ISSN 2086-2520 JULY 2015 RP. 30.000 www.nowjakarta.co.id

Transcription

Spa and
Wellness
ISSN 2086-2520
9
7 7 2 0 8 6
2 5 2 0 2 4
JULY 2015
RP. 30.000
www.nowjakarta.co.id
w w w.no w jakart a.c o .i d J U LY 2015
1
E
BL SE
A
IL EA
A L
AV OR
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NEWLY BUILT
READY FOR OCCUPANCY
Sales & Leasing Office
+6221 725 9988
Jl. Bumi No.15, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, 12120, Indonesia
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JULY | 2015
Contents
SUDIRMAN - JAKARTA
RETREAT TO YOUR SANCTUARY OF QUIET SOPHISTICATION
Fraser Residence Sudirman, Jakarta offers 108 Gold Standard fully furnished Serviced Residences.
Ideally situated within Jakarta’s Golden Triangle with easy access to the city’s banking and financial districts.
Spa and
Wellness
6Soapbox
10 Calendar of Events
96
ENLIGHTENMENT
OPINION
14
16
18
20
30
Abstract Notion
Meet Jennifer Chalklan, the Lady Behind
Changeling
Behind the Scenes Beauty and the Beast
An Evening with Michael Bolton
NOW! People
DINING
50
Eelke Plasmeijar and Ray Adriansyah are
Locavore
52 The Year’s Best
54 The Usual
56 Ms. Choo
58 Hide and Seek
60Javalot
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
78
80
Chambers Updates
Calendar of Events
COUNTRY FOCUS
82
86
88
90
92
US Ambassador Robert Blake on the
Growth & Effects of Trade in Indonesia
Understanding Jakarta
Money Matters
AIG Insurance Simplified
New York City As Seen On TV
34
36
37
38
46
Benefits of Yoga
The Yoga Conundrum
Intelligent Health
Wellness at Work
Deliciously Healthy!
Sampoerna Indonesia “Make
People Succesful”
98
Art: Affandi’s Paintings Come Full
Circle at Museum @ Lippo Plaza
Jogja
100 Movies: Beautiful Sorrow (in Black
and White)
102 Culture: Cum Laude Concert
Series XV
104 Made in Indonesia: Gaia,
Indonesia’s Luxury Tea Brand
FRASER RESIDENCE SUDIRMAN, JAKARTA
FAMILY
112
114
116
117
118
Home: Dinner Time
Home: Light Up the Dark
Learn How To : Life is a Playground
The Kids Are Alright
Explore Jakarta: Another Side of
Ancol
TRAVEL
122 Hidden Heritage: Waisak Day
Festival – Borobudur and the
Birthright of Humanity
128 I Believe I Can Fly
130 Holiday In the Sun
Jl. Setiabudi Raya No. 9 Sudirman, Jakarta, 12910 Indonesia Tel : +62 21 2927 2888 Email : reservations.jakarta@frasershospitality.com
On Cover: All About Hapiness
Illustration by Sudigdo
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NOW! Jakarta
142 Travel Diaries
A Member of the
Frasers Centrepoint Group
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5
True sanctuary and warm comfort of a home
Soapbox
We wish
you the gift
of faith, the
blessing of
hope and
the peace of
His love on
this glorious
day.
PONDOK INDAH GOLF APARTMENT
Freedom Comes with
a Serious Price
The 4th July marks a very special day
for Americans, the celebration of their
independence from Great Britain, and
is something that should be noted and
understood by all who love freedom
and all who believe in human rights.
The second sentence in this declaration
goes as follows: “We hold these
truths to be self-evident, that all
men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable rights, that among these
are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness.”
This is a wonderful expression which I believe should be a guiding principal everywhere:
1. We cannot condemn others to death; that is the sole prerogative of the Creator.
2. We have to acknowledge all groups, whether or not we agree with their views or beliefs,
have a right to live freely.
3. We cannot deny the right of people to determine their own happiness, if that be in the
consumption of wine, or the creation of new businesses. i.e. there really is a limited
role that governments should take in controlling the lives of their citizens, and that role
should be protective not restrictive, should be encouraging and enabling not prohibiting,
should be creating the stable foundations on which people can safely live and work, not
disrupting and discouraging.
Happy
Eid Mubarak
1436 H
So as Indonesia continues on its path to “democracy,” I hope that all the leaders will stop
and think on the fourth of July and see if they are heading in the right direction. No I am not
asking that they think as freely as the USA; that day is long off, and the Asian mentality is not
yet able to go that far, but to think, very carefully what they are elected to do.
The price of freedom is high, the leaders have to show that they are conducting and
proposing policies that reflect the will of the people, and benefit the country, not that
benefit themselves. They have to work smarter… and harder… than ever before. Yes they
can protect their currency by being smart and having good trade and investment policies
but not by simply making the unstable and devaluing rupiah the only currency they allow.
Yes they can protect the economy by encouraging
foreign investment but not by banning foreigners
from working here or by discouraging open trade.
Wellness
Yes they can seek higher tax revenues but not
by disrupting the very industries like mining that
Wellness is generally used to
provide that revenue!
mean a healthy balance of the
mind, body and spirit that results
So as we watch the fireworks and the celebrations,
in an overall feeling of well-being
let us not forget the very serious thinking that
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
is behind this declaration. The forward and
Wellness_(alternative_medicine))
enlightened thinking that makes our current
Wellness – sounds self indulgent
policies and plans look very backward indeed.
and it could be if that is your only
goal in life and you ignored God,
Nota Bene: The one freedom I do not agree with
others and your responsibilities.
however is the freedom to bear arms. That does
But if you use your wellness to
not make sense as every massacre of innocents in
then serve others then what a
America bears witness to.
bonus you will be.
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Think on it
Alistair Speirs
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Rev. Ian Hadfield, Vicar All Saints Church
www.allsaintsjakarta.com
7
our
contributors
Amir Sidharta – Amir Sidharta graduated from the University
of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He continued
his studies in Museology at George Washington University on a
Fulbright Grant. He is currently the Curator/Director of the Museum
Universitas Pelita Harapan (U.P.H) and a lecturer of architecture at
U.P.H. In 2005, he established Sidharta Auctioneer. His writings and
photographs have appeared in a number of newspapers, as well as
in literary magazines and professional journals.
Craig Money – Craig Money is a music critic. Since childhood,
he has amassed a collection spanning eras and enjoys decoding the
history, culture and narrative arc of modern music. Born in Australia
(Dec 24, 1977), raised in Indonesia and residing in both ever since,
he has been chasing music across the globe and writing since
1998. Craig firmly believes that we should embrace music as the
soundtrack of our lives—one song at a time.
David Metcalf – David Metcalf is a resident of Bali, an author
and a professional photographer. David’s images appear monthly in
the Hidden Heritage section. Through the viewfinder, he captures
the colour, light and angles of the many fascinating indigenous
groups that live in Indonesia. David loves to cover unique festivals
and tribal ceremonies visiting many remote villages off the beaten
track in the process. For more information on David’s exhibitions
and photo tours visit www.davidmetcalfphotography.com.
Stephanie Brookes – Stephanie Brookes is an author
and travel writer who lives in Bali and covers the Hidden Heritage
section monthly. From the Gayo highlands of Aceh to windswept
remote hilltop villages in Sumbawa, her stories unravel tales of
intrigue, village myths, festivals, folklore and legends that we hope
will inspire you to get out there and travel to some of these lesserknown places in Indonesia. See more stories on www.travelwriter.ws
Erza S.T. – The founder of Indonesia Opera Society that produces
classical music and opera concerts, Erza S.T., also loves travelling in
wintertime. Aside from that, he is also recognised as a prominent
writer on lifestyle, art and culture, travel, design and fashion. In
addition, his love of gastronomy has made him one of the city’s
reputable food critics. Erza is definitely the type of writer who has
immense curiosity on venturing to new places or trying new things.
John Paul – John Paul studied at the Koblenz International
Guitar Academy in Germany and Conservatorio di Musica Domenico
Cimarosa, Italy. He was recently interviewed by german-guitar.tv as
a pioneer among Indonesian classical vguitarists of his generation.
Future projects include performing Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez
in Italy and Germany. Refusing to wait for fame and wealth before
helping others, he founded an annual charity concert way back in
2011, which has since helped over 200 children stay in and or return
to school.
Made Wijaya – needs little introduction! He is a well known
figure in his beloved Bali where he has lived for many years. His
landscape designs are legendary and his award-winning column
for NOW! Jakarta, “Travel Diaries of an Amateur Photographer”
is insightful and witty. Made also writes a regular column called
“Stranger in Paradise” for our sister publication, NOW! Bali.
Petty Elliott – Petty Pandean Elliott’s fascination for food
and cookery goes back over 13 years when she began holding
modern Indonesian cooking classes for her friends in the UK. Petty
participated in the BBC Masterchef competition in 2001. In Jakarta,
she has been an active food writer for the past 10 years and thus
far has published 2 cookery books. She regularly collaborates with
leading hotels and restaurants to promote modern Indonesian food
paired with wine and local cooking ingredients.
Rizal Iwan – Rizal Iwan is a freelance writer, who spent over
a decade in advertising as a copywriter. He is now trying his luck
writing fiction. He has also been writing about film for as long as
he can remember. But no matter what kind of writing he’s doing,
or what kind of pesky deadline is chasing him, he always tries his
best to make time to watch films, believing that no matter how bad
things get, you can always turn to a good movie. Stephen Barber – Born into a rugby-loving family, Stephen has
always been passionate about the game. He played for the University
of Queensland before a 2-year stint playing in New Zealand. In 2004,
Stephen and his friends founded Indonesian Rugby. He still remains
a loyal servant of Indonesian Rugby today and was honoured as a
life member of the Union in 2013. Stephen is Head of International
Relations of Persatuan Rugby Union Indonesia and has been NOW!
Jakarta’s rugby contributor since 2008.
Susanna Tjokro – Susanna Tjokro has written articles on
topics from art to business for various magazines and newspapers.
However, shopping-related articles are her favourite assignment,
and she has a penchant for discovering out-of-the-box buys,
from bargains to big splurges well worth the extra rupiah.
She puts her findings, from unique furniture to cute eco-friendly
bags to beautiful statues in her column “Made in Indonesia”, which
she uses to promote quality Indonesian goods.
8
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w.nnow
owjaka
ja karrta
ta..ccoo..id
id
Phoenix Communications
Publishing Division
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
MANAGING EDITOR
Senior Editor
ASSOCIATE EDITOR EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
ONLINE EDITOR
IT WEB DEVELOPER
SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIst
ART DIRECTOR
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
PRODUCTION
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER
Sales
Sales SECRETARY
Alistair G. Speirs
Alison Pace (T.A)
Gibran Sani
Khamila Mulia
Ajenk Tria Kusuma
Linda Lim
Muhammad Muchlas
Janoko Indratriputra Kurniawan
Sudigdo
Y. Heritanta
Djoko Prayitno
Dila Fauzia
Andini Panggabean
Ingrid Hanjaya
Ervina Tambun
Fery Purwanti
M ARKETING, EVENT & PROMOTIONS Binda Abdillah
Richieta L. Aretha (Aghie)
Achmad Al Fadhli
Frelly Yanedtha
Lenny Panjaitan
FINANCE
DISTRIBUTION
Executive secretary
Contributors
PHOTOGRAPHER
Eva Marliyana
Hartanto
Clora Matondang
Amir Sidharta – Art
Craig Money – Music
David Metcalf – Hidden Heritage
Stephanie Brookes – Hidden Heritage
Erza S.T. – Features
John Paul – Culture
Ken Runyon – Golf
Made Wijaya – Travel
Petty Elliott – Cooking
Rizal Iwan – Movies
Stephen Barber – Rugby
Susanna Tjokro – Made in Indonesia
Famil Ramandyta
Head Office Jl. Benda Raya No. 98 A-B
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9
Calendar
THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO THIS MONTH!
JULY 2015
EXHIBITIONS
OUT OF TOWN
Erasmus Huis Presents:
Photo Exhibition by
Margriet Smulders
Photo Tour - Hornbill
Festival, Nagaland India
Date: May 12th - July 30th
Venue: Bogor Botanical Garden
Date: December 6th –
December 17th
Observe the latest still life works
of internationally renowned Dutch
photographer and artist Margriet
Smulders. In keeping with the
surroundings, her subject matter is
flowers. Admission is free.
Jakarta Fair
Kemayoran 2015
Date: May 29th - July 5th
Venue: Arena Jl. Expo
This year’s Jakarta Fair will feature
more than 2500 stands exhibiting
everything from fashion, to cars,
to traditional food at Kampung
Betawi. Browse the bazaars and
be entertained by a plethora of
musical performances, a Miss
Jakarta beauty paegant, carnivals
and much more.
Entry Fee: IDR 20,000 – IDR
30,000 (depending on day).
Art Exhibition by GinésSerrán Pagan
Date: June 5th - July 26th
Venue: Duta Fine Arts Foundation,
Jalan Kemang Utara 55A
View the colourful and unique mixed
media artwork by Spanish born painter
and sculptor, Ginés-Serrán Pagan.
NOW! Jakarta was lucky enough to
meet and chat with this free spirited
artist – see the interview on P14.
Open daily from 10AM to 7PM on
weekdays, and 11AM to 4PM on
weekends
Sunny Side Up Tropical
Fest
SHOPPING
Date: August 7th
Venue: Potato Head Beach Club, Bali
Jakarta Sale Festival
2015
Date: June 6 - July 12
Venue: Malls across the city
th
th
Involving 78 malls and multiple
shopping centres, this month-long
festival is organized in conjunction with
Jakarta’s 488th Anniversary, which falls
on June 22nd. Expect great discounts of
up to 70% and exciting midnight sales!
Bali Kite Festival 2015
Date: July 18th - July 20th
Venue: Sanur Beach
Marvel at a display of unique kites
in the skies of Sanur Beach, flown in
competition by teams from various
villages around Denpasar as an offering
to the Gods so that they may yield
prosperous crops.
Bali Unite Festival 2015
Ramadan in Jakarta
During the fasting month, which will
culminate with Eid Al-Fitri July 17th and 18th,
the city quietens down with some restaurants
closing during the day and parties, festivals
and alcohol consumption being kept to a
minimum. For those looking to escape,
we’ve included a few out-of-town events
and upcoming events in Bali, which is largely
unaffected by Ramadan.
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Date: July 31st – August 2nd
Venue: 7temples, Karangasem Bali
The first lineup announcement
includes Brooklyn hip-hop recording
artist, actor, and activist Yasiin Bey (aka
Mos Def); Californian surfer and singersongwriter Donavon Frankenreiter;
German electronic dance music duo
Super Flu and champion turntablist DJ
Ride.
Bali is always alive come the month
of August and Sunny Side Up Tropical
Festival is just one of the oh-so-many
events that you have to make time for
in Bali. The festival will feature an array
of musical performances and a hefty
selection of cocktail making from the
nation’s top mixologists.
Dreamfields 2015
A colourful festival celebration in the
heritage village of Kisama, North
East India, (Nagaland State) will have
you snapping angles, catching light
and embracing all that is exciting
and creative in photography. Join
David Metcalf and a small group of
travellers who love to travel to farflung places with a camera in hand. This is a photo tour for all levels of
photographer and anyone interested
in culture. Journey with us through
an enchanting and fascinating land
and take in the dazzling annual
Hornbill Festival. Learn insightful
photography tips and gain valuable
in-field guidance by masterclass
photographer David Metcalf and
Sebastian (SUKI) Belaustegui,
National Geographic Photo Workshop
Leader. Any type of camera is fine.
Full itinerary on website.
www.davidmetcalfphotography.com
Date: August 15th
Venue: GWK Cultural Park, Bali
A dance music festival of its own
respect that has made a name for itself
around the world with its decorative
stage and fascinating line-up (this
year’s shindig will include Andrew
Rayel, Moti, Quintino, Krewela and so
much more).
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ENLIGHTENMENT
“Forget the chaotic
works of Basquiat or the calm
modernity of Edgar Degas with his
impressionist work, the art of GínesSerrán Pagan speaks beautifully through
joyful nimbles of colour and also a silent
reminder of the works of Arshile Gorky, the
Armenian-born artist who is a key figure in
the abstract expressionism movement”.
Turn the page for the full interview
with Spanish artist GinesSerran Pagan.
12
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ENLIGHTENMENT
Abstract Notion
T ext
GIBRAN SANI
|
P hotos
F amil R amandyta
Ginés-Serrán Pagan, a Spanish born painter and sculptor, is a man of many
wonders and inspirations. With more than 200 exhibitions under his belt, he
has travelled the world from cities in Japan to Africa. You can find his work
at many major museums of the world like Guggenheim and in the hands of
private collectors. Largely inspired by his travels, he waxed lyrical about
his idea of mixed-media art and what drives him to create the work that he is
known for.
T
he life of Ginés-Serrán Pagan, the Spanish
painter and sculptor who was born in
Ceuta Spain, is like an amazing story of
fiction where the protagonist travels the
world learning new tricks and absorbing
life as it happens.
Majoring in anthropology from New York University
has given this painter the time of his life. As he spent
more than 25 years in New York, his venture in art
begins as the city progressed.
Forget the chaotic works of Basquiat or the calm
modernity of Edgar Degas with his impressionist
work, the art of Ginés-Serrán Pagan speaks beautifully
through joyful nimbles of colour and also a silent
reminder of the works of Arshile Gorky, the Armenianborn artist who is a key figure in the abstract
expressionism movement (although Mr. Ginés’
work is more likely to be labelled impressionism).
But to call him a common impressionist painter is a
misconception; his work is the culmination of the
places he have visited in his life, and in his own words,
that is how he wants to be remembered. “It’s not right
to label everything under one genre, because in my
opinion there are different colours for different cities
in the terms that each colour speaks differently, so
my paintings always try to capture the essence and
elements of the souls of these places I have visited”.
The flamboyant artist gallantly tells us that no one
artwork is exactly the same and it is just unfair when
we start putting labels on stuff.
We have to agree with him that it is not right to label
anything, and Mr. Ginés’ art has been travelling around
the world, portraying in selfless sense all these places
he has visited, so in a sense it is more like witnessing
a diary of an artistic bohemian guy that knows exactly
what to say through his mediums. “I have never made
a painting that is flat in terms of the medium I use,
because for me, I find that each platform can bring
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about something new and different, and to be able to
combine them and work through it, is what fascinates
me about art”.
Mr. Ginés’ work describes life in the archipelago
after his frequent visits to Bali in 1993, 1994 and
1996 and also to Yogyakarta in 2014. “My work is
a manifestation of my visits, and these paintings
you see is what Indonesia is to my eyes,” Mr. Ginés
explained. His feelings and archetype of the country
is vividly lifelike through his paintings which include
subliminal images of buffaloes, farmers and a woman
(seemingly) suspended in darkness – his artistic
interpretation of Indonesia. But that is not all that
he can pull off, his sculptures are quite easy to relate
to but contain a lot of hidden artistic meanings that
he explains as “artistic voyage”. “ I wouldn’t say that
creating sculptures is any different than painting, it’s
just the emotion and feeling that play an important
part in the process,” he explains.
