiative is good that can enhance the democratic situation and respect for each other, as well as human rights issues and provide opportunities for everybody in Indonesia to be involved in that process. Earlier this year we had a very good arrangement

the program, and an element of the program is a roadshow throughout Indonesia in order for such a discussion to also take place in other areas of Indonesia. You mentioned last year that bilateral tourism could be improved. Have there been any developments on this front?

There is an increasing number of Danish tour operators which organize exciting tours across Indonesia. An example of these tours is the one which starts in Medan, go through the rainforest to experience living in eco-lodges before going down to Padang. Afterwards the tourists fly to Yogyakarta to enjoy the ancient city and learn more about its history including a visit to Borobudur; finally coming to Jakarta before flying back to Denmark. I’ve seen a number of such tours being organized recently. It shows

so diverse in culture; you can never travel enough in Indonesia! Since last year we have been traveling to local communities in Flores, having the chance to visit the Komodo Island; I’ve been to big cities too like Medan, Semarang and Surabaya. Recently I came back from a visit to Central Kalimantan where we participated in the opening of a Danish palm oil plantation. How has the last year been for you personally? Have you had some moments of personal achievement or satisfaction?

Looking back, it’s a confirmation that I made the right decision to accept a posting in Indonesia. All the expectations have been fulfilled and this goes for the opportunity to experience this vast country and for the possibility for increasing cooperation between our two countries.

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SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

DANISH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

he Danish Business Association’s main objectives are to actively contribute to the strengthening of commercial developments between Indonesia and Denmark and to support their members’ interests and further development of their organizations.

DBA, a private association of Danish business activities in Indonesia, is a co-operative body with a source of ideas and information for its members. DBA also acts as an important link to other domestic and foreign business associations in Indonesia, including EuroCham, a as well as the neighboring countries in ASEAN. Furthermore, DBA also acts as a link to the Danish Embassy and its commercial activities. The Executive Committee of DBA is made up of members with a strong commitment to the objectives of DBA. DBA strives to arrange an event every second month. It can be in the form of breakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, evening events, or even half to full day outings.

It can be with a clear business content, a social gathering with entertainment, or a combination of both, and for practically all occasions spouses and guests are warmly welcome. To increase the diversity and relevance to our members all are welcome to submit ideas or suggestions for upcoming DBA events. Just click the ‘Contact DBA’ section on the web site (www.dba. co.id). Membership of DBA is open to all Danes living and working in Indonesia, to Danish companies/ branches/representative offices in Indonesia, and in most cases to other nationals being associated with Danish companies or supporting Danish interests in Indonesia.

Goals & Ideas

The main objective of the Danish Business Association in Indonesia is to actively contribute to strengthen the commercial development s between Denmark and Indonesia and to contribute to their members’ interests and development of their organizations. The purpose of DBA is to tighten relations between: - Danes in Indonesia - Danes in other countries who have an interest in Indonesia - Foreigners who have an interest in Danish companies DBA does that by arranging meetings where people can meet and socialize as well as having a web based platform where people can: - Write articles regarding business, cultural arrangements, personal issues etc. - Invite to arrangements that are outside the scope of DBA like tournaments, sport events, social gatherings etc.

For more information please visit www.dba.co.id or contact: Mr. Chano Sandager Lauritsen, at cnsl@novonordisk.com Mr. Jakob Friis Sorensen at Jakob.Friis.Sorensen@maersk. com Mr. Michael Lundager at michael@wivvies.com Ms. Karina C. Mosgart at km@dba.co.id

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PHOTO: DANISH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

DBA Indonesia was initiated in 1984 as cooperation between Christian D’Auchamp, the Commercial Attaché at the Danish Embassy at the time, and Tom Soerensen, General Manager for SAS and Thai Air during that time.

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Treasuring Our F avourite Brands

These are the face of Indonesia’s favourite brands based on Nielsen’s independent research for Superbrands conducted in 6 major cities in Indonesia, covering 125 categories of goods and services.

The soulmate for your bread since 1978

Our Choice of Biscuits Since 1972

Made with the Most Advanced Technology

Fighting the Flu for More Than 30 Years

Relentlessly Building the Nation

Bringing the Bright Side of Life for 30 Years

Your Mini Market Since 1999

Japanese Cutting-edge Technology

Indonesian Family’s Idol

Official Yamaha Motor Leasing

What is Colour? Colour is Paragon Paint

Excellent Grip

Indonesia’s Creation

The Trusted Indonesian Headache Reliever for over 20 Years

Anti-Slip

Your Lifetime Partner

Always Ready to Relieve Headache Since 1968

Providing You Trust and Care

Strong and Trusted

Your Preferred Partner in Transportation Solution

The First Certified Household Appliances Retailer in Indonesia

Giving You The Number One Services in The Hands of The Professional

Protecting You for Life

Rich Fibre, Healthy Food

For quality, only Sania

The Environmentally-friendly Wall Paint

Always Special in Every Occasion

Your Hardware Supermarket

Trusted Quality Since 1978

If there’s a Superbrand available, why choose anything else? Congratulations to all Superbrands 2012 Nominee. For more information, please visit our website www.superbrands.com/id THE SYMBOL OF CONSUMERs’ TRUST

Research Partner:

Superbrands is represented in Indonesia by PT. Phoenix Communications Tel: 021 7813212, Email: superbrands@phoenix.co.id 46 | OC TO B E R 2 0 1 1 w w w. n o w j a k a r t a . c o. i d

Media Partner:

Hotel Partner:

PHOTO: MAERSK GROUP

A survey conducted by Nielsen in 48 countries determined that 74% of consumers are more likely to purchase products carrying the Superbrands seal. As much as 69% are likely to recommend the brand to a friend. Moreover, 60% respondents who were unfamiliar with the concept of Superbrands associated the word ‘Superbrands’ with a product or service of high quality.

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

A.P. Moller –

Maersk in Indonesia

.P. Moller – Maersk’s history in Indonesia went back over a span of more than 50 years. The company’s container vessel, Maersk Mango, was the first to call Tanjung Priok, the port of Jakarta, in 1975. Three years later, Maersk Mango sailed in with 185 containers onboard. Learn more about the historical landmarks and other interesting facts of the biggest Danish company in Indonesia on this page.

History

A.P. Moller – Maersk opened its first office for liner activities in Indonesia in 1958. At the time, the company was known as Maersk Line Djakarta Branch Ltd. The containerization of Maersk Line started in 1975 and Maersk Mango was the first container vessel to call Tanjung Priok, the port of Jakarta. On 19 February 1978,

with Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation, which served as a stock house, in addition to servicing customers. In 1999 the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group acquired Sealand Liner services, including its logistics arm. Then in 2005, the Group acquired P&O Nedlloyd and by February 2006, Maersk Indonesia completed the full integration of these two companies, with the liner activity now known as Maersk Line. Maersk Mango sailed in with 185 containers onboard. Maersk Line also became the first ever container shipping line to carry Sumatran coffee in containers from Palembang in South Sumatra. As a result of an increase in shipping and logistics activities, Mercantile Indonesia was established in 1987. In 1998, it opened a joint venture warehouse

Brands Maersk Line

Maersk Line is the leading container shipping liner in Indonesia, providing the broadest port coverage of 13 ports with the highest frequency 11 feeder calls weekly from each port . Damco

Established in 1998, Damco is today one of the largest

export logistics providers in Indonesia. It provides integrated solutions for supply chain management, warehousing and distribution, and convenient freight forwarding services including ocean freight, airfreight and landside services. Additionally, Damco Indonesia provides expertise in warehousing distribution, owning and operating modern warehouses including a 15,000sqm facility in Cakung, 10km from Tanjong Priok in the East of Jakarta. MCC Transport

Headquartered in Singapore, MCC Transport specialises in Intra-Asia (containerised) cargo – both for Carrier Own Cargo and Shipper’s Own Cargo. Safmarine

Safmarine mainly specialises in sea transportation of cargoes between Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, but also operates in other trades. Its services include container shipping and services for non-unitisable break bulk and project cargo. Nova Jaya Trucking

It wholly owns fleet of trucks and chassis, and operates boxtrucks of varying sizes via subcontractors. Its fleet are equipped with communication devices, insurance liabilities and log-book.

Employees

There are currently about 700 permanent employees in Maersk Indonesia, located at the main office in Jakarta and six other owned offices in Bandung, Surabaya, Medan, Panjang, Semarang and Bali, as well as over 30 Indonesian staff expatriated overseas.

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SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

AN INTERVIEW WITH

H.E. Mr. Kai Sauer,

Ambassador of FINLAND to Indonesia

little over a year since starting his tenure, the young and handsome Ambassador of Finland, H. E. Mr. Kai Sauer, shares some updates on his exciting tour of duty in Indonesia and speaks to NJ’s Alistair Speirs about Angry Birds and Facebook.

NOW! Jakarta had an interview with you a year ago. You had begun your term as the Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia a few months earlier and were describing your vision and goals for the near future. What has happened since?

Building on the good work of my predecessors, our

embassy team has increased and diversified the areas of cooperation between Finland and Indonesia. The exchange of official visits has remained on a high level and there has been a clear strategy by the Embassy to facilitate contacts between Finnish and Indonesian businesses. Also people-to-people contacts have increased.

Finland has reinforced its contribution in the field of development cooperation, seizing the momentum of Indonesian interest in green and renewable energy. The overall scope of our relations has broadened and we are very much looking forward to yet another year of excellent partnership with Indonesia.

Have Finnish companies scored any notable successes here in Indonesia in 2011? Please bring us up to date.

Finland is one of the world’s leading countries in information and communications technology (ICT). Needless to say, Nokia is well established in the Indonesian market with its

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL

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broadly popular products and services such as Ovi Life Tools. Nokia’s unprecedented success story in mobile technology has paved the way for new companies such as Rovio whose mobile game “Angry Birds” has become a worldwide phenomenon. Also in tech-savvy Indonesia, the success of Angry Birds is evident. The game has become the number one paid application in iPhones and Angry Birds merchandise – from t-shirts to cupcakes – can be seen everywhere. In May, the Finnish national airline Finnair launched daily direct flights from Finland to Singapore

ones in this field in Indonesia. In Jakarta, city full of high-rise buildings, some key references include the 38-storey, 5-star Mulia Hotel and 50-storey Wisma Mulia office building. Another Finnish company, Konecranes, has supplied cranes for many important industries in Indonesia. Recently, Indonesian terminal operator PT Pelindo 1 placed a repeat order for 10 RTG cranes from Konecranes. Companies such as Wärtsilä, Metso and Pöyry also have a strong presence in the Indonesian market. You have said you want to boost trade in the niche areas Finland specializes in, how is this area doing?

renewable energy and can therefore be used to mitigate global warming. SaraRasa’s operations will actually decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Indonesia. SaraRasa utilizes new sustainable waste as raw material for the pellets. As the raw material is waste from large existing natural stands, the process does not have any indirect land use change effects. Social media has become increasingly popular in Indonesia. Has this affected your efforts to communicate with the Indonesian community?

The popularity of social media

What about progress in the Energy and Environment Partnership between Finland and Indonesia?

The EEP Indonesia programme is funded by the Finnish government and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia. It promotes development of innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for renewable energy services and provides funding for renewable energy related projects in the Central Kalimantan and Riau Provinces. The first call for proposals was launched in July calling for eligible project developers

“In May, the Finnish national airline Finnair launched daily direct flights from Finland to Singapore which also reduces the travel time to and from Jakarta notably. This may be surprising, but the northernmost capital of Europe, Helsinki, is actually on the way of excellent flight connections from Asia to Europe.”

which also reduces the travel time to and from Jakarta notably. This may be surprising, but the northernmost capital of Europe, Helsinki, is actually on the way of excellent flight connections from Asia to Europe. In fact, Finnair offers the fastest connection between Northern Europe and Singapore. For passengers travelling from Asia, quick onward connections are available to over 50 European destinations via Helsinki. One of the traditional mainstays of Finnish economy is heavy industry. The elevator and escalator company KONE belongs to the fastest growing

One excellent example is the activities of a company called SaraRasa. The company is specialized in providing industrial pellets to power plants in Asia and building up capacity to supply biomass for second generation biofuel, bio-plastic and renewable chemical production. SaraRasa Biomass is a pioneer in Indonesian biomass industry and it will be the first company with large scale wood pellet production. Pellets have significant environmental benefits. They are a virtually carbon dioxide neutral source of

in Indonesia has provided us with new opportunities to communicate with the Indonesian public. On our Facebook page we post links to interesting articles on Finland and provide information on current issues both in Finland and in Indonesia. In order to give the site some human flavor, I periodically post my personal observations about our work in Indonesia. In a short period of time we have attracted a promising number of followers, but there is definitely space for more people to join. You can find us on Facebook by the name “Embassy of Finland in Jakarta”. See you there!

to submit their tentative project proposals focusing on biomass based renewable energy by the end of September. As part of the launching of the programme, workshops focusing on the formulation of successful project proposals were held in Jakarta, Riau and Central Kalimantan. Furthermore, a course focusing on mainstreaming gender issues in energy projects was held both in Central Kalimantan and Riau, supporting EEP´s goal of improved capacity of gender inclusion in energy projects. After conducting some baseline studies, the implementation of successful

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project proposals will start at the end of this year. You mentioned gender aspects in connection with energy projects. Please tell us more about your efforts in this area?

Promoting women’s rights and gender equality is one of the cross-cutting themes in Finnish foreign policy. We emphasize the gender dimension in any development programme. In addition, we aim to mainstream the gender approach into the larger context of foreign and security policy.

ever to have served as a minister of defense. She gave an inspiring speech at a seminar called by the Indonesian Minister for Women’s Empowerment, Ms Linda Gumelar, rallying support for the adoption of an Indonesian National Action Plan for implementing the UN Security Council Resolution on women, peace and security (resolution 1325). You have got a number of projects going under the Local Cooperation Fund (LCF). Please tell us some of the success stories.

Another successful LCF project can be found in the Kulonprogo District in Yogyakarta. It focuses on strengthening local forest farmers’ groups to improve the conservation of the local food resources. A vital part of the project has been to educate women farmers to become coaches in conservation and sustainable forestry activities. The project has been studied by the regional authorities as a possible reference for developing programs for forest farmer communities.

the Prize of more than one million euro to a technological innovation that improves the quality of people´s everyday life. The Prize is the world´s largest technology award and Finland´s tribute to life-enhancing technological innovation. The first winner of the Prize in 2004 was Tim Berners-Lee who invented the World Wide Web. The Prize will be awarded for the fifth time in 2012. Almost 40 candidates have been nominated, with Asia represented as well. The finalists will be published next spring. Before that no further information is given on the candidates in order to provide the judges with an undisturbed reflection period. How has the year been on a personal level for you and your family? Any memorable moments?

One highly important issue globally is women and conflicts. Women not only suffer worldwide from conflicts in great numbers and have to be taken into account as victims, but they represent potential actors in conflict prevention, peace negotiations and safeguarding stability and welfare of people in conflict areas. These messages were emphasized by State Minister Elisabeth Rehn who visited Indonesia last March. Rehn has previously served as a UN Under-Secretary-General and is actually the first woman

In our selection of the LCF projects we focus on finding partner organizations rooted in the communities in which the projects take place. In Ambon we have a reforestation, conversion and community forest program which strives to reforest bare land and to reduce the risk of landslides. It´s going well and the local government is considering adopting a similar ‘collaborative’ management style in their future plans for land use in some areas.

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Also, in Aceh we have a very successful project focusing on developing a women´s crisis center providing shelter for women who experience domestic violence. Finland promotes worldwide technology innovations through the 2012 Millennium Technology Prize. Please tell us more. Are there any Indonesian nominations?

Every second year, Technology Academy Finland awards

We realize that Indonesia is more than Jakarta and try to visit as many parts of the country as possible. So far we have made it to Yogya, Aceh, Bali, Medan, Lombok, Manado, Makassar and Riau. We have enjoyed the rich culture, food and nature of this beautiful country. As certified scuba divers we have very much enjoyed underwater adventures around Bali, Lombok and North Sulawesi. By the way, there is a wonderful resort in Bunaken which is run by a Finnish couple already since 2002. It’s called Living Colours and highly recommendable for its good service and pristine location! Generally, we have been impressed by the friendliness and openness of the Indonesian people. Fortunately, our interaction is not limited to professional contacts only, but includes a great variety of friends from different walks of the Indonesian society. This is something we very much treasure and appreciate.

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

World Design Capital Helsinki -

Working for a Better City

s the World Design Capital 2012 (WDC2012), Helsinki will celebrate not only design, but also people. The scheme’s biggest aims lie far ahead in the future.

Openness and internationality; ensuring sustainable development and establishing design philosophy as a firm part of society; collaborations between people, companies and city councils; the idea that everyone has a stake in the development of his or her living environment; these are what the WDC Helsinki 2012 initiative is all about. Tourists will encounter the WDC 2012 throughout southern Finland. Helsinki and the other host cities – Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and Lahti – form a coherent design-minded area where getting from one place to another is quick and easy. Fluid public transport is also an element of design. Celebrating people, awakening dialogue on design

Starting in spring 2012, Helsinki will host workshops, discussion panels with top speakers, daytime dances, film showings, design markets and picnics. All in all, there will be hundreds of happenings related to the design year. The aim is not, however, to be a 365-day fireworks show. Most importantly, the WDC 2012 wants to awaken dialogue as to what can be achieved using design in everyday life. The events will play their part in constructing this dialogue, but in terms of the future, the various ventures and projects initiated during the year may be more significant. Designers of their own lives

Finnish design has been strong, individual and internationally valued for decades.

Names such as Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Eero Aarnio, Maija Isola, Harri Koskinen and Tapio Wirkkala are known nearly in every country and on every continent. Generally speaking, design has played a huge role in developments in world history. Without design, man would never have been able to fly, sail across the Atlantic, dive to the bottom of the Pacific, scale mountains or reach the moon. Perhaps more than ever, design is now an indelible part of our everyday lives, in Finland as in the rest of the world. One of the main premises of the World Design Capital year is that everyone has the capacity to affect the development of his or her living environment. For instance, we can influence public transport, landscaping, health care, our neighbourhood corner store or the architecture on our block. The WDC initiative strives to provide methods for fulfilling this thought process – not only for officials and authorities, but also for ordinary people. For future generations

In January 2012, Helsinki will take centre stage in the global design field. The World Design Capital is expected to act as an opinion leader and trendsetter in terms of the debates taking among the global design community. Ultimately, what happens in 2012 isn’t the most essential thing; it is what is achieved by 2021 or 2042. The primary objective is to accomplish things whose effects will reach far into the future. If that is fulfilled, then the initiative was a success.

In 2012, Helsinki will be the World Design Capital. Helsinki’s co-hosts are the cities of Espoo, Kauniainen, Vantaa and Lahti. The World Design Capital title is awarded every other year to one city which is exceptionally skilled in utilising design as a resource for social, economic and cultural development. The appellation is granted by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Viscid). Helsinki is the third city to receive the title, after Turin in Italy (2008) and Seoul in South Korea (2010).

3 Main Themes 1. Openness and the Open City The World Design Capital will strive to find ways in which citizens can influence the development of their living environment. This encompasses questions

related to public transport and services, for example.

2. Global responsibility: the new role of design WDC Helsinki 2012 will seek solutions for promoting quality of life and happiness, and carry out international ventures in which design philosophy plays a major role as a driver of sustainable development.

3. The roots of new growth: Embedded Design The embedded design idea extends the concept of design beyond objects and into services and systems. The main point is that users’ needs must be taken into account better, for example when designing public services. The World Design Capital will also actively seek new ways of utilising design in business.

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SyMPATHY FOR NORWAY On Friday July 22, 2011, Norway experienced its worst attacks since the Second World War. Still griefstricken, the small but strong country is trying to pick up the pieces and move on. As conveyed in the Prime Minister’s message, “...In respect for those who were torn away we must look ahead.” In this issue, NJ has dedicated the next pages in memory of the July tragedy in Norway “Together we make an and extend unbreakable chain of solidarity, democracy, safety our sincerest and security. condolences That is our protection to those who against violence.” have been – PM Jens Stolteberg directly or indirectly affected. A Message from Indonesia Norway Business Council (INBC) The INBC Board of Directors in Jakarta expresses its sincere condolences to INBC Members whose family and friends in Norway might have been personally affected by the tragic and unprecedented carnage in Oslo and Utøya on 22nd July. Further, INBC Members extend their sympathy to all the citizens of Norway and their families for this national tragedy. No doubt how painful, Norwegian resilience and resolve shall prevail. Var dypeste medfølelse til alle.