Mr. Ginés, recipient of the Medal of the City of
Kanazawa and Gold Keys to the city of Miami, has
long been regarded as the world’s most renowned
international contemporary artist by many art
aficionados and critics alike. And when we asked
him of his method he explains, “I never push myself
too hard to work, because I understand that it is the
beauty and the surroundings and its ambience that
drive me, and those are the things that you can’t
just put a note on”. It’s the small things that matter,
concluding the short interview with us.
His exhibition runs from June 5 to July 26 at Duta
Fine Arts Foundation and was inaugurated by the
ambassador of Spain to Indonesia H.E. Mr. Francisco
José Viqueira Niel during the opening.
www.serran-paganart.com
Duta Fine Arts Foundation
Jl. Kemang Utara 55A
15
ENLIGHTENMENT
Meet Jennifer Chalklen
The Lady Behind Changeling
T ext
LINDA LIM
|
P hotos
Jennifer Chalken is a Kiwi artist who
specialises in portrait and figurative
art. Jennifer, who is based in Asia,
recently held her first solo exhibition
entitled ‘Changeling’ at Koi Gallery
Kemang. Her paintings give people
the sense of being in a dream and
surrounded by whimsical creatures.
F amil R amandyta
J
ennifer attended design school back in New Zealand and
despite her creative background, she did not study painting
at all. She admitted that painting is a skill she picked up
when she moved to Jakarta 5 years ago. The majority of
the paintings at the exhibition were the fruit of her artistic
labours from the last 2 years.
“My painting style has not changed that much really, it has always
been whimsical. My paintings were much bolder earlier but now
they have become more delicate, compared to when I first started.
I started with acrylic but now use oil a lot more,” explained Jennifer.
She is mostly a self-taught artist, taking inspiration from her love of
soft feminine lines. She loves feathers the most, as you can see from
most of the paintings. Her last painting hopes to inspire viewers to
feel a woman’s sense of freedom and thoughts. “People will interpret
my work differently, but this one for me is very serious, thoughtful
and whimsical at the same time. Her hair expresses her thoughts and
I chose blue to portray sadness. I love feathers and it is almost the
symbol of most of my works,” said Jennifer.
Apart from her love for the female form, she often uses her daughters
as models as well. The most challenging work she has ever done is a
portrait of her daughter, which is 2.5 metres high. “I got her wrapped
in a white cloth, sat on the floor and told her not to move. I took
my camera and snapped the picture immediately!” Jennifer burst
into laughter as she shared how she got the perfect pose from her
daughter for this amazing painting. Looking at the painting, people
will be instantly drawn to the striking soft pink hues and beautiful
origami birds flying on top of her.
Gallery visitors can also see a series of nude paintings entitled
“Nude on Eames” Jennifer did recently – very classy and dark. NOW!
Jakarta’s favourite is the 200cm x 80cm painting.
Stay updated, find her on facebook.com/Jenchalklen
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4:18 PM
ENLIGHTENMENT
a r t & c ultu r e
Behind the Scenes
Beauty and the Beast
Text
L i nda L i m
|
photos
F a m i l R a m and y ta
The very first performance of Beauty and the Beast in Jakarta took place on
26 May, which also marked CIPUTRA ART[RENEUR’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL SHOW.
NOW! Jakarta felt privileged to be a part of this remarkable history and
to have the opportunity to meet Rina Ciputra Sastrawinata, the President
Director of Ciputra Artpreneur, and Dan Hinde, the Producer of Broadway
Entertainment Group.
A
fter an exclusive screening of two scenes from the
hit musical – ‘If I Can’t Love Her’ and ‘Gaston’ –we
enjoyed a short chat with the main cast members.
Darick Pead (Beast) admitted that dancing is his
biggest challenge because he is not a dancer!
“They actually considered me for a different role who dances a
lot more, but when they saw that I couldn’t dance, they were
like ‘maybe you can do the Beast!’” Hilary Maiberger (Belle)
smiled as she described
her favourite scene, ‘The
Library’. “Belle teaches
Beast how to read and
it is at that moment she
realises that they are
equal and this is where
their love story starts. It
really is beautiful.”
Emily Mattheson, (Mrs.
Potts) explained the real
message behind Beauty
and the Beast’s theme
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J U LY 20 15 w w w. n o w ja ka r ta . c o . id
song – “Tale as Old as Time,” “You should not judge a book
by its cover. Love has been happening since the beginning of
time, and there are people on earth who can see past people’s
exterior, fall in love and find happiness. That is a beautiful and
timeless message that can be brought to different cultures
because everybody can relate to that”.
Beauty & the Beast, the inaugural performance
at Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre, was presented by
Disney Theatrical Productions, NETworks, Broadway
Entertainment Group and Ciputra Artpreneur. The
magical show was brought directly from Broadway as
part of the ongoing international tour in celebration of
Beauty and the Beast’s 20th anniversary on stage.
Visit www.nowjakarta.id/enlightenment for videos and
full story!
Luxurious accomodation amid a
unique and tropical environment.
An atmosphere that is both relaxing
and welcoming. The perfect place to
unwind and enjoy your private time.
• Located in prime area
Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta
• Fully furnished
• 24 hour customer service, security
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• Broadband internet access
• Daily housekeeping service
Jl. Adityawarman Raya No. 38A, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12160
E: marketing@adityamansion.com www.adityamansion.com
T: 021 720 7033, 720 6747 F: 021 720 7047
19
ENLIGHTENMENT
MUSIC
An Evening with
Michael Bolton
It was all fun and over excited nostalgia when Michael Bolton hit the stage
to greet his Jakartan fans in May.
I
n an eagerly anticipated concert, which was sponsored by BII Maybank, fans young and old
gathered to sway together to his timeless hits. After a technical delay which set the schedule
back two hours, Bolton finally arrived on stage and once he started belting out his signature
tracks, all (well most) seemed to be forgiven.
“How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” which he performed with Indonesian songstress
Anggun, was a hit with the audience, as were “When A Man Loves A Woman” and “How Can We
Be Lovers?”
Thanks to all the partners and sponsors, including Keraton at the Plaza, Diva Universal,
Ceo Suites, Uber, Turkuaz, and The Executive Centre.
Traviata,
A Tragic Love Story
Italian Embassy and Istituto Italiano di Cultura in collaboration
with Ciputra Artpreneur successfully held Traviata from Artemiz
Danza on June 14th 2015 in Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre. Traviata
tells the love story of Violetta, a courtesan, and Alfredo, a
young nobleman, who face many challenges as Alfredo’s family
rejects their relationship and Violetta suffers from a chronic
disease. Seven Artemiz Danza dancers wowed the audience
with their operatic dance performance which combined opera
music with ballet and contemporary dance. Traviata was
organized in order to commemorate the 65th anniversary of
Indonesian-Italian diplomatic relations. In addition, the cultural
learning partnership was continued with ‘Sharing expertise’
session from Artemis Danza maestro to talented Indonesian
dancers aged 16 to 40 that held on the same day.
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21
ENLIGHTENMENT
H O T E L & R E SOR T
Javanese Retreat
Take a break from the city and escape to
a relaxing Javanese retreat at Sheraton
Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa. Experience
exotic Javanese culture as you are greeted
by a soothing gamelan symphony and
traditional interiors. Surrounded by lush
tropical gardens, fresh air and peace abound
in a resort where you are encouraged to
relax, let go and enjoy.
A
fter a peaceful slumber in one of their tastefully decorated
rooms and suites with private balcony, why not take
advantage of your time away to indulge in a little spa
treatment at Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa? Inspired by
Javanese princesses’ ancient beauty rituals at the famous Taman
Sari Water Castle, the spa offers a wide array of beauty treatments,
combining relaxing Javanese massages with the finest natural products
from Mustika Ratu.
New in Town
Veranda Hotel at Pakubuwono, which
recently opened after much excited
anticipation, combines contemporary
design and a luxury ambience in the heart
of upscale South Jakarta.
E
ach of the 184 rooms is designed in a chic-modern style
dominated by muted browns and equipped with deluxe
amenities, including floor to ceiling windows, flat screen
HDTVs and complimentary wireless internet access. In
addition, guests can also relax at Veranda Wellness Centre, work
out in the spacious gym and do a few laps in the outdoor infinity
swimming pool. To cater to guests’ business needs, Veranda has six
function rooms equipped with advanced technology.
For business travellers, Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta also provides the
largest convention hall in town which can accommodate up to 2500
people, equipped with advanced features to ease your work. Boost your
energy at Tamansari Water Castle outdoor swimming pool, gym, as well
as indoor swimming pool. A stay at Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort
& Spa will give you the chance to recharge your batteries, leaving you
with nothing but good memories.
Dining wise, Wyl’s Kitchen (which is named after the owner
William), is ready to whet your appetite with a fine selection of
Indonesian cuisine and various classic western dishes, all prepared
with care by Chef Cepi and his team. The homey feeling and
delicious food in Wyl’s Kitchen will certainly make anyone unwind
easily here.
Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa
T: +62-274 488588
www.sheraton.com/Yogyakarta
Veranda Hotel at Pakubuwono
Jl. Kyai Maja No 63, Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan 12130
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23
ENLIGHTENMENT
PRO M O T I O N
HOREVAGANZA!
In a bid to increase
the number of
tourists in low season
during Ramadan,
the Association of
Indonesian Hotels and
Restaurants (PHRI),
in cooperation with
Garuda Indonesia, is
running “Horevaganza,”
a special promotion
from June 17 to August 17.
L
ook out for special travel
package deals to 17 domestic
destinations;
Ambon,
Padang,
Palembang,
Bangka,
Belitung,
Semarang,
Yogyakarta, Solo, Jember, Surabaya,
Medan, Bandung, Bali, Pontianak,
Balikpapan, Manado and Makassar.
The deals include roundtrip Garuda
Indonesia flights, 2-night stays at
selected hotels and shuttle service to
and from the airport, all low prices!
To find out about the promotion
details,
visit www.phrionline.com/
horevaganza.html
AIRLINE
Flying High
Qatar Airways recently picked up three top aviation
accolades at the annual Skytrax World Airline
Awards, including “Airline of the Year,” for the third
time!
T
he highest ranking in the annual Skytrax awards category, the “Airline of the
Year” award is a reflection of the high quality of service that Qatar Airways
is renowned for.
In addition to the “Airline of the Year” award, the airline also collected two other
awards; “Best Business Class Airline Seat” and “Best Airline in the Middle East”. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker
said:
“I am honoured to lead an airline that has paved such an accomplished path to
excellence, and innovation, demonstrating the team’s unwavering pride in their
work and the experience provided to each of our passengers”.
wellne s s
Yoga at Fairmont
Fairmont Jakarta showed its commitment in
encouraging the community to live a healthy
lifestyle by participating in a non-profit global
initiative, Global
Wellness Day.
T
his time around, Fairmont
Jakarta celebrated with a
gathering at the roof garden of
Willow Stream Spa on the morning of
Saturday 13 June to hold a 90-minute
yoga session led by renowned yogi,
Welby Sucipto.
The hotel’s professional culinary
team led by Executive chef Andrew
Zarzosa also prepared a specially
crafted healthy breakfast, including
fruit smoothies and yoghurt for all
attendees to enjoy. People who came
were also given a special spa package
product by Decleor.
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25
ENLIGHTENMENT
AR T & C U L T U R E
a r t & c ultu r e
E N T E RPR I S E
Best of Germany
This June, the German Embassy Jakarta,
Goethe-Institut Indonesia and EKONID announced the launching of Jerman
Fest; a multi-faceted cultural festival
highlighting the best of German and
Indonesian arts in order to celebrate
the close relationship between these
countries.
The Jerman Fest will kick off on Saturday 5 September
with the screening of Fritz Lang’s silent movie masterpiece
“Metropolis” at Monas Park, accompanied by the Film
Orchestra Babelsberg. During the three-month festival,
various art and cultural events will come to Jakarta and several
other cities in Indonesia.
www.jermanfest.com
www.deutschesaison.com
www.germanseason.com
MINI Moments
Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
is offering weekend guests
a chance to go sightseeing
around the city in a
chauffeured MINI Countryman.
26
Social Enterprise
Challenge
DIAGEO and the British Council congratulated
six organisations who won Social
Enterprise Challenges for Arts, Creative
and Tourism Organization (SEC) 2015 this
June, as part of ongoing efforts to promote
entrepreneurship in the sector of Arts,
Creative industry and Tourism in Indonesia.
Three organizations; Bandung Creative City Forum (BCCF), Ruang RupaJakarta, and Toraja Melo-Tana Toraja, earned the opportunity to learn
and share experience with similar institutions in the UK while three
other organizations (Padmasana-Jambi Association, Honf FoundationYogyakarta, and C20 Library & Collabtive-Surabaya) received 50 million
rupiah grants. Through this event, Diageo and the British Council
facilitate Indonesian arts, creative industry and tourism organisations
to sustain and leverage their missions using innovative entrepreneurial
approaches. Congratulations to all winners!
Choose from three quirky MINI
experiences, including #MINIpicnic
where guests are driven to Taman
Suropati to feast on artisanal cheeses,
imported cold cuts, and mouthwatering gourmet sandwiches, all
served by a personal butler, and
#MINIculture, which involves a VIP
tour of Jakarta History Museum
followed by afternoon tea at the
hotel’s Azure poolside lounge.
Packages from IDR 7,888,888++ to IDR
9,999,999++, based on a family of four.
(Includes two nights’ accommodation in
a luxurious Oriental Suite, a dedicated
driver, breakfast, complimentary late
check-out at 6 pm, private use of the MINI
Countryman throughout the stay and
limited edition MINI Lifestyle gift to take
home). Offer available until 25 July.
T: +62-21 2993 8888
email mojkt-reservations@mohg.com
27
ENLIGHTENMENT
r et a il
New Look Papilion
We are all familiar with the iconic
glass building which houses The
Papilion, Kemang, but recently the
people behind Papilion have spread
their wings to Pacific Place with
The Papilion Duo, where they are
introducing a few exciting, high end
additions encompassing retail and
hospitality.
E
njoy the finest luxury range of gourmet leaf tea and
a matchless array of artisan-crafted teas and teainspired food, beverages, desserts and cocktails within
a modern and serene setting at t-Lounge by Dilmah.
You will also find Jakarta’s famed Dutch patiseerie, Huize
van Wely, which serves up the finest hand-made chocolates,
truffles and sweets as well as a number of retail outlets,
including BAO BAO by Issey Miyaki’s line of bags and
pouches with the theme of “shapes made by chance.”
C H AR I T Y
Giving Back
It was a special morning at the BWA
(British Women’s Association) house
on June 9 as a cheque for IDR50,000,000
was handed over to Yayasan Amal Mulia
Indonesia, a foundation which helps
orphaned or abandoned children with
disabilities.
M
r. William Bright, the lucky winner of The Rio Club’s
generous cash prize of GBP 5000 at the BWA Fashion
Show in May, chose to donate the charity component
of his prize (GBP 2500) toYayasan Amal Mulia which he described
as “a worthy cause indeed”.
At an intimate coffee morning held at the BWA house, William
Gray of The Rio Club handed over the cheque to Ibu Dani from
Yayasan Amal Mulia. “The Rio Club is always looking for means
to contribute back to our community and we are happy to be
able to do so using the BWA Fashion Show as a platform,”
commented Mr Gray. Many BWA members were present to
witness this lovely event and enjoy catering courtesy of Turkuaz.
AR T & C U L T U R E
Modern Art Space
Selubung Hening, an exhibition by artist
Kinez Riza, was the first event to be held
at the freshly launched Ruci Art Space in
Senopati.
R
uci – which means the ‘source of light,’ ‘taste’ or ‘pleasure’
in Sanskrit – aims to cultivate the rising awareness of art in
Indonesia’s evolving culture.
“We will be working with local artists in four yearly solo exhibitions
and regular workshops to engage the public. Our opening nights
will be treated as a celebration of the artist and the enthusiasm of
art lover,” said Melin Merrill, Director of Ruci Art Space. Watch out
for more exhibitions to come!
RUCI Art Space
Jl. Suryo No. 49, Kebayoran Baru
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29
NOW! PEOPLE
THE GREAT SEASON OF MELODRAMA | Sat, 23rd May | Raffles Jakarta
Raffles Jakarta, in cooperation with Indonesia Opera Society, proudly presented the first Raffles Opera Dinner, “The Great Season of
Melodrama,” featuring Italian soprano, Angela Papale, and pianist, Fabio Marra, together with young and talented Indonesian tenor, Widhawan
Aryo Pradhita. Guests enjoyed the fabulous opera entertainment, paired with a special 3-course menu by Chef Michael Muller.
NOW! Jakarta Best Restaurant, Bar & Café Awards 2015
Thurs, 11th June | Ice Palace, Lotte Shopping Venue
Jakarta’s most credible awards aimed at finding the city’s most popular restaurants, bar and cafes reached its culmination at an awards ceremony
held at the Ice Palace at Lotte Shopping Avenue with over 200 guests from the industry. Read our full coverage of the event on page 52.
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31
NOW! PEOPLE
US National Day | Thurs, 4th June | US Ambassador’s Residence
The United States embassy and the US ambassador of America to Indonesia, H.E Mr. Robert Blake held the US national day a month earlier to
respect the Muslim celebration of Ramadan at his residence with guests from the government and friends, both local and expatriate communities.
Queen’s Birthday Party | Mon, 15th June | Shangri La Jakarta
British Ambassador to Indonesia, Moazzam Malik and his team at the British Embassy hosted a spectacular party to celebrate the birthday of Her
Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II. Guests were treated to a lavish British themed buffet featuring Sunday roast style meats, English afternoon
tea items like sandwiches and scones and Pimm’s cocktails, the favourite of the Wimbeldon Championships. Photo booths were also themed, with
guests choosing British backdrops, including the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover.
32
Spa and
Wellness
“Since the hippies brought
yoga from India to the rest of
the world, the trend has really
caught on and nowadays
people from all walks of life
do it; like the business people,
diplomats and housewives
that Sanghmitra tells me she
teaches. But while everyone
practices Hatha yoga (the
poses and movements); there
are deeper components to
yoga encompassing breathing
and meditation techniques
and karma as a way of living”
photos
T R AYA A.P
- Sanghmitra, yoga teacher
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SPA & WELLNESS
Benefits of
Yoga
text
A L I S O N PA C E
|
photos
T raya A . P
“When I started yoga, my hands wouldn’t even reach over my knees!”
jokes Sanghmitra, whose sitting position with her legs curled under her
demonstrates that she is now as bendy as one would expect from a yoga
teacher.
B
1
orn in Delhi, Sanghmitra’s diplomat father
wanted her to be a doctor, ‘as all good
Indian daughters should,’ she laughs. As a
compromise, she studied Naturopathy at
university, where she first discovered yoga.
Like many others, practicing yoga has helped
Sanghmitra to correct her posture. “Yoga is a medicine
for me. I had a hunched back when I was younger so
yoga has improved my physical body,” she explains.
But what really seems to have surprised and delighted
her are the mental effects of yoga, “Yoga allowed me to
go deeper inside myself and find out what I could and
couldn’t do. I understand myself more now. I know and
accept my limitations,” she says.
1. Downward Facing Dog
This pose increases blood flow and
stimulates circulation throughout the
body. It also helps to decrease tension and
headaches.
2. Child
The child pose releases tension in the back,
shoulders and neck.
3
Since the hippies brought yoga from India to the rest of
the world, the trend has really caught on and nowadays
people from all walks of life do it; like the business
people, diplomats and housewives that Sanghmitra tells
me she teaches. But while everyone practices Hatha
yoga (the poses and movements); there are deeper
components to yoga encompassing breathing and
meditation techniques and karma as a way of living.
“After 5000 years, people have started doing Bikram
(carried out in 42 degree heat) and Ashtanga vinyasa,”
she says. Nowadays Ashtanga yoga, also known as
power yoga, is trending because it enables you to do
what Sanghmitra jokingly describes as ‘fancy yoga poses
to post on Instagram!’
3. The Cat & the Cow
These two poses help to calm the mind, lift
the spine and activate the whole nervous
system.
2
6
4. Vajrasana
Also known as the diamond pose. Hold this
pose for a few minutes after dinner and it
will help with digestion.
5. Seated Forward Bend
Also known as “Paschimottanasana,” this
pose stimulates all seven “chakras” or
pressure points of the body.
4
While it’s not necessary to go the whole hog and
cut out meat, cooked food, caffeine, cigarettes and
alcohol, people who regularly practice yoga generally
feel healthier, are more flexible and in turn don’t want
to consume as much of the bad stuff; the key to yoga is
“balance” and “moderation” according to Sanghmitra.
“Yoga is a lifestyle. It works with the breath, the physical
and the mental. Yoga is an art of living. It can re-balance
an unstable life,” she continues.
6. Tree
One of yoga’s most famous poses, the
tree pose helps to straighten the spine and
increase concentration.
Contact Rumah Yoga
(www.rumahyoga.com) or
Bliss (www.blissforwellness.com)
to find out more about yoga classes,
workshops and upcoming festivals.
Email: sanghmitra_007@yahoo.com
So why not balance that hectic city lifestyle of noise,
commotion and deadlines, with a bit of quiet time?
Enjoy a bit of de stressing “me time” with these simple
yoga poses, demonstrated by the lovely Sanghmitra.
5
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35
SPA & WELLNESS
Intelligent Health
The Yoga Conundrum
Te x t
G ibran S ani
The Council of Ulemas (MUI) has issued a fatwa banning Muslims from
practising some aspects of yoga. The move, which was considered nonsense
by some people, was also regarded as a very swift move to understanding
yoga in its own respect. But what of yoga as a sport and as a meditation
practice? Sure, it is closely related to the teachings of Hinduism, but some
aspects of yoga are purely rooted in health reasons… not religious.
O
kay, first off, this article is not meant to be a
religious debate (we have other organizations
up for that task), but this is meant to be a look at
why MUI has banned yoga and why the move that
many considered to not (quite) be right can also be
considered one of MUI’s boldest moves.
With over 90 per cent of the country’s population being Muslims,
the Council of Ulemas or MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) is one of
the country’s most respected organisations with over 700 clerics
from all over the archipelago. The organisation was established
to help Muslims in Indonesia follow the Islamic rule in accordance
to the Koran and to be part of the Muslim world in general. One
of MUI’s main job descriptions is also to issue a ‘Halal’ statement
on the side of every food and beverage package and to be on
the frontline of maintaining Islamic laws in Indonesia. A warning
from the Council of Ulemas may result in a policy change or even
government change, that’s how powerful they are. But be mindful,
MUI is not your enemy nor it is a threat against the modern world,
because it also serves as an embodiment of the Muslim teachings in
the modern world. And yes, they may hold dear Islamic teachings
of old, but they consider also how modern our culture and society
have become.
What is this about yoga then? Basically the fatwa, which was issued
during the organisation’s annual meeting in Padang Panjang, West
Sumatra last January, banned yoga because it includes chanting
and prayer which are part of the Hindu religion and may erode the
Islamic faith. But the organisation still allows yoga as long as it is
for practical health reasons.
MUI, who, in their January annual meeting in Padang Panjang also
issued edicts on smoking in public places and on vote abstention,
may be considered pointless because there are too many things
at play here. Notably, it’s difficult to understand why smoking
in public places is wrong from the perspective of Islamic law.
Similarly, it seems wrong to issue a fatwa on the right of voting
or not because it is our political right and should not be associated
whatsoever with the teachings of Islam.
What is happening with yoga is something that many people
will or will not understand because, in this age-old meditation,
chanting is not a must and can be done with or without the prayers
contained in Hindu teachings. There are far too many things that
must be considered here, and one of them is of course yoga as a
sport and not as religious worship, because that’s how people see
yoga, and some people should just stop being too sensitive about
it, because whether or not it erodes or weakens the Islamic faith, it
is up to the individual who practises yoga which goes hand in hand
with our basic constitutional rights.
36
Te x t
G ibran S ani
When smartphones took over the world a few years back, functionality
became everything and now comfort and ease of use is the pinnacle of what
makes one particular brand stand out amongst the rest. We take a look at the
decade’s eight best healthy living applications that can help you, because let’s
face it, you can’t live without your smartphones now can you?
Fooducate
Foodies be mindful, especially
for us living in Indonesia
(where the calorie intake of
our food can really hit an alltime-high) that eating your
daily nutrients of good food
may also be hazardous for your
health. But what are the things
you should avoid when you
are on diet? What kind of food
is best consumed before you
sleep at night? And the age old
question, how many calories do
we consume in our daily lives?
Fooducate will not only give you
a broad perspective on the food
you eat but will also give you suggestions based on their infamous
Fooducate Grading System where it basically counts all the vitamins
and calories you consume.
iPharmacy
The mother of all medical information applications. iPharmacy is an
application that has long been the number one reference point not
only for doctors, but patients who want to find out more about the
pills they are taking. With over 20,000 pieces of information on any
medication, iPharmacy will tell you dosage guidance, reminders,
tips and will even store a copy of your prescription.
Sleep Cycle
The importance of a good
night’s sleep is not only
beneficial for your health
but will also help with
your
weight-reduction
programme. Sleep Cycle
will not only help you to
monitor your sleep but
it will also gently wake
you up with a 30-minute
window so that you can wake up refreshed and to the tunes of your
favourite songs on iTunes.
Buddhify
Speaking of wellness,
we are sure you are
aware of the stresses
that this city can cause,
from traffic congestion
to unbearable heat
and not to mention the
busy commute. These factors all result in the depreciation of brain
function, hence, the stress that you often feel. Buddhify is an app
that will help you with guided meditation and relaxing breaks where
you can unwind, even for a short while.
Cody
Cody is like Facebook for
fitness as it offers insights
and connections to the fitness
community where you can
exchange tips and workout
methods. You can also compete
with your fit friends on how
many workouts you have done
in a day. Oh, it also gives you
day-to-day fitness tips.
Mindshift
People with anxiety disorders and stress can now relax a little bit as
Mindshift will help you battle your head war. The application offers
you relaxing methods in the form of musical meditation and relaxing
breaks, but what’s also important about this app is that it will help
you battle depression without having to pay for that expensive
psychiatrist.
Zombies, Run!
After
two
successful
installments,
this
fun
application is back with its
third part with more levels
and stages to conquer. And
since we know you like the
idea of being the hero in
“World War Z” or “28 Days
Later,” we are sure this app
will help you with your jogging issues as you have to avoid zombies
while you do your morning run. Zombies, Run! combines interactive
play with health-management.
Yoga Studio
This
offers
everything
about yoga, from namaste
newbies to Yogis who
can bend in ways we only
thought pretzels could. With
24 hours of video classes and
step-by-step details on what
you have to do and what
moves you must perform,
Yoga Studio is the ultimate
yoga application.
37
SPA & WELLNESS
Wellness at Work
Te x t
K h amila M u lia
|
Photos
T raya A . P & T A S E A S I A
Most of us spend about nine hours a day in the office. On top of that, Jakarta’s
traffic doesn’t help alleviate the stress that we encounter every day. Like it
or not, we unwittingly spend more time at the office with colleagues than at
home with our families, So it is important for us to feel as comfortable in our
work place as we are at home in order to maintain a sense of wellness.
are well understand that they can enjoy life despite its
occasional disappointments and frustrations,” added
Richard.
The Importance of a Happy Culture
I
Richard Lim and Mirasol Delmar
n contrast, many of us feel stuck and uninspired at the
office; perhaps it’s a demanding boss, competition between
colleagues, or simply uncomfortable chairs and an unhealthy
environment. NOW! Jakarta recently had the opportunity
to chat with Richard Lim and Mirasol Delmar, two Principal
Consultants of TASE (The Art and Science of Excellence) Asia
regarding the importance of improving corporate wellness and
its effect on our everyday life.
Wellness is a condition whereby a person attains a fulfilling life,
both physically and mentally, “What usually crosses our minds
when we hear the word ‘wellness’, is often related to being
healthy, exercise, diets and so forth. But I believe the most
important aspect of wellness is how well our emotional condition
is. If someone is emotionally happy and healthy, the chance of
them achieving wellness is bigger than a person with a negative
emotional condition, said Richard.
In a psychological sense, wellness means being attentive to
our feelings, thoughts and behavior, whether they are positive
or negative, “Wellness isn’t about being happy all the time,
it is about balance. Some people say, in order to get a happy
life we should remove all bad feelings. But actually, those
feelings are important for us as humans to be more aware of
our surroundings. Emotional wellness is the ability to be aware
of and accept our feelings, rather than deny them. People who
38
According to Mirasol, in the professional world,
emotional wellness can be obtained from a happy and
healthy culture which is really important to reach the
best performance possible from employees or team
members. The fact is, people are more productive
and creative when they have more positive emotions,
“In the workplace, we are required to be as logical as
possible in order to build so-called professionalism.
Sometimes we forgot how to express ourselves that
will eventually cause lack of passion and enthusiasm.
Healthy culture at work means that employees feel
safe to express themselves as when they are happy and
comfortable at work, they are more likely to come up
with new ideas and innovations everyday which lead to
better performance and achievement”.
accentuate strength of focus, flexibility of thinking, innovative
perspectives and team support, all summarized in TASE’s
Polygon application”.
Tase Polygon covers four key areas of leadership execution;
science of leadership performance, thinking, science of
leadership communication and science of leadership team
leading. “In the leadership performance stage, we train you how
to stay focused and attentive to the vision, goals and tasks while
still able to be playful, curious and open to possibilities. In the
second stage, we invite leaders to think systematically, critically
and analytically. In communication training, we apply leading
edge psychological science and neuroscience, so communication
skills in your organization can go way beyond the basic and
superficial. And in leadership team leading, we encourage
leaders to build authentic team leadership that has deep insight
which can transform their team,” explains Richard.
To achieve corporate wellness, a leadership consulting program
may take place in a variety of time periods, ranging from one-off
meetings to months. Even so, ongoing training will have a better
impact since wellness in the workplace is not something that can
be obtained instantly.
Maintaining a healthy work and life balance is very important,
not only for the organization but also for leaders and team
members. As research shows, happy workers are more resilient;
they handle stress more effectively, bounce back from failures
and relate better to colleagues.
TASE ASIA
The Prominence 38D No. 78 , Alam Sutra, Tangerang 15143
T: +62-21 29853884 / +62 81287440135
E: inquiry@tase.co.id
www.taseleadership.co.id | www.tase.co.id
Fortunately, some enlightened company leaders are becoming
more aware of how workplace wellness not only makes
its work culture a real attraction but it also translates into
higher productivity and innovation. Growing and progressive
organizations invest in wellness to ensure that the staff are
performing at their best. Therefore wellness at work is no longer
seen as optional but essential for long term business expansion
and excellence. “To reach corporate wellness, leaders should
think more about work culture, instead of using profit or money
as the only measure. Performance goes up when environment
is supporting, so as psychological consultants, we encourage
leaders of diverse organizations to cultivate a flourishing
environment for spurring innovation at work,” said Mirasol.
In TASE, there is a specially designed and tested leadership
development program – The Polygon Model that is based on
the science of human development and the art of organizational
leadership to help facilitate the betterment of life and work.
TASE Leadership Consulting
TASE Leadership Consulting is a team of deeply passionate and
innovative international consultants who believe in providing
training and consultancy that works in the real world. “We
understand the key to sustainable excellence in business and
performance lies in a leader’s ability to improve insights and
skills in the work environment. To address this, we facilitate
them with comprehensive training and workshops which
39
SPA & WELLNESS
Hotel Spas
The
Doc Sofa
Mind and body need natural
energy, and especially living
in this chaotic city, a clear
and peaceful state of mind
is something of a must.
Recently, Ritz-Carlton
Pacific Place introduced
their Doc Sofa where guests
can recline in luxurious,
health-conscious comfort,
something which can be
enjoyed after they have
their spa treatments done
on the eighth floor of the
establishment. The Doc Sofa
is smart, functional furniture
that provides the users with
plenty of natural energy such
as light, sound waves and
aroma.
C
hoose from seven different therapies which will help reduce
your stress level, oxygen level and your overall well-being.
Each comes with its own purpose, enjoying Doc Sofa is
something that you have to experience for your body and
piece of mind after a busy and hectic day in the city.
Rtz-Carlton Pacific Place
T: +62-21 2550 1718
City Spa
Ready to relax your
shoulders and indulge
in a luxurious new spa
retreat and experience
treatments which
rejuvenate your body
ready for summer?
W
Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Jakarta
T: +62-21 2970 3333 Ext 3244
ait no longer as we
have discovered the
perfect escape for you;
the Fairmont Jakarta
located in the heart of Jakarta’s
business district introduces the all-new
Willow Stream Spa. Drawing inspiration
from the earth’s natural elements and
traditional Indonesian therapies, Willow
Stream Spa offers a comprehensive
roster of treatments designed to
rebalance the mind and body. As well
as their Signature Jakarta Massage,
the spa offers more unusual treatments
like the Babymoon Package, which is
perfect for parents who are expecting
a baby. Willow Stream spa features
steam rooms, inhalation rooms, jet
body showers and a Jacuzzi, as well as
a choice of couple suites with spa baths
and single suites. Stop thinking and
start booking!
Tugu’s Path to
Health and Beauty
Spa treatments from Tugu Hotels are inspired
by ancient oriental secrets of longevity and
beauty. Tugu Spas connect you to the secrets
and traditions of the ancient mystical East and
combine aspects of spirituality with the physical
healing arts to achieve a harmony of mind, body
and soul. Tugu’s expert practitioners use the
natural aromas, textures and colours of flowers to
for a relaxing and magical result.
T
he open air Hening Swarga Spa is the signature
Spa at Hotel Tugu Lombok. The Hening Swarga
Spa consists of a giant open-air temple spa room
with nooks lit by oil lamps, an extra-long spa bed for
both spouses to enjoy treatment head-to-head and
a giant Jacuzzi bathtub with jets. Staircases lead up to the top of
the temple, where a magical dinner under the full moon, yoga
or meditation can be enjoyed whilst gazing down at the palm
fringed ocean.
Waroeng Djamoe Spa at Hotel Tugu Bali offers treatments in the
privacy of your room, equipped with massage bed, one of the five
chambers, or in the outdoor hut, the Gubuk. Their most popular
and unique treatments are Purnama and Tilem massages.
Purnama and Tilem Massage are 75 minutes long and using
frangipani oil, begins with long, soft strokes that are inspired by
the soft caress of the moonlight and the crashes of the moonlight.
The Apsara Spa at Hotel Tugu Malang was created from a
very deep affection towards the beauty and romanticism of the
relationship between Indonesia and Cambodia in the old days.
The sophisticated and specific treatments at the Apsara Spa of
Hotel Tugu Malang were inspired by the perfection of appearance
of the Apsara dancers and the romantic peaceful atmosphere
of their topmost performance. Trying to capture this incredible
nuance, Apsara Spa creates a very tender touch massage, like an
Apsara dancer performing her dance (Yin), combined with a very
famous Deep Tissue Massage (Yang) from Java.
Dining
Lali Djiwa Heritage Spa at Hotel Tugu Blitar offers a number
of signature treatments including “Ploeroetan & Pidjitan” Full
Body Massage, Dandang Watoe Treatment, Lali Djiwa Herbal
Massage and the Tugu Volcanic & Seashell Facial pampering.
www.tuguhotels.com
40
41
SPA & WELLNESS
Holiday at Home
Have you ever felt like you need another holiday to recuperate
from your holiday?
W
hile the Eid Al-Fitr break seems to offer a
welcome chance to rest and relax, often we
end up running around trying to keep the
kids entertained or finally taking care of a
bit of business… that is if we didn’t join the
thousands who annually flee the city to Bali, Yogyakarta and
beyond.
If you’re suffering from a case of the post holiday blues, why not
try recharging your batteries right here in Jakarta? Escape the
busy streets outside and the nagging office and head to Taman
Sari Royal Heritage Spa, the city’s most authentic traditional
Javanese Spa. With its exotic interiors which hark back to an
ancient Java of old, this beautiful spa has the ability to offer one
of the most rejuvenating “holidays” for the mind and body, right
here in the capital.
Take the whole family for a day of pampering and take advantage
of Taman Sari’s holiday promotions – details below.
Take the whole family for a day of pampering and take advantage of
Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa’s great holiday promotions:
“Kusuma Raga Program”
Adults: 60’ body massage + 30’ face acupressure
Kids: FREE Manicure / Pedicure + free usage for spa
exclusive facilities (indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna
and steam room)
“Kumala Endah Treatment”
Adults: 20’ body scrub + 60’ body massage + 20’ body
masker + 20’ Hydrobath + 60’ facial
Kids: FREE 75’ foot massage + free usage for spa exclusive
facilities (indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam
room)
So, what are you waiting for? Get your holiday booked now and
experience real Javanese beauty treatments, inspired by the
favourite spa rituals of the ancient kingdom of Java.
Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa
Jl. K.H Wahid Hasyim 133 Center Jakarta
T: +62-21 3143585
www.tamansariroyalheritagespa.com
42
43
SPA & WELLNESS
Harnn Natural Home Spa
HARNN Natural Home Spa is
a contemporary luxury Asian
inspired lifestyle brand. The Aisna
holistic approach to wellbeing
uses natural active ingredients
to restore the natural balance
between body, mind and
enviroment. HARNN collection
combines the use of natural
botanicals from traditional herbal
medicines and scientific research.
E
mbracing the eastern wisdom passed
down from generation to generation
and perfected over thousands of years,
HARNN Heritage Spa focuses on restoring
the natural balance of body and mind. Inspired
by the practice of traditional Asian medicine and
naturopathy, each HARNN treatment is thoughtfully
designed to enriched one’s relaxing experience.