In the first attack the whole government area was blown up by a car bomb, and it was only pure luck that the number of casualties stayed at 8 deaths and only 10 with serious injuries. The blast, which could be heard, seen and felt all over Oslo, happened just after office hours during the summer vacation. Things could have been 100 times worse if it had happened just an hour earlier. The second attack is one of the worst attacks done by one single man in the whole world in modern society. Every summer 1,000`s of young people meet on youth camps all over Norway. All political youth organizations do this. The attacker had dressed up as a police officer, and then went into the camp on a small island only 45 minutes from Oslo. Within a span of 90 minutes he executed the young campers, youth by youth, and he managed, using 2 guns, to kill 68 young people and injure about 50. Most of the survivors escaped by swimming the 500

Ambassador’s Message of Thanks for Condolences Dear Friends, “Allow me to express deep gratitude for the kind expressions of condolence, sympathy and solidarity in connection with the July 22 tragedy in Norway.” This has come from H.E. President Yudhoyono, Government Ministers and Officials, Organizations, Institutions, Media, Embassies and International Organizations, and so many Individuals in Indonesia. It has been letters, E-mails and messages in our book of condolences, flowers, phones and hugs. All of them so special, considerate and encouraging - highly appreciated. Norway is in sorrow. We are slowly waking up from a shock and unthinkable acts of terror and tragedy. Every day new names of the killed youth and government officials are made public. The judicial process of the arrested terrorist has started, the manifestations of support for the victims, against terrorism, for democracy and human rights, is continuing, funerals and a full review of all that happened lay in front of us. For the time being in Norway with my family, I have experienced how the nation has united behind the victims in this very spirit, behind our Royal Family and Prime Minister in their call for a continued open society, a strong democracy and a feeling of security. We have lost so many of our finest citizens, but nobody shall be able to take away the core values that we firmly believe in, and are proud of, the very foundation of our society. My family joined the thousands that laid flowers and lit candle lights, hugged and cried, felt as one people united against evil, for humanity and love. The Indonesian people have suffered so much from terrorism and catastrophies, few know better than them what this is all about. “Tusen takk”, a thousand thanks, as we say in Norwegian, for your care and your friendship. Warm regards Eivind S. Homme Ambassador Royal Norwegian Embassy, Jakarta

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orway is famous for its international peacekeeping efforts and is one of the most open societies in the world. Ordinary people can meet the Prime Minister, a member of the Royal Family or high ranking politicians like the Ministers, when they are walking down town in Oslo, or out in the recreation areas outside town. Anyone can just stop and talk, show interest and discuss. This open society will be preserved and we all believe we will manage to keep it this way. meter stretch to the mainland, in icy cold water. A summer paradise had suddenly turned into hell. The perpetrator has been arrested and is a Norwegian man, a 32 years old Christian fundamentalist who belongs to the national conservative political right wing. It seemed that he had been planning his action for several years, and that he had executed this tragedy single-handedly. But of course it will take time before we have the full information and details. All previous terrorist attacks in Norway have been done by people with similar backgrounds. In total 76 people were killed and 5, or even more, are still missing. Several central government buildings, including the offices of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Justice, were totally damaged, but all Ministries remain operational. It was amazing, to see how the Police, Rescue Services, Social Health Care workers and other organizations had handled this unfortunate incident. The professionalism shown by all, the information strategy and the press -who took care and provided good, documented and decent informationmake us proud to be Norwegians. Our thoughts go to all who have been involved in the rescue efforts as well as those who have lost a loved one. The strength and feelings of the Norwegian people are best described in the words of a young girl, who had been at

“Today we are stopping the clock to remember the dead. We are doing so as one nation. Together we lost what we could not, and should not, lose. 77 lives. Together we defeated hatred. Together we are embracing openness, tolerance and fellowship.” Prime Minister Jens Stolteberg’s speech at Oslo Spectrum 21 August 2011

Utøya on the ill-fated day, when she gave an interview just a few hours after the massacre: “If one man can create so much hate, then think how much love all the others can give.”

(Written by a Norwegian resident of Jakarta, July 2011)

PHOTO: COURTESY OF EUROPEAN UNION

Jakarta, July 2011

THE DAY THAT UNITES THE NATION

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A Quick Glance at Norway in Indonesia

Indonesia Norway Business Council

(INBC)

Members and their business guests enjoyed a varied program of Guest Speaker Dinners interspersed with bi-monthly Networking Evenings, and occasional VIP visits, some at short notice. It also facilitated Delegations from the Norwegian Oil & Gas Partners in 2010, and the Norwegian International Business students in 2011. Aims:

INBC objectives include the: 1. Provision of a forum for the socio-economic interests of its Members, 2. Advancement of business interests between Indonesia and Norway. 3. Promotion of trade and the enhancement of cultural relations between Indonesia and Norway, 4. Exchange of views, opinions and information for Indonesian / Norwegian businesses. 5. Offer of assistance and advice to Norwegian business persons or organisations seeking to operate in Indonesia, and to Indonesian business persons or organisations seeking to operate in Norway.

Chamber). INBC Members are thus kept appraised of developments within Indonesia, particularly government policy and economic changes affecting business operations and investment decisions. Activities:

INBC and some of its Members will actively participate in the forthcoming second Norway Asia Business Summit in Singapore. This Summit program provides some top line topics and speakers during the 1.5 day event. Its networking opportunities offer prime exposure to Chief Executives of businesses from Norway and Asia. October 2011 shall be the most active month of the year for INBC Members. The Royal Norwegian Embassy is organising seminars on aquaculture and Indonesian gas partnership opportunities, and built around that, the Norwegian Seafood Dinner will be held again at the Hotel Borobudur.

Membership:

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Illegal logging and the exploitation of nonrenewable resources is rampant in Indonesia due to a lack of forest governance. Consequently, Indonesia is ranked the third-highest emitter of deforestationrelated CO2; and forest fires and the destruction of fertile peat land are an everyday occurrence. In 2009, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed an agreement to cut carbon emissions by 26% by 2020 to reign in these issues. In a bid to help

Norway is one of the world’s richest countries per capita.

In Norway, education is free, even college and university education.

Contact details: INBC Secretariat Royal Norwegian Embassy Menara Rajawali 25th Floor Jalan Mega Kuningan No. 5.1 Jakarta 12950 T: +62-21 522 1582 F:+62-21 5290 2968 M: 0815 1433 7409 E: exec@inbc.web.id W: www.inbc.web.id

Indonesia meet its hefty goal, Norway initiated the REDD+ partnership worth USD1 billion. Funds are geared toward the devising of a carbon reduction strategy and the implementation of enabling policies and institutional reforms to cushion the effort. Next comes a method for monitoring progress and, to get the ball rolling, a province-wide pilot project to mitigate the effects of deforestation. Indonesia’s participation in the REDD+ scheme has more than just

environmental ramifications: the projected byproduct is the alleviation of poverty nationwide. This is possible once the country reinforces a more conservation-oriented use of its resources. The two countries celebrated the partnership’s first anniversary this 26th May with a cutting of a cake by former Minister of Environment, Rachmat Witoelar and Norway’s Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Eivind Homme. A Human Rights dialogue between Norway and

Did you know that there are more Norwegian descendants living in the United States than there are Norwegians in Norway (6 mill. vs. 4,8 mill.) and that Norway is nicknamed “The Land of the Midnight Sun?” Read more random facts about Norway here.

PHOTO: AGUNG NATANAEL

INBC’s Membership of 43 includes prominent Norwegian Companies, Private Members and 2 Honorary Members, embracing almost 100 business persons. INBC is an active member of KADIN (Jakarta Chambers of Commerce ands Industry) and the IBC (International Business

INBC is also hosting a Business Breakfast on 4th October, featuring the Chief Executive of Innovation Norway as the Guest Speaker. This should prove attractive to Members and friends, and their business colleagues, who will be able to make contact with the international guests in attendance. The following week the Norwegian Oil and Gas partners (INTSOK) will have another Delegation following up their liaison efforts last year with Indonesian oil and gas contractors. INBC is the facilitator and will be holding

he Indonesian market bodes a bevy of business opportunities for Norway, particularly the energy sector. Indonesia’s most rural gas fields are being branded as valuable assets for Liquid Natural Gas production and large, untapped reservoirs of oil and gas still remain. As the demand for energy in Southeast Asia grows, there will be a rapid shift to the use of LNGs. Currently, there is poor management of Indonesia’s gas fields, which is where Norway’s strategic planning and leadership is sorely needed. A strategic framework is required to guide the efficient use of these resources, which can double as incentive to investors. In this vein, Norway hopes to be the start-up catalyst for further investment. Expanding the LNG supply chain is the second step. A green field mini hydropower station is being opened in Sulawesi, and Indonesia’s waterways have been slated as further resources for creating an energy distribution channel.

a Networking Evening on 11 October to enable Members and friends to liaise with the INTSOK Delegates. Other dinner events include the President’s Annual Dinner, and a guest Speaker Dinner on climate change, REDD++ and associated issues. The year shall conclude with the traditional Christmas Buffet in December. Obviously these events need to be sponsored in order to maintain low admission fees for all Members. The INBC Board is extremely grateful to both its corporate sponsors for their support to the major events, and to its Individual Members for willingly sponsoring the Networking Evenings. INBC has been at the forefront of Nordic business co-operation. Discussions have been held with our “sister” organisations – the Danish and Swedish Business Associations respectively – and representatives of the Finnish business community. The objective is to increase the Nordic business community’s critical mass and hold events of mutual interest, whilst not impinging on the activities or agenda of each of the business associations. INBC’s objective is to formalise this pan-Nordic business co-operation during 2011.

BY KINDRA COOPER

NBC is a small but vibrant organisation, performing the typical functions of a Chamber of Commerce under the guidance and management of its Board of 7 elected Members, plus 2 Advisory Members from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, with which it enjoys a close bond. INBC was invigorated during 2010 and gained an increase in Memberships, events held, and financial results. This pattern continues during 2011.

Hydropower accounts for 99 per cent of the electricity generated in Norway.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway’s capital, every year.

In Norway, wine and liquor is only sold in a monopoly store called “Vinmonopolet”, which translates to “The Wine Monopoly”.

Food stores are not allowed to stay open on Sundays, but petrol stations and kiosks selling groceries are.

Women in Norway have the right to 44 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and men 6 weeks of fully paid paternity Norway leave.

Norwegian women and men spend more and more of their time on leisure activities, on average more than 6 hours a day.

is one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas exporters.

Indonesia was conducted in Oslo on June 21st, and saw the discussion of issues such as corruption, economic criminality and freedom of religion. The event’s three themes were Human Rights and the Security Sectors; Interfait Dialogue and Culture of Tolerance; and Children’s Rights. Indonesia’s consistent GDP growth following the 1998-99 Asian financial recession has been noted by Norwegian investors, who have high confidence levels of entering the Indonesian market. Indonesia’s growing middle class and copious natural resources are a further green light. The Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta and the regional office of Innovation Norway have received a growing number of inquiries from Norwegian companies concerning business opportunities in Indonesia.

The Norwegian Constitution dates back to 1814 and is celebrated with children’s parades, speeches and other festivities on May 17 every year.

The First United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Trygve Halvdan Lie, was Norwegian.

Norway is one of very few European countries not to be a member of the European Union, after twice rejecting membership after having a referendum (1972 and 1994).

Norway is a constitutional monarchy.

Fossils of the marine reptile ”Predator X” that patrolled the Jurassic oceans 147 million years ago, was excavated on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Norway.

Norway’s representative, Kurt Nilsen, won World Idol, the one-off international version of the television show Pop Idol, with the U.S. pop idol Kelly Clarkson as the runner-up.

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SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

AN INTERVIEW WITH

preparing for the next round of the dialogue, which will take place in late November in Stockholm. Among the issues we have worked on so far I can mention conditions in prisons in Sweden and Indonesia, how to improve tolerance, coexistence and freedom of expression in our respective countries and how we can work together to strengthen human rights, both on the national level and in international fora. In this respect, we are looking forward to learning more about the new Indonesian RANHAM (National Action Plan for Human Rights) as well as Indonesia’s efforts as

H.E. Mrs. Ewa Polano,

Ambassador of sweden zvto Indonesia

t has been a busy year so far for HE Mrs. Ewa Polano, Sweden’s Ambassador to Indonesia, who is still fascinated by the way the locals handle traffic congestion with ease. NJ’s Alistair Speirs catches up with her on Sweden’s efforts to share knowledge on innovation and entrepreneurship, the eco airport project, as well as the opening of Swedish Trade Council in Indonesia

The Swedish-Indonesian bilateral relations have developed in a very dynamic way so far this year, confirms Ambassador Ewa Polano. “We had in February a successfull visit to Indonesia by the Swedish Minister for Trade, Dr Ewa Björling. Dr Björling came with a delegation of almost 40 persons and among them several Swedish companies and experts on green technology. The Embassy organized, among many other events, a well attended seminar on “Green growth for Indonesia – Knowledgesharing with Indonesia” that was inaugurated by Minister Björling and a Key Note Speech was given by H E

Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr Mari Pangestu. In April the Swedish Minister for Health and Social Affairs, Mr Göran Hägglund, visitied Jakarta and met with his colleague Dr Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih. Also Minister Hägglund brought an impressive delegation with Swedish health care companies and experts including representatives of the recognized Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm. In May we were also very content to receive the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Mr Per Westerberg who came together with all the political party fraction leaders from the Swedish parliament. Mr

Westerberg was invited by H E Taufik Kemas and several interesting sessions and meetings were held and also included was a visit to H E Vice President Boediono. During the last months we have focused a lot on presenting how Sweden has learnt to combine Swedish innovations with Swedish entrepreneurship in a successfull way. My Embassy was honoured to be invited by H E the State Minister of Research and Technology, Mr Suharna Surapranata, to be a partner country at the National Awakening Technology Day on August 10 here in Jakarta. This special day is celebrated every year here in Indonesia since 1995,

introduced by the former President Habibie, at that time Minister of Research and Technology. We invited a Swedish expert on this theme from the University of Lund, the former CEO of the first Science Park / Incubator in Scandinavia, the recognized “IDEON”, namely Dr SvenThore Holm. As a result of these contacts in August the Deputy Minister Prof Syamsa Ardisasmita from this ministry was invited to a conference in Lund in September on “Innovation in Mind”, gathering international experts on Innovation. Followup activities for 2012 are now being developed and we are planning to have a SwedishIndonesian Innovation week during next year. All this exchange between our countries and offical visits have highlighted the keen interest from the Swedish government for the impressive developments lately in the country of Indonesia, ”... and has indeed given us all a taste for more of Indonesia in Sweden and vice versa”, says ambassador Polano.

ASEAN Chair to strengthen human rights on the regional level. The Partner Driven Cooperation basis of SIDA is an excellent way to proceed. Please give us an update on progress especially on waste management in Sleman regency and the ecoairport idea for Bali!

PHOTO: SWEDISH EMBASSY

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in November 2009 to be the first “carbon emission neutral airport in the world” and from there on we have continued to share this knowledge and technology with the Indonesian government and authorities. The Swedish National Development Cooperation Agency, Sida, has signed an agreement on policy formulation and implementation involving the Ministry of Environment on the Indonesian side and the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority. This agreement is an umbrella agreement and the next step is to involve various actors in the civil aviation industry.

In the forestry sector a program for innovative business development for the local communcity in forest areas is under planning. And training programs? Are they continuing?

Yes. Each year, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) offers, as part of its bilateral development assistance, around 100 Advanced International Training Programmes of strategic importance to the social and economic development in the participants’ countries. The International Training Programmes are

“PDC cooperation with Indonesia is progressing smoothly in the three priority areas of democracy building, climate change issues and business development together with the private sector.”

How has the dialogue on human rights progressed since we last spoke? Have there been significant improvements?

We are very happy about the substantive and constructive dialogue we have with Indonesia on human rights. The dialogue is an opportunity to talk about a wide range of issues of mutual concern, and has been progressing really well. We are now

City of Borås to inaugurate the project. It is a great cooperation between the private sector, the central city fruit market in Yogyakarta, the University of Gadjah Mada and the local government. UGM has also conducted training programs for selected regencies around Yogyakarta on how to conduct baselines for the waste handling industry. The idea is to make use of the experience of this cooperation and scale up to other cities. UGM is functioning as a hub in this process. Discussions are now in progress with Palu on Sulawesi on a similar cooperation.

PDC cooperation with Indonesia is progressing smoothly in the three priority areas of democracy building, climate change issues and business development together with the private sector. This spring the construction in Yogyakarta of a pilot biogas plant was finalized and I travelled there in March together with a Swedish delegation from the Swedish

One new development in our PDC this year is on exchange with Indonesia in the field of renewable energy. We have a team of Swedish experts on renewable energy coming here in September who will have a workshop together with the distinguished National Energy Council and the UGM. This is an excellent follow-up on the waste refinery cooperation after the biogas power plant was inaugurated in Yogyakarta. Regarding the Eco Airport cooperation, the Embassy has continued working on this important contribution to reducing carbon emissions also in and around the airports in Indonesia. The Airport International Council – AIC – selected Stockholm’s international airport Arlanda

You mentioned CSR programs last year, especially in textiles and forestry. What’s happening there?

The cooperation between the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Apindo has further developed during the year. A platform for exchange between Swedish and Indonesian textile companies has been established and and some orders have been placed. The next step is to further develop the institutional cooperation between the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and Apindo. This is now in progress. In addition the Indonesian NGO YPB Lead and the Swedish Sustainable Fashion Academy has initiated a cooperation on sustainable textile business targeting SMEs.

specially designed for persons qualified to participate in reform processes of strategic importance on different levels, and hold a position in home organisation with mandate to run processes of change. We have the information on the Embassy’s website www.swedenabroad.com/ jakarta Is the Swedish Trade Council’s office in Jakarta now open? What is it doing?

The Swedish Trade Council office in Indonesia, headed by Erik Milfors, was officially inaugurated by the Swedish Minister for Trade during her visit to Indonesia in February. The objective of the office is to assist Swedish companies to enter the Indonesian market by performing customized

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SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

sectors, focus will be on the mining industry, follow-up of healthcare activities and the SymbioCity concept. We look forward to another exciting year creating more business between the countries.

Trade relations are faring well indeed. Swedish exports to Indonesia increased by 20 %

and all the fraction leaders of the parties in the Swedish Parliament. Visits like these are very important to open doors for companies to new markets and put Sweden on the map in Indonesia, which will in turn boost the possibilities of the companies to increase their trade. Any notable success with Swedish companies in Indonesia? Any big name arrivals or major investments?

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The visits by the Swedish Ministers Björling and Hägglund were very successful, with, together, close to 50 companies and government agencies participating. The latter visit led to a number of contracts and agreements being signed between Swedish companies and Indonesian counterparts. There are also a number of Swedish companies which have decided to establish themselves in Indonesia, from large multinational companies to smaller specialised companies, and others on the way.

And finally, how is your personal adventure in Indonesia going? Is this continuing to be as thrilling an experience as your mentioned last year?

I am extremely pleased to have this great opportunity to live in Indonesia during these dynamic years. I continue to be very impressed by the warm and nice Indonesian people who every day, with their smiles and sophisticated social talents, are encouraging me and my Swedish colleagues

the nordic club JAKARTA

to strive for more and extended bilateral relations with Indonesia in all fields and levels. The traffic jams are annoying, yes, but on the other hand, despite some terrible accidents, the way the motorbikes and cars are driven reflects the skills and discipline of the citizens in the city of Jakarta. Sometimes the margins are just one-two centimeters – how do they manage ?? It is impressive and I believe it also, in a way, symbolizes the great potential and smooth dynamics of an Indonesia that I am sure the world will see even more of in the near future. I

am delighted to have the great opportunity to be here and to observe all this around me in my daily work and private life in Indonesia. I have also during this year travelled a lot and visited both Papua and Sumatra and learnt more about the great variety of this country and the challenges that Indonesia is still facing. My husband Paul and I are really looking forward to a new and interesting year in this fascinating country!

BY Melissa Holck

hat do Jakarta expatriates from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have in common? The answer is The Nordic Club Jakarta. The Nordic Club Jakarta is both a social club for nationals of the Nordic countries, as well as a nonprofit social welfare organization with a focus on offering financial and volunteer support to Jakarta’s less fortunate. As a non-profit organization of approximately 75 members it is run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers looking to make a difference in both the Nordic community and the local community while fostering friendship and unity between its members and host city. The Nordic Club’s primary objectives are: • To assist newly arrived Nordic expatriates with settling into their new life in Jakarta • To unite the Nordic community in Jakarta through social gatherings • To carry out local charity work through both financial assistance and volunteer support. The current Nordic Club board was elected at the Annual General Meeting which is held every April. The 2011-2012 board positions are held by Melissa Holck, President, Torill Olufsen, Secretary, Gunilla Allansson, Treasurer, Maria Backstorm, Charity Representative, Lisbeth Fangel-Lloyd, Danish country representative,

PHOTO: SWEDISH EMBASSY

How have trade relations fared over the last twelve months? Is there an increasing trend of two way trade?

for the first six months of the year compared to the same period last year. Indonesian exports to Sweden remained at roughly the same level as last year for the same period. The relations have not only progressed statistically, but have also improved through an increased interest in Indonesia from Swedish companies and the Government. This has been illustrated through visits during the spring of 2011 by the Minister for Trade, Dr Ewa Björling, the Minsiter for Health and Social services, Mr Göran Hägglund, as well as the Speaker of the Parliament

PHOTOS www.lindaotterstedt.com

consultant projects and through promotional activities in selected sectors. During the visits by the two Swedish ministers earlier this year the office has together with the Embassy worked on creating strong company delegations. The interest from Swedish companies has been strong, in total the ministers were accompanied by some 50 delegates representing different Swedish companies. The Embassy and the Swedish Trade Council are currently planning important events and activities for 2012 where, among other

SCANDINAVIA IN INDONESIA

Annelin Tufta, Norwegian country representative and Monika Engstrom, Swedish country representative. Membership

Membership to The Nordic Club is as simple as contacting the President or country representative. Membership is open to nationals of any of the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Membership is also open to spouses of Nordic nationals and individuals who work for a Nordic company regardless of nationality.