HARNN Natural Home Spa brings the process of
rejuvenation to a whole new level with its Asian
remedies.
Samaya Ubud - Bali
HARNN Spa & Products
Plaza Senayan Arcadia
T: +62-21 57901056
HARNN Products
Plaza Indonesia floor 3/897,
T: +62-21-39838800 www.harnn.com
time out for you
Free up your time and your mind and let our trained
therapists take care of you with a complete range of spa
Effortlessly Chic
Te x t
L inda L im
|
PHOTO
B low + B ar
Ladies, get your hair done and
sip a glass of Champagne at
the same time at Blow+Bar.
Singapore’s award winning hair
salon is officially open at Lippo
Mall Kemang Village and is ready
to fulfill the needs of the modern
woman in Jakarta.
S
ingapore’s first lifestyle grooming bar,
Blow+Bar, boasts its most popular launch
to date - Permanent Blowout. The natural
and soft waves from the Permanent
Blowout are low maintenance, giving women
effortlessly chic, tousled hair which lasts up to 6
months! Blow+Bar has curated 10 Signature Looks
for the Permanent Blowout that will suit all types
of hair textures, lengths and personalities. ‘Glam’
and ‘Chic’ are the most sought after signature
looks for women with long hair.
Besides award-winning hair services, women
can also come for a Daily Blowout or Quick
Updo before a night out - get in an out within
44
45 minutes. Fancy a relaxing treatment
for your locks? Spare a few hours and
treat yourself with hair treatments by
Kérastase.
Indonesia’s first grooming bar is also
known as a major girls’ party venue.
Hosting bachelorette parties, birthday
and massage treatments carefully designed to soothe,
invigorate or energize even the most jaded of travellers.
parties or corporate parties for private
grooming sessions are all options!
With their ‘Never a Bad Hair Day’ slogan
and grooming bar concept, Blow+Bar
has definitely taken beauty salons in
Jakarta to the next level!
T: +62-21 2952 8436
Samaya Seminyak - Bali
saMaYa seMinYaK - BaLi
Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Bali-Indonesia
Ph: (62-361) 731149, Fax: (62-361) 731203
E-mail: info@thesamayabali.com
saMaYa UBUD - BaLi
Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud 80571, Bali-Indonesia
Ph: (62-361) 973 606, Fax: (62-361) 973 610
E-mail: info@thesamayabali.com
www.thesamayabali.com
Kayana Seminyak - Bali
KaYana seMinYaK - BaLi
Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod,
Kuta Utara, Bali-Indonesia
Ph: (62-361) 8476628, Fax: (62-361) 8476633
E-mail: info@thekayana.com
www.thekayana.com
ReseRvation centeR
Ph: (62-21) 2700027, Fax: (62-21) 2700350
Email: reservation@santika.com
Online booking: www.santika.com
Next Opening
Kuta - Bali
45
SPA & WELLNESS
SNCTRY
Deliciously Healthy!
Te x t
K H A M I L A M U L I A | P h o t o s F amil R amandyta
Healthy and convenient, juices and smoothies are the ideal on-the-go breakfast or afternoon
thirst quencher. By drinking these “super juices,” you consume optimal fruit and vegetables
in an efficient manner which helps you absorb nutrients better. With more people trying to
lead a healthy lifestyle nowadays, some Jakarta cafes are now incorporating healthy (and
hopefully delicious) drinks into their menus. NOW! Jakarta asked three of our favourite cafes
to share their signature “super juices” for you try at home.
BURGREENS
Burgreens offers fresh, organic, vegetarian and raw food with the aim
of promoting healthy eating as part of a modern lifestyle. In their two
establishments in Rempoa and Tebet, Burgreens has created a wide
array of creative dishes which are really delicious. These two drinks
from Burgreens use organic fruit and vegetables which are even more
nutritious.
Sun Kissed Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized local
carrot
1/2 medium-sized
honey pineapple
1 ripe, local banana
4 local oranges
Method:
Blend all the ingredients
in a high-speed blender
until smooth.
Why is it healthy?
Carrots are among the
world’s healthiest vegetables
and contain a high
concentration of vitamins A,
K, fibre and foliate. Eating
carrots gives many benefits;
as well improving your vision,
carrots promote healthier
skin, prevent heart disease
and protect teeth and gums.
Oranges are great for the
immune system, to help lower
cholesterol, and protect skin
from free radicals.
46
Nestled on the corner of Pelapasan Dharmawangsa, SNCTRY is a cute
new juice bar and the first healthy cafe in Jakarta. With its tropical
interiors, SNCTRY is a sanctuary for healthy eating enthusiasts.
According to Qanita, the girl behind the quirky concept; every item
is made from organic products without additional preservatives. You
won’t even find a grain of sugar in any of the dishes as she only uses
natural sources like fruit or almond milk to add sweetness. One of her
signatures, Café Kiss Smoothie, contains pure coffee and avocado; it’s
filling but guaranteed to boost your energy in the morning!
Café Kiss Smoothie
Ingredients
150 ml Cold Drip Coffee
150 gr Avocado
50 ml Almond Milk
Medjool Date to taste
Ice cubes to taste
Method:
Skin and peel the avocado, put all the ingredients into a high-speed
blender and blend them until smooth.
Why is it healthy?
Green Tropical Cure
Ingredients:
1 ripe, local banana
1/2 medium-sized honey
pineapple
1 handful of organic
spinach leaves
5 leaves of Dragon Kale
1 inch ginger
5 stalks of cilantro
1.5 cup of coconut water
Method:
Blend all the ingredients in
a high-speed blender until
smooth.
Avocado has over 20 vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant
compounds making it one of the richest fruits in nutrients. Almond
milk is a GI drink that helps to keep your heart healthy as well as
being rich in fibre, which aids digestion. The drip coffee is believed to
be effective in improving energy levels as well as to fight depression
and enhance your mood instantly.
SNCTRY
Jl. Dharmawangsa Raya No.4
Pelaspas Dharmawangsa
South Jakarta - 12160
BENEDICT
Benedict already has a reputation as a gourmet café serving
all-day breakfasts, home-made desserts and artisanal coffee.
However, their wide range of fresh drinks and smoothies is also
worth a look, especially for those yearning for healthy kick start
to their day!
Banana Kale
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 kale leaves
Half Fuji Apple
1 Scoop vanilla ice cream
Method
Blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
Why is it healthy?
Bananas are packed with potassium, tryptophan, fibre and
vitamin A, making them great to combat depression, elevate
the mood and improve vision and digestion. Apples can help
you to get healthier teeth, decrease your risk of diabetes,
reduce cholesterol and prevent cancer.
Check out the NOW! Jakarta website (www.nowjakarta.co.id)
to see more recipe from Benedict.
Benedict
Grand Indonesia East Mall LG #37-#39
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat 10310
www.benedictjakarta.com
Why is it healthy?
Kale is a super green;
it’s packed with nutrition
being a great source of
vitamins A, K, C, B6 as well
as antioxidants and BetaCarotene which is great
to lower cholesterol and
boost the immune system.
Meanwhile coconut water has
antiviral, antibacterial, antiinflammatory and antioxidant
properties that can regulate blood
pressure, blood sugar, boost energy levels
and increase metabolism.
Burgreens
Jl. Flamboyan No.19
Rempoa – South Tangerang
T : 08788 200 5070
www.burgreens.wordpress.com
47
The Adma Umalas
50% off on a Three Night Stay in a Luxury Suite
at The Adma Umalas Bali
Visit grivy.com or download the app to discover more getaway deals in Bali and beyond.
FOOD DEALS
Balinese Rijstofel
Shawarma Chicken Sandwich
Fried Fish with Lemon Butter
Banana Boat
Getaway to 3 Islands
Bromo & Madakaripura Waterfall Tour
TRAVEL DEALS
Also check our hotel deals on www.grivy.com !
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Available on :
48
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dining
The Year’s Best
Celebrity chefs Farah Quinn and Marinka
joined Alistair Speirs at the NOW! Jakarta Best
Restaurant, Bar and Cafe Awards ceremony in
June. See which restaurants came out on top
and who went home with one of our coveted
plates on P52.
49
DINING
FOOD TALK
Eelke Plasmeijar and Ray Adriansyah
are Locavore
TEXT
Petty Elliott
These two Ubud-based chefs provide a welcome reminder that taste and
presentation are not the only keys to a great dining experience. It’s the
knowledge of the origin of ingredients and the ability to deliver that are
equally important, writes Petty Elliott.
E
elke and Ray are the proprietors of Locavore, a restaurant
which is living proof of the freshness and variety of food
that is grown, raised and produced locally. They offer a
wonderful dining experience with different layers of taste,
colour, fragrance and texture. Their team make your
lunch or evening special showing professional training, knowledge
and passion for what they do. Interestingly, the concept of ‘team’
extends to a courteous mention of supplier names on their menu. It
all adds up to something very special.
While I was in town for the Ubud literary festival, I took the chance
to make a third visit to Locavore, which has been open since October
2013. I was in for another pleasant surprise.
Locavore delivers a modern culinary touch,
and while it could not be described as “fine
dining” in the strictest sense, with room for
a more extensive wine list and sommelier, it
does provide quality food, a good ambience
and pleasant service without the formality of
ubiquitous fine dining places. The result is an
evening that flows naturally and results in a
delightful dining experience.
Chefs Eelke and Ray are a contrast, the former
with a background in modern French cuisine
in the Netherlands, the latter orginally from
The chefs in action
Sumatra but with 10 years extensive experience in New Zealand.
The pair worked in Jakarta nearly a decade ago before transferring to
the Alila resort in Ubud, where they started to experiment with local
ingredients, rather than rely on imported.
“Locavore as a concept has become a trend worldwide, and it makes
perfect sense to follow by embracing local Balinese and Indonesian
ingredients,” Eelke explains. Clad in simple uniforms of natural
colours and light material to suit the tropical climate for the whole
team, both are very down-to-earth and warm people brimming with
confidence.
I opted for the 7-course lunch, which is the
regular format for lunch and dinner, although
a 5-course option is also available. Roasted
baby shitake mushrooms on sate skewers
with a bed of thyme plus giant bayam or
amarranth leaves, tempura style - still warm
and crunchy – were pleasant nibbles to
arouse our interest. A Bloody Mary sorbet
and tomato consomme with minimalist, but
colourful presentation, was a perfect starter.
Elegant spiciness, well balanced between the
celery, tomato and salt infusion, a contrast
of warm tomato consomme and cold sorbet.
The second course was beef tartare with a
unique combination of wasabi leaf mayonnaise, pickled shallots and
bawang goreng or crunchy deep-fried shallots, common enough in
Indonesian cooking, but covered with shaved radish, it proved divine.
Local langoustine was up next, poached in cocoa butter, infused with
vanilla and seaweed, cauliflower mousseline, a pleasant combination
of clam juice and tiny tree branches of seaweed from Bruno, the
supplier. The dish had a great texture and had been prepared with
care.
This was followed with a simple potato mousseline with cumin seeds,
chives, caramelized butter, locally made creme fraiche, green caviar
and potato croutons. The green caviar effect was acheived through
tiny balls of seaweed. You can buy this ‘green caviar’ seaweed at
Jimbaran market when in season.
The fifth course was a soft and juicy parrot fish a’la meuniere served
with braised, glazed octopus which was also very tender having been
cooked over a low heat for a long time. It almost melted in my mouth
and was served with fresh chorizo, bread, and buttered courgettes.
I found the flavour of the sauce to be unique: slightly bitter with red
bell peppers, the sauce reminded me pleasantly of the bitter flavour
of arugula.
Asparagus with shaved parmesan
The sixth course was a pork dish with green pepper corns, corn
sauce, pommes dauphine, textured broccoli and roasted Malang
apples. The pork was bought from Pak Parsa, the pig local farmer.
Finding room for dessert, I enjoyed the cucumber sorbet with
white chocolate panna cotta. It would have been even better if the
panna cotta had a wobbly texture and was less dense but the taste
of infused dehydrated jasmin flower was enchanting, served with
passion fruit and farmer’s yoghurt, pickled cucumber, crispy passion
fruit meringue and cucumber juice. Light yet full of flavour. Now if
you think that was the end of a perfect meal, you will have missed
cannele the best madeline cake in the country, warm and fresh from
the oven, served with coffee or tea.
What’s their secret to success over a relatively short time? “There
is no secret really. Just things that make sense,” says Eelke. They
operate closely every day as a team, eating and working together.
They have staff meals, serving for the whole team just before service
starts. It is something really nice to do and something diffrent. “So
it’s not only about Eelke and I,” added Ray. “We recruit based on
attitude foremost, since skills and experience can be built”.
Beef (from Malang) tartar with wasabi leaf mayonnaise, bawang
goreng, pickled shallots, shaved radish
Both chefs have young families, a good enough reason for Locavore
to close on Sunday so that staff can spend time with family – a typical
example of the thoughtfulness that goes into everything to do with
this business. And food for thought perhaps for others. I for one wish
we had more restaurants with the bold personality of Locavore. Be
sure to try it for yourself.
Locavore is located on Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud Bali.
T: +62361977733
E: reservation@restaurantlocavore.com
Open Tuesday to Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday
lunch time.
Lunch (12 noon to 2pm) Dinner (6pm to 9.30pm)
5-course lunch and dinner IDR 475.000 ++
7-course lunch and dinner IDR 575.000 ++
Reservation is a must.
50
Langoustine from Tabanan Bali poached in cocoa butter
infused with vanilla and seaweed, cauliflower mousseline
51
DINING
The Year’s Best
T ext
RESTAURANT
BAR & cafe
AWARDS 2015
The Ice Palace Concert
Hall at Lotte Shopping
Avenue was the unique
venue for NOW! Jakarta’s
Best Restaurant, Bar
and Cafe Awards (BRBCA)
ceremony on Thursday 11
June. Over 210 respected
restaurants, bars and
cafes who registered
under 20 categories
gathered to hear the
results of 150,000 public
votes.
F
irst held seven years ago, NOW!
Jakarta’s Best Restaurant Bar and
Café Awards have since gained a
reputation as the most credible
awards in the city due to the
transparency of the online voting system,
which was pioneered in collaboration with our
friends at Grivy.com.
Alistair Speirs, founder of NOW! Jakarta
opened the ceremony by reflecting on the
importance of competition in the hospitality
industry, “Competition drives up standards
and communication drives competition”.
Celebrity chefs and friends of NOW! Jakarta,
Farah Quinn, Marinka and Petty Elliott, were
then invited up to the stage to offer their
thoughts; the importance of good service and
local sourced produce proved to be popular
topics.
This year’s BRBCA included 20 categories
and six editors’ choice awards which were
specially crafted to recognize people and
brands from the industry that we personally
have been impressed by this year.
Gibran Sani
|
P h otos
F a m i l R a m a n d yt a
Winners
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT
Winner
: Pearl Chinese Restaurant
1st Runner Up : Teratai Chinese Restaurant
2nd Runner Up : Paradise Inn
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANTS
(Multiple Outlets)
Winner
: Paradise Dynasty
1st Runner Up : Imperial Kitchen
2nd Runner Up: Imperial Lamian
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: Mama Rosy
1st Runner Up : Toscana
2nd Runner Up: Bruschetta Restaurant
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
(Multiple Outlets)
Winner
: Pizza Express
1st Runner Up : Popolamama
2nd Runner Up: Mad For Garlic
BEST FRENCH RESTAURANTS
Winner
: Amuz Gourmet Restaurant
1st Runner Up : Emilie French Restaurant
2nd Runner Up: Liberte French Restaurant
BEST MEXICAN & AMERICAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: NYC Pizza
1st Runner Up : Amigos Bar & Cantina
2nd Runner Up: Three Buns Burger & Cocktail
BEST INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT
Winner
: Sailendra Restaurant
1st Runner Up : Mama Goose
2nd Runner Up: Skyloft Restaurant & Lounge
BEST INDONESIAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: Bengawan Solo
1st Runner Up : Spices Restaurant
2nd Runner Up: Plataran Dharmawangsa
BEST INDONESIAN RESTAURANT
(Multiple Outlets)
Winner
: Sop Buntut Bogor Cafe
1st Runner Up : Marco Padang Bistro & Coffee
House
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
The event was also enlivened by the
performance from Ari Wibowo winner of
Indonesia’s Got Talent who performed two
classics “Besame Mucho” and “La Vie en
Rose” with his charismatic tenor voice.
Winner
: Asuka Japanese Dining
1st Runner Up : Benihana Japanese Steak House
2nd Runner Up: Gyukaku Japanese BBQ
Special thanks to our partners and sponsors,
Grivy.com, Boga Catering, Plaga wine,
Heineken, Coca Cola and Qatar Airways.
Winner
: Pepper Lunch
1st Runner Up : Sushi Tei
2nd Runner Up: Kiyadon Sushi
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
(Multiple Outlets)
BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: Chandara Fine Thai Cuisine
1st Runner Up : Jittlada Thai Cuisine
2nd Runner Up : White Elephant Thai Bistro
Chef Farah Quinn
Chef Marinka
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: Ganesha Ek Sanskriti
Restaurant & Bar
1st Runner Up : The Royal Kitchen
2nd Runner Up: Queen’s Tandor
BEST STEAK & GRILL RESTAURANT
Winner
: Potato Head Garage
1st Runner Up : TGI Friday’s
2nd Runner Up: Riva Grill Bar & Terrace
BEST EUROPEAN RESTAURANT
Winner
: Tapas Movida
1st Runner Up : Lobo
2nd Runner Up: Marché Restaurant
BEST PUB & SPORTS BAR
Winner
: Brewerkz Jakarta
1st Runner Up : Satu Lagi Bar
2nd Runner Up: Karumba
BEST COCKTAIL & WINE LOUNGE
Winner
: Vin+
1st Runner Up : The Melting Pot
2nd Runner Up: Cork & Screw
Arie Wibowo
Alistair G. Speirs
BEST CAFÉ
Winner
: Crematology Coffee Roasters
1st Runner Up : Benedict
2nd Runner Up: Casa
BEST CAFÉ (Multiple Outlets)
Winner
: Secret Recipe
1st Runner Up : Starbucks
2nd Runner Up: Tanamera
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Most Ethical Dining Concept:
Potato Head
Best Indian Restaurants
Best Japanese Restaurant (multiple outlets)
Best Asian Restaurant
Best Newcomer:
Queens Head
Most Innovative Chef:
Michael Muller – Raffles Hotel
Outstanding Vision:
Union Partners
Most Artistic Hotel Dining Venue:
Collage at Pullman Central Park
Best Charity Initiative:
Hard Rock Cafe
Best French Restaurants
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Petty Elliott
Best Indonesian Restaurants (multiple outlets)
Best Japanese Restaurants
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DINING
NEW IN TOWN
THE USUAL
T ext
K HAMILA M U LIA
|
P h otos
T r aya A.P
The Usual Jakarta recently opened its doors to serve the hungry
workers and curious food connoisseurs of Kuningan. Casual dining
is the concept but while the atmosphere is laidback, the service is
comparable with fine dining restaurants in Jakarta.