As a member of Nordic Club you are invited to participate in our monthly coffee mornings. Members and their families can join in the many other activities offered such as family events, sports clubs, pub nights and annual charity fundraisers. In addition to these events there are country specific events arranged related to each countries traditions like Midsummer party, Crayfish party, Lucia celebration, Danish fastelavn, Jule tradefast and Christmas lunch. Most importantly, as a member you become part of the Nordic community fostering friendship among your fellow countrymen and expanding cultural growth in our colorful host city. Events

Our monthly coffee mornings are held the first Tuesday of the month at a new location each month. The most recent coffee morning was hosted at the home of the Norwegian Ambassador and welcomed several new members. Coffee mornings offer a time to catch

up with old friends and make some new ones, exchange experiences or just have a few good laughs with some friends. The majority of our members join Nordic Club for the opportunity to participate in our family events. Throughout the year there are various family events planned. These events are a great opportunity for Nordic families to come together and give their children the sense of tradition that can easily be missed as an expatriate. It is also a chance for Nordic children to interact with their Nordic peers. The 2011-2012 events calendar is full of exciting events for our members. Our members recently welcomed the opportunity to get out of the fast paced city for some fresh air and greenery in the foothills of the Mega Medung at Sentul. The Family Trek at Sentul on September 18th saw approximately 70 members participate in a half day trek and hilltop BBQ. The day started off with an early morning drive approximately 45 minutes outside of Jakarta to Sentul. Here our members met at an agreed upon location for a caravan up to the hilltop campsite where some set off on the days trek. Those with small children stayed at the hilltop campsite and enjoyed small camp based treks, a treasure hunt and crafts with their little ones. The day was filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family. The Nordic Club Jakarta looks forward to planning many more successful events. For details about upcoming events, membership or more information about The Nordic Club Jakarta visit our website www.nordicclubjakarta.org or send an e-mail to president@ nordicclubjakarta.org

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LIFE IN THE

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New In Town? Get Out and Learn A New Sport! Golf for Fun – A Beginner’s Diary 2011 Asian AFL Championships Bangkok

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For many newcomers to Jakarta, maintaining an effective fitness regime while trying to adapt to their new lifestyle could be a struggle. In between getting used to the rush hour (day) traffic and finding the right momentum, ... choosing a suitable exercise regime to fit into your new routines could pose a real challenge.

Head Office: Jl. Benda Raya No. 98 A-B Cilandak, Jakarta 12560 T: +62-21 781 3212 F: +62-21 781 2476 www.nowjakarta.co.id Branch: Komplek Pertokoan Nakula Megah, No. 5 Unit J Jalan Nakula, Legian, Kuta Bali 80361 T: +62-361 823 6722, 823 6733 F: +62-361 823 6722 www.nowbali.co.id

For instance, those who are used to walking and running back home would find that it is probably one of the most accident-prone sports to take up in Jakarta. Not only are there not any shady parks with convenient jogging tracks in town, but having to compete with the bajaj’s and minibuses (and motorbikes) for your morning jog would put off even the most eager jogger. So what are your options?

BY RISTI BROPHY. PHOTO: AGUNG NATANAEL

In the next pages you will learn that it actually takes a little more than putting on your trainers and sports gear to get yourself started and enjoy the variety of sports available in Jakarta, especially if you are a complete beginner. Check out what popular sports are easy to take up and where to do it.

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New In Town? Get Out and Learn A New Sport!

BY RISTI BROPHY

Take golf, for example, an excellent alternative to get you outdoor and moving. Guess what? The city has over 50 courses and driving ranges to choose from! Although some of you might find it a little intimidating, especially if you are a complete beginner, there are many reasons why it should not stop you from getting started. To begin with, all the courses have able caddies to help you during your game. In fact, you can easily be spoilt by the elaborate facilities that

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the golf courses offer. From excellent clubhouses, fantastic views, to state-ofthe-art facilities, it’s all here. Most golf courses have golf instructors to help equip you with enough confidence to get started. There are also many clubs that welcome any interested player to join their regular games at different golf courses around town, which is a great way to explore without having to invest in the membership. Even if you play badly, it still makes for a great day out!

If you are short for time, there are other alternatives too. Cycling is becoming more and more popular and there are many bike clubs you can join for safe, organized cycling trips around town. Explore the colonial buildings and historical sites at the old town, get some fresh air on the outskirts of Jakarta, or take advantage of the ‘Car Free Sunday’ on Jakarta’s main roads to get you on the move. Mountaineering is also a simple option with not much preparation other than getting yourself to the nearest sites. The Sentul Highlands is a great starting point. Just put on your walking shoes, pack some snacks and drinks, then start walking to the waterfalls. Once you get used to it, and have started building endurance, aim to climb up Mt. Pancar nearby.

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL, NOW! JAKARTA

f you are new to the city, it may just be time to change your fitness routine and try new sports you never thought of doing before. Thankfully, despite its limited public facilities, when it comes to sporting Jakarta still has a lot to offer. So what if there are only a few areas in Jakarta where you can safely do your morning jog? There is no excuse not to get up and get fit. The alternatives are abundant.

If you prefer something more low impact, why not try yoga or pilates? There are many yoga and pilates studios in town which offer classes for complete beginners. When you get comfortable and familiarized with the different poses, you can take it up a notch and do Bikram hot yoga or other more advanced styles. It may have to be done indoors, but if done right you’ll feel just as refreshed and recharged as if you’ve just climbed a mountain! For those who prefer a more active exercise but still want to try something different, check out the martial arts classes. From the traditional Pencak Silat, capoeira, to the recently made popular Muay Thai, the choice is yours. And it is always handy to know how to defend yourself in a big city like Jakarta! The ladies are not short for options either. Belly dancing has now gained popularity with many studios even offering mother and daughter classes. Salsa dancing is also a great way to get fit while having fun (and looking ab-fab!). But the current fad is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness exercise called ‘zumba’. Created in the mid-90’s by dancer Alberto Perez, zumba has become a world phenomenon and is the first branded fitness program to launch a video game on all three major gaming platforms: Wii, Xbox, and PS3. Whatever your fancy, get up, get out, get fit... Have fun and enjoy your new, healthier lifestyle!

WHERE TO GET STARTED BELLY DANCING Belly Dance Jakarta www.bellydancejakarta.com

Sandy Ulrich Belly Dance Instructor Sandy_ulrich@gmail.com

CAPOEIRA www.capoeira.co.id

CYCLING www.bogormountainbiking. com

GOLF Cengkareng Golf Club Soewarna Business Park Block G Lot 1-2, SoekarnoHatta International Airport, Tangerang 19110

T: 62-21 5591 1111 E: cgc@cengkarenggolfclub. com www.cengkarenggolfclub. com Tee Set Golf Society www.teesetgolf.com

HIKING & MOUNTAINEERING www.javalavaindonesia. multiply.com

MUAY THAI www.baanmuaythaiclub. com

RUNNING & JOGGING www.jakartafreespirit.org www.indohash.com

YOGA & PILATES www.ashtangajakarta. com www.bikramyogajakarta. com www.pilates-jakarta.com

ZUMBA Bliss Wellness Studio Plaza Coterie, Jl. Kemang Raya 14B, Jakarta 12730 T: +62-21 7193955 E: info@blissforwellness. com

Jun Ko Agus Zumba instructor http://www.zumba.com/ profiles/64902/jun%20 ko-agus

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Golf for Fun A Beginner’s Diary

The Venue

By: RISTI BROPHY

n line with our call for all of you (especially those new in town) to take up a new sport, starting this issue we will feature ‘Golf for Fun’, a column dedicated to all those who are new to the game, or those who have been hesitant about getting started. Over the next few issues, we will feature a golf diary of how our own Editor at Large, who has been skeptical about the sport, tackles the challenge of proving how easy (or difficult) it is for a complete novice to get started and enjoy a good game.

The Mission

From zero to more: how to get a skeptical novice to play and enjoy a good game of golf!

The Skeptic

Risti Brophy, NJ’s Editor at Large, is a weekend Wii golfer who has always enjoyed a variety of sports including Tae Kwon Do, yoga, 10-pin bowling, salsa dancing as well as spending time at the gym. Having let a sedentary lifestyle in the past year, she would like to try something different to get back into shape. After turning down offers to learn Parkour and Muay Thai –as her insurance would not cover any potential tragedy- she finally agreed to take our challenge and learn a safer game of golf.

The Coach

Unleashing the Golfing Fashion Passion Within!

So I’ve finally decided to give it a go! After consulting with our brave coach on our lesson plans, the day finally came when I had to give up my enjoyable working hours for a day at the golf course (sorry, boss!). Arriving at Cengkareng Golf Club, I felt a little out of place but was soon made comfortable sipping a hot latte at the clubhouse, looking at the beautiful course in front of me. Finally ready for some action, we went straight down to business and headed to ... the shop! You see, it’s very important, according to the coach, that I feel at ease to enjoy the game, so what better thing to do than checking out the latest in golf fashion at the shop! I was shocked at the variety of colors, patterns and styles available at the 10 shops. Hats, shirts, pants, all looking so chic! And the ladies fashion was not far behind either! But Coach Arron wasted no time to put me to work, and soon I was on the grass area of the driving range where he put me on the hoola hoop! The training hoop helps you perfect your swing as you rest your club on

Amazing 63 Set New Record at Jagorawi A new record was set at Jagorawi Golf & Country Club when Mr. Dukki Kim, Director of SAMSUNG Electronics Indonesia, a Club Member and long-time supporter of JGCC Members

Events, shot an amazing 63 on the New Course on Saturday, 6 August. Although down to earth Mr. Kim questioned if he would ever play as marvellous a game in future, he was very

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pleased to have broken a personal record of 67 which he had made some 28 years earlier. Now the happy man has become an ‘age shooter’ at 64, much earlier than his initial target at 73.

the metal ring. Coach Arron is well aware of my passion for tenpin bowling, and his analogy to the techniques I’m more familiar with definitely helps translate the complexity of the golf lingo to a dumbfounded moi. Not wanting to get too sweaty (note to self: buy a fashionable hat!), our thoughtful coach took me on a buggy ride around the course just to show me what I was up against, errr ... what I was in for. The amazing power of positive thinking! Along the way, he explained to me how the game worked and shared some necessary golf etiquettes (Top tip: Take the shot! You’ll make a mess anyway!). It’s fair to say that my first ever golf experience was pleasurable, informative and definitely fun! I can see now how you can get hooked on improving your shots, game after game. But I can also see the fun of being out there (hats, sunblock and drinks at hand!) just for the sake of having a great time with your group. Coach, well done on giving me a happy first impression. I shall be back for more! The magnificent round of 63, which comprised of 1 Eagle, 9 Birdies, 6 Pars and 2 Bogeys, was played from the White Tees. Congratulations Mr. Dukki Kim for achieving a golfer’s lifetime dream score! Who’s next?

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL, ARRON COLE. CENGKARENG GOLF CLUB

Arron Cole is the Head Instructor at the PGA Academy at Cengkareng Golf Club, and has 20 years of international coaching experience. Arron was one of the youngest ever AAA New Zealand PGA Professionals, and some of his students have been playing on LPGA, Asian & China PGA Tours. A good natured man with a great sense of humour, Arron bravely took up the challenge to coach Risti and train her from zero to, well, ... a bit more!

LESSON

The coaching takes place at the beautiful Cengkareng Golf Club which has an excellent PGA Academy that boasts a 300 meter grass range, grass hitting area, fairway bunkers, large contoured putting and chipping greens, complimented by deep and shallow green side bunkers.

I N T R O D U C I N G : A S I G NAT U R E D E S T I NAT I O N

Taman Dayu is a prestigious international golf club and resort in the lush green foothills of Mount Welirang. Visit us to experience true tropical hospitality in a beautiful setting. TAMAN DAYU GOLF CLUB & RESORT

Jl. Raya Surabaya Malang KM. 48 Pasuruan, EAST JAVA www.tamandayu.com

(English) +62 343 633412 (Bahasa) +62 343 633411 marcom@tamadayu.com tamandayu.com

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RUGBY WORLD CLUB 2011

2011 Asian AFL Championships Bangkok

on’t miss the hype of the Rugby World Cup 2011. Check out the games schedule below so you won’t miss your favourite team in action. Have you thought of where to watch the final on 23 October? Plan well with our recommendations of popular venues around town. Join various promotions during the RWC 2011 for your chance of winning exciting prizes. One tip: book in advance for the popular games to avoid disappointment.

By: Lee Van Gils

he biggest AFL tournament in Asia was held recently in Bangkok, Thailand. Indonesia was lucky enough to have two teams involved in the tournament, with the Jakarta Bintangs and their cross strait rivals the Bali Geckos both sending strong squads. The two teams combined for last years tournament, however it was decided that they would go it alone this year.

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AFL Indonesia is running weekly Auskick training sessions at the Australian International School as well as the British International School. These Australian Rules football training sessions are open to all kids aged between 5 and 12 years. Australian International School: Tuesday’s at 15:30 British International School: Friday’s at 14:30

APHRODITE Elite Club Epicentrum (Ex - Klub Rasuna), Jl, H.R.Rasuna Said, Kav. C – 22, Jakarta 12920 +62 21 527 3307 www.aphroditebar.com

For more information, please contact Lee Van Gils, AFL Indonesia Australian Football Development Officer, vongipper@hotmail.com.

Open for all matches Drink: Happy hours (buy1 get

Come and Play for the Jakarta Bintangs

1 free) on Beers (not all) and house spirits. All day Bloody Mary and the ever popular Margaritas will be available in Fez and Aphrodite at Rp 50,000 net.

The Jakarta Bintangs train at 6pm every Thursday at the Senayan Hockey field and all newcomers are welcome. For more information contact Coach Chris Bandy on footy_cowboy@hotmail.com.

Re-play: All the games will be recorded. All the earlier games of the day will be replayed at the same time on different TVs, every match day at 6 pm and from Oct 1, at 5 pm.

For more information on AFL Indonesia or the Jakarta Bintangs, visit www.bintangs.com.

TOPI CC - Java’s finest - is looking for members to play in the social cricket circuit in Bogor and in the JCA league in Jakarta. Please email: baldyciawi@gmail.com or ph. Robert Baldwin, 0815921-7115. Go to http://www. taman-olahraga-pancawatiinternational.com to learn more.

Quarter Finals Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday

Semi-Final Saturday Sunday

Bronze Final Friday

FINAL Sunday

FEZ by Aphrodite (Home of Indonesian Rugby) Jl, Kemang Raya No. 78 B, (First floor), Jakarta Selatan +62-21 719 2677 www.kinara.co.id/fez Open for all matches Drink: Happy hours (buy1 get

1 free) on Beers (not all) and house spirits. All day Bloody Mary and the ever popular Margaritas will be available in Fez and Aphrodite at Rp 50,000 net. Re-play: All the games will be recorded. All the earlier games of the day will be replayed at the same time on different TVs, every match day at 6 pm and from Oct 1, at 5 pm. Buy a PRUI shirt and get a bonus: Kinara Sunday brunch voucher. There will be fund raising by PRUI during many of the matches. Raffle prizes,

PHOTOS: JAKARTA BINTANGS

By sheer coincidence, Jakarta and Bali had drawn each other in their first game of the tournament. The rivalry was intense, and from the first bounce the game was always going to be a tight, tough encounter. Bali held the lead for most of the game, but the Bintangs kept the pressure on and made significant improvements to their game plan in the second half. A late hit on Jakarta’s superstar Indonesian national Yossi Taehutu earned the Bintangs a free kick within scoring range. The goal was kicked to put the Bintangs narrowly in front. They held on to this lead until the final siren, and Bali were left to ponder how they squandered the lead. For the following three games, Jakarta played the type of football that earned them the tag of a serious contender for the tournament. They easily accounted for Malaysia, China and Laos, albeit with some injury concerns. The semi final against Hong Kong was always going to be the toughest assignment of the day thus far. The first half the Bintangs pressured, ran hard and managed to kick a couple of goals to hold a narrow lead at half time. The second half however it all seemed to come unstuck. The Bintangs, content with their ability to run the football and use it efficiently, forgot to chase when it mattered- which left Hong Kong players free all over the field. It could be said that the Bintangs fell on their own sword, that their running game is what Hong Kong beat them at, but at the end of the day Hong Kong simply had too strong a squad of young, fit players. They ran out convincing winners, and Jakarta claimed a third placing for the tournament. There were many solid contributors from Jakarta, however JD Coulon was simply outstanding, finishing third place in Player of the Tournament. The Singapore Wombats beat Hong Kong in the final to be crowned the AFL Asian Champions.

Junior Footy – Join the Auskick Program!

SCHEDULES (Local Time in Jakarta)

1st and last try scorers and half time quiz will be be done during all major matches and from Quarter Finals. All money raised will go towards Indonesian Rugby

and all the prizes will be sponsored by the Aphrodite Group.

12.00 pm 14.30 pm 12.00 pm 14.30 pm

QF1: QF2: QF3: QF4:

Winner Pool C vs RU Pool D Winner Pool B vs RU Pool A Winner Pool D vs RU Pool C Winner Pool A vs RU Pool B

October 15th 15.00 pm October 16th 15.00 pm

SF1: SF2:

Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2 Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4

October 8th October 8th October 9th October 9th

October 21

14.30 pm

October 23rd 15.00 pm

RU SF1 vs RU SF2 Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

EASTERN PROMISE

MURPHY’S

Jl Kemang Raya No. 5, Jakarta Selatan +62 21 7179 0151 www.easternpromise-jakarta. com

Jl Kemang Raya No. 11, Jakarta Selatan +62 21 718 3382 www.murphysjakarta.com

All matches will be shown live on a big screen and 3 flat screens in Eastern Promise’s newly-renovated sports room. Exciting promotions include: • HH Beers and Official Heineken Rugby World Cup Merchandise giveaway’s • Happy Hour Bintang and Heineken (Draught & Bottles) until 8pm every day • Score prediction games during weekend matches with Official Heineken Rugby WC merchandise for the winners • Every Saturday and Sunday: All-you-can-eat Roast Pork & Lamb and Indian Curry Lunch Buffet for 125,000 net

All the big games will be shown live on Murphy’s big screen, and 5 plasma screens positioned throughout the pub. Don’t miss exciting promotions for all games, including: • Wear country jersey when they are playing: Get a FREE drink • Lucky draw - first try scorer: Win food and drink vouchers • Guess the score: Closest person wins a bucket of beers • Loyalty cards: Get 10% discount • Food - With certain meals: Get FREE beer • Raffle at half time, all games: Win vouchers, free beer, hats, t-shirts, etc • Big Raffle for final: with special prizes • Facebook: Mention you are watching the game in Murphy’s and have chance of winning food and drink voucher • Live Music: For Semi Final’s and Final live music directly before and after the game

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72 Queer and Still Here

Jakarta Plays Host to ZuidOost Azie Hockey Tournament

here are several cross country mountain biking (XC) tracks in and around Jakarta. Check out the websites enlisted below for more details.

Get in touch with the many cycling communities for more details. The JPG community and committee can definitely provide some answers and should be very cooperative. There is also an Indonesian community called http://sepedaku. com, which you will also find on https://www.facebook.com/pages/ sepedakucom/203883712982880. Alternatively, the Bike To Work (B2W) Indonesia is a very active community and should be able to help you get started.

• JPG in BSD City: http://www.jalurpipagas.co.nr • Cihuni (approx. 10km outside of BSD): https://foursquare.com/v/cihuni-bikepark/4c5e05316147be9a7be79309 • Taman Kota 2, BSD City (where an XC race was recently held) • Jalur MTB in Puncak: https://www.facebook.com/jalurmtb. puncak.

More on Belly Dancing By Sandy Ulrich, Belly Dance Instructor

elly dance has its roots in the Middle Eastern countries - particularly Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt, but is in a constant state of evolution as more people embrace it.

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you can perform challenging moves like back bends and floor work, and also for those who want to take belly dance to high performance levels with canes, swords, veilds and zils. Belly dance focuses on creating movements from the muscles rather than steps, which involves constant core muscle

he Zuid-Oost Azie Tournament (ZOAT) is a once-a-year hockey tournament that brings together Dutch expatriates living and working in South East Asia. The idea was born in Jakarta in 1972, and the tournament has since rotated yearly between Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. 20 participating teams make it happen, and with approximately 280 total supporters and participants, the event is significant in its own right and competitiveness is rife.

Players are Dutch residents of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China and Brunei, and there are men’s and women’s teams. This year it’s Jakarta’s turn to host the three-day event, which kicks off with a golf tournament, followed by a welcome drink. The long-awaited hockey tournament takes place at Senayan Sports Stadium on 1-2 October, with a party afterwards to celebrate the victory. Representing the women’s team from Indonesia is The Pink Wanitas. The ZOAT emphasizes community outreach alongside the sporting event, and each event is an opportunity for fundraising by the participants. This year’s targeted charity is Werkgroep 72, a foundation devised by a group of Dutch volunteers that aims to provide underprivileged children with education and medical care. ZOAT will be organizing a hockey clinic for a selected group, with the Dutch Hockey Association and Dutch Hockey Club chipping in sticks and clothing. work. Therefore it is good for improving strength and mobility in this area. Whoever takes it up is able to express themselves through this dance form as it is individualistic in its overview while containing the basic elements of the dance which are shimmies, hip movements and undulations.

In the 1960s, Sukarno was often critized because he preferred to build monuments rather than provide basic needs for the common people.

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANAEL

Belly dance survived by being passed on in ancient times by roving gypsies, and has gone the full cycle of being frowned on to becoming respectable. Women are particularly attracted to Belly Dance as it is intensely feminine and is a celebration of being female. That said however, there are also many male belly dancers who have achieved fame. The best thing about Belly Dance is that there is no dictation as to age, shape or size. Unlike ballet where you must be of a certain height, have good arches, straight legs and begin studying when young, Belly Dance favours the individual without restriction. It is a safe form of dance based on correct posture and natural body movement. In ballet you must have good turn out from the hips; backs and legs are often hyper extended, which increases your risk of arthritis, knee and back problems later in life. With belly dance, the feet face forward to support the movements required. It is low impact and is therefore kind to your joints. Belly dance is enjoyable at any level, although the younger the more flexible

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PHOTO: AGUNG NATANAEL

More on Biking

These are the pages where ideas, opinions and questions about anything we find in Jakarta are shared. This is the section where you can enter the realm of our sharp-minded columnists who love to present their ideas to challenge, intrigue and sometimes even clarify what’s really happening!

74 Let’s Get Physical

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ART

Jakarta’s Monuments:

ne of Jakarta’s most famous landmarks is what expats often refer to as “The Pizza Man” statue at the Southern end of Jl. Sudirman. Why is it called “The Pizza Man” anyway, I have always wondered: pizza delivery men do not carry flaming pizzas on a large plate held high above their heads, do they? As much as I loathe the appalation, I cannot blame the expatriates for coming up with the name. The problem is that many Indonesians do not even know the official name of the monument, so of course the expats had to come up with a name for it, and so they picked the catchiest one. Unfortunately, now it is the one with which most people are more familiar.

or Tanjong Priok seaport, which are north of the city. While S. Sudjojono had made some sketches for the monument upon Sukarno’s request, apparently in the end the statue was based upon sketches by Jakarta’s Vice Governor at the time, Henk Ngantung, who was also an artist. The production of the sculpture was done by Edhi Sunarso and his Keluarga Arca studio in Yogyakarta. The collaboration between Henk Ngantung, Edhi Sunarso and the Keluarga Arca studio continued on throughout several projects. Most notable among others perhaps is the Pembebasan Irian Barat

to be placed at the Pancoran intersection, just northeast of the Air Force head quarters. Here again he worked with sculptor Edhi Sunarso, who seemed to have taken his inspiration from some folk interpretations personifying flight or wind, such as Bayu, the god of the sky and/or winds. Observing the public interest on monuments around the city, it is clear that many if not most people in city are not aware and have little interest in their names and what they signify. This has caused some interesting misunderstandings in the past. The G30S Coup that was blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party, caused

Unfortunately, due to the limitations in construction at that time, the statues are usually only two or three times life-size, and placed on an elevated pedestals. This has caused the statues to be quite inaccessible from the public, and perhaps this is another reason why people often do not care to find out more about the monuments. In the 1960s, Sukarno was often critized because he preferred to build monuments rather than provide basic needs for the common people. It would be interesting to compare the budgets of Sukarnos monuments, compared to the Pemuda Membangun

Sutiyoso’s idea of building thirty monuments, one on each street which bears heroes names around the city. This caused the RA Kartini statue to be moved from the small park in front of the Bappenas office to Taman Menteng, to make way for a new and rather comical Diponegoro statue, as the site was on Jl. Diponegoro. Sutiyoso’s concept of monuments is also the reason why we find Sunaryo’s sculpture of General Sudirman as someone who is distressed in his attempt of trying to find his way around the city, in the middle of Jl. Sudirman.

Actually, the Pemuda Membangun (“Youth in Development”) Statue, created by Munir Pamuntjak under supervision of the Ikatan Seniman Arsitek (Association of Architect Artists) led by Imam Supardi, has quite an interesting history. Not long after it was completed in the early 1970s,

(“Freedom of West Irian”) monument, also done in 1962, marking Sukarno’s successful maneuver in taking over the territory from Dutch rule. Curiously, the monument was placed on a square known as Lapangan Banteng (“Banteng Square”), which in the past was known as Waterlooplein, after the 1815 battle of Waterloo which marks Napoleon’s final defeat. The battle ground was located not far from presentday Brussels which was at the time, Dutch territory (part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands). The placement of the new statue there was certainly a deliberate and bold statement in terms of world political history. In 1964, Sukarno conceived the Dirgantara (“Aeronautical”) Monument

a delay in the construction of the monument. Because of this, some rumors spread that the sculpture depicted the act of gouging the eyes of the kidnapped military officers that was alledgedly practicised by the PKI affiliated Gerwani (Movement of Indonesian Women). Apparently, Sukarno had one of his cars sold in order to finance the completion of this project, to counter the rumors. The monuments that Sukarno conceived were meant as part of his nation building campaign. Other than the National Monument, the monuments featured human figures, personifying their signficance. They have also been placed strategically and have become important landmarks in our capital.

monument built early during the New Order rule. The budget issue aside, the Pemuda Membangun Statue actually seems to be in the same spirit as Sukarno’s human figure monuments. It features a personification of a spirit that is in line with Indonesia’s nation building process and it is also an important landmark in the city. Perhaps, in the process of determining the form, scale, subject and placement of the statue, Jakarta’s governor at the time, Ali Sadikin, had an important role. He clearly understood the role of monuments in the city. Unfortunately the meaning and function of monuments for a city was not well comprehended by his successors, and this culminated with Governor

Fortunately that all happened at the very end of the governor’s term, and it seems that the project has not been continued by his successor who (hopefully), as someone trained in architecture and town planing, has better understanding about monuments in the city. In terms of town planning, monuments can serve as great landmarks. Yet, most importantly monuments also serve as memorials about our history and often times also share visions for our future. Therefore, hopefully in the future, the general public will have a bigger role in determining what monuments they hope to see in their cities, so that the monuments can have more meaning and less misunderstanding.

Memory, Meaning and Misunderstandings

By: Amir SidHarta

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Pertamina seems to have toned this information down, whereas in fact this statue provides one of the most memorable landmarks for the city. It was Sukarno who understood that a capital city needed landmarks, and that great monuments often make wonderful landmarks.

In preparation of hosting the fourth Asian Games in 1962, placed the Tugu Selamat Datang (“Welcome Monument”) in the roundabout in front of the Hotel Indonesia. The figures of a man and woman couple are placed facing north, welcoming guests coming from the Kemayoran Airport

PHOTOS: AGUNG NATANEL

people often commented that the robust muscular figure depicted in the statue closely resembled Pertamina’s President Director at the time, Ibnu Sutowo. In fact, the statue, was Pertamina’s “present” to the city of Jakarta on the occassion of the city’s 445th anniversary in 1972. It is interesting to note that

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MOVIES

Queer and Still Here

Although not all of your volunteers are gay, what does QFF signify to them? Our young volunteers see QFF as a means to express themselves. This is a good therapy for these youngsters who don’t have any other way to do that, except in online media and bars. QFF is a social event in which you can get more than just cruising and dating.

By: RIZAL IWAN

he Q! Film Festival – a festival dealing with sexuality, human rights and HIV/AIDS issue – is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. NOW! Jakarta sits down with John Badalu, the founder of Q-munity and former festival director of the Q! Film Festival (QFF), and talk about the festival’s past, present and future.

Congratulations, you guys survived 10 years. What do you have to say for that? It’s not easy. A film festival is easy to start, but a lot harder to maintain. Plus, we are a volunteer-based festival. No one gets paid, but they get rewarded in other ways. Thankfully, even though people [in the committee] come and go, we always have help along the way. After [a much publicized protest from the FPI – Islamic Defenders Front – last year], we are just trying to prove that we are still here, no matter what happened to us.

You have dealt with strong reactions over the years, having received threats, which peaked in the protest by the FPI last year, but you are still here. As long as we are not doing something illegal, we will still do it. Even if I go to prison, it’s only a physical confinement, they can’t touch what’s in my head. I am not scared, because we have an international network. [Since 2005, QFF has been an official partner for the Teddy Award, the gay and lesbian section in the Berlin International Film Festival, which has established QFF to be one of the major platforms of queer film festivals in Asia; and also have good relations with film festivals worldwide like Los Angeles’s Outfest, San Francisco’s Frameline, London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and Mix Brasil]. And we will not go down quietly.

Do you have anything special in store for this 10th anniversary? We have a special film from Malaysia called Dalam Botol (In the Bottle), a queer-themed film from director Raja Azmi Raja Sulaiman, which was a commercial success in its country. I believe it will ignite an interesting discussion, because even Malaysia, a country known to be more strict than us [when it comes to sexuality], could screen this film commercially. We will also have some interesting festival guests. The producer, director and the two actors from Dalam Botol will attend the festival. We’ll have Janusz Mrozowski, a PolishFrench director who made a human rights film about a female prison in France; and Markku Heikkinen, who shot a documentary about the adult film industry in Finland.

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PHOTOS: RIZAL IWAN

How have things changed from the first QFF? Our audience grew significantly. The first QFF had 750 viewers, and two years ago we reached 20 thousand. And we have expanded our screenings to other cities in Indonesia. Our volunteers have also increased considerably in numbers.

How big was the impact of last year’s protests? Quite significant. Some of our supporters pulled out, some volunteers did not come back to help this year, and we are down to 6 venues, from 10 last year. One of the cultural centers [which have been our venue and loyal supporter from the get go] expressed their discomfort. Last year’s protest prompted a strict security measure in their premise, which makes the language course students there uncomfortable. Their reservation is understandable. But I tried to convince them by saying that if their country supports homosexual and human rights, then [as a

representative of that country here] why shouldn’t they? They should be able to explain this to their students.

event is going to bring them together? Should they be taking a step backward and go back to socializing on the Internet?

Despite these obstacles, what makes you go on? What people get from this festival. Many get more than just a movie-going experience. They get inspired. They feel that they might be able to do something after they see the films. Even on a personal level, some of them become stronger, or emotionally more stable and sure about themselves. That’s what makes me think, if I stop doing this, where would these people go? What other

Q-munity, the organization that runs QFF, has sprung out some permutations, from a choir group, to book publishing, and now you are starting Q-Center? Yes, it started out as an idea to set up a videotheque, where people can come and see the films that have been screened at QFF from our library, because it will be a waste for our good films to just be screened one time at the festival. We are also looking at a monthly screening program.

“As long as we are not doing something illegal, we will still do it. Even if I go to prison, it’s only a physical confinement, they can’t touch what’s in my head. I am not scared, because we have an international network.”

Along the way, we also feel the need to have a counseling center, because there are many youngsters out there who are dealing with their sexuality and don’t know where to go. We are not a professional counseling center, but we just want to be the big brother they never have. In the long run, it would be nice to have a little café also, so this joint becomes a nice and safe place for gay and gayfriendly people to come and interact with each other. QFF is like a baby to you. Now that the baby has grown into a 10-year-old child, how do you see QFF now? I see it as a grown man, and it’s time to let go. I see myself as a modern, liberal parent: it’s time for QFF to step out of the house and find its own way. That’s why I stepped down as Festival Director this year, and handed over the leadership to two new festival directors [who started out as volunteers many years ago]. I will still be here, at back stage, to guide them in the decisions they make or the way they run the festival. And how do you see QFF ten years from now? Honestly, I think all film festivals will go extinct eventually, because people can watch films online now. In ten years, who knows, you’ll be able to see a film festival from your mobile phone. Or maybe people can gather at a café somewhere and see a film broadcast via satellite, with the rest of the world. My successors will have to think of new ways to get people interested in QFF. We have to keep up to date to changes. If we keep holding on to heritage, we will not get anywhere. It’s human nature to want something new. If we hold on to the past, it’s kind of against nature, don’t you think? The 10th Q! Film Festival will be held in Jakarta from September 30 to October 8, 2011, before continuing to other cities. Visit www.q-munity.org for more info.

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MUSIC

CULTURE

Let’s Get Physical!

OCTOber

By: Craig Money

By: John Paul

ver since aerobic classes were the rage in the 70s and 80s, the use of music to motivate and stimulate exercise has become a topic of consideration. Soon after, the Walkman marked a shift in inspiration as music could move beyond four walls to the freedom of the outdoors. While the source of motivation can sometimes be triggered by the tempo of a song, the beats per minute, or BPM, to regulate the physical activity, we all know our personal tastes differ. And sure, the beat isn’t as important during a weight-training session or yoga workout, but we can all agree with one thing: Music does a body good!

avid Foster is coming to town… again! If you missed his previous concert here in Jakarta, now is your chance. The Hitman Returns: David Foster and Friends will feature many other famous artists like Michael Bolton, Charice Pempengco, and Phillip Bailey of legendary band Earth Wind and Fire. This brings one question to my mind. Will David also bring along Jackie Evancho? While she has been a part of this concert tour in other parts of the world, at the time I write this article, I can’t be certain that she is planned to be a part of the Jakarta lineup. However, this article should be out and about by early October, a few weeks before the concert. So hopefully there is enough time for this plea to somehow reach the right person. Dear Mr. David Foster, Please do bring Jackie Evancho to sing at your concert in Jakarta this October. Please. Thank you.

A&M/Universal Republic – Rock/Reggae/World The band name does little to represent the magnitude of this recording. Mick Jagger, Damian Marley, Dave Stewart, Joss Stone and A.R. Rahman, join forces under M.I.A’s musical direction to grab the state of music and shake its shoulders with a wake up call. On ‘Satyameva Jayathe,’ Jagger and Rahman trade Hindi verses. ‘I Can’t Take It No More,’ sees Stone brandish an open hand slap to the face. ‘Energy’ comprises a U2 laden jam with Marley and Jagger rapping. Yes, rapping! Sure, the album lacks a well-built structure, but what it misses in development, it makes up for in erratic genius.

Nirvana – Nevermind 20th Anniversary

Universal Music – Alternative/Rock/Grunge

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Columbia – Soundtrack

The greatest American rock band! Because U2 is Irish, the Rolling Stones, Beatles and Led Zeppelin were British, few bands could muster the longevity and timelessness of bringing music across three decades with albums and songs that aspire to greatness. This is the soundtrack to the Cameron Crowe documentary screened and hosted recently by dedicated fans in Jakarta at Epicentrum XXI on Sept 20. Pearl Jam came together for all the right reasons in the Seattle scene in the early 90’s, to make music that moves people. They’ve lasted because they represent the truest definition of what a dedicated rock band surmises to be. This twodisc collection captures moments of Vedder and Co.’s ambition to remain true to the legacy of music they hope to leave.

Sincerely, John Paul

Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto

Capitol – Pop/Rock Coldplay return with another feather in their cap. As a band that has attempted to build credibility as a ragtag band of misfits that challenge audiences to quality over quantity in their releases, Mylo Xyloto represent fresh versions of the same approach that has served them well. For their past releases the four-piece have swept listeners to allow their instrumental talent to carry an emotional walk through Chris Martin’s narrative, to let their Brit-Pop quirkiness carry arena ready rock. With an ethos that suggests ‘if we amplify everything, we hear nothing,’ the band truly tests this theory on their fifth album from tracks ‘Charlie Brown’ to ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’.

PHOTOS: CRAIG MONEY

Few albums can define an era, a generation and a shift in society. When Nevermind exploded into earshot of the world in 1991, it changed everything. It was an album that altered the consciousness of youth with something visceral and universal. When legendary producer Butch Vig first assembled the recordings with Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, he too knew it possessed an understated ability to connect and challenge the status quo. 20 years later the album still holds its weight. It remains a complete recording that never dips. This collection will single-handedly conjure up many emotions and is worthy of a re-visit.

Pearl Jam - Twenty

PHOTOS: JOHN PAUL

SuperHeavy SuperHeavy

Winning a Grammy is special whether you are a classical guitarist like David Russell, or a rapper with a constant dissatisfaction over your name, like Sean Combs aka Puff Daddy aka P Diddy. Well, David Foster has won 15. Name five of your all-time favorite songs and chances are he probably produced or even wrote one of them. Name five of your all-time favorite singers and chances are he probably played an integral role in at least one of their careers, either writing and or producing some or all of their most successful hits, promoting them at the outset of their careers, to even discovering them.

Big names in the music industry whose relationship to David Foster fall into at least one of the above include Kenny Rogers, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, Chicago, Michael Bublé, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Josh Groban, Earth Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Kenny Rogers, Chaka Khan, All 4 One, Michael Bolton, Brandy, and recently, Jackie Evancho. Ticket prices at David Foster’s previous concert at the Ritz Carlton cost as much as 25 million rupiah! So it is a relief to know that this time prices range from 900.000- 6.000.000 rupiah.

Date: 28 October 2011 Venue: Plenary Hall, Jakarta Convention Centre Ticket boxes: • Disc Tarra: Pondok Indah Mall 1 3rd Floor ; +62-21 7506989 • Ticket Station: my-ticketstation.com +62-21 58 900 100 If you are looking for a concert with an intimate jazzy atmosphere, then you might want to discover the voice of Jessica Manuputty. Born in the Netherlands and raised in the countryside, this young and talented singer-songwriter takes her influences from

varied sources including Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchel, but even Beyoncé Knowles. Having just recently graduated from the prestigious singing department at the Utrecht School of the Arts in 2008, Jessica is at the outset of what has the potential to be a wonderful performing career. At this concert one can expect to hear popular jazz standards as well as her own material such as Mauro’s Dance, A Breathless Hush, and My Tutu. The band’s lineup consists of Daniel von Piekartz (keyboards), Nathan

Klumperbeek (Bass), Paul van Kessel (guitar), and Jamie Peet (drums).

Date/time: 5 October 2011, 7.30pm Venue: Erasmus Huis Contact: +62-21 524 1069 The last concert I want to recommend this month isn’t even happening until December. But the lines are already open for ticket purchase and reservation, and that´s really something for an Indonesian choir and orchestra. Maestro Avip Priyatna is the conductor responsible for the founding and subsequent success of Batavia Madrigal Singers

(BMS) and Jakarta Concert Orchestra. Recently, BMS participated in a competition in Spain, the 57th Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia. Seventeen choirs from fourteen countries took part. Of the 11 awards being contended for, BMS won 5. I will write more on Avip, his BMS and JCO next month. But don’t wait until then to book your seats.

Date/Time: 3 December 2011, 7.30 pm Contact: +62-21 7201918

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Family Guide to Jakarta

CITY LIFE

JAKARTA’S 3-IN-1 JOCKEYS

Making Exercise Fun or the uninitiated, the concrete jungle that is Jakarta may appear bereft of opportunities to take care of your family’s health and fitness. Door-to-door transport through pollution-riddled streets and a thousand vendors selling everything ‘goreng’ certainly don’t make it easy! But fear not, the Family Guide has come up with some inspiring ideas on how to get your fitness fix. Just remember to take your water, your hat, and your sunscreen.

Sports enthusiasts will find it hard to go past the International Sports Club of Indonesia (ISCI) at Tangerang. Boasting the biggest selection of sports in Indonesia you can get in shape through cricket, squash, rugby, soccer, swimming, tennis, sailing, or badminton, to name just a few. For some of the sports they organize both Junior and Senior teams. The 5 hectare premises is green and lush and has all the typical country club facilities, and it’s lovely enough just to take a long walk around the grounds. A big bonus is their Kids Club for 3-12yr olds, perfect to keep them entertained while you work up a sweat! Though a private members club, they do offer a range of packages depending on the level of usage required. See www.isci.or.id for more details. An activity the whole family can participate in is the monthly Junior Hash House Harriers (JHHH). Held on the last Sunday of every month, it’s usually an hour-long trek

through plantations, over streams, up and down hills in the countryside not too far from Jakarta, with a different trail to discover each time. Well suited for kids aged 5-10yrs, everyone will enjoy simply being outside and the challenge of finding the trail, even if the family returns to the car hot, sweaty and famished! And if you’ve got much younger children, consider strapping on a child carrier backpack: an extra workout for you but they’ll enjoy the views too! Email gtfletch@cbn.net.id for monthly Hash details.