The Usual’s bar also offers a selection of mocktails, cocktails and
selected wines. The Usual opens from Monday to Friday from 11
am to 1 am and on Saturday from 6 pm to 1 am. With their good
food and great venue, one visit is really not enough, so next time
your friend asks “where are we going for lunch?” you’d better
answer “let’s go to The Usual!”
A
ccording to General Manager, Rio Wijaya, the reason
they chose “The Usual” as their name was to give a
friendly impression to customers, “We chose a more
casual ambience because our main target are office
workers who tend to look for a comfortable place
in order to relax during lunch or hang out after work. The name
“The Usual” also reflects our concept to offer a classic selection
of local and international dishes that are already familiar to the
public. With our lovely classic minimalist décor and exceptional
service, we hope The Usual can be a favourite eating place for our
customers around here”.
A glance at the menu reveals an interesting combination of
Indonesian and International dishes, all created by Executive
Chef Sabrudin who previously helmed the famous Prime Cuts
restaurant. First up, we ordered Stuffed Chicken Leg; spinach and
mushroom-stuffed leg served with Tagliatelle pasta, carrots and
saffron cream. We loved how the spinach and mushroom blended
in seamlessly with the chicken flavour and the lightness of the
saffron cream.
We also tried their Asam Padeh Barramundi – baked barramundi
in a traditional Indonesian soup, served with butter rice. We found
this dish quite unique since Asam Padeh is Padang style home
cooking that can rarely be found in international restaurants.
The original taste has a strong sour and spicy flavour, but Chef
Sabrundi has deliberately made his version a bit milder, perhaps
for the less fiery Western palate!
The Usual | City Plaza, Suite UG – 05 | Jl. Jendral Gatot Subroto No.42, Jakarta 12710, T: (62) 21 2930 6631 | www.theusual.co.id
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DINING
NEW IN TOWN
ms. choo
T ext
G I B RAN SANI | P h otos F AMIL RAMAND Y T A
After serving its loyal patrons for more than a year, Publico Bistro & Bar
recently underwent a name change and a complete makeover. Ms.Choo
Brasserie & Bar is the new image of the much coveted restaurant in the
Senopati strip, serving true blue Pan Asian cuisine with a French twist but
still with the same familiar service of the old brand that has made the
venue famous.
M
s. Choo Brasserie & Bar is an exciting concept
in its own respect, serving original Asian
cuisine that is blended with Western culinary
techniques. The orginal vintage concept of
Publico is still there, but this time around, they
changed their concept and made it an original Chinoiserie that
serves as a reminder of the British occupation in China in the
early 1900’s.
The food selection that is offered by Ms. Choo includes some
classics like Crispy Pork Hock, Soft Shell Crab and Pomelo Salad,
Charcoal Oven Barbeque Pork Mu Yang, Prawn and Almond Balls,
Basil Cucumber Gimlet and so much more. According to Patty
Veronica, the restaurant’s communication manager, the muchneeded change was already planned nearly 5 months ago because
the owner wanted to focus on something completely different
and went out on a limb to create a whole new
concept where guests can enjoy original Asian
cuisine which is highly influenced by Western
culinary culture. The food that is served at
the ‘newly opened’ Ms. Choo is something
different for the locals and offers something
more interesting because it ultimately sees
the combination of two advancing cultures
through the plates. Dishes like Stir Fried Clams
Nam Prik Pao are the ultimate testimony of
said combination, where the highest quality
of ingredients is used and is sourced (for the
most part) locally. The selection of drinks on offer also carries a
very heavy Shanghai theme, where all the drinks are basically
classic cocktails with an Asian touch. Take for example their gin
and tonic which is served with lemongrass, their take on the
Old Fashioned also sparks things up a bit by adding Sarsaparilla
into the mixture. Why mess with a good classic you say? “It is
interesting to see how this classic cocktail shapes up, not only
does it taste good, but it is also unique and one of akind in Jakarta
and isn’t that the whole idea? To be different and good?” Patty
said about her company’s newest re-branding.
In terms of interior design, the restaurant hasn’t changed
much, except for the colour scheme, with blue and red in
contrast throughout the second floor, guests can experience
the Speakeasy Shanghai style in an atmosphere where it is only
original. The ground floor that used to house two private dining
chambers is still there and still carries the same
spirit and tradition as when it was Publico.
But what’s more about the venue’s drastic
change of concept is its meticulous and careful
planning on the menu, which guests can enjoy
for a staggeringly low price. Cocktails range
from IDR 65.000 to IDR 90.000 while the food
selection can be enjoyed with prices below
IDR 100.000, but surely this doesn’t mean
they leave quality behind, because we’ve been
there and their Pork Mu Yang is simply to die
for.
Jl. Senopati Raya No. 65 | T: +62-21 5296 4960 | www.mschoo.com
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DINING
Hide & Seek
T ext
G I B RAN SANI | P h otos B AS U K I N U G ROHO
Hide & Seek Swillhouse is not your
ordinary boozing spot, its intricate
design and concept is a nod to the era
of invention in the early 1900’s when
industrialism took over and the world
was fascinated by the new inventions
that had shook the world.
H
ide & Seek Swillhouse is one of the major destinations
for the city’s youngsters to unwind come the weekend,
but do not be fooled as it offers so much more than good
music and banging Saturday night events. Their menu
includes the likes of pork lardon skewers, white wine
seared Barramundi, classic duck leg confit and its classic chargrilled
Wagyu rib eye is a testament of the establishment’s love and passion
of combining western and eastern cuisine in the most delicate form,
making it different, and well, unique in its own respect. Take for example
putting rice on their classic grilled chicken or perhaps prawns in a hot
dog bun? To truly enjoy Hide & Seek’s menu is to venture on a culinary
journey unqiue to them.In terms of alcoholic beverages, rest assured
that this place has some of the best cocktails and a selection of spirits
from all over the world. Their signature cocktails are also different
with a style that is both pleasant to the eyes and the palate. Take for
example ‘Mad Scientist’ where they combine what is basically a long
island ice tea with absinthe served with a tea pot, and a small cup on
top of a lecture book. And when it comes to the music selection, Hide
& Seek Swillhouse can’t be underestimated, with Mayo helming the
decks, his selection of high quality tech house and modern new tunes
is something to rave about. Do make time to visit this establishment at
the weekend, as they often have great DJs playing.
BA L A N C E D
B Y C A S T E L L O®
A perfect combination of brie and blue cheese for a smooth and rich taste.
Fairgrounds SCBD Lot 14, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52 – 53 | T: +62-21 515 0366 | rsvp@hideandseek.co.id
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DINING
JAVALOT
T ext
K h a m i l a Mu l i a
|
P h otos
T raya A . P
The Senen area is probably better known as a historical and trade sub
district of Jakarta than as an entertainment or culinary hub. Well, that
was until Javalot, an Indonesian casual dining restaurant opened earlier
this year. Located in the Cowell Tower, Javalot is like a soothing oasis in the
midst of Senen’s busy activities.
A
s you step inside the restaurant, you will be greeted by a cosy ambience
enhanced by vintage Indonesian interiors, complete with a Balinese fountain
(and tree!). The restaurant is divided into several sections; a European-style
coffee shop which is equipped with fancy coffee machine; large dining area;
bar area and mini stage where live performances take place every Friday
evening. In terms of menu, there is a wide array of Indonesian and International selections
which will tempt most diners.
Our lingering lunch started with Salmon Sushi Roll wrapped in crumbled nori, resulting in
a crispy texture. Next was Rendang Pizza and although fusion food is nothing new, not
many restaurants can present the right twist without impairing the whole flavour, and
this was one of the few. With toppings like beef rendang, cassava leaves, spicy boiled
egg and spicy potato chips, it’s like eating Nasi Padang in a pan… until you notice the
mozzarella cheese!
Their Ramen Burger, which blends juicy grilled beef patty with yellow cheese, ramen bun
and teriyaki sauce, is another “East meets West” fusion you should try. The teriyaki sauce
was a bit too sweet for us, but it was forgiven as the beef was seasoned so well.
Javalot opens from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm. Since the dining room is
so spacious (and can cater to around 800 people), Javalot is suitable as a venue for many
events, from birthday parties, corporate gatherings to wedding receptions. And the best
news? The prices won’t burn a hole in your pocket!
Javalot | Jl. Senen Raya Blok C No.135, Jakarta 10410 | T: +62-21 3511281
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DINING
The New Decanter
The Allure of Wine and Food
Savour a memorable dining experience and dishes crafted with
heart by Decanter’s Executive Chef Johannes Pratiwanggana, all
paired with award-winning wines from Sababay winery.
C
onveniently situated in the bustling business and entertainment area of Kuningan,
popular wine lounge Decanter is now running under the new management of Sababay
Winery. The award-winning Bali winery is on a mission to introduce Sababay wines to
Jakarta’s aficionados within the comfortable and elegant surrounds of Decanter.
The spacious restaurant is divided into four unique sections; a courtyard, a living room, a dining
room and a bedroom. One thousand sparkling light bulbs give a magical and romantic feel to
the courtyard which is surrounded by green climbing plants. Meanwhile, the Living Room is
the favourite spot for many guests to sample mouth-watering main courses such as the pan–
fried Norwegian salmon fillet with cinnamon and star anise-infused tomato chunks, served with
parisienne potatoes.
The Vineyards
Through integrated farming with local grape growers, Sababay
practices a fair trade philosophy with a focus on sustainability.
“The modern Indonesian fusion restaurant market has generally
been very open to new styles of wine and there are a great
number of quality restaurants introducing food pairing with our
wines,” commented Evy Gozali, the CEO of Sababay Industries.
She believes in attention to detail in all aspects of the dining
experience; it is as much about taste - in terms of balance between
sweet, sour and spicy - as it is about the texture. Sababay wines
were created with the necessary texture and palate weight
required to match the oily richness of Indonesian food.
The new face of Decanter allows Sababay to open doors to a wine
legacy in Indonesia, a special journey of food and wine attraction.
www.sababaywinery.com
www.decanterjakarta.com
Decanter’s signature and much loved pork knuckle is another must-try item; bursting with flavour
after being cured with a special spice mix for four days, poached for three hours, and then deep
fried to ensure the meat is juicy inside and crispy outside.
Another meaty favourite at Decanter is the duck leg confit. After being cured for a day with rock
salt and herbs, the duck is poached in duck fat at a very low temperature for three hours before
finally being pan-fried for the perfect crispy finish.
Executive Chef Johannes Pratiwanggana’s culinary expertise has influences from a global career
working for various high end hotels and restaurants in Switzerland, London, Canada and Australia
– so diners can expect a very high quality of food.
To complete the Decanter dining experience, a wide selection of wines are available to
complement dinner. To enjoy the fresh and unique taste of a premium Indonesian wine, a number
of bottles from the Sababay winery in Gianyar Bali are available to savour. Choose from PINK
BLOSSOM, BLACK VELVET, WHITE VELVET, LUDISIA and the latest sparkling wine, MOSCATO d’
BALI, a variety which is quickly stealing the limelight. All of Sababay’s wines are made from local,
Balinese grape varieties and are officially recognized as “New Latitude Wines”.
Decanter | Plaza Kuningan, North Tower, Ground Floor, JL HR. Rasuna Said, Jakarta 12940
| T: +62-21 52963888
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DINING
Taste of Spain
As one of the most coveted Spanish
dining spots in town, Entrada welcomes
a melting pot of young and old to its
casual dining style restaurant and bar.
On busy weekdays, the venue welcomes
business people from around the hub of
Jakarta’s pulsating jalan Sudirman and
SCBD, where it’s located.
T
he rustic design and its lively concept have also come to
help the establishment’s success over the years as one
of the most desirable Spanish restaurants and bars in
town.
The restaurant and bar is influenced by the modern cuisine
of Spain and the Fideua, Paella, Gambas al Ajillo, Churros con
chocolate and authentic Sangria come recommended.
Entrada | Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 52-53,
Parc 18 Building Tower E/GF (SCBD area) | T: +62-21 5153121
Family Friendly
Brunch
Sunday is a day to refuel your soul and
be grateful for your blessings, and
this can be realized when you spend it
with your family over at Double Tree by
Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro. We headed
to the beautiful resort style hotel in the
heart of Jakarta to try the Sunday Splash
brunch at the hotel’s OPEN Restaurant.
F
irst glance at the buffet revealed a wide selection of fresh
seafood, freshly baked breads and a chocolate fondue
fountain! We started our brunch with a plate of fresh
lobster and prawns and moved on to the cold cut meat
section, complete with crackers and cheese platter.
With the Italian section divided into pizzas and pasta, we opted
for the thin crust pizzas with Beef Rendang as the topping beefy, crispy and tasty! For dessert, feel free to dip few sticks of
marshmallow, whole strawberries or even slices of Kueh Lapis
(thousand layer cake) into the shiny pool of melted chocolate.
The Kids Club keeps children busy with fun and exciting activities
such as face painting and creating their own cookie ice cream
sandwiches, while parents can relax around the pool to the
soulful vibes of the resident DJ. A Beautiful Sunday indeed!
Price: IDR 358,000 ++ per person (including brunch, pool and
kids activities)
T: +62-212 985 7093
jktdi_fb@hilton.com 64
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DINING
All-American
Pizza
Craving the comfort of an oozing
pizza but looking for that
gourmet touch that comes from
quality ingredients too?
L
ook no further than Union PIM’s new line of
New York style thick crust pizzas. Hand crafted
and baked in Union’s own wood fired pizza
oven, the new flavours include the unusual
“The Hamburger” topped with ground beef,
cheddar and pickles, meaty favourite “All-American”
of sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and onions and the
(very) “Spicy New Yorker” of pepperoni, hot jalapenos,
onions and cabe rawit – watch out for this one!
If you prefer a thin and crispy Italian inspired crust, just
ask!
Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar
| Pondok Indah Mall, Street Gallery | T: +62-21 57905861
New at Foodism
With its handy Kemang location, hearty
food, and arty yet homely interiors,
Foodism is becoming a more popular spot
for South Jakartans. Lucky for us, the
kitchen team just recently introduced a
few new dishes to mix things up for their
regular customers.
C
hef Haris’ spinach salad with sliced strawberries,
blueberries and almonds is a light and healthy breath
of fresh air in a city where healthy food can be hard
to find. One of their new main courses is a delicious
duo of salmon – roasted salmon covered with crispy
smoked salmon in creamy pink pepper sauce. More substantial
again is their Spicy Sukiyaki Burger, inspired by the traditional
Japanese hot pot dish. For a twist, Foodism adds spicy sambal
instead of mayonnaise, and traditional cattle skin krupuk as well
as the traditional French fries. This is one unusual and tasty burger
which is worth a try! If you’re after an evening drink, try one of their
fresh and fun, new cocktails, “Young Ladies” and “Marry Me”.
Follow Foodism’s social media channels to keep up to date with
what’s happening and what special events are coming up.
Jalan Taman Kemang no 14 | www.foodism.co.id
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DINING
Change your water… Change your life! ™
Join the BRUNCH CLUB
When it comes to brunch, there are so many
options in Jakarta that one can feel a bit like a
rabbit caught in the headlights.
I
f you’re looking for somewhere laidback, quirky, and cool rather than a
super formal affair or a family orientated get-together complete with
kids running under the tables, Potato Head’s new BRUNCH CLUB is just
the answer.
Choose from a characteristically straightforward menu of gourmet egg
and made-to-order waffle dishes using organic eggs and locally sourced
vegetables, all put together beautifully by Chef Haruhisa Noguchi. Choose
from three unique Egg Benedict dishes, including the classic pork bacon one
which is highlighted with a Provencal vegetable tian, and their deliciously
creamy and smoky Prawn Benedict with crusteacea hollandaise.
Wash things down with a DIY Bellini or Bloody Mary, prepared to your liking.
A range of house-made purees are offered for the Bellinis, including passion
fruit and vanilla, and orange and pineapple. So sit back, imbibe the bubbles, lap
up the leftovers of your Benedict, and while away a lazy Saturday or Sunday.
Potato Head’s BRUNCH CLUB is served on Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays from 11am – 3pm.
Potato Head Jakarta | Pacific Place | T: +62-21 57973322
LUC LOVE
Text
A l i s o n Pa c e | Photos B A S U K I N U G R O H O
While LUC Bar & Grill markets itself as a
whisky bar and grill, it’s really a bit more
than that. Sure, they have a great selection
of whiskies but for us what really stands
out is the quality and freshness of the food.
“The basis of vitality and long life is water” - Hironari Oshiro




EST 1974
Certified by 6500 doctors
Medical appliances certified
Made in Japan
Enagic® 6A Independent Distributor
1067344. +6282177771078, +6285782060033
j3ffry@outlook.com
www.youtube.com/jeffryhermanto
www.enagic.com
W
e wondered in one quiet lunch time to be greeted
by smiling (and we later discovered, very efficient)
staff. A statement red brick wall adds to the
industrial but laidback feel of the interiors.
Onto the serious business of food and LUC has a large selection,
simply described and prepared with love. We’re happy to note the
menu includes a comprehensive and fairly unique range of salads
(not just the usual old Caesar!) While their most popular items are
their steaks, we decided to free-style with their Mediterranean
Chicken Satay – succulent chicken cubes, skewered with bell
peppers, zucchini and red
onion and served with a yogurt
and coriander dip. Equally
light and refreshing was their
seafood salad, served warm
with big juicy mussels, prawns
and nicely dressed leaves.
LUC also serves a range of
fruity mocktails to beat the
hot weather of late as well as
of course, wines, spirits and
beers in abundance. Pop over
for a live band on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Saturdays
to take in a bit of the LUC
ambience (and a few whiskies
too!)
LUC Bar & Grill | Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No.33
| T: +62-21 720 6370 / 720 6366
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DINING
updates
Authentically
Indian
Juice It
Cold-pressed juice is the new ‘it’
thing it seems; many say that it is
healthier than regular juice as
when fruit and vegetables are put
through a cold-pressed juicer, the
juice retains the maximum amount of
nutrients.
B
ased on that understanding, Re.juve offers
top quality cold-pressed juice without any
additional water or sugar, artificial sweetener,
preservatives and not from concentrate. They
recently launched their biggest program of
the year, “Re.juve 3R Juice Cleanse Program: Re.Cleanse,
Re.Glow and Re.Juvenate”.
According to Richard Anthony, Managing Director of
Re.juve, this program is the result of popular demand from
customers, “We have many requests from our customers
so we are now finally ready to present Re.juve 3R Juice
Cleanse Program that has been carefully designed from
both a nutritional and health standpoint”.
Serving the most aromatic and
warming Indian dishes in town since
2003, Ganesha Ek Sanskriti’s one
of JAKARTA’S POPULAR RESTAURANTS
presentS a welcoming fusion of
hospitality, Indian culture and
heritage WITH authentic north and
south Indian recipe’s.