For something closer to home your family can always maximise the City’s weekly Car Free Day and join the multitude of cyclists, joggers, and walkers who enjoy the closure of some of the main downtown access roads, Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin. Operating from 6am to midday every Sunday it’s an easy and accessible way to get your family active without fear of the usual traffic. Take your bikes, your inline skates, or just a pair of comfortable shoes and get moving. Not only will you be helping your body but you’ll

ver the past several years, I have needed to engage the services of “3-in-1 Jockeys”. In Jakarta these are people who are available on the street-side as the third person so that our car can be legal along Jalan Sudirman and Thamrin during the morning and late afternoon rush hours. After dropping my wife off at her office at Plaza Mandiri, my driver and I normally pick up a Jockey along Jalan Senopati before entering Jalan Sudirman near “The Pizza Man” where the police begin to check. Being a friendly person and reasonably fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, I began to talk to these Jockeys. Also being a specialist in urban development and interested in how the poor cope in this overwhelming metropolis, such discussions naturally evolved into interviews for this article. I didn’t choose the Jockeys at random, but had a strong bias towards women. The reason for this bias is simple: the money I give them is more likely to support their family, including children. Anyway, most of the Jockeys are women, at least along Jalan Senopati. Before I began to interview the Jockeys, my hypothesis was that most of them were probably

For more information on these and other ideas check out our website www. familyguidetojakarta.web.id

For more information visit www.familyguidetojakarta.web.id

PHOTOS: FAMILY GUIDE TO JAAKRTA

This article has been brought to you by The Family Guide to Jakarta, an online website directory developed to support expatriate families relocating to or already living in Jakarta. The Family Guide to Jakarta is a non profit website with all proceeds from advertising revenue going directly to Yayasan Balita Sehat (Foundation for Mother & Child Health).

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By John L. Taylor, Ph.D. Urban Development Consultant

also be showing support for this worthy environmentally-friendly initiative. And if any of your family members enjoy running or the thrill of competition, there’s a whole host of race events held throughout the year – with some of them coming up soon so get your registrations in now! Jakarta Race Against Cancer – 23rd October. Walk, jog, run or rollerblade the 5km or 10km course in central Jakarta. www.jakartarace.org Jakarta Race Series – 13th November. Four races scheduled from November through to April and held at each of JIS, BIS, ISCI and Ragunan Zoo. 5km and Fun Run options, and even a 100m dash for the littlest kids. http://www. jakartafreespirit.org BIS Biathlon – 20th November. Swim and run at the school campus. Children from 4yrs can participate (25m swim, 250m run) with distances increasing for each age group up to the Open age category for parents (300m swim, 2km run). Or combine your family’s efforts and enter as a Relay team. www.bis.or.id

PHOTOS: JOHN TAYLOR

By: Melanie Searle

from broken or otherwise dysfunctional families, with many of the husbands having abandoned their wives and children. However, after over a dozen interviews, I have been pleasantly surprised: the vast majority of these “3-in-1 hitchhikers” are from normal families with husband, wife and children. For example, take Titik (37), whose husband is a driver, and who is mother to three sons (18, 16 and 10). She is Javanese and her husband is “Betawi asli”

(from Jakarta), and she’s a Jockey simply to support her husband’s income. The oldest boy also has a job at a KFC restaurant. They live in a kampong on the edge of Kebayoran Baru, not far away.

Titik and Family Another example was a much younger woman, Shella (23), whose husband (24) worked in a cleaning service. They have only one child, a 2-year old girl. Shella was from Medan, had graduated from high school, and spoke English pretty well. This family is typical of the amazing diversity of Jakarta, Indonesia’s greatest melting pot. Lina (26) was native to Jakarta and her husband (also 26) was from Central Java. Their baby girl was only 15 months. What was interesting about Lina was that she had been arrested by the police four times since she was 10 years old, but she still comes back for more to support her small family. Shella and Daughter Sometimes these women are the only family “bread winner” if their husband is unemployed. Rini (36) has a husband who is without work as a security guard, so she supports both him, their two kids, a 17-year old girl and 12-year old boy, and of course herself. They are from Cirebon.

A minority of the Jockeys were not yet married. For instance, Bayu (18), the only man interviewed, who had just finished high school and was looking for a job, and was still living with his parents in the Benhil area. Also a girl, Aiz (16), who was in the first class of high school (SMA), and lived with her mother in Bekasi. Of the twelve formal interviews carried out, only one, Erna (32), had been abandoned by her Sundanese husband, leaving her to support her two children and herself. Her skills being very limited, the Jockey job became the best alternative. There were five others interviewed, whom I won’t mention by name here, who were all married women aged 26 to 35, all with children, and not divorced. Only one of them had an unemployed husband. In conclusion, this exercise has been an education for me, and worthwhile sharing with others. As expatriates who live with generally high incomes as guests of Indonesia, we need to respect and admire the way in which the poor of Jakarta struggle to survive in this often difficult city, whilst at the same time maintain their dignity. As an urban planning and development expert based in Indonesia for about 30 years, I have been very critical of Jakarta’s development and lack of planning ….. but that’s another. In any case, I have observed empirically an increase in the number of Jockeys each year after Lebaran, which is one of many indicators of how the poor of Indonesia continue to flock to their capital.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI.

This month we provide you with a quick guide to health and fitness in Jakarta. Find in the following pages, brief information about international standard hospitals and clinics for your reference, what you need to know about alternative medicines, where to go for wellness treatments, what to consider when choosing a health and fitness club as well as the principle of healthy weight loss. We know that better information leads to better outcome.

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HEALTH & FITNESS control as well as children’s health. The hospital is a comfortable place to give birth. It has gained good reputation among the expatriate ladies in Jakarta. It’s the hospital’s professional and caring staff who never fail to make sure every patient feels as if they are very well taken care of. One of the methods of giving birth which is offered to patients at the Brawijaya Women and Children Hospital is the hypnobirthing, a method which reduces pain that stems from the apprehension and anxiety about giving birth. It’s a solution for nervous mothers to be. With hypnobirthing, there is less pain experienced during childbirth. Hypnobirthing will take mothers into a relaxed state of mind, where they can activate the subconscious mind to achieve a balanced emotional state. The body will respond to this state of mind by producing a natural anesthetic, endorphin, which

aking the right decision is challenging, moreover when we are faced with an abundance of information. How should we choose the best healthcare providers in Indonesia among the many options? And in spite of the extensive medical facilities in this country, people still go to foreign countries for medical treatments, even for a checkup. This leads us to the other question, “Should we do that too?”

Hospital, Kemang Medical Care, Ultimo Aesthetic & Dental Center, Global Assistance & Healthcare as well as Chiropractic Indonesia. Each of these institutions has different strong points.

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Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah, together with Rumah Sakit Puri Indah is under the Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah Group. Both hospitals have a well-established health checkup facility, namely the Executive Health Check Up (EHCU). Since it was first established in 1986, the EHCU has become one of the most preferred health check up facilities among Indonesians as well as expats. The facility offers a One-Stop-Service concept which has made the check up procedure simple. In one location, that is the EHCU area, all kinds of tests conducted

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTOS: RS PURI INDAH, RS PONDOK INDAH, RAMSAY HEALTHCARE

Certain healthcare providers in Indonesia are actually on a par with the ones in foreign countries. They have international healthcare accreditation, thus promise a high level of healthcare and what’s more, they have proven that they can deliver a satisfying outcome for their patients. Healthcare providers at this level are growing in number in Indonesia, especially with the increasing number of foreign investors, the growing middle class, higher income per capita and the growing number of health conscious people. In South Jakarta international standard hospitals and clinics are easy to find. To name a few, there are the Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah (Pondok Indah Hospital), SOS Medika Klinik, EastWest physiotherapy clinic, Medikaloka Health Care, Brawijaya Women and Children

by doctors who specialize in different branches of medicine can be conducted. What’s more, the test results are given on the same day. For foreign patients, an interpreter is provided for English, Arabic or Japanese. The EHCU also elevates the level of convenience for patients with the availability of brunch buffet after the tests as well as free Internet connection. Today we can even give the Executive Health Check Up Gift Certificate as a token of our affection to our loved ones including our spouse on her or his anniversary and to family members, co worker or colleague on their birthdays. We can choose the gift certificate from the offered packages or pay an amount that we decide on. This idea is brilliant as what better gift could someone give. A gift which says ‘your health is my concern’. Move a little bit further from Pondok Indah to North Cipete area where there’s the Brawijaya Women and Children Hospital which focuses on women’s need, including reproductive health and maternity care, skin and weight

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTOS: KEMANG MEDICAL CARE, NOW! JAKARTA

International Standard Hospitals & Clinics

can help mothers reduce pain during labour. There are several advantages for patients who go with the hypnobirthing method. Aside from the less painful labour, the communication between the expectant mother and baby is improved. Moms will be less stressed and depressed, thereby stimulating the production of breast milk. It’s a brilliant method of giving birth. Not too far from the Brawijaya Women & Children Hospital, there’s the Chiropractic Indonesia which situated on Jl. Dharmawangsa, opposite the Dharmawangsa Square City Walk. Chiropractic treatment is becoming increasingly popular. The practice focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of

health. As your spine houses your central nervous system which influences your whole body, a spinal nerve irritation can affect your health in many ways. It’s a chiropractor’s role to detect and correct possible causes of spinal nerve irritation. People commonly choose chiropractic treatment for safe, natural and effective relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, extremity pain, poor overall health, low energy levels and much more. It’s a natural approach to health as it doesn’t use drugs or surgery. It uses the body’s natural healing and recuperative powers instead.

Chiropractic Indonesia has perhaps some of the best chiropractors in the country. The chiropractors here have extensive university education in the health sciences and are government registered health professionals. Visit www. chiropractic-asia.com to find out about them as well as the location of all Chiropractic Clinics in Jakarta and Bali. Still in the Dharmawangsa area, inside the Dharmawangsa City Walk is the well-reputed EastWest Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation clinic. Since opening its door, EastWest has been committed to deliver high standard of Western allied medical services. Aside from physiotherapy --which is the clinic’s strongest point, EastWest also offers podiatry, golf physiotherapy, neuro rehabilitation, occupational therapy, sport massage and baby massage. Two of these medical services, namely Podiatry and golf physiotherapy

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HEALTH & FITNESS

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Diet Misconceptions Corrected

ow often have you seen people meet a dead end in their effort to lose weight? Some skip meals, many go on fad diets or restrict themselve to eating small amount of food. It’s a painful process while at the end the result is not always satisfying. We met Julie Norton, a medical consultant to help us clear some misconceptions on diet. Julie is one of the founders of the Body Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic which has a highly effective diet program named the HCG program. Below are the diet misconceptions that Julie has corrected. Find her notes in blue ink.

Permanent weight loss can can’t be achieved with any diet, including fad diets Humans have a Here’s hypothalamus why: which regulates metabolism. When we’re on a diet and reduce our calorie intake, the hypothalamus thinks that the body is going to starve. It functions to protect the body from that state. This explains why when you do the fad diet, you lose a little bit of weight but then you hit a wall. Your body resists to starve. It makes you think that you can’t lose anymore weight and you feel miserable, depressed and tired. In the end you will eat more to supply your body with the nutrition that you were lacking during your diet.

The ‘low carbohydrate - high protein diet’ is a very effective type of diet in short term

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI.

the medical centre, on-site medical services, full medical emergency evacuations to the nearest suitable place of care -which is usually Singaporeto advice to travelers on security situations or local disease risk (immunization requirements etc). Operating under reciprocity agreements with other International Assistance Providers, today Global Assistance & Healthcare has created a worldwide network of 28 Alarm Centers - all of which provide 24 hour services, 365 days a year, to callers requesting assistance. Toll-free telephone numbers are provided in a number of countries to ensure

fast and reliable access to the institution’s Assistance Service Center. Global Assistance & Healthcare has recently added a new pediatrician to join its professional team of doctors. She is Dr. Vimaladewi Lukito, who graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya University, Indonesia in 2002. Dr. Vimaladewi’s passion for treating children led her to take pediatric residency training at the famous St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila, Philippine. She worked at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, after returning from the Philippines, which gave her more exposure and experience of common pediatric medical conditions in Jakarta. Dr. Vimala practices at Global Assistance Medical Centre Monday to Friday, 12 noon until 3 p.m. Although most international hospitals and clinics are established in South Jakarta, that doesn’t mean that there are no good hospitals and clinics in other area in Jakarta as well as in Greater Jakarta. Since being founded in 1999, the Erha Clinic --whose biggest branch is in West Jakarta-- has become one of Indonesia’s leading health institutions which focuses on Cosmetic Dermatology as well as General Dermatology. To give its patients the most complete service

in Cosmetic Dermatology, the Erha Clinic provides Rejuvenation Center, Anti Acne Center, Hair Center, Body Center and Plastic Surgery. Meanwhile for General Dermatology services, the clinic has Children Skin Center, Senior Skin Center for elders and Special Skin Center. With the latest technology in dermatology, high quality dermatology products developed by Erha Labs, a professional team of dermatologists at the Erha Institute, as well as the Boutique Clinic concept which underlines the exclusivity and comfort for every patient, Erha Clinic has raised the bar for other dermatology clinics nationally and regionally. Still in West Jakarta there’s the i Care Lasik, an eye clinic which offers the latest technology for lasik eye surgery. People undergo lasik surgery to correct myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Various procedures are implemented by different eye clinic, but i Care Lasik offers less risk through a more accurate, safe and comfortable laser refractive surgery with the Z-Lasik with Advanced Aspheric. The Z-Lasik with Advanced Aspheric procedure can keep the natural shape of the cornea and can even correct night vision problems which commonly occur after lasik surgery. Another great hospital in Greater Jakarta area is the RS Premier Bintaro --which is under the Ramsay Health Care hospital group-- and Siloam Hospitals Lippo Village. RS Premier Bintaro takes pride in its Spine Center, meanwhile Siloam Hospitals has installed the latest Philips 3 Tesla MRI and Cathlab to better enhance both the medical practice and research in Siloam. Siloam also provides a helipad at site enabling urgent patient medical evacuations from different regions in Indonesia and overseas.

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTOS: SILOAM HOSPITAL, NOW! JAKARTA

are still rare in Jakarta. There’s only one other clinic who also has podiatry, that is the Body Clinic. EastWest applies international standard therapy and employs professional therapists which have made the clinic an excellent institution providing healthcare for local patients as well as foreign patients --60% of EastWest’s total patients are expats. Due to the clinic’s excellent record track, EastWest has also become a trusted institution which recommended by well reputed orthopedists and surgeons in Singapore as well as Malaysia. Foreign patients acknowledge that the medical services given by EastWest are on a par with what’s given in their home country. Early this year, EastWest open one more clinic in the Citywalk Sudirman to provide easy access for those reside in North Jakarta, Central Jakarta, West Jakarta and East Jakarta. To add to the list of top international standard hospitals and clinics in Jakarta is the Global Assistance & Healthcare which is located in Cilandak, South Jakarta. The institution was first established in response to the need of assistance services from travelers, local nationals and expatriates living in Indonesia. Services provided range from medical check up, medical services given at

This type of fad Here’s diet is effective why: for a short time as basically what you’re doing is lowering your calorie intake. However, people who are on this diet are unaware that they still need carbs. Protein is more difficult for the body to metabolise than carbohydrates. To utilise the protein, the body has to work harder and exert more energy. Meanwhile the body needs carbs to produce energy to do activity as well as for brain function. So if you cut out rice and grain products, your body can’t produce energy to metabolise the protein or to do anything else. Carbohydrate

is essential. However choose good carbs, not the highly refined carbs.

Skipping meals doesn’t make you lose weight fast Rather than skipping meals, it’s best to have breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between. Skipping breakfast only prolongs the length of time that your body is not being fed with nutrients from dinner the day before. So once you have your lunch, you will eat more as your body tries to fill itself with what you missed at breakfast time.

Here’s why:

Low fat product is always not a good choice Rather than ‘how much’, the problem with fat is in the quality of the fat that we eat. Most people would tell you that animal fat is bad and that butter is bad. The truth is, fat in animal oil is an energy source. We just need to be smart in choosing the right type of fat to eat. Certain types of fat such as the saturated

Here’s why:

fat in highly hydrogenated vegetable oil can seriously damage our health. Low fat products are also not always recommended. Low-fat foods are unhealthy – usually because of high amounts of added sugar or salt. Moreover, the sugar which is used is often artificial sweetener. Compared to a tea spoon of honey which only takes a couple of hours to process and a tea spoon of white refined sugar which takes several days to process, a tea spoon of aspartame takes about three months to process! So it’s better to eat real fat which tastes better and is healthier.

People on a diet should never eat fast food Whether or not we are on a diet, we should never eat fast food, as it is low in nutrients and has high level of sugar and salt. It is also made using saturated fat as it is cheap and can withstand high cooking temperatures. Food additives are also used

Here’s why:

in junk foods as they prolong shelf life and enhance colour, flavour and texture. What makes it worse, people eat fast foods with soft drink, which is made with high level of artificial sweetener.

Desserts are not forbidden, that’s why it’s called sinful It depends on how natural the ingredients are and how they are processed to make the dessert. You can see bad desserts right away from the colour or the texture. But in well-established places, desserts are freshly made with real ingredients such as real butter, real sugar, real cocoa, no artificial flavour, no preservative, so it’s totally okay to enjoy it.

Here’s why:

Going vegetarian is not the best weight loss program Anyone who is planning to go vegan needs to learn about nutrition first. One can’t just cut out meat and hope to be slimmer. The are essential nutrients in meat, though it’s not that we can’t get the same nutrition from vegetables, but not everyone can quickly adjust their palate to a vegetarian diet, by eating, for example lentils.Moreover, not all vegetables which are sold at the supermarket are quality products. So there are a lot of things that need to be learned first.

Here’s why:

This diet serves as a long term solution! Body Clinic’s diet program, the HCG program is based on Dr Simeon’s research from the 1930s and his weight loss program developed in the 1950s. It uses a glycoprotein hormone called HCG, which has the ability to burn adipose fat for energy without affecting muscle tissue. In combination with a very low calorie diet and topical application of HCG cream, it will achieve a drop in weight of approximately 1/2 kilo per day. Visit Body Clinic for more information at Jl. Wijaya IX No. 4, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, T: +62-21 727 83827, E: bodyclinic@indo.net.id, W: www.bodyclinicindonesia.com. www.no w j a k a r t a . c o. i d O C TO B E R 2 0 1 1 | 8 3

HEALTH & FITNESS

ASURANSI INDRAPURA

Low Cost Healthcare, High-quality Benefits I

Text & photos: Mr. Peter Phelan, President Director of PT Indrapura Pacific Cross

f you think that health insurance is expensive and only for the rich, rejoice! We now have a new healthcare company, part of a well established old Indonesian insurance group, which is offering new, innovative, flexible and above all affordable healthcare plans!

The healthcare market in Indonesia has grown strongly over the last five years with international and local companies offering healthcare benefits packages for employees. For many of those employees, therefore, their health benefits come free – a price tag with which many customers can agree! However, what about those people who are not lucky enough to work for an enlightened employer, or those who are self-employed and must take care of themselves? That makes up the vast majority of Indonesian workers! Of course you can rely on state benefits, bound to be lower than your requirements at any claim. You could also rely on family members, charity and, if it comes to the

final stage, begging for help! Whatever is your route, any hospital or treatment centre is likely to want payment before “delivering the goods!” Asuransi Indrapura is one local company which is tackling this problem (read: market opportunity) through innovative and comprehensive products. In partnership with Asia Pacific based private insurer and a solid healthcare provider, Pacific Cross, Asuransi Indrapura seeks to access a market for high quality and affordable healthcare plans. The products recognise varying wealth, and cover from lower salaries to higher, as well as international and local clients. The key point is that ‘affordability’ should be a major consideration. “Of course all car buyers would like to arrive

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in a Mercedes,” says Asuransi Indrapura Director Pak Suwandi, “But you know, a Toyota does the same job, is just as fast in Jakarta traffic, and is infinitely more within most people’s budget.” That is the approach which Asuransi Indrapura has taken with their product lines – as a customer you make your choice based on your budget, but all plans will ensure coverage if you get sick! Innovation within the healthcare insurance market is not easy. One good thing about Asuransi Indrapura is that it is a local company, therefore key decisions on product and underwriting (read: assessing and pricing a risk) are made locally, quickly and with fairness. But in the end, for most people the assessment of an

insurance company comes from its ability to pay claims quickly, fairly and on time. “We can’t have clients with heart conditions which need immediate treatment waiting for the go-ahead from a regional or global claims centre – we make the decisions locally and quickly,” says pak Suwandi. Asuransi Indrapura prides itself in its ability, competence and drive to pay all legitimate claims accurately and effectively. Asuransi Indrapura manages its relationship with its partner Pacific Cross through a third party administrator company called Indrapura Pacific Cross, where the speed of decisionmaking and payment are particularly important. The company recently set up some demanding Service Level Agreements with suppliers, hospitals and within its own internal claims servicing department to make sure that it can provide a first class service to all its customers. As part of the Austindo Nusantara Group, one of Indonesia’s eldest and most respected conglomerates, Asuransi Indrapura is prepared to take on the challenges of managing a healthcare business in a tough modern environment. The Company ensures quality through a series of international reinsurers which, in simple terms, means that the money is always there for meeting obligations! When a claim has to be made, no-one ever regrets buying insurance! The time to start the buying process may be now, when you are healthy and young, not when you are older and with previous healthcare problems. One final thought, Asuransi Indrapura healthcare contracts offer guaranteed renewal, whatever your health situation is in future. They don’t ‘cut and run’, but are there to provide consistency and quality in the long term. As we said before, rejoice!

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HEALTH & FITNESS

THE HEALTH INduSTrY:

SAmSArA SpA:

Going Alternative

Traditional Path to Rejuvenation

t’s important to spare time to be free from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a way to maintain a healthy state of mind, body and soul.

lternative medicine would have raised eyebrows thirty years ago. It was not until the nineties that the health industry started to see the possibilities of combining Western medical knowledge with Eastern traditional approaches to health. The Dalai Lama’s visit to Manhattan, in the U.S. in 1998 was definitely an eye-opening moment for the world. The Dalai Lama himself, with a number of physicians, researchers and meditation experts from across the U.S. displayed the latest new-age techniques and technology related to studies in alternative medicine. Still in 1998, Larry King Live aired a lively debate questioning which approach to health care was better. It was a wake-up call for the health industry to take alternative medicine more seriously. And as studies continue, we can see today that the use of ‘unconventional medicine’ is far greater than first thought. Indah hospital, Siloam Hospitals, MMC, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital and Dharmais hospital, the National Cancer Center. Meanwhile hypnotherapy, which uses the power of suggestion and trance-like states to trigger the body’s mental and physical self-healing process, is offered at Permata Cibubur hospital. These alternative approaches are adopted to complement conventional treatment given by the hospitals. Although there is proof that certain alternative medicines are effective in helping people maintain their health as well as to cure illness, there’s still no specific standard globally for the application of treatment, which allows irresponsible people to take advantage of those who are

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unaware. There are of course alternative medicine institutes outside the country which continuously develop the study of alternative medicine and produce professionals to work in this field. However, until there are laws to govern alternative medicine in order to punish fraudulent or incompetent practitioners, or simply a legal status for alternative medicine, we have no other option but to trust only well established healthcare providers.

In Jakarta, health centres that offer alternative medicine are numerous. Choose the most well reputed. Ask your friends whether they have heard about the clinic or not and whether they have gone there. Ask your doctor as well before you decide to try any alternative medicine. Whether its acupuncture, acupressure, hydrotherapy, hypnotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy or chiropractic treatments, make sure that the clinics that offer these treatments are reputable institutions. There are also ‘natural’ products in the market which are sold as alternative medicine, including bee propolis. Just make sure you read the ingredients on the label first and are familiar with them. For a safer option you can always choose yoga, meditation, ayurvedic body massage or aromatherapy massage at established spas near your home or office.

technique with Balinese and Javanese style massage. Only natural products used in every treatment. At the Samsara Spa SCBD Sudirman and Wolter Monginsidi, customers are offered 30% discount. Visit Samsara Spa SCBD Sudirman which opens from 10:00am to 10:00pm or the Wolter Monginsidi outlet which opens from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm. Call +62-21 369 27000 or +62-21 720 9499 for more information and reservation.

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTOS: NOW! JAKARTA

Today, alternative medicine is gaining popularity globally, including in Indonesia. It’s a profitable market, hence health centres offering alternative approaches to health and ‘natural healing’ are mushrooming. In fact, major hospitals in Indonesia have started to provide unconventional treatments for their patients, although it is generally still limited to acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Acupuncture involves using needles to stimulate pressure points and meridians in the body to restore the flow of qi, or energy, and has been proven effective to relieve pain. Acupuncture treatment has started to be offered to patients of major hospitals in Jakarta, including Pondok

Samsara Spa offers great ambience and services if you need a place to recharge and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. The establishment is notable for its traditional spa treatments. It has a number of outlets in several areas in Jakarta, including in the SCBD Sudirman which is the spa’s finest outlet, Jalan Wolter Monginsidi in Kebayoran Baru, in Paragon Hotel, Triniti Hotel as well as Kartika Chandra Hotel. Samsara Spa takes pride in its massage technique which combines the acupressure

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HEALTH & FITNESS

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH HEALTHY CHOICE

ealthy Choice came from humble beginnings: originally a one-doctor clinic specializing in alternative medicine, and has grown into a clinic-retailerrestaurant business. During the clinic’s early days, certain treatments required patients to consume remedial foods in conjunction with the medical regime, and that was when a demand was realized for retailed organic products.

The Healthy Choice restaurant is a perpetual haunt for the health-conscious. Dishes are designed according to nutritional standards for those

who may simply be watching their diet or, for example, have conditions such as lactose intolerance or hypertension. Healthy Choice consults

regularly with a professional nutritionist at its head office to stay on top of the latest developments in healthcare. Customers can confide in the health-savvy staff any problems they may have concerning diet. ‘Guilt-free indulgence’ is the theme here; Healthy Choice takes dishes such as fish & chips, or the sinful beef rendang (normally swimming in fatty coconut milk), and overhauls the ingredient list, eliminating items containing saturated fats or chemicals and replacing them with healthier counterparts that result in exactly the same delicious taste! Healthy Choice

signatures include the Nasi Campur Nyonya and the Classic Laksa, traditional Indonesian dishes normally high in transfats and sodium but which have been made over by Healthy Choice. Healthy Choice’s underlying purpose is to bring about modifications in people’s everyday diets and living habits, to turn in favor of a lifestyle that is considerate toward the environment and physical wellbeing.

BEAUTIFUL SKIN MADE EASY AT INASA The extensive variety of treatments at Inasa Cosmetic & Laser Clinic are available for both men and women of

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all ages and skin types (and problems), and include -to name a few- Facial Treatment, Chemical Peeling, Cream Treatment, Microdermabration, Dermaroller, Laser Theraphy, Filler, Lifting Treatment, Slimming Program, Mesotheraphy etc. Needing to get rid of an outdated tattoo? Need not worry. Try the laser removal treatment here. The clinic uses the latest generation of state-of-the-art equipments for its laser treatments, which are imported from Italy and Germany, to ensure that optimum results are achieved. Other interesting services include a slimming program called

Lipaway Ultrasonic Cavitation Therapy, which uses an ultrasonic cavitation machine to create bursts of frequency to break the selective membranes of fat cells. The residue is then discharged naturally. This highlyeffective therapy shows visible results even from the first treatment, especially for areas where conventional diet or other treatments fail to succeed such as the hips, buttocks and your midsection. To complement their treatments with safe and reliable products, Inasa Cosmetic & Laser Clinic also produce their own skincare line. To complete the service line up, it has set up the Inasa Aesthetic Institute, which produce skillful therapists and beauticians who comply to applicable medical standards, and is supported by an experienced team of experts.

BY RISTI BROPHY, KINDRA COOPER. PHOTOS: HEALTHY CHOICE, INASA COSMETIC & LASER CLINIC

our prayers for a healthy and radiant skin may just have been answered. Say hello to Inasa Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, a one-stop clinic for all your skincare needs, from simple hair removal to dealing with pigmentation and other more complicated skin problems.

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HEALTH & FITNESS After your treatment, visit the Sakti Dining Room to feast on foods of organic origins and exquisite taste. Banjar Adat Baturning, Mambal Ubud, Bali T: +62-361 469 206

Wellness is a Many-sided Thing W I BurAL Personal

Cocoon

W Retreat & Spa Seminyak, Bali Experience the meaning of ‘otherworldly’ at W Retreat & Spa Seminyak. An audio-visual immersion that plays on scent, sound, colour and light is integral to your spa treatment. The treatment suites have a futuristic feel: the beds are cast in the hypnotic glow of blue uplights and the ceiling overhead is a shimmering light display. Minimalist, featherlight architecture gives the space a floaty, cavernous feel. Spa menu highlights include the Morning After Massage for those who need to purge the stigma of a night out, featuring a 90-minute massage using herbal oils infused with lime, basil, mint and rosemary

leaves; while the Raw Energy massage gives you a zing of health and vitality inside and out: enjoy the kick of sipping a chilled lime margharita and then soak in it – after the Crush Salt & Seaweed body rub and massage, of course! The Over The Top 150-minute treatment commences with the Scent Alchemist Body Massage, then it’s a sublime soak in a diamond dust polish to reveal the skin’s natural shimmer. The 24K Gold Wrap that follows flushes the body of toxins, while a final application of a rich moisturizer seals in its benefits. Jl. Petitenget Seminyak Bali 80361 T: +62-361 473 8106 F: +62-361 473 8104

Fivelements Puri Ahimsa, Ubud Fivelements is one of the newer spas on the island, yet it embraces the healing traditions representative of the ritualistic traditional

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Balinese lifestyle where balance is sought in all domains of life. In the luscious surrounds of Mambal, where time is nonexistent but for the rhythms of nature, it is possible to create a deep and lasting change of attitude, to learn to distinguish what needs your attention and what you can simply let

go of. Follow the programs or make a day visit: these spiritual journeys are supported through healing retreats and master classes that utilize the sacred healing arts. Choose from deep bodywork, meditation, the wonderful Watsu Water Healing Therapy that combines shiatsu with a holding technique and a dynamic aquatic therapy called “Healing Dance Aquatic Bodywork”. The Bidadari Beauty sanctuary offers a comprehensive range of pure organic ingredients that are prepared fresh for each client and applied to specifically address the individual’s need.

L’Occitane Bamboo Spa L’Occitane Bamboo Spa opened its doors at the new Kupu Kupu Jimbaran. Already a renowned destination in the hills of Ubud, up in the wonderful Mango Tree Spa, L’Occitane and Kupu Kupu have joined forces once again to bring guests more of their wonderful spa experiences, this time tinged with sea breezes. The uplifting treatments assimilate the very best of East and West. The fresh floral and herbal concoctions from Provence, France; the deeply aromatic

BY KINDRA COOPER. PHOTOS: W RETREAT & SPA, FIVELEMENTS, L’OCCITANE BAMBOO SPA, MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL

ellness: is it a feeling or a state of mind? Perhaps both, for true wellness implicates both physical and psychological health. Achieving and maintaining wellness means knowing when to get up and active, and when to rest and retreat. Bali can be your cocoon of peace and quiet, where you give yourself over to a journey of Reiki, meditation and massage. Upon returning to Jakarta, you’ll be brimming with zest and energy and ready to enter the arena once again. Ramp up your wellness treatments accordingly: keep fit in the capital with cardio workouts, kickboxing and dance.

Jakr Paersrotnaal You

Arena

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Fitness & Wellness Centre Finetune your fitness regime your way. Mandarin Oriental Hotel recognizes that no two guests are the same: the MO Health Club offers bespoke yoga sessions with a professional trainer trimmed and tweaked with respect to body type, current fitness and stress levels, personal health and wellness goals. The time, workout and venue is your call: book your one-hour session in the fitness studio or at the poolside, where landscaped gardens and city skyline views are your backdrop. Recharge an overwrought mind and body

spices and oils from the Indian Ayurvedic traditions and the fresh Balinese essences of red rice, frangipani and lemongrass all contribute to the overall joy of the experience. Highly recommended is the signature Bamboo Treatment that uses bamboo silks and branches as therapy. A truly amazing experience. Bamboo Spa by L’Occitane Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Jl. Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Bali 80361 Mango Tree Spa by L’Occitane Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali 80361 T: +62-361 975 478 www.kupubarong.com/ spabyloccitane

at the Wellness Centre when you undergo the Harmonious Indonesian Wellness Treatment. The full-body exfoliation conditions the body for the subsequent massage, a cathartic affair in which every muscle kink, ache and worry is slowly unraveled. The treatment is available daily from 10am11pm for USD65++. Book a personal training session at the Kinesis Studio for exercises that test strength and flexibility. Jl. MH Thamrin, PO Box 3392 Jakarta 10310 T: +62-21 2993 8999 E: mojkt-fitness@mohj.com

The Shangri-La Health Club & Spa Work up a sweat in luxurious surrounds at the Shangri-La Health Club. The multi-sensory cardiovascular equipment from TechnoGym, which features integrated iPod capability, wireless headphone and touch-screen monitor, is configured before an expansive

bay window filled with the silhouette of Jakarta’s most impressive skyscrapers. The multi-purpose workout studio is stocked also with complete weight training equipment and offers classes in cardio dance, kickboxing, fit ball, step athletics and yoga. A round of soothing repose at the Spa is a logical complement to a workout. Its menu of massages, facials, couples treatment and men’s care will leave you feeling feather-light. Each treatment suite creates an ambience conducive to a total divestment of physical and emotional baggage, while a stint in the jacuzzi, sauna or steam bath warms the body and invigorates the blood

circulation. Sip a cool beverage brimming with healthy goodness at the Health Lounge Bar and rest assured that your body has been reinvigorated from the inside and out. The hotel’s lagoon-shaped pool is built to resemble a lake with its being tucked conspiratorially amidst a bracket of foliage. Join the Shangri-La Health Club & Spa and revel in a range of members-only benefits. Couple, Corporate and Family Membership Packages are available. Kota BNI Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1 Jakarta 10220 T: +62-21 570 7440 F: +62-21 570 3530

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HEALTH & FITNESS 98 Lake Toba 104 Bali Garden Party

Finding the Right Fitness Club for You

Take your mind and your eyes for a trip inside our travel pages, where you will be taken to peek at many amazing places around the world, which hopefully will inspire you to have a bit of adventure.

any people hope that joining a fitness club will automatically inspire them to work out. But you should take a careful look at what each club offers. This will ensure you join the right club that has the best chance of helping you develop a steady fitness habit.

108 Travel Diaries

Strategic Location Unless the club is located nearby or is convenient to your commute, your attendance will drop off swiftly. A club in a convenient location where you are is more likely to make you stop and workout.

“Large sections of the shore are dotted with villages where women and children chatter amicably while washing clothes and bathing, fisherman in shallow canoes cast out their nets and teens scrub prized motorcycles and buffalo alike. Elsewhere the lakeside is rimmed with tangled jungle vines, trees and dense scrub where orangutan, elephants, clouded leopards, tapirs, tigers, Malayan bears, and snakes thicker than a strongman’s arm once thrived.”

Class or Trainer Schedules

Clientele You will feel most comfortable working out around people with similar fitness goals. Some gyms cater to bodybuilders. Some to those seeking weight loss.

Cost Staff It will be better for you to have a membership in a club which offers knowledgeable fitness professionals who are friendly on assisting you.

Safety and Cleanliness A good club has equipments which are well maintained for its clients’ safety. Moreover, pieces of equipment, mats, locker rooms and shower areas are always kept clean. Meanwhile towels are available for free.

Facilities and Services Make sure the fitness club has the kind of equipments and facilities you most want. Do they have enough treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights, and exercise machines of the type you prefer? Do they have a space for you to stretch and use an exercise ball? Common items would include room for aerobics, dance classes, sauna, steamroom and whirlpool.

To make sure that you get the most benefit out of your membership, be sure you understand the initiation fees, membership duration, how it will be billed, and whether it automatically renews if not actively stopped, extra fees for classes and personal training, is the membership transferable to other locations, are there any time limits on using any bonus items such as personal training sessions, will the fees go up after an initial discount period, and are the fees refundable if you decide to terminate the membership?

It’s not hard to find a good fitness club for you in this city as fitness centres are established nearly in every corner. You can find fitness centre at most hotels, sport clubs as well as inside Jakarta’s major malls. Most of them offer you state of the art facilities, highly skilled trainers as well as an extensive range of fitness class for you to choose. To avoid any disappointment from choosing the wrong club, you can always consider to join one of the top brands in Jakarta, that is the Celebrity Fitness (www. celebrityfitness.com), Fitness First (www.fitnessfirst. co.id), Gold’s Gym (www.goldsgym.co.id) or the Lifespa Fitness which open in many hotels in Jakarta including at the Sultan Hotel Jakarta, Hotel Kristal and The Park Lane Jakarta. 92 | OC TO B E R 2 0 1 1 w w w. n o w j a k a r t a . c o. i d

BY FRANSISCA RESTIAWARDANI. PHOTOS: NOW! JAKARTA

Some of the best Fitness Clubs in Jakarta!

PHOTO: KELLY BENNETT

Many clubs offer an extensive range of fitness class to fit your fitness level and needs, including pilates, yoga, aerobic, cycling, reggaeton and zumba among others. Check if the kind of group classes you want available at hours convenient to your schedule. If you plan to use a personal trainer, check at what hours they are available.

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MEDAN

Beauty, History and Diversity Rolled into One:

Medan Medan has never been earmarked as a tourist destination, but unbeknownst to many, the city is a trove of unexpected marvels. Million-dollar theme parks and white sandy beaches are not its staples; Medan’s uniqueness lies rather in the story behind how a rural, obscure town was built up from the ground to become what it is today, and the indelible footprints left behind by the great diversity of cultures to have set foot in the city. Medan is the capital of the North Sumatera province and the fourth largest city in Indonesia, and despite its being far-flung from mainland Java, it has shared in much of the rapid urbanization Jakarta has enjoyed. Medan did not jump on the industrialization bandwagon, however, until the 1860’s, when the Dutch began clearing the land for tobacco plantations. These became a primordial source of wealth for the community, causing a subsequent surge of economic development. Medan then became the nucleus of government and commercial activity in Sumatera; to which the grand colonial buildings erected in that time – many of which are still standing – attest.

Maimoon Palace The Maimoon Palace exemplifies some of the highest prowess in architecture; the fruit of passion, patience and the tasteful mélange of Italian, Malayan, Spanish and Indian influences. Built by the Sultan of Deli in 1888, the back wing of the thirty-roomed palace is still tenanted by his descendants. The grandeur of its arcades - recently

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an adequate sampling of the building’s majestic archways, kaleidoscopelike ceiling paintings and dramatic colonnades found throughout. Despite all its majesty, the building is made entirely of wood, with marble and tiling imported from Italy. The current sultan, whose role is purely ceremonial, was only 8 years old when he was inaugurated as the 15th Sultan of Deli in 2005, succeeding his father who had died in a plane crash. 100m from the palace is the Al-Maksum Mosque, yet another significant landmark, built in 1806. Worshippers and non-worshippers alike throng the building to get an eyeful of its equally breathtaking interior. The palace is located in Medan City and is open to visitors from 8am-5pm daily.

The Mansion of Tjong A Fie The lavish domicile of Tjong A Fie, the first millionaire in Sumatera, looks as if it belongs on a street in Shanghai. Flanked by stone lions, the entrance opens to a rustic dwelling - complete with wooden shuttered windows and quaint courtyard - that exudes Chinese-inspired charm and hominess. Many of the rooms are still furnished, almost as if

BY: KINDRA COOPER PHOTOS: NOW! JAKARTA

Hallmarks of a Fascinating History Medan is one city in which rustic yet grand colonial buildings rub shoulders with glitzy, glass-fronted shopping centers. Medan’s city planning seems torn between preserving its cultural legacy and promoting urbanization – only few cities around the world have been able to achieve a reconciliation of the two. Either way, the Dutch-era infrastructure that still remains is a magnet for tourists, who flock to see the dramatic, intricately-detailed temples, shrines and famed City Hall and central post office.

refreshed with a lick of yellow paint and curving cupolas, bordered by an expanse of immaculate lawn, seemingly detach it from its less flattering surroundings. Only its main room, containing the inauguration throne, is admissible to visitors, but it provides

the millionaire, who died in 1921, were still living there. A wander through the mansion’s antique-filled rooms is truly like a trip back in time. The Chinese entrepreneur accrued much of his wealth from the tobacco, tea and palm oil plantations he established, and was notorious for his social network and rapport with the sultan. He learned the tricks of the trade in the family-owned shop where he worked with his brother, and arrived on the port of Medan in 1880. Rural Medan bloomed into an industrious city by virtue of funds donated by the citizens and the generosity of Tjong A Fie, who donated significant portions of his wealth to the construction of many of the temples and churches for which Medan is renowned. Guided tours of his home are available, for a fee of RP35,000/person.