V
For this program, Re.juve has collaborated with Jansen
Ongko Msc, RD, a registered dietician and one of
Indonesia’s most active health and wellness ambassador.
The program is divided into three kinds; Re.Cleanse –
7-days program to kick off cleansing, to revive energy
and stamina; Re.Glow – 14-days program to enhance the
immune system and stimulate health and beauty from the
inside out, and Re.Juvenate – 21-days program to maintain
wellness. Since public awareness of the importance of a
healthy lifestyle is growing, the demand of genuine fresh
juice is also increasing, and now Re.juve’s 3R Juice Cleanse
Program has been designed to meet those needs.
Re.juve Hotline : +62 8111 - REJUVE (735883)
www.rejuve.id
oted as Best Indian Restaurant 2015, Ganesha
offers their guests a range of familiar signature
menu like Rogan Josh, Butter Chicken, Ganesha
Special mix Dal, Jaipuri Kurkuri Bhindi and
much more using only the finest ingredients
imported from India. Located in the heart of Jakarta,
Ganesha BRI, the bran soon opened its branch in Kemang,
Yogyakarta and Ubud Bali. Ganesha with its open kitchen
concept allows you to see the Tandoor (traditional countrystyle Indian oven) where the chefs bake delicious naans
(breads) and various non vegetarian and vegetarian kebabs
daily right in front of you.
Mrs. Shilpa Dave, the establishment’s co-founder and
President Director of Ganesha, believes that authenticity
is the most important part of the Ganesha experience, a
philosophy she continues to hold tight.
From corporate caterings to upscale weddings of over
2000 guests, Ganesha has handled it all. We are here
to bring the finest Indian cuisine. For Reservation call
+62-21 5719957
www.ganeshaeksanskriti.com
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DINING
updates
Gourmet Week
Beau’s Sweet Treats
New Faces
Say hello to two new faces at the
iconic Hotel Indonesia Kempinski
Jakarta. Swedish-born Mathias
Olsson has recently been appointed
as executive chef, and Frederik
Van den Borre is the hotel’s new
director of food and beverage.
Situated at the lower basement of Grand Indonesia, a cute new
bakery is ready to serve Jakarta with high quality artisan bread
and pastries. Beau is the first bakery project by Indonesian
pastry Chef Talita Setyadi. The beautiful treats at Beau are
inspired by Chef Talita’s experience living in different countries in
Australasia, Europe and the US which gave unique influences to
Beau’s distinct products. In her little shop, Chef Talita and team
pour their creativity to give the best treats for Jakarta’s foodies.
www.beaujkt.com
From quirky ice creams, to Japanese noodles,
to trendy food trucks, Gourmet Week, which
was held at the end of May at Lotte Shopping
Avenue, featured a whole host of interesting
culinary options with around 30 booths to
choose from.
F
ood lovers and hipsters from around the city flocked to see
this culinary pop up bazaar and sample the fare of some of
Jakarta’s budding young foodie entrepreneurs. The event was
also graced by stalls by a number of Indonesian celebrities,
including “Pempek Tanliz” from Thomas Djorgie, “Ladies Who Bake”
by Rianty Cartwright and “Dulce De Lece” from Dewi Rezer.
After much positive feedback, Lotte Shopping Avenue plans to
organise this event every year.
www.lotteshoppingavenue.co.id
Martial arts enthusiast and Chef Mathias Olsson
brings with him years of experience gained at luxury
establishments in Thailand and Ghana as well as a stint
as a Royal Swedish Navy Chef (when he was just 15!)
Meanwhile, German-born Frederik Van den Borre, who
is an avid photographer, most recently lead the food &
beverage operations at Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay,
Turkey.
T: +62 21 2358 3800
Amuz resize.ai
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4/15/15
5:06 PM
Vodka Essentials
Award-winning Czech mixologist Kamil Foltan of
the famous Tippling Club in Singapore recently
entertained Jakarta’s cocktail enthusiasts at
an event themed “Vodka Essentials and Creative
Cocktails” at CLOUD Lounge & Living Room.
Using premium CÎROC vodka, which is owned by Diageo, the world’s
largest premium drinks company, Kamil crafted his own experimental
brand of drinks for enthusiastic CLOUD patrons to sample during the
special guest bartending night.
Keep an eye out on the CLOUD Lounge & Living Room Facebook page for
upcoming events.
New Spring Season Lunch Menu
2 course = IDR 250.000++/person
All courses are included freshly baked breads
...................................................................................................................................................................
Chef Gilles Marx just released our new Spring Gourmet Lunch Menu, to give our many loyal
customers new exciting dishes to enjoy. This set Lunch with a selection of ve starters, mains and
desserts are a great way to entertain your Business Clients, Family or Friends. From the exquisit e
settings of our award winning restaurant, to an unforgettable gourmet lunch, at a great value.
AMUZ Gourmet Restaurant
The Energy Building, 2nd Floor. SCBD Lot 11A
For reservation, please dial +62 21 250 5064 or email to cheffounder@amuzgourmet.com,
additional information is also available at www.amuzgourmet.com
Amuz Gourmet Restaurant
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@amuzgourmet
73
DINING
updates
French
Indulgence
Craving croissants? Pining for pain au
chocolat? Worry no more because a
new online bakery called Paris Sucré
has recently launched in Jakarta
giving city dwellers the chance to
fulfil those bread-y cravings on a
daily basis!
O
Special Buffet for
“ Buka Puasa ”
from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ffering a wide variety of pastries, Danishes,
cakes, quiches and sandwiches, Paris Sucré
products are made using good quality French
ingredients and made by a real French chef!
For reservation please contact Mr. Bisht
Based in South Jakarta and offering free delivery within
the area, Paris Sucré’s website is user-friendly and orders
can now be delivered on the same day. Visit their newly
designed website at www.paris-sucre.com and order your
competitively priced but delicious pastries and other items
today. No need for you to go to Paris when Paris can come
to you!
Opening Hours 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM
Outdoor Catering – Corporate Meal – Take Away
– Packed Lunch – Buffet – Bar & Lounge
THE BELLAGIO BOUTIQUE MALL GRAND FLOOR 16,
Jl. Kawasan Mega Kuningan Barat Kav. 3-5, Jakarta Selatan
Telp : +62-21-300 29975 / +62813 15209191
sushi skills
The search is on for the
country’s best sushi chef to
represent Indonesia at the first
international competition for
sushi chefs, the Global Sushi
Challenge 2015.
J
on Erik Steenslid, Director of the Norwegian
Seafood Council for South East Asia and Hilde
Solbakken, chargé d’affaires a.i. at the Royal
Norwegian Embassy in Jakarta, were present
to kick-off the launch of Global Sushi Challenge for
Indonesia at Yellow Fin Sake Bar and Kitchen.
The competition, organized by the Norwegian
Seafood Council (NSC) and the World Sushi Skills
Institute of Japan (WSSI), aims to identify talented
chefs and promote hygienic handling of fish and
seafood, especially when consumed raw. Expect to
see chefs from 14 countries across Europe, America
and Asia competing for the title of Global Sushi Chef.
www.sushichallenge.global
74
75
Business
& Economy
The Indonesia Australia Business Councill (IABC) is a
business association representing private sector business
interests in commercial relations between Indonesia and
Australia.
The IABC is affiliated with the Indonesian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia), and
works very closely with the Indonesian Government
and the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. This allows the
IABC to represent the business and commercial interests
of Indonesian and Australian businesses engaged in
investment and bilateral trade.
The mission of IABC is to provide a convivial
networking organisation for companies, organisations
and business people of all nationalities involved or
interested in business between Indonesia and Australia.
IABC National Secretariat :
16th Floor , World Trade Centre I
Jl Jend. Sudirman kav 29 – 31
Jakarta, 12920, INDONESIA
T: + 62-21 521 1540 F: + 62-21 521 1541
E: secretariat@iabc.or.id
www.iabc.or.id
EKONID, the German-Indonesian
Chamber of Industry and Commerce
KITAS Quandaries
As part of the network of German Chambers Abroad (AHKs), EKONID is
officially mandated by the German Federal Government to promote trade
and investment between Germany and Indonesia. EKONID’s corporate,
institutional and private members are supported through a wide range of
network and lobbying activities, especially towards ministries and other
government authorities.
Founded in 1924 and existing in its legal form since 1970, EKONID has
today established itself as a reliable and competent provider of business
services for its members and clients in both Germany and Indonesia. More
than 440 companies benefit from its areas of expertise covering market
entry, trade fair participation, event management, corporate services,
advertising and promotion.
The new tightened regulations regarding
KITAS applications has affected many of
us. This month we ask our friends from the
business community about the effects of
these tightened regulations. Turn the pages
to find out what they said.
Jl. H. Agus Salim No. 115 - Jakarta 10310
P.O. Box 3151 - Jakarta 10031, Indonesia
Tel.: +62-21 315 4685 - Fax. +62-21 315 5276
E-mail:info@ekonid.or.id - http://indonesien.ahk.de
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77
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Provided by the american chamber of commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Tax Allowances
Updates
for Investors
KITAS Quandaries
Text
A l i s o n Pa c e
|
Photos
Text
The Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and the ministries
of finance and industry on June 10 held a meeting to explain tax
incentives under Government Regulation No. 18 of 2015 on income tax
facilities for investment.
Earlier this year, the Indonesian
government tightened the regulations
for foreigners renewing or applying
for a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas),
or temporary stay permit card. Not
only was the advised stay period
reduced from a year to six months for
many employees, but the whole process
– which used to be relatively pain-free –
now seems to be taking a much longer
time.
T
N
Close friend of NOW! Jakarta and Chairman of BritCham, Adrian
Short, expressed his concern that British companies may struggle
to attract experts to uproot and move to Indonesia with shorter and
less certain employment prospects. “To attract and retain talented
people is always a challenge for businesses. Providing a six month
work permit, with no guaranteed extension, will limit the number
of people willing to uproot themselves and family to come to
Indonesia”.
He also highlighted more potential issues for business owners, “If
you only have guaranteed expertise for a period of six months, more
complex and critical projects may be stalled or simply scrapped.
Not to mention, the additional costs and administration are an
unnecessary burden that businesses can do without during an
economic downturn”.
Munandar explained that the ability to get a recommendation
letter depends on the sector invested in, as the criteria given by
the Ministry of Industry, for example, are different from what is on
offer by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. For instance,
the sector to be invested in must be must be included in one of the
categories in Minister of Industry Regulation No. 48 of 2015, to
apply. Therefore, he advised, before applying for a recommendation
letter, the applicant should discuss it with the relevant authority.
Peter Fanning, Vice President of the Indonesian Australian
Business Council (IABC), offered similar insights, highlighting that
the shorter six month KITAS ‘limits the ability of companies affected
to attract appropriate personnel’.
Representatives from the Italian Business Association in Indonesia
(IBAI) took a slightly different view. “We understand that the policy
is applicable to new KITAS only for levels below Manager while for
Managers and Directors, the policy is substantially unchanged for
new emissions and renewal is offered for a period of six and twelve
months. As such, we do not foresee a major impact, even if we
recognize that a longer permit period would be welcomed to reduce
the complexity.”
In terms of direct foreign investment, IBAI stated, “We believe that
once a major decision of investment is taken, the new policy shall not
become a discriminator ‘go / no-go’ factor, even if a lower amount of
paper work and red tape would facilitate”.
If you are struggling to obtain a 6-month visa or
want advice on what to do, contact BritCham via
busdev@britcham.or.id
he regulation focuses on giving tax allowances to
investors who plan to invest in certain sectors. Speakers
at the event were Astera Prima Bhakti from the finance
ministry, Harris Munandar from the industry ministry
and Lestari Indah from BKPM.
Prima explained how Regulation No. 18 of 2015 gives more flexibility
for investors than its predecessor, Government Regulation No. 52 of
2011. He spoke about the type of facilities given and a general view
on the criteria and conditions to be able to apply for a tax allowance,
such as high investment value, a large number of hired human
resources and having local content. He advised that dividends
should be re-invested so the investors could get the allowance.
aturally, this has been the subject of much speculation
among the international community here in Jakarta
so we wanted to ask the people at the head of the
international chambers of commerce what their
viewpoint was on the matter. How will these new
regulations affect the operations of international companies already
with a presence here in Indonesia? And will it have a knock on effect
on direct foreign investment?
78
T e l l i s a R a m a d ha n i
b R ITC H A M & I A B C
The process of applying for tax allowances was explained by Lestari
Indah of BKPM. The Ministry of Finance gives the approval for a tax
allowance with the BKPM office in Jakarta as the central one-stop
service center (PTSP) to coordinate the technical ministries: the
Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources,
the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry
of Tourism.
There are three categories that can apply for the facility:
1.Tax payers with a Principle Permit and permit to change the
principal or an Expansion Principle Permit and permit to change
the principal released by BKPM or tax payers with an investment
permit released by other authorized institutes compliant to the
Law;
2.Tax payers who have applied for the income tax facility based
on Government Regulation No. 52 of 2011, whether it has been
proposed to the Ministry of Finance or it has been returned by
the Ministry of Finance to the head of the BKPM. In this case,
re-application for the Tax Allowance will be given up to one year
from when the regulation came into effect, so the reference on
the tax application process will refer to Government Regulation
No. 52 of 2011, not the new regulation; or
3.Tax payers, who at the moment of application for a Tax Holiday
chose Tax Allowance as the alternative.
The government is committed to process the allowance application
within 28 days before the approval comes from the Directorate
General of Tax in the Ministry of Finance. The approval or rejection
will be decided by the Trilateral Meeting Committee. The process for
a tax allowance application is:
•Tax payers give the required documents to the PTSP. If the
documents are not complete, the PTSP will return them to
be completed.
•
Once the tax payers pass the document check, they will be
given a receipt
•The PTSP will then send the documents for consideration
to the Trilateral Meeting, with the committee consisting of
Lestari Indah representing BKPM or other Level-1 BKPM
staff, a representative from the Directorate General of
Tax and a junior advisor of the Ministry of Finance and the
related ministry.
•When the Trilateral Meeting approves the application, it
will send a letter of advice signed by the head of BKPM
or an appointed authority for granting the tax facility to
the Minister of Finance, via the Directorate General of Tax.
From the PTSP giving the receipt to the applicant to the
letter of advice being sent out from the Ministry of Finance
will take up to 18 days.
•In 10 days, the Directorate General of Tax will legitimize
the approval.
•To implement the tax facility, the Directorate General of
Tax will conduct a field review to see if the business has
started commercial production.
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BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Calendar of Events
When
Tues, 7th July
When
Thurs, 9th July
When
Thurs, 30th July
What
EKONID Get Together
What
InterNations Jakarta Official July 2015
Weekday Event
What
BritCham Business & Social Gathering
Rates
IDR 300,000- IDR 400,000
CONTACT
info@ekonid.or.id
Rates
IDR 250,000 – IDR 400,000
pre-booked /walk-in)
Rates
IDR 280,000 – IDR 480,000
RSVP
events@britcham.or.id
RSVP
www.internations.org
BritCham Business and Social Gathering
Thurs, 25th June | Lagoon Lounge, The Sultan Hotel
Members of the British Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia gathered for their monthly Business and Social
gathering at The Sultan Hotel and Residence. These gatherings are a great chance for like-minded people to
get together, exchange ideas and expand their networks. Free flow of wine and beer was complemented by
delicious bites from the hotel’s culinary team.
80
COUNTRY
FOCUS
USA
in Indonesia
In place of our usual interview, US Ambassador
Robert Blake offers a very interesting article based
on a lecture he gave on “Trade in Indonesia and
how it can help the country meet its economic
goals”. Turn the pages to find out more.
We also catch up with the new chairwoman of
the American Women’s Association Catherine
Hutasuhut to find out what’s happening with the
AWA and contributor Erza ST reminisces about his
recent trip to New York where he goes hunting for
iconic landmarks, as seen on TV.
Lastly, we take a look at some of the American
companies which are thriving here in Indonesia,
including AIG Insurance Indonesia, Western Union
and Sampoerna.
81
usa IN INDONESIA
US Ambassador Robert Blake
on the Growth & Effects
of Trade in Indonesia
AT AN EVENT held at Al-Azhar University in Jakarta, American Ambassador to
Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Robert Blake, recently had the opportunity to speak on a
subject of great importance; trade in Indonesia and how it can help the country
meet its economic goals.
H
e began, “President Jokowi has
set out an ambitious agenda to
increase Indonesia’s economic
growth and to reduce poverty.
To reach his targets, he has
rightly pointed out that Indonesia can no
longer rely simply on exporting commodities
and consumer spending to drive growth.
Boosting investment and building up
manufacturing capacity, including for export,
are two other important engines of economic
growth for Indonesia”. Also present were Rector Sardy, Dr. Hidayat
Yorianta, Director of International Affairs Office
and, Mr. Nazaruddin Nasution, who acted as the
moderator. The following are excerpts from the
discussion.
Why is Trade Important?
At the basic level, trade is essential because it
allows countries to specialise in the goods and
services they produce most efficiently, while
benefiting from the production that other
countries can do most efficiently and cheaply. Let’s take the example of coffee. Indonesia
grows lots of delicious coffee, arguably the
world’s best. Indonesia’s rich soil and tropical
climate make for great coffee growing. As a
result, Indonesia exports it all over the world,
including to the United States. On the other
hand, most of the United States has a climate
that just isn’t right for growing coffee. But
Americans love to drink coffee, so we import
a lot of it. Since growing coffee isn’t our
strength, it makes sense to import it rather
than trying to grow it at home. By using our
resources to focus on other things, American
consumers get great quality coffee at a lower
cost than if we only drank coffee grown in the
United States. Put another way, trade creates opportunities. For consumers, trade means lower prices
and a wider choice of goods and services
at a range of quality levels that suit every
need. For an economy like Indonesia’s, in
which consumer spending is an important
82
component of economic growth, ensuring
that consumers have access to a wide range
of products and services at the lowest prices
is a good way to ensure that growth continues
and the benefits of growth can be enjoyed by
more people.
For industries, trade creates opportunities for
innovation or expansion into new territories. Manufacturers can expand their sources for
new technology, tools and inputs and can
also take advantage of new markets for their
products. They can improve their efficiency
and leapfrog technologies to better serve
their customers, whether at home or abroad.
For governments, expanding trade creates
opportunities to both broaden and deepen
a country’s economic resilience. Strong
trading relationships give nations the ability
to smooth out economic dislocations from
unexpected events – whether natural or
man-made – and can also create a virtuous
circle that encourages both economic growth
and closer relations between nations. When
countries are less dependent on one export
commodity, or group of commodities, or
less dependent on the ebb and flow of the
domestic market, that’s good for economic
stability.
Trade Reduces Poverty
Finally, reducing barriers to trade is quite
possibly the most important thing a country
can do to reduce poverty. Study after
study has shown how reducing barriers to
trade helps the poor by lowering prices of
imports and keeping prices of basic goods
affordable. If countries around the world could conclude
the latest round of negotiations to reduce
trade barriers, (the Doha Round), economists
estimate per capita incomes would increase
to over US$3000 per person globally. Contrast
that with returns to investments in family
planning or nutrition which increase incomes
by US$120 or US$45, respectively. Those are
still a great return, but clearly lowering barriers
to trade has a very significant effect on raising
incomes and promoting economic growth.
No region of the world has illustrated better
the benefits of adopting more outward
looking trade policies than Asia. Japan
in the 1960s and 70s; the Asian Tigers (Hong
Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan)
in the 1970s and 80s; China in the 1990s and
2000s; and Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam
more recently all leveraged trade to increase
growth. I did a quick review of World Bank data for all
these countries, specifically looking at trade
volumes as a percentage of GDP. Since the
1980s, all the economies that have seen trade
as a percentage of GDP increase have also
seen their national incomes rise the most. That includes the biggest and the smallest
of these economies. Put another way, those
countries that opened up most to trade,
as a rule, have seen their incomes rise and
poverty fall the most. Those that have not
have seen incomes grow more slowly. w w w. now j a ka r t a . c o. id J U LY 20 15
83
usa IN INDONESIA
the most ambitious, comprehensive trade
agreement in history. We are in the endgame
of negotiations, with 12 nations participating:
the United States, Australia, Brunei
Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia,
Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and
Vietnam. TPP is a next-generation, AsiaPacific trade agreement that will include some
of the world’s most robust economies and
representing nearly 40 per cent of global GDP.
This group shares a commitment to
concluding a high-standard, ambitious
agreement and to expanding the initial
group to include additional countries
throughout the Asia-Pacific region. From
the U.S. perspective, we see TPP as a way
to boost U.S. economic growth and support
the creation and retention of high-quality
American jobs by increasing exports in a
region. TPP is not about closing doors to
other countries, but about multiplying the
positive benefits of trade.
Trade of Growing Importance to U.S.
Economy
So what does all this mean for
Indonesia? Trade offers significant opportunities for
Indonesia. First, let’s talk about the ASEAN
Economic Community or AEC. ASEAN is the
second-fastest growing economy in Asia
after China. Today, ASEAN has a combined
GDP of $2.4 trillion and a consumer base of
626 million. And both of those are likely to
increase substantially because of the young
populations and growing middle class of
ASEAN countries. As the AEC promotes
greater economic integration and allows
goods and services to flow more easily
between ASEAN countries, the AEC offers
a significant opportunity for Indonesia to
export to a much larger market than the one
within its own borders. So the AEC is an opportunity, not a threat. And
as the largest market in ASEAN, Indonesia
can capitalize more than any other ASEAN
country because it can attract investment not
only to produce goods and services for the
Indonesian market, but also to export to the
rest of the ASEAN market. But it also must be
sure that it matches or exceeds the incentives
other ASEAN countries provide to investors
or those investors will move elsewhere.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership
From the U.S. perspective, another major
trade opportunity will be to conclude the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). TPP will be
84
In the U.S., we’ve seen a shift in the way
people think about trade. In the 1990s, the
U.S. entered into our largest-ever free trade
agreement, NAFTA. There were lots of people
who warned against it. One presidential
candidate famously warned that we’d all
hear a “giant sucking sound” as jobs left the
United States for Mexico. The truth is that in
the years after NAFTA came into force, trade
between Canada, Mexico and the United
States more than tripled, from $290 billion in
1993 to over $1.1 trillion in 2012. And contrary to what the doomsayers
predicted, the U.S. actually saw a net increase
in jobs during that period. What’s more, the
jobs in trade tend to be higher income than
the jobs they replaced. The years after NAFTA
were a boom time in the United States.
Unemployment dropped to below 4 percent
and GDP growth jumped to over 4 percent
– a combination almost unheard of in the
United States. The supply chains that sprang
up crossed boarders and took advantage of
the strengths of each of the three members
to increase prosperity for all of them. Those
global supply chains now extend far beyond
the borders of NAFTA, but they have been a
driver for growth in all those economies they
touch.
SMEs. Trade is a source of growth for them
and for the economy in general. The same is
true for Indonesia.
Another interesting fact is that the
companies most active in exporting are
among America’s most dynamic and
productive companies. Exporters tend to
be more technologically sophisticated, pay
higher wages to their employees, and usually
create better jobs and at a faster rate, than
firms that are domestic only. Apple is one
example of this. In addition, firms with a
global reach tend to be better diversified and
are in a better position to respond to new
market opportunities wherever they may
arise, because these companies already have
very flexible infrastructures in place.
That’s not to say that everyone benefits
equally. As our economy changed, some
people lost their jobs. Our manufacturing
base shifted and that adjustment wasn’t
always easy. But as President Obama recently
told a huge crowd at Nike, “we can’t stand on
the beaches and stop the global economy at
our shores. We’ve got to harness it...” Now
that’s not just true for the United States, but
applies to everyone.
The bottom line is this: trade leads to more
and better jobs for domestic workers. In
the last half of 2013, U.S. exports alone
accounted for nearly half of American
economic growth. Over 60 percent of
American exports go to the Asia-Pacific
region. And throughout this decade, most
of the United States’ increase in trade is
predicted to be with Asian countries. Now let me talk about another part benefit
of trade, which is how it benefits SMEs (small
/ medium sized enterprises). Interestingly,
it is SMEs that are poised to gain the most
from an open trading system. Why does that
matter? Because SMEs make up the majority
of businesses in Indonesia and the U.S., and
they are a key source of innovation and job
creation. In the U.S., 98% of exporters are
I was surprised to see that Indonesia’s trade
as a percentage of GDP hasn’t changed
much since 1980, at a bit more than 50 per
cent. And Indonesia’s economic growth
and development, while quite impressive,
especially over the past ten years, still lags
behind some of its neighbours. There are
lots of people who believe that the best
way for Indonesia to make the jump from an
economy that depends on natural resources
and its domestic market for its growth, to
one that is more reliant on manufacturing
is to put up barriers to imported goods and
services, look for domestic substitutes,
demand locally sold goods contain specific
amounts of local content, and protect
Indonesian companies from competition so
they can grow. The problem with this strategy is that it is
an inward looking policy that leads to higher
prices and less consumer choice, often lower
quality goods and protected industries that
don’t have incentives to respond to market
demand or invest in R&D.
Indonesia has been very vocal in its drive to
attract more investment yet at the same time,
Indonesia has introduced barriers to trade,
like local content regulations. But experience
around the world has shown that local
content and other import restrictions tend
to scare off investors. Investors need access
to imports so they can specialize in what
Indonesia does best. Global supply chains
mean that production of goods is different
today than in the past. While investors may
want to manufacture in Indonesia, it might
not make business sense for them to make
each and every component and each and
every product here.
Reducing restrictions on trade helps domestic
companies to grow through access to new
markets—and often bigger markets—
overseas. I’ve heard some companies say
that the Indonesian market is big enough for
them. But ASEAN is a much bigger market
with even bigger opportunities to grow. AEC
is bigger, RCEP is even bigger, and the TPP
will be an even bigger market – as I said,
40% of global GDP, with opportunities to
match. And contrary to what some might
fear, there is no reason Indonesian companies
cannot compete and win in ASEAN, Asia and
beyond. Competition isn’t always easy, but it
encourages firms to specialize and improve
their products.
President Jokowi’s plan to improve
infrastructure, ensure reliable energy
supplies, streamline permitting processes,
and reduce logistics costs all could make
Indonesia a more attractive country in which
to do business and produce for export.
The world’s demand for manufactured
goods will only increase over time, and with
Indonesia’s young and large labour force,
Indonesia is in the right place to develop this
sector. Jobs in this field tend to provide higher
wages and better work conditions, in turn
helping Indonesia move to the next stage of
the country’s economic development. But here is the hard fact. Investors are like
any other consumers. They shop around for
the best deal. They look at which countries
offer the best tax and other incentives. They
look at which places are the easiest places to
start a business, get land and other permits,
and ensure contracts are enforced with
strong rule of law. In the latest World Bank
index of Ease of Doing Business, Indonesia
ranks behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand,
Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei. Indonesia today is faced with a strategic
choice. It can turn inward and pursue
policies designed to protect its companies
and industries, accepting the inefficiencies,
higher prices and less choice for consumers,
inequality and lack of innovation that entails. But Indonesia doesn’t need a lost decade like
Latin America. This country is well placed to benefit from a
greater openness to trade. The AEC, RCEP
and someday the TPP can make Indonesia’s
economy more dynamic, more creative
and ultimately competitive with anyone. An outward looking Indonesia is a strong
Indonesia, one who attracts investment
through incentives, and looks to new
engines of growth for its economy to grow
in an inclusive manner that will reduce
poverty, create better and more sustainable
jobs for Indonesian workers, and increase
opportunity. w w w. now j a ka r t a . c o. id J U LY 20 15
85
usa IN INDONESIA
Understanding Jakarta
Text
Gibran Sani
President of the American Women’s Association (AWA), Catherine Hutasuhut, is
a fun-loving mother that shares her time between Indonesia and the United
States. Her love for this city and this country is shown through her extensive
experience exploring the city and falling deeply in love with the quiet part of
town where she enjoys her morning walks. She waxed lyrical about what makes
this city great in our recent Skype chat between Jakarta and Atlanta, Georgia.
Can you tell us a little bit about your
background?
What are AWA’s regular events that
people should know more about?
What are your favourite things to do in
Jakarta?
I moved to Indonesia from North Carolina
in 2013 where my husband was a practising
attorney. When we had the chance to move
to Indonesia we decided to do it because we
thought it would be a fun new experience for
the family, and I had always heard so many
amazing things about Indonesia.
Our regular event that has been running for
many years now is the Monday Coffee & Chat
where all members old and new get to meet
and share their experiences, it is also a place
for newcomers to come and talk to us about
their problems in adapting to life in Jakarta.
One of our charity events, Angel Tree, is
coming up in October. It’s basically a social
welfare programme where we give back to the
community and help underprivileged children
to learn English, and spend time with them.
My ideal day in Jakarta would begin with a
morning walk through Ragunan zoo. I know
it sounds a wee bit cliched, but it reminds me
of Central Park, and Ragunan zoo has really
improved lately. I enjoy being outside and
getting to meet new people, and although
Jakarta is not really a quiet city, I can always
find beautiful parts when I am walking outside
or meeting new people and this city has so
many friendly people that it’s amazing to get
to know different people from all walks of life,
it’s really an eye-opener.
How has being a member of AWA helped
you since you moved here?
AWA is an expat community that in my
opinion has it all, it is not just about gathering
together having coffees, it’s also about
enriching each other’s lives and not just
amongst the expatriate community but also
supporting and helping the local community.
To me, this kind of thing is really important. It
is a great resource and great place to network
also, which initially helped me through my
early days in the capital.
86
What piece of advice would you offer
newcomers?
Be kind to yourself! Jakarta is a great city,
but let it come to you and don’t sweat
over everything, it will make things more
bearable… and one more thing, make peace
with the traffic! Believe me, it will go a long
way.
If you could change anything about this
city, what would that be?
First and foremost, I’d improve the
infrastructure because I believe that is the
foundation of any city. Then I would upgrade
transportation and make sure that everyone in
the city has access to clean water, healthcare
and a sound education.
87
usa IN INDONESIA
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the largest agent networks in Indonesia. Its
21 Agents comprising of banks, post office
and retail stores with a total of 20,000 agent
locations operating at extended hours with
selected locations operating 24/7 cover 34
provinces in Indonesia.
Western Union consumers in Indonesia
mainly comprise of families of Indonesian
migrant workers. With its strong international
network of 500,000 agent locations in 200
countries and territories, Western Union is
able to support Indonesian migrant workers
sending money to their families back home.
Indonesian consumers are able to receive
their money either by cash through our retail
agents or through banks via Account Based
Money Transfer (ABMT). Small businesses
are likewise able to utilize these channels to
transfer money overseas or domestically to
pay their suppliers.
When the strong earthquake and tsunami hit
Indonesia and other South Asian countries on
December 26, 2004, Western Union through
the Western Union Foundation donated
over one million dollars to International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies to help in disaster relief operations.
Since its inception in 2001, the Western
Union Foundation has surpassed a major
milestone, donating more than US$100
million in support to more than 2,700 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to
provide support to thousands of families and
individuals in more than 135 countries and
territories. The Western Union Foundation,
a separate recognized United States Charity,
is dedicated to creating a better world,
where the ability to realize dreams through
economic opportunity is not just a privilege
for the few but a right for all.
Fee* applied for listed country to send up to Rp.1,000,000
China
Thailand
Hong Kong
India
Singapore
Australia
Philippines
USA
UK
Receiver Pays No Fees*
Western Union is moving money for better!
www.WU.com
Western Union Hotline Indonesia:
001-803-852-5445
021-30405730
www.westernunion.co.id
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* Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. Subject to Applicable taxes if any.
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usa IN INDONESIA
AIG
Insurance Simplified
American International Group Inc. (AIG insurance indonesia),
which currently has over 260 employees based in Jakarta and
six other Indonesian cities, recently celebrated 45 years of
operations in Indonesia. To find out more about what makes
this company different from other insurance brands, NOW!
Jakarta recently touched base with Welshman JP Jones, who
moved to Indonesia a year ago to be the President and C.E.O of
AIG Indonesia having already gained a wealth of experience in
the banking and insurance sectors in the burgeoning Asian
market.
How do you see the future
of the insurance industry in
Southeast Asia, especially in
Indonesia?
NJ
having a trusted insurance product, that has
comprehensive solutions and high quality
services.
South East Asia has a growing
economy and therefore there is a
requirement for construction and
operations of commercial business. There
is a growing middle class, growing wealth,
increasing populations and more people
are buying houses, cars and thinking about
travelling so naturally, insurance is becoming
another purchase they are considering. One
peculiarity of the Indonesian market is the low
awareness of the importance of purchasing
insurance, so creating financial literacy is
important.
You mentioned that creating
financial literacy is important,
what does AIG do to increase
public awareness on financial
literacy?
JPJ
AIG offers various protection
products for individual
customers as well as services
for commercial customers. Which are
you going to focus on, and how are
you planning to do that?
NJ
AIG has a very well defined strategy
for growth over the next few
years. Our commercial growth will
occur in support of the infrastructure and
modernisation which is taking place here. We
can present large scale solutions which will be
needed as the country starts to look at major
infrastructure investments.
JPJ
On the consumer side, we will focus on two
key strategies; our automobile and travel
insurance products and our award-winning
service delivery. There has been an increase
in the number of vehicles on the road and
an increase in travel. These creates a need in
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NJ
Tell us about the launch of
AIG’s recent road safety
initiative.
Each year, the number of accidents
caused by underage drivers is
increasing. Last year in Indonesia,
there was a minimum of 1 accident every
week caused by a cyclist between the ages
of 11 and 15 years. Through our Road Safety
initiative, we wanted to focus on the alarming
rate of accidents involving underage drivers.
The programme was part of the global
initiative, but customized to meet local
needs.
JPJ
Partnering with Junior Achievement,
we are educating and advising young
people about road safety at an earlier
age. The program is supported by our
employees, as they are involved as
AIG road safety ambassadors, they
are going into schools and presenting
insights into the basics of road safety;
why to wear a helmet, how to cross a
road safely, what different road signs
mean and what a zebra crossing is.
We’re also giving out free helmets
so if young people do need to ride a
motorbike, at least there is no excuse
for not wearing a helmet!
Travel is a growing industry
in Indonesia and AIG is one of
the leading travel insurance
providers. Tell us more.
NJ
I am pleased to inform that we
launched our new improved travel
insurance products, offering more
coverage and benefits for our customers. I
am pleased to inform that we have recently
launched our new improved travel insursance
JPJ
products. Travel insurance is one of our
flagship consumer products and we have a
large market share globally. “Dual passengers”
is one of our recently introduced features;
this means that a friend who is travelling
with you can be covered as well (rather than
just a family member). Also, our coverage
is worldwide; we have 24/7 service centres
with personnel to help with basic things like
baggage loss and flight delays but also with
medical emergencies that can take place. Our
call centres are staffed with highly qualified
medical personnel and advisors are able to
communicate in 40 languages. The fact that
we are able to control the quality of the
assistance we give (including medical
care) is one of the key differentiators of
our business.
www.aig.co.id
At AIG, we are working with our
valuable partners in sharing financial
literacy to the public. We launched
a series of trainings for brokers, agents,
travel agents, and so on, to give them a
better understanding of insurance and its
solutions. We are also engaging with related
associations that are willing to share the same
value for the Indonesian market.
JPJ
NJ
Tell us about AIG’s service
delivery and claims procedure
here in Indonesia.
It’s crucial to make products easy to
understand and easy to use when it
comes to the claims procedure. We
are constantly improving our claims delivery
service and also upgrading our customer
service delivery. In recent years, we have
been rewarded several accolades from the
industry, including “Best Private General
Insurance Company”. We have also received
four internationally recognized awards for
our call centres. In Indonesia specifically,
we’ve introduced “call to claim,” so for
certain claims, you just make a telephone call
and the claim is processed over the phone.
This is particularly important in the case of
hospitalization when the user needs quick
access to cash for medical treatment.
JPJ
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USA IN INDONESIA
Manhattan island city skyline taken from New Jersey waterfront
As Seen in the Movies: Fifth Avenue
NEW
YORK
CITY
As Seen On TV
T e x t by
Er z a S . T .
|
Ph o t o s by
Er z a S . T . and L a n gh a m P l a c e
New York! New York! It’s a city that never sleeps where people like Frank
Sinatra, Carrie Bradshaw and Rachel Berry are continuously gloating about
its awesomeness. Honestly, I was intrigued by this city, curious to find out if
it was really the way we see it on TV. So when the opportunity to go to the USA
finally came last winter, I packed my bags and hopped onto a plane. Stuck on a
long haul flight, my mind started to wonder about how ‘Big Apple’ life would
be. Would I find love at the Empire State Building? Would I see a Godzilla-like
monster come out of the sea and destroy the Statue of Liberty? Or would I simply
have great s** in the city? My mind just couldn’t stop WONDERING…
92
New York is indeed a city that is filled with skyscrapers and
whether you are up high or down low, the views are equally
unique. On my first day there, I just wanted to walk and start
to unravel the secrets of this city. I decided Fifth Avenue at
Central Park South area would make a great start and I wasn’t
wrong.
The first thing I found on this street was The Plaza Hotel where
9-year old Kevin McCallister stayed during his ‘home alone’
moment in New York. The Plaza Hotel is the set for Home
Alone 2: Lost in New York, a role that shot Macaulay Culkin to
stardom. I have to say, it is quite fabulous to be ‘home alone’
in this stunningly beautiful hotel. Right next to the hotel is
the most prestigious department store in the whole of New
York City where Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty
Grable believed (in How to Marry a Millionaire) that the mink
department was the perfect place to find a future husband.