Places of Interest

WHERE TO STAY

Bukit Lawang Bukit Lawang’s simple beauty endears itself to those seeking to immerse – albeit temporarily – in a world completely disparate to city life. The riverside village comprises little more than thatch-roofed huts nearly swallowed up by an overhanging of untouched flora and fauna, but therein lies its surreal charm. The community was devastated by a flash flood in 2003 that wiped out nearly a third of the population and countless settlements. There is speculation that the disaster was caused by illegal logging and the consequent soil and riverbank erosion, which caused an onslaught of water, mud and vegetation to torpedo through the village, destroying everything it touched. It is only just beginning to recoup its status as a popular tourist destination, but has not lost its most prized asset: the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which, together with Gunung Leuser National Park, is one of the last two places on earth where you can spot the Sumatran orangutans. The endangered species learn to readjust and reintegrate into the wild

The Aston International has several properties in Sumatra including the 5-star Grand Aston Cityhall in Medan, which is the only hotel in Sumatra with an acoustically engineered ballroom. It is also equipped with a top-notch private executive club, the first and only auditorium in Medan, as well as a separate serviced apartment tower. The Grand Aston Medan has no less than five restaurants, a night club, a shopping arcade and a full service destination spa. More interestingly, it boasts the painstakingly restored historic Balai Kota, Medan’s historic turn of the century City Hall, which has been incorporated into the hotel’s grand lobby and is home to a classic European café. For more information please visit: www.grandastonmedan. com

before they are released from the centre. They are a rare sight once returned to their habitat, but visitors are attracted by curiosity. Grab the unique experience by the horns and go jungle trekking, river tubing or go on an elephant ride. Muster the courage to venture into the bat cave or whitewater raft down the river – your reward is a chance to shower underneath a cascading waterfall. Gunung Leuser National Park Gunung Leuser is its own ecological microcosm: supporting an enormous diversity of plant and animal species and grounds that enclose 950,000 hectares of forestland, freshwater swamps, rift valleys and even four volcanoes:

Gunung Leuser, Kemiri, Simpali and Perkinson. The park is home to an ecosystem so compact and self-sufficient that if it were isolated from the rest of the world it would continue to flourish, and yet, this balance is inordinately delicate. Furthermore, the park’s coastal fisheries and aquaculture is a placenta to the diet and economy of the immediate community. The long-tailed macaque, Malayan sun bear, silvered leaf monkey and giant flying squirrel are just a few of the animal species so coveted by visitors. The national park hopes to institutionalize the concept of eco-tourism by appealing to visitors the interdependence of ecosystems and the number of endangered animal species.

How to get there By Plane Local airlines such as Batavia Air, Garuda, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air offer direct flights from Soekarno Hatta Airport to Medan’s Polonia International Airport, located just 15 minutes from the city center. The flight takes about 4 hours. By Bus/Private Car You will need to use a ferry. To get to the Merak ferry port, located north-west of Jakarta, take the Tangerang-Merak toll road, which is a 2-3 hour drive. The ferry departs on an almost hourly basis throughout the day, with a stopover in Lampung, before continuing on to Medan.

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MEDAN

Bukit Lawang, Sumatra and the Orang-utans For those families who are looking for a little adventure in the jungle for a long weekend try Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra. Bukit Lawang is one of the most accessible places to see orang-utans in Indonesia and for enjoying ‘tubing’ down child-friendly white water!

There are frequent flights to Medan, and it’s an easy 2.5/3 hour drive from there through palm oil and rubber plantations to the Gunung Leuser National Park where Bukit Lawang is located. We stayed in the Jungle Inn Lodge, which is at the entrance of the national park and over looks the forest canopy and a gushing river ideal for tubing and swimming. The Jungle Inn is the most established and probably best accommodation available; we paid Rp 350.000 per night for their best room,

which was large with a king size bed and they put extra mattresses on the floor for our children aged 3.5 and 2. I can’t describe waking up in the morning and staring out of our open roofed en suite bathroom at birds and monkeys playing in the forest canopy above us. We spent part of each afternoon just watching orang-utans and monkeys from our balcony as they went about their daily rituals which included going down to the river below us to drink. Unbeatable! This area is particularly popular with local tourists and back packers, so all of

the accommodation is fairly basic, but Jungle Inn is clean, comfortable, has friendly and capable guides for hiking in the jungle with children, as well as stunning views. All the accommodation in Bukit Lawang is situated on a footpath that follows the river up to the entrance of the national park. Jungle Inn is an easy 15-minute walk from the main road when you arrive but there are plenty of strong men around to carry bags and the children if they need help (just don’t depart at 6.30am like we did!). The manager of Jungle Inn spoke perfect English which make booking a room and organising a car easy. The car was well serviced, arrived on time, comfortable and had seat belts in the back and front. If there is anything that let the Jungle Inn down it was their food service, but we quickly learned to order in advance and specify a time we wanted it, and all was well. Their food was ok, a mix of Indonesian and the standard European pastas, pizzas, burger style food too. Our children had plenty to choose from for the days we were there. They do great porridge (it’s cold in the mornings there) and banana pancakes; although don’t try the Jungle Inn muesli unless you want a banana boat style desert with no banana or muesli! Our favourite restaurant with great homemade food and good service was the ‘Garden Inn’ hotel just down the river from the Jungle Inn. There are lots of other decent restaurants around, we tried a few. There are no baby sitting services anywhere though, so if you have young children that you can’t leave there isn’t much else to do in the evenings except sit out on your balcony, or you could eat at the Jungle Inn where it is possible to sit in view of the door of your room.

The first morning we went to one of the scheduled supplementary feedings of the orang-utans and monkeys in the national park which happens daily at 9am and 4pm. It’s a 20 minute walk to the feeding site, up lots of forest steps, but our children were so excited to see the orang-utans that they didn’t worry about the steps, our 3.5 year old ran all the way. We weren’t disappointed – 4 orang-utan mothers and their babies came to be fed and plenty of monkeys as well. There’s no guarantee you’ll see them there, but usually you do. We then walked slowly back examining every leaf, bug and butterfly along the way which the children loved. We spent an hour or two in the afternoon floating down the river and running back upstream again, our youngest clad with armbands – you do need to watch the current a little in places and water shoes are a good idea. We also hired a purpose built inner tube to float on once we were bored of body floating– all the tourists love it and with good reason, it’s awesome. We had so much fun and unlike Mongolia where we used to ‘tube’ on the rivers, the river here is WARM. You can hire life jackets if you need them and even pay someone to run up the footpath with the tube if you go all the way down, so you don’t have to carry it. It is hours of fun. On day two we got brave and went on a half-day trek with the children. Our guide from Jungle Inn was very patient and amenable. The standard trek is usually a full day (4-5 hours walk time) or alternatively two or more days,

but Hasani found us a route that only required us to walk slowly for about 2.53 hours, as we’d requested. A half-day trek is Rp 300.000 - 400.000 including guides and tubing back down the river. We stopped and started all the time looking at the wonderful flora, fauna, orang-utans and Thomas monkeys that Hasani pointed out along the way. Several of the orang-utans we came across were happy for us to watch them for fairly long periods of time at close proximity. The children were fascinated. There was so much to see and hear in the jungle. Towards the end of our trek Hasani found a hidden waterfall pool for us to swim in deep in the jungle, which was a wonderful experience. After that we followed the water down to the main river to raft/tube home on the white water for about 10 minutes with a child on each of our laps. With the water most definitely ‘white’, there was some gleeful whooping when we took some water on - over some of the slightly bigger rapids. Not all children would enjoy it as ours did, but it was safe and they had life jackets for the children. It was an incredible morning. Even our youngest, who was in a backpack for a good part of the time, was just Jungle Inn transfixed by the sounds of the jungle Hp: 0813 7073 0151 and loved every minute. We took a Guide - Hasani second guide with us to help our 3.5 Hp: 0813 7500 7648 year old son if he needed it, which he Charlie Granville-Ross did on some of the steep parts where it cgranvilleross@gmail.com was wet from rain the night before. Both Another experienced guide in Bukit guides inspired the children with their Lawang is Hendra Wan (Iwan) knowledge of everything around us, from larvae to bee’s nests and more. The highlight for my husband and I was probably watching the orang-utans, but I honestly think the children were just This article has been brought as excited by all the to you by The Family Guide to sights and sounds of Jakarta, an online website directory the jungle. That kept developed to support expatriate them going! It’s a must families relocating to or already for anyone who wants living in Jakarta. The Family Guide some jungle adventure to Jakarta is a non profit website combined with some with all proceeds from advertising revenue going directly to Yayasan water fun. It’s probably Balita Sehat (Foundation for our best adventure to Mother & Child Health). date in Indonesia, and we’ve had some good For more information visit ones. www.familyguidetojakarta.web.id

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MEDAN

Paradise Born of Fire BY KELLY BENNETT

“Lake Toba…ahhh, Lake Toba.” Those who have visited this vast, glittering lake at the center of a majestic supercrater speak of it with the same reverential tones used to conjure Brigadoon; that mythical village which emerges from within a magical mist only once every hundred years. Lake Toba is indeed a paradise—one much easier to access than Brigadoon. An easy 4-hour drive from Medan, this bucolic region nestled in the highlands of North Sumatra offers respite from the heat and hubbub of the city - hiking, boating and riding opportunities, and a glimpse into the lives and customs of the colorful and intriguing Batak people. One hundred kilometers long, 30 kilometers wide, and 505 meters deep at its deepest point, Lake Toba, Danau Toba in Indonesian, has the distinction of being the largest lake in Southeast Asia and the largest volcanic lake in the world. Called “the most beautiful place on earth” by Dutch writer Rudy Kousbroek, the lake is the result of a volcanic eruption some 70, 000 years ago. An eruption so massive it is believed to have been the most explosive on earth in the last 25 million years—truly a paradise born of fire. As one might expect when speaking of the largest crater on earth, much of the terrain surrounding the lake is hilly, wooded and difficult to access by land. There are, however, good roads connecting the villages, as well as a

regular ferry service from the town of Parapat to Samosir Island, a large island —think the size of Singapore— in the center of the lake. A boat ride around the lake reveals the region at its best—magnificent and varied. In places, majestic cliffs rise straight up from the water; in others, pastures roll gently back from the shore like green waves. Large sections of the shore are dotted with villages where women and children chatter amicably while washing clothes and bathing, fisherman in shallow canoes cast out their nets and teens scrub prized motorcycles and buffalo alike. Elsewhere the lakeside is rimmed with tangled jungle vines, trees and dense scrub where orangutan, elephants, clouded leopards, tapirs, tigers, Malayan bears, and snakes thicker than a strongman’s arm once thrived.

Land and People, a Juxtaposition of Violence and Beauty: Like the Lake Toba region they call home, the Batak People of North Sumatra are a study in contradictions. Believed to be descended from seafarers,

the Batak chose to settle inland. They’re renowned for a finely woven and dyed form of ikat fabric called ulos, as well as for their intricate woodcarvings. They were also, however, historically known and feared cannibals. For centuries the Batak resisted outside influences or conversion—except, apparently, when it comes to music. Batak musicians incorporate Latin, Caribbean, Hawaiian, and Eurasian sounds and rhythms into their soulful love songs, hymns and four-part harmonies. And, even after embracing Christianity, the Batak retained traditional death rites which include elaborate funeral and burial customs intended to keep the “death soul,” begu, from returning to the village. This melding of contrasting traits is demonstrated during a program at Huta Bolon, a traditional village which is maintained as a museum. Batak men and women, dressed in traditional regalia, performed ceremonial songs and dances. Most notable among these was the Gondung Lae-Lae, a ritualized slaughtering of a male buffalo, traditionally performed when a buffalo is brought to Borotan. The slow, graceful prayer-dance is an entreatment to God that the buffalo, which is tied to a sacred wooden pole called a “Hau Borotan,” will behave well during its sacrifice. How well the buffalo behaves foretells the future for the household. If the buffalo behaves calmly, the coming year will be pleasant, if it balks, the future will be bleak.

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Getting There: The town of Parapat, on the shores of Lake Toba, is a 3-4 hour drive from Medan. From there, regular public ferries take visitors across to Samosir Island. Transportation to Parapat ranges from public buses to taxis or private cars and can be booked through most Medan hotels and travel agents.

PHOTOS: KELLY BENNETT

Buffalo Horns and Bone Houses: Traditional Batak houses, called sopo, are long wooden structures built on stilts. The roofline rises to high triangular peaks in the front and back and curves inward at the center in the manner of the horned buffalo they honor. The most spectacular sopo are elaborately carved and painted with red, white and black symbols. Villages are carefully organized with sopo standing side by side like cows tied to a hitching post. Across from each sopo stands a rice barn, an open-sided platform topped by a small storage room used to store rice. Although modern concrete houses predominate in most villages today, this tidy village layout is still maintained.

Fast Facts

While many sopo are falling to disrepair, being fitted with easy-care aluminum roofs or replaced by these modern versions, “bone houses” known as tugu or tambak, retain their importance. Painted and decorated, fenced and landscaped buildings shaped like boats, cones, and multitiered dwellings are scattered over the countryside and alongside roads. To the unenlightened, these structures, often very large, are easily mistaken for houses. A closer look reveals rows of small doors adorning each bone house. Several years after being buried, ancestor’s bodies are exhumed, ceremoniously cleansed and then placed within these bone houses.

Paradise Found: Lake Toba, especially Samosir Island, has been a popular holiday destination since well before the Second World

War. Visitors to the island will find all of the expected amenities: comfortable accommodations; restaurants serving tasty foods (including all manner of pork dishes); interesting shopping and cultural opportunities and, of course, the Lady Lake herself! In recent years, with the ease of air travel, many would-be visitors are going farther afield for vacation. And so, formerly bustling lodges are largely vacant, especially during the week. Frankly, this only adds to the region’s allure. If your recipe for fun and relaxation includes wandering through villages and country sides enjoying the scenery, shopping for traditional handicrafts, soaking in natural hot springs or cool lake water, learning about Batak culture, or chilling in a cozy café listening to music; Lake Toba just might be your Brigadoon!

Where to Stay: There are many lodging choices, from homestays to hotels, in the town of Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island. We stayed at Hotel Silintog; which is a bit dated, but clean with good service: phone: +62 625 451242; e-mail: info@ silintonghotel.com. Nearby Tabo Cottages are newer with good food and wifi. Phone: +62 625 451318; website: www.tabo-cottages.com. Boating and Other Water Sports: Because it lies at the bottom of the crater, the lake water is surprisingly ruffle free, especially for such a large body of water. Well-equipped boats with covered decks are available for rental, as are small sailboats and kayaks. Swimming and fishing are also popular pastimes. During our boat tour of the lake we stopped at a scenic waterfall, snapped some photos and dove in. The water is clear, clean, cold and delightfully refreshing!

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Expedition Jungle Sumatra Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the other side of the travel experience? Our travel correspondent, Natasha Roberts, met with Romi Hendri Rambe, founder of travel company ‘Expedition Jungle’ in Sumatra, to get the low down on being a Jungle Guide in the Sumatran rain forest. Who are your tours aimed at?

How long have you been guiding for and how did Expedition Jungle come about?

I have been guiding for 11years. I was doing some guiding for a local orangutan research project when I met my British wife. Together, we set up Expedition Jungle. We make a good team! What are the chances of seeing a wild orangutan?

It depends on your luck. This is the jungle. It helps if you do a longish trek, such as our monthly 6 day trek. On this trek you probably have a 50% chance. But, you might be lucky on a shorter trek and there is always a very high chance of seeing the semi wild orangutans. My wife is quite unlucky and is usually looking in the wrong direction.

People who like the outdoors, like to trek and like to know about other cultures. We can tailor the trip to suit most people. This year, for example, we have catered for lots of families. This might mean we take them camping in the jungle or just go for a picnic. Most of the guesthouses are located next to the river and opposite the jungle so just being in the area is enough for some people. You don’t have to go on a hard trek. One of our most popular trips is a 2 or 3 day trip to Bukit Lawang to see the orangutans and then on to Tangkahan to see the elephants and take a ride through the jungle. This is ideal for families or people who only have a long weekend to spare. We get quite alot of solo travellers. We can arrange for people to go trekking on their own with guides and we even have a female guide that can accompany ladies travelling on their own or we can sometimes put people together with other solo travellers. We have had a lot of honeymooning couples this year. The jungle is very romantic at the moment! The jungle gives you good spirit. Expedition Jungle puts alot of emphasis on being an eco tour company. Wouldn’t it be better for the orangutans and the area if there were no tourists?

No it is not good if there are no tourists.

We try to make a balance between what our community needs and conserving the jungle we love. Having tourists gives an income to lots of the people in this community and it gives motivation to protect the area. In villages that do not have any tourists, orangutans are still seen as a pest and killed when they damage fruit plantations. When people realise they can earn an income from something they are more likely to protect it. We try to keep this balance in check by following correct guiding practices and staying up to date with recommendations from IUCN and the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS). In somewhere like Bukit Lawang there is no illegal logging. Tourism is worth more to people than cutting down the forests. What plans do you have for the future?

We are starting to organise educational tours for schools in partnership with a local orangutan research project. As part of this we are replanting trees - We are thinking of getting people to help us with maintaining the samplings as a sort of voluntary work / holiday. Do you ever get bored of trekking in the jungle?

No, I always want more. I never feel I have enough of the jungle. I always see something different. As a guide, I’ve met people from all over the world, from many different backgrounds. People can have really important jobs in their own country, but when we are in the jungle we are all the same and everything outside of the jungle is not important. You see the real person when they are away from all their stresses. What would be your ideal holiday?

Ski-ing!

For more information about trekking and overland tours in North Sumatra go to: www.expeditionjungle.com E: info@expeditionjungle.com T: +62(0)813 7060 7035 Anything in duration from a weekend to a couple of weeks or more can be catered to. Group trekking tours or individual itineraries.

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More Than Words Writers may be masters of words, but the publishing business goes beyond word craft. These days 34-year old Achmad Julian prefers to go by the name Julian the Hooligan. Before that, his alias was The Julander. Although some would consider 34 to be a bit too mature an age to have childish superhero-ish pseudonyms, anyone who has gotten to know him even for just five minutes would see that Julian isn’t just some maladjusted youngster with piercings and a mohawk. Contradictory to his eye-catching appearance, Julian is a man with a big heart and a big mind filled with big ideas. Just five months ago, Julian came back to his hometown Jakarta after spending 11 years in Oregon, and he has big plans to continue what he has been developing in the last four years; Independent Publishing. “Some people perceive independent publishing as being completely DIY1*. They write poems, novels, short stories, etc. They lay it and print it out themselves and distribute it themselves. DIY culture was born from an admirable idea and it is my root. But I’ve grown to a point where now I think the methods still being practiced in the DIY culture are not sustainable enough,” Julian says. Having worked for Microcosm Publishing where he gained his know-hows, Julian is ready to launch his own publishing collective – “not a company,” he stresses - called Kolektif Jembatan. While, in Julian’s words, “major publishing businesses are like vampires who feed on author’s ideas”, Julian also thinks the lack of profesionalism in the DIY scene is what is causing bright ideas to collapse before they even began to see real results. So what is Kolektif Jembatan actually doing differently? “Independence combined with well-structured vision,” he said “I want writers to have the dignity of being in charge of their works. But I want them to have an institution to assist them through the process of getting their works available to the market of their choosing.” Kolektif Jembatan is open to writers of any * DIY or Do It Yourself is an ethic tied to

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genre without selecting them based on market trends. “Anyone who comes to us with a manuscript will be published. No selection process. But the rest of the process is done by industry standards. From the editing, to the printing, to the distribution. The difference is, writers still get to be the decision maker throughout this process,” he explains. In Kolektif Jembatan, writers also have a say where they want their books sold. “Authors know their target readers and this is an often forgotten fact. If they have their own channels of distribution, we can follow it up. This also has the benefit of opening new channels for our next authors. If they don’t have any channels, we’ll sell it through the ones

writers 50:50. “Much more generous compared to what writers are getting from big publishers” Julian claims. But of course it is not everyone’s aspiration to be an independently published author. Advertising executive Mala, for example, finished her novel last year and is still carrying her manuscript around in her bag in case an opportunity for a pitch pops up. Mala wants her book to be published by a major publisher, but has no knowledge what-so-ever on how to make that happen. “I know I’m a good writer. Everyone who has read my novel said it’s brilliant. But I have no connections in the publishing business. It’s very frustrating,” Mala says. There are authors who want to independently publish their works. There are those desperately waiting to be discovered by major publishers. There are also some published authors who are clueless about the publishing business. Yet there is one question every author in their early careers would always ask, after their work is done, “Now what?”

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PAN ASIAN SUNDAY BRUNCH. LUXURIOUS. SIMPLY SUMPTUOUS.

Chef de Cuisine Yab Han Wei

Following the legacy of the Sunday Brunch at St. Regis Bali, Banyubiru at The Laguna Bali now serves a Pan Asian Sunday Brunch. International but with a strong Chinese influence, the Brunch is presented by Chef de Cuisine, Yab Han Wei, whose natural talent spans more than 20 years in the Chinese culinary world. Indulge in excellent Chinese delicacies including River Lobster Porridge, Peking Duck, Scallops X.O. Sauce, Abalone, Dim Sum along with Foie Gras favourites, Oysters, Sushi, Sashimi, Mongolian BBQ, culminating in divine desserts and Valrhona Chocolate Fountain, complemented with soft drinks and juices. Enjoy your Brunch with live entertainment while the little ones play at a Children’s Corner. An additional beverage package of free flow of wines and selected cocktails is also available from 12.00pm to 3.00pm.

we have, which are not conventional bookstores, but coffee shops, galleries and even fashion boutiques,” he explains. The reason for this is because emerging unknown writers have less chance to stand out in bookstores. While in places like coffee shops, they can have their own displays. “Also, the percentage of their consigment cut is more human,” Julian added. Marketing, though, will be handed back to the writers. “ We give a handbook to every writers under our wing. It’s a simple guide to marketing your book. They can follow those simple steps, or they can do it their own way.” By cutting down promotion costs and consignment cuts, Kolektif Jembatan can afford to share profits with their

ANZ Ubud Writers & Readers Festival,

a vibrant literary festival held every year in Ubud – Bali offers a program titled ‘Publishers on the Pitch’ to answer this very question and more. In this particular portion of the festivals, established publishers as well as independent publishers and experienced authors will share their insights on the business aspect of the literary world. What’s the most sought after topics? Where is the trend going? What options do authors have in getting their works out? All will be discussed in an intimate 90-minute session at the Left Bank Lounge, Friday October 7th 2011. To join this session and other inspiring programs in the festival, go to www. ubudwritersfestival.com.

Rp. 388.000 Nett (Brunch Package) Rp. 388.000 Nett (Beverage Package) Rp. 130.000 Nett (For children 9 to 11 years old) Complimentary selection of cocktails at Cascade Garden Lounge & Bar from 11.00am to 12.00pm. Brunch is from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. Pool and beach facilities are reserved for hotel guests only. Reservation is preferred. Please call +62 361 771327 (Ext 5626 / 5627) email banyubiru.bali@luxurycollection.com visit www.balibeyondgourmet.com The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N 2 PO Box 77, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363 Indonesia Tel 62 361 771327 Fax 62 361 771326 luxurycollection.com/bali © 2 011 S t a r w o o d H o t e l s & R e s o r t s Wo r l d w i d e , I n c .

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BALI THE FIRST ANNUAL “GARDEN PARTY” AT TAMAN BHAGAWAN

A Special Event For The International Community In Bali Bali has many events in its annual calendar but none of them have been specifically developed for the international community. Jakarta has had the Jakarta Highland Gathering for 32 years which is a major event focussed on the core traditions of the Scottish Highland Games. The Bali Garden Party is organised by the organisers of the Jakarta Highland Gathering and is based on the English traditions of Flower Shows, Dog Shows and Regattas with a little reference to the Queen’s annual garden party at Buckingham Palace!

The Bali Garden Party is a two day event, located on a beautiful beachside lawn, with a core based on the finest traditions of the English summer: the Chelsea Flower Show, the Regatta at Henley, Royal Ascot, and Wimbledon! It is sophisticated, fashionable, and relaxed with excellent food, all day entertainment and different exhibitions for everyone to enjoy. It is gentle, relaxed and gregarious combining fun and fashion, nature and families and all day music from string quartets to jazz to fabulous cabaret. Bali’s rapidly increasing international community consists of highly achieved people from around the world, many of whom have simply retired to enjoy the lifestyle. In the Nusa Dua/Benoa/Bukit area there are over three thousand hotel and villa rooms with visitors seeking new and rewarding ways to spend their holidays. Over two thousand people are expected to come to the event over the period of two days.

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At the Garden Party there is “something for everyone”, organised by specific areas around the beautiful site: • THE MAIN LAWN: restaurant tents featuring some of Bali’s best names serving top class food and beverage facing the entertainment stage. • THE FASHION SHOW: ten Balinese designers parade exclusive fashions at regular intervals on the main lawn and onto the catwalk. • THE FLOWER SHOW: beautiful flowers and plants in competition and on display. • THE DOG SHOW: proud owners display their pets for fun and for prizes! • THE KID’S AREA: fun things for the kids to do, organised by Bali with Kids. All day activities. • ART & CRAFTS: art exhibition and sale. • THE TALK SHOW: prominent people talk about interesting topics: wine, art, history, culture, life. • THE ECO CENTRE: stands and exhibitions showing the preservation of Bali’s environment.

• THE BEACH CLUB: chill on the beach with cocktails and good music.

Main Lawn Each evening will close with a fabulous cabaret. This is a beautiful area, with a focus on outstanding food and beverage and all day entertainment. The main restaurants tents are down the sides with the main stage at its centre. The featured restaurants are from Conrad Bali, Viceroy, Kupu Kupu Barong, Queen’s Tandoor, Bonita, Blue Point Villas, Dynasty Bali, Royal Santrian, Banyan Tree, Ayodya and Starbucks who will serve their signature dishes. There will be continuous entertainment featuring jazz, classical music, the house pop band dance and theatre on the stage from 11am to 9pm over two days. Music will feature a top level string quartet from Jakarta and a variety of jazz music from two jazz bands. Area

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BALI The Fashion Show A great opportunity for top-niche local designers to fashion parade their exclusive labels 3 times a day over 2 days. The parades will take place around mid-day, afternoon tea and in the evening. Designers will also have their own rack sections for display and sales (including hats and accessories), in a dedicated joglo so guests can easily view and purchase their favourite fashion. Organised by Dwi Iskandar and Bonita, there will be some beautiful designs featured. The mood is one of elegance and style. Area

The Flower Show Set up as an exhibition, the Flower Show is actually a competition over several categories: plants, flowers, vegetables and cut flower display. Participants will be drawn from professional florists, gardeners and amateur enthusiasts. Occupying its own area this will be a delightful “walk through” experience for visitors and will end up with “Best of Show” Awards for the participants.

Area

The Dog Show Bali residents are very proud of their dogs and will have a chance to show off their beautiful pets in a show. Not only will they have their own special area, owners will parade their dogs through the main area to entertain visitors. The canine beauties will be awarded Best of Show in various pedigree categories, reflecting their good grooming and good training. Sponsored by Woof and Chewy this will be great fun. Area

The Kids Area The combination of good schools and top commercial operators including Cheeky Monkey’s and Outwardbound will ensure that kids have a great and safe time. Organised by “Bali with Kids” this is sure to be a great success. Area

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Arts & Crafts We will have a Joglo dedicated to fine arts and top quality handicrafts. With an emphasis on young emerging Balinese

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The Festival Cafe The Festival Cafe hosts all day poetry reading, presentations, music and impromptu performances. Based on the Edinburgh Festival concept of an informal hangout for performers, it provides a chance for the audience and the performers to mingle and have fun together –as well as enjoy great food, wine and coffee. When tired of the other areas, drop into The Tea House for some light entertainment and a cucumber sandwich! While the whole event is themed as a quintessential “British” Garden Party, the key words guiding this event are: • COMMUNITY: bringing peoplzwwwwe together in harmony and fun. • CHARITY: giving those less privileged a chance to enjoy themselves. • EDUCATION: having top level speakers and high quality performers to enrich the audience. • ENVIRONMENT: bringing important issues to the attention of the audience. Area

artists, the show will also encompass direct selling to support the artists in their recognition and give visitors a chance to invest in some emerging talent. Merchandise will be presented by BaliKu, Side by Side and other exhibitors.

The Talk Show In the second Joglo, we will have talented speakers arranged at regular intervals over the two days. Speaking on subjects of real interest to the audience this will attract small groups to the Joglo to hear talks in wine, haute cuisine, art and the environment. Providing a counterpoint to the normal festival activities, this provides a platform for the more intellectual side of life! (But still fun!) Speakers confirmed include Chris Salans, John Hardy, Daniel Elber, Bruce Waterfield, Mike O’Leary, Nigel Mason, Steve Palmer, Daniel Li-ox. Area

The Garden Party will take place at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa, Bali. The Garden Party will be held over two days from 11am to 9pm on both days. 29th – 30th The previous day the 28th will be dedicated to entertaining underpriviliged kids from orphanages and poor villages to fun and games and a packed lunch. Special hotel rates are available. Email barbara@phoenix.co.id. For more information see: www.baligardenparty.com or call +62-21 7813212 ext. 101

The Eco Centre We have created an area where people and organisations dedicated to helping Bali, its environment and its heritage, are invited to exhibit. This is somewhere everyone should visit to discover more about their island’s ecology, culture and preservation. Organisations who will be present include: • ROLE Foundation. • Muntigunung Project. • East Bali Poverty Project. • Side by Side Farm • Bali Clean and Green Area

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I am designing an ASEAN architectureinspired hotel on Lagoi Beach and have collected a gang of local merry men to assist me. Rinto is my Padangese driver with six inch fingernails: he rules the night market at Puja Selera, a little patch of Indonesia with a local life style (messy, vibrant, warm and friendly). Kerabat is my one-eyed bulldozer

Tanjung Pinang, for 200 years before Raffles moved in). Sadly, the Sultan of Johore’s palaces of the 18 th and 19 th century are all gone: just a few tantalizing pavilion bases and mausoleums, and the old mosque remain. The real charm of the port, and the nearby islands, are its people — a mix of

 View of the Genting Highlands Resort from the approach road.

In 1969, the late Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong had a dream that he would build 10,000 hotel rooms and six casinos in the cool hills outside Kuala Lumpur. With the help of the nation’s first Prime Minister, Tenku Abdul Razak, his dream was realized. To thank the gods he built a magnificent temple on the approach road to the casino, dedicated to the Chinese Thunder God Lei Kung. Even if you don’t like losing money hand over foot in a circus setting, the Genting Highlands is well worth the detour from Kuala Lumpur. There are 100 restaurants (Gamblers have huge appetites) and Asia’s best low-sugar moon cakes for sale, and lots of invigorating mountain air. I had come from a gastronomic tour of Surabaya — where warung-themed cafes are

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 Malaysia’s larget Buddha statue, outside the Chin Swee Caves Temple.

 The 10 century Masjid Raya Sultan Riau on Pulau Penyengat, Bintan.

 Gateway to a Royal Tomb (for members of the Johore Royal family), Pulau Penyengat.

Melayu, Sumatran, Javanese and Malay Straites Chinese. The food available is equally ‘cosmopolitan’. One reaches Pulau Penyengat Island from a jetty in the main port — “Alim’s” seafood restaurant and the Pasar Baru ‘floating’ morning market nearby are not to be missed — where one can charter a cigar boat for Rp. 150.000 for the return trip, and the boat will wait for an hour or two at Penyengat jetty. Once on Penyengat Island, tuk-tuk auto-rickshaws are waiting at the wharf; for Rp.50,000 one gets a quick spin around

operator from Central Java: he is the project hottie. I have twenty bushmen with machetes, from Papua: they can clear scrub like nobody’s business. At my home base, the Nirwana Garden Resort, a team of ‘nancy-boys’ in the coffee shop keep me amused with island gossip. One feels that this Singaporean government-backed tourism solution — a solution with its own harbor and jetty to Singapore service, and its own immigration (and soon to have its own international

traditionally holds a Halal Bihalal open house for her large family, and for her Bali friends. As doyenne of Bali’s now burgeoning community of Jakartans, Tatie is the hostess with the mostess. No-other matriarch can compete with the Indonesian treats that grace her table, and her exquisite garden. This year there is a bouquet of daughters, daughter-in-laws and granddaughters flittering around Tatie Waworuntu’s garden like exotic butterflies. Alhamdulillah!!

 The altar to the God of Thunder, Lei Kung, which sits in a large prayer hall adjacent the pagoda.

 Revellers in regional costumes for the Independence Day celebrations at the Gedung Daerah, Tanjung Pinang.

 Kika, Annisha and Nanda Waworuntu at their grandmother Tatie Waworuntu’s’s Halal Bihalal.

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through some charming rural country side to the Bintan Resort Development zone, which is a gated community. Inside there is no sign of life as we know it but the road verges are well maintained and everything drains perfectly. All prices at all retail outlets are in Singapore dollars. A generic tourism mall rises from the sand on Lagoi Beach. Giant animal cut-outs are applied to high voltage electricity towers. The beaches are stunning: large boulders are scattered everywhere with the occasional Jurrasic-era cycad growing in between.

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From Tanjung Pinang I drive 90 minutes

all the rage in the new mega-malls — so was well-primed for Asian-dining experiences in a Las Vegas setting.

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airport) — will be a huge success, particularly for Singaporean tourists scared of real Indonesian. One has to experience the Emerald Class on the Bintan Resort Ferry service to believe it! It’s seamless, from kerb to kerb, with Tom and Jerry cartoons all the way. The island offers banana boat rides, mangrove tours, jungle trekking and, for the truly intrepid, ‘Heritage Tours’ are available to deepest, darkest Indonesia, outside the gates. Helmets, tazers and mosquito sprays are ‘issued’ at the gates but many teenage girls return with carved souvenirs, jungle fever, and hickies on their necks.

18th August 2011: To an Indonesian culture free-zone

 Surabaya’s most famous food stall ‘Si Mbok’ at Central Mall.

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Every year, on Lebaran, Bali’s most glamorous Javanese lady, Tatie Waworuntu

 An attentive Batavia Air steward.

the island. In an hour one can experience the unique ambience of this historical Malay settlement. The Chinese quarter is still intact as are the perma-smiles on the faces of the friendly islanders. After the gamblers’ faces of the Genting Highlands it’s a welcome contrast! See my Independence Day video on Tanjung Pinang video: h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e. c o m / watch?v=8nEaJCQRrOw

 Pagoda at the Chin Swee Caves Temple in the verdant valley east of Genting Highlands Resort.

From Kuala Lumpur I went to Bintan Island, the ancient capital of Malay culture, to cover Independence Day for Alam TV. Like nearby Belitung and Bangka, Tanjung Pinang is an old Hokkien and Hakkah Chinese trade entrepot. Here the Chinese have been completely assimilated into the Malay/Indonesian culture (readers should remember that the cradle of Malay language and culture is actually in South Sumatra and Riau, and not in Malaysia, although the Sultan of Johore did control Pulau Penyengat, near

for three days. On the fourth day the island fills up; domestic tourists arrive en masse, having fled their servant-depleted homes because they can’t find the air conditioning switches, or can’t get foot massages on demand.

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 A member of the elite Bintan honour guard before the raising of the flag ceremony at the Gedung Daerah, Tanjung Pinang. Batavia and Sriwijaya fly direct to Tanjung Pinang which is just outside Tanjung Pinang town. The Bintan Resort experience is easier to access via the ferry service from Tanah Merah Singapore.

30th August 2011, Idul Fitri: To Batujimbar, Sanur, for Halal Bihalal at Tatie Waworuntu’s dream home Bali is 50% Muslim, but only part of the time. Just before Lebaran the island’s mostly Javanese Muslims return home for two weeks ‘home leave’. The island becomes eerily quiet, but just www.now j a k a r t a . c o. i d O C TO B E R 2 0 1 1 | 1 0 9

BALI

Arabian Nights Wellness is all about feeling good, and there are so many ways we can increase our wellbeing. One way is to spend time in a relaxing environment, such as the new Private Suite at Prana Spa in Seminyak, Bali.

Designed for two, the suite is an Arabian Nights fantasy. Sheer curtains drape the Moghul India-inspired décor. A huge divan beckons with its plush upholstery. The red and orange hues of the room take you far away from reality. An adorable boy called Putu, dressed in Aladdin-like attire, is the spa butler, and he is ready to help make your day memorable. I chose the Eastern Mystique ritual, which starts with a scented foot bath, followed by a Marrakesh reflexology treatment, before moving on to the Casablanca back scrub and massage. Each component of the treatment flows seamlessly from one to the next, and my therapist, Lastri, smoothly administered to all my requests. The massage was deep and well-executed. A royal facial was next on the menu. The routine uses luxurious oils scented with hints of vetiver and orange to revive the senses and deepen the feeling of relaxation. The whole spa experience had the feeling of a sacred ritual. Italian-inspired canapés were then served: a huge prawn wrapped in Italian pancetta, a mini salad niçoise in an edible cup, and a New Zealand quail wrapped in prosciutto, all accompanied by a French red or white wine. Fabulous! The time spent at the Prana’s Private Suite was quite splendid; wellbeing flows. Schedule your spa session in the evening or late afternoon - although the experience is wonderful at any time of day. The relaxed feelings seem to seep right into your very bones and keep you feeling good for days.

“I want to shave my head bald to raise money for a good cause, if it’s worth something.” FREDERICK ALLOYSIUS

familiar face to Jakarta’s expat sport enthusiasts and bar-goers, Fred Alloysius is known as the successful owner and manager of some of Jakarta’s most popular establishments. Aphrodite, Fez, Kinara and Liquid Exchange are just to name a few on his portfolio. NJ’s Risti Brophy sits down for a chat with the funny guy, who was once one of the most popular DJs in Singapore. Where are you from, really? I was born in India, moved to Singapore 12 years ago when I was 12 (just kidding!). Mum was from Malaysia, Dad is from India, and they were match-made, which I find amazing. I used to be very active in sports; long-distance running, basketball, volleyball, cricket, football, table tennis and, not to mention, breakdancing, if it is considered a sport. I got into nightlife in my early 20s (four years ago!) and it opened my eyes to the rest of the world. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by good family, friends and people in general. I have also been gifted to travel around the world. In 2005, I received the greatest gift in my life, my daughter Valerie

Gwendolyn Alloysius. Ever since then she has been the pride and joy of my life, and inspired to me to live my life to the fullest. Tell us how you ended up in the business? I came into Indonesia as a DJ, first at the Music Room and later for the New Age Bar at the old Hazara. Then I was asked to set up a bar in Menteng (BB’s), where I met my existing partner, Daniel Gendre. One day we decided to venture out and start our own place with our friends and that’s how Aphrodite came about. Then 5 years ago, Tahir Chaudry, a friend from the Hazara days, asked us if we wanted to manage Kinara and Fez and so we took that over.

About a year ago, we came up with a new bar concept for Indonesia and opened Liquid Exchange, which kind of sounds kinky, but the whole idea is basically an alcohol stock exchange. Along the way we have received many awards for Aphrodite and Kinara as Best Pub/ Sports Bar and Best Indian Restaurant in Jakarta respectively by many magazines, especially NOW! Jakarta. You’re currently President of the Jakarta Pool League. How did that come about? In 2002, Bartele Santema came up with an idea to start an expat pool league in Jakarta and trapped me into running it. I liked the idea for the expats of each bar to move around and socialize with other bar regulars. At one time, we managed to get 18 bars to participate. It was all great until the traffic situation worsened, which dampened the motivation of pool players travelling every Wednesday night from bar to bar. I got as far as the singles semi-

Private Suite, Prana, Jl. Kunti Seminyak. T: +62-361 733 751 www.thevillas.net

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finals few times but these days the league competitiveness is so high I don’t even consider myself, the captain, to be in the top 6 of my own team. But I am glad that the league is nearing its 10th year and has become recognized overseas. On 29 October the Bangkok Expat Players will be challenging us in Jakarta. Bring it on! A few years back you published a book, ‘The Indian Salesman & Other Jokes’. What’s the story behind that? I always used to send emails with jokes contributed by people to my mailing list. When the tsunami struck Aceh, Terry Burkin held a fundraiser for the children of Simon Stannard, who lost his life in this

tragedy. So, I decided I wanted to do more by offering laughter in a time of despair. Mark Hanusz from Equinox Publishing helped me out to quickly compile all of these jokes into a book to which the funds are being allocated to the Singaporean Embassy, Singapore Association in Indonesia and the Singapore Women’s Group in their efforts towards rehabilitation of the tsunami victims in Aceh. We will donate these funds on Aphrodite’s 10th Anniversary later this year. We heard you had a stint as a Comedian too? Eamonn Sadler and Steve Dodgson hosted a radio show in Central Comedy FM. I called in and did my Indian accent and soon after

they asked me if I wanted to come in to the show. So I took the chance and became the character Bala G, the Indian brother of Ali G. Because Eamonn and Steven could speak good Indonesian, and I had my Indian thingy, the show became very popular. We were asked to do Friday evening primetime shows, but after awhile, neither of us really had the time to carry on and so we stopped. You’re a keen supporter of The Jakarta Comedy Club, Indonesian Rugby and the Mama Sayang Orphanage. What else and tell us more? ... Chivas 18, Heineken, matchmaking ... just kidding ... We all work hard but we need a bit of laughter in our lives. The Jakarta Comedy Club, by Eamonn and Steve, provides this opportunity and so I started getting involved by helping out with Marketing and hosting shows in Chand Garden (above Fez and Kinara). When we opened Fez in 2006, Steve Barber was trying hard to raise funds for Indonesian Rugby and asked if we could help out so we started having fund raising events in FEZ, which was then acknowledged by the Indonesian Rugby Committee to be “The Home of Indonesian Rugby”. Ever since, we are proud to be part of the Indonesian rugby and its efforts to develop rugby in Indonesia. Every Christmas Eve we invite our regulars for dinner and drinks and gift exchange. In 2007, Terry Burkin told me about this American guy, Mike, and his wife, Jev, who were running the Mama Sayang Orphanage of more than 100 kids. Since then we decided to ask our regulars to bring in a Christmas present for the kids and a few of us, including my daughter, would go to Bogor to distribute them. From that very first time, the orphanage kids started coming to Aphrodite for the Christmas Eve dinner to sing Christmas carols. Recently, I found out these kids never celebrated their birthdays and we decided to provide them the means to make their own birthday parties once a month. Just a step forward to something even greater... So what are next on your agenda? Eventually I want to own a hotel with a reputable bar, restaurant, kids’ playground and a good swimming pool, so people can eat, drink and sleep there ... haha! For now I have plans to open a few more F & B outlets, shave my head bald for a good cause, work hard, party hard, be healthy and chase after a few chicks.. haha... Now can we have that drink?

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