Bergdorf Goodman department store features two attractive
buildings differentiating the men’s and ladies’ sections.
The Christmas scene at Rockefeller Center
I also visited one of the city’s most iconic breakfast places,
initiated by Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly) at the
famous jewelers, Tiffany’s. Of course, they don’t actually serve
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but just like in the movie, all you need
is a little black Givenchy dress, Oliver Goldsmith’s Manhattan
sunglasses, a Danish and coffee, eaten out of a paper bag. I
had my coffee and Danish, but couldn’t fit into any little
black dresses. In any case, it was too cold to wear just that in
January! Gazing at the jeweler’s window at Tiffany’s makes you
understand how Holy must have felt at the time.
“Overwhelmed” might be the right word to describe a stroll
down Fifth Avenue as almost all of the establishments on the
street have been featured in movies or TV series. Tiffany’s
neighbour is none other than Trump Tower and not too far
across from it lies another iconic building – Rockefeller Center.
I immediately recognized the famous Atlas bronze statue that
we see in the opening of the 30 Rock TV series. I was quite
fortunate to find the gigantic Christmas tree still there on
January 6th. It was quite overwhelming to see the entire scene,
including all those ice skaters at the Lower Plaza at Rockefeller
Center. If you like art, then going to the grand lobby of this
The amazing ceiling of Grand Central Station
building is a must where a gigantic fresco entitled American Progress by
Catalan artist Joseph Maria Sert can be found.
Fifth Avenue is quite a long street and with so many attractions, sightseeing
here can be quite energy consuming. However I was determined to find
Grand Central Station. A few blocks later at 42nd street I finally glimpsed the
famous terminal. I was there for one reason only and that was to gaze at the
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USA IN INDONESIA
Exploring some of the best contemporary art works in MoMA
elaborately decorated ceiling at the Main Concourse which was
made by Warren and Paul Cesar-Helleu in 1912. It is so enchanting
and somehow romantic too.
Though the famous Chrysler Building is just around the corner, it was
closed by the time I reached it. So to end the night, I decided to check
out the famous Times Square which was just a few blocks away. Once I
was there, I got goose bumps all over at the sight of the bright electronic
billboards and advertisements all around. In a way, it was almost like
being in the centre of the universe. Fashion advertisements, Broadway
shows and new movie trailers flashed on and off, nonstop.
Balthazar Interior
the far edge. I have to say that Central Park looks really peaceful
in winter. After 20 minutes of walking and struggling with a chilly
wind, I finally arrived at the American Museum of National History.
My mission here was to see Rexy and Dum-Dum, like in Night at
the Museum. Surprisingly, the museum is so huge and there were
so many interesting things to enjoy. I not only found Rexy and DumDum but also enjoyed the earth and space centre as well as a 3D
Imax movie called “Tiny Giants” in their cinema. I wouldn’t blame
the Ghostbusters for busting this museum as certain areas do give
you that chill up your spine!
There are two options if you want to enjoy some performing arts
in the evening; The Metropolitan Opera or Broadway Shows around
Times Square area. I did both and let me share a bit of secret to enjoy
both. At The Met opera house, try to get a balcony seat. Not only do
you get a better view of the stage but also New York’s high society
who come to the opera. As for getting Broadway tickets, the easiest
way is to go to the ticket booth under the famous stairs at Times
Square. There you can find discounted tickets for any shows that are
playing on the same day. Whatever way you choose to spend your
evening, you will surely have a fabulous time.
So what is it like to be a New Yorker? Well, aside from enjoying
walking and taking the sub; they also have a great respect for art.
There are at least 83 museums listed in this city alone and that’s not
including galleries and cultural centres! My first arty visit was to see
the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Located in Midtwon Manhattan, MoMa is a world renowned
museum which has an amazing collection, from architecture, design,
drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books
and artist’s books, film and electronic media.
During my stay in the Big Apple, I enjoyed accommodation not
in a 97 square metre room known as a ‘Langham Suite;’ is a onebedroom suite complete with modern fittings including a separate
living room, a large marble-clad bathroom, a mini bar and modern
kitchenette equipped with Miele appliances. The word is ‘fabulous’
and as I sipped my Cosmopolitan while gazing at the Empire State
Building, I finally understood what it was like to live like a New Yorker
… just as seen on TV.
From MoMa, my journey brought me to the Upper East Side to
another iconic museum in the city, Solomon R. Guggenheim
Museum. Here I could see the permanent collection of impressionist,
post-impressionist, early modern and contemporary art works as
well as admiring the actual architecture of the building with its spiral
form mimicking a nautilus shell with an oculus skylight.
94
The Langham Place:
Living Like A New Yorker
Living like a New Yorker (as seen on TV) involves having a cool nest
at high elevation overlooking the panoramic city view. Known as
one of the best addresses as well as tallest skyscrapers in New York
City, the Langham Place was built in 2010 using limestone and it has
modern luxury written all over it. It has a great location in Midtown
Manhattan facing the Empire State Building, warm and flawless
service with great facilities from Michelin-starred dining at Al Fiori
to a state-of-the-art therapeutic spa.
Being a New Yorker
The Guggenheim Museum is right at the edge of Central Park, so
I decided to walk through the park to visit another museum on
If going to performing art events is not your thing, then you might
want to try New York’s culinary landscape. I managed to visit
Balthazar in Soho, a French brasserie that is owned by celebrity chef
Keith McNally and has been running since 1997. This busy brasserie
serves typical dishes but with impressive taste. The steak frites and
coq au vin that I ordered were delicious and service was fast and
efficient. Reservations here are definitely a must and pray that your
table is right next to Bruce Willis, as he is a fan to Balthazar.
“ The centre of the world “, aka Times Square
The Langham Suite
The Langham Place
www.langhamhotels.com
95
USA IN INDONESIA
PT HM SAMPOERNA Tbk.
“Make People Successful”
PT. HM sampoerna tbk., better known as Sampoerna, is a leading tobacco
company in Indonesia. Respectively known for its distinctive kretek cigarettes,
Sampoerna has launched various famous brands which have been Indonesian
favourites. Founded in 1913, Sampoerna is now a part of Philip Morris
International Inc. after the big acquisiton in 2005. APPROXIMATELY 29,700 employees
from all over Indonesia, Sampoerna is inevitably one of the country’s corporate
giants. On one special occasion, NOW! Jakarta chatted with Mimi Kurniawan,
Sampoerna’s Human Resources Director about the important values of
Sampoerna’s employees which have made them what they are today.
You have a mission to “Make People
Successful” in the Sampoerna
team. What kind of training do you
offer your employees in order to
accomplish that mission?
Our employee value proposition is
known as UNLIMIT YOURSELF @
SAMPOERNA. A member of the Philip
Morris International family, aims to
create a special place for learning and
development. Sampoerna and Philip
Morris International are a special
place for professional growth, and our
value reflects our commitment to our
employees’ career progression. Every
year, thousands of training hours are
invested to help our people go further
in their job. We also offer learning
opportunities across the globe in order to
give unlimited experience for our team.
How do you address various
employee demands which no doubt
increase from year to year?
Sampoerna is a very big company with
thousands of employees. Could you
please tell us a bit about Sampoerna’s
recruitment process and what you
are looking for from employees of
Sampoerna?
Sampoerna’s recruitment process is designed
to attract and hire diverse talents as well as
linking the right people with the right job. We
have several recruitment channels, starting
from an extensive internship program called
INKOMPASS, Graduate Trainee program, and
also professional hiring. The combination of
hiring and comprehensive in-house talent
development is designed to find the best
talents for Sampoerna Indonesia and Philip
Morris International.
96
At Sampoerna, our focus is our people.
We have several initiatives to engage and
build a connection with our employees.
We listen to employees, endeavor to
understand them, engage and celebrate with
them. As part of our comprehensive internal
communication channels, the management
team regularly holds live town hall meetings to
connect directly with employees that are spread
across more than 100 locations throughout
Indonesia. We also have annual management
meetings with the labor unions to foster
engagement and maintain good relations.
Tell us about Sampoerna’s key
innovations over the years?
Innovation is not just what we do, it is part of
who we are. From our brand portfolio to our
CSR and our internal process, our commitment
to innovation has yielded undeniable results,
and this continues to motivate us to create
better ways to run our business. We appreciate
our employees’ initiative, and that’s why we
organized OPEN (Organization Performance
and Engagement Model) as an umbrella
for our continuous improvement across the
organisation. Many innovations come from our
employees that were triggered by our OPEN
model. One of our innovation is INKOMPASS
internship program which is one of the key
tools to create opportunities for university
students to discover the professional business
environment at an early stage.
How is Sampoerna showing support and
commitment to the environment and
sustainability?
Sampoerna’s employees believe that a
sustainable business should look beyond
financial growth and performance, but also
create socially responsible investments to
support societies where we operate our
business. As part of our way of carrying out this
commitment, we promote our Contributions
& CSR initiatives the signature programme
“Sampoerna untuk Indonesia,” which
focuses on Access to Education, Economic
Opportunity, Empowering Women, and
Disaster Relief and Preparedness, along with
other socially responsible related activities.
We conduct our CSR & Contributions program
through a partnership approach to ensure
sustainability of our CSR programs. Indeed,
our efforts can only be successful because of
long-term partnerships with corporations,
communities, governments, civil society
organisations, universities, and other key
stakeholders. We also collaborate directly
with our own Sampoerna Volunteers Club
(SVC), that is made up of our employees.
Through the SVC, they have the ability
to take an active role in various initiatives
addressing economic, educational, social, and
environmental issues.
for more information visit www.sampoerna.
com
OPINION
SEE INSIDE
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Art | Affandi’s Paintings Come Full Circle at Museum @ Lippo Plaza Jogja
Movies | Beautiful Sorrow (In Black and White)
Culture | Cum Laude Concert Series XV
Music | Win-Lose-Pivot
Made in Indonesia | GAIA : Indonesia’s Luxury Tea Brand
97
OPINION
ART
Affandi’s Paintings Come Full Circle
matter how involved she actually was in
influencing the life and work of the male artist.
During Affandi’s early travels abroad, his wife
Maryati often accompanied him. Although
she has never considered herself an artist,
she adopted her own art form, depicting what
she found fascinating during her travels in
charming colourful embroideries, which are
also featured here. She was actually an artist
in her own right, and her works are worthy of
further examination.
at Museum @ Lippo Plaza Jogja
by
I
AMIR SIDHARTA
For almost twenty years now I have been working to prepare an art museum
in Lippo Village, Karawaci, Tangerang, just west of Jakarta. What has been
the main obstacle? The answer would be: economic crises. Every time we
planned construction of the building, an economic crisis seemed to emerge.
That was what happened in 1998, and then again in 2008. Hopefully in 2018 we
will not have an economic crisis that will again hinder us from finally
getting the museum opened.
n any case, in preparation for the
ultimate museum, we decided to
establish Museum @ Lippo Malls as
a kind of prototype. In conjunction
with the opening of the Lippo Plaza
Jogjakarta, the first Museum was opened
in June, with a show entitled Affandi Alive,
featuring the works of Affandi and his
wife Maryati. The Affandi paintings in the
exhibition were all from the collection of the
Museum Lippo, which was also known as the
Museum Universitas Pelita Harapan.
Although the Museum Affandi is one of
Yogyakarta’s
main
destinations,
the
museum’s directors were very supportive of
the exhibition. “The chance to see twenty
seven Affandi paintings that have not been
publicly exhibited previously, in Yogyakarta,
would be a great opportunity for everyone,
especially for the people of Yogyakarta. Even
for me! I got very excited!” exclaimed Kartika
Affandi, Affandi’s daughter who is also a
noted artist. The Museum Affandi decided to
support the show by showcasing the works
of Maryati, who also created art pieces while
she accompanied Affandi in his early travels
around the world.
The exhibition explores three broad themes
of the master’s paintings: Self Portraits,
Family, Friends, and Masks; Animals,
Nature and Culture; and Human Figures and
Humanism. Affandi’s many self-portraits
seem to have been done not as an attempt
to feature a representation of his identity,
nor a narcissistic self-imagery as in presentday “selfies”. Rather they seem to be
images of self-reflection and introspection,
done when the artist is contemplating life
and humanity. Sometimes, when painting
his family and friends, he includes a cameo
appearance of himself, personalizing the
scene.
At the opening of the exhibition, James Riady
of the Lippo Group revealed that Affandi’s
paintings were central in the building of the
Museum’s collection. Around 1995, he was
offered a collection of Affandis from the
collection of a Brazilian Ambassador who
was assigned to Indonesia in the 1960s, Josias
Leao. At the time, Affandi was preparing
to establish his museum in Yogyakarta. In
order to raise funds, he sold many of his
best paintings to the Ambassador. After
Leao passed away, his estate was liquidated
and the paintings were sold to various
collectors. Riady made his selection and
purchased several works. “Although it was
quite expensive, I thought that it would be
important for people in Indonesia to be able
to enjoy it at a later date,” Riady explained.
Affandi also loved painting masks. Over the
years, he seems to have painted masks over
and over again. Did he consider them also as
objects of self-reflection and introspection,
like his self-portraits? Or did he intend to
present them as a reminder of the humility
as well as the pretension of our roles and
characters in society?
As a plein-air painter, Affandi painted
many things that caught his attention
while travelling through different parts
of the world. He painted landscapes and
seascapes, as well as urbanscapes that he
saw and triggered his curiosity. Sometimes
he would also paint animals, observing their
unique characteristics or even their banal
appearances.
Many of the paintings are of human figures. In
Europe he painted models, trying to find out
more about their stories while at the same
time telling them to his audience. In Nepal,
Mexico and Indonesia he painted everyday
scenes of the common folk, sympathizing and
empathizing with their lives and hardships,
while at the same time perhaps sharing his
thoughts that we should always be grateful
for what we have been blessed with.
seem to become the embodiment of the
Affandi’s testament of its presence and truth.
History tends to tell only a part of the whole
story about the past. In the male-dominant
art community or society, what is told in art
history is often only about the male artist,
while the artist’s wife is often left out, no
The Affandi paintings originated in
Yogyakarta. Later, some were purchased by
Ambassador Leao and brought to Jakarta.
After his duty with the Brazilian foreign
affairs service ended, Leao returned to
Brazil. Following his death, Riady purchased
the paintings and brought them back to
Jakarta. Now they are back in Yogya for this
exhibition, the process has come full circle. It
is exciting to see that it is enjoyed by over 500
people, daily.
Early on, when Affandi presented his first
exhibition outside of Indonesia, in London,
1952, his works immediately caught the
attention of the aspiring art critic John Berger.
The young art critic, who later became famous
with his television series and book Ways of
Seeing (1972), hailed Affandi as “a painter of
genius”. On Affandi’s paintings, he explained:
“ They are essentially works
of action. Their emotions of
anger, comparison, violence
and tenderness have not been
recollected in tranquility,
but disciplined and used as
they were felt. They do not
present the spectator with
the quintessence of their
subject, but their subject with a
witness.”
It seems that the critic considered that
the figures in the artist’s paintings not as
abstractions of their appearance or character.
Rather, for him the figures that the artist paints
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OPINION
Movies
Beautiful
Sorrow
(in Black and White)
T ext
RIZAL IWAN
An Indonesian film turned heads despite not enjoying
a release in mainstream theatres, and is currently
stealing attention through screenings in events and
festivals, after making a splash at last year’s Singapore
International Film Festival.
W
hen director Eddie Cahyono
opened a screening of his
film Siti, he explained why
he shot the film in black
and white. “Because there
is no colour in Siti’s life,” he said, referring, of
course, to the film’s titular protagonist.
she has to work two jobs -- selling crackers
at the beach by day, and entertaining male
guests at the karaoke joint by night -- because
her husband is paralyzed from an accident,
in which his fishing boat was destroyed, and
now the family is waist deep in debt because
the fishing boat has not been fully paid yet.
He further elaborated on why he took the
decision to change the film’s format from
widescreen to a smaller, narrow ratio after he
shot it: because he thought that Siti’s world
still looked too beautiful in widescreen.
The scenes are interwoven with sequences
of Siti gazing into the sea, overlapped with
voices from conversations between her
and her husband, offering us a crack into
Siti’s internal conflicts -- the dreamy feel of
these sequences contrasting with the sheer
pragmatism of her every day life.
You’d have thought that a foreword like this
from the director would be enough warning
as to what is in store for the audience, but
nothing could quite prepare for what was
coming.
Siti opens with a scene where a small karaoke
joint gets raided by the local police, and as a
line of girls are questioned for identification,
we learn that Siti works there as one of the
karaoke girls -- a feisty one at that, too.
However, after this scene is interrupted by
the film’s title, we are served with a very
different side of Siti, in broad daylight, as
we see her prepping her kid to go to school,
have conversations about making ends
meet with her mother-in-law, and eluding
a debt collector pestering her to pay off her
husband’s debt.
Soon this whole deal about the debt opens
another door into Siti’s life, as we find out that
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What becomes rather unsettling is the stark
contrast between Siti’s two very different
selves by day and by night. At the earlier part
of the film, we get to peek into Siti’s private
space at home and work, as she plays the role
of a struggling (practically) single mother -homely and unpolished -- trying to keep her
household afloat and her boy taken care of.
Then, at the karaoke joint, she transforms
into this beat-up siren, moving her limbs and
singing seductively to a group of male clients,
including one possible suitor who may lift her
out from her bleak situation.
These two sides of Siti, though, are a
testament to the laudable performance
by the actress playing her, Sekar Sari, who
won a Best Performance Award at the 2014
Singapore International Film Festival for
her debut film role. She embodies the two
roles of Siti convincingly, not because is she
totally different in each of Siti’s incarnations,
but because both carry a consistency that is
true to the film’s nature. As Sekar -- a dancer,
currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Dance
-- moves her body and flips her hair quite
effortlessly (to the audience’s surprise, yes,
because this certainly is not the Siti we have
come to know for the last hour), her facial
expression sometimes betrays the gestures,
as we find traces of Siti’s gloom, because this
seemingly hedonistic realm is, after all, part of
Siti’s sorrowful life.
This performance grows even stronger as Siti
goes on to unravel, and her inner frustration,
which she has managed to keep down
throughout the film, surfaces but never really
explodes. In fact, Eddie chose to usher us
carefully toward a quiet confrontation, which
leads to a climax that is both heartbreaking
and lyrical.
Leaving the theatre, one could not help but to
think of Eddie’s words at the beginning of the
screening as an irony. Despite the black and
white visual, nothing in this film is really black
and white -- not the story, not the characters,
not the internal conflicts happening inside the
protagonist. And, despite Eddie’s attempt to
de-beautify his film, the powerful cinematic
experience that he brings to the audience
makes Siti ultimately feel, nonetheless, like a
beautiful piece of work.
Photos courtesy of
Fourcolours Films
Be on the lookout for Siti at screenings and
festivals, with English subtitles.
10 1
OPINION
Culture
Music
Cum Laude Concert Series XV
By
J O H N PAU L
T
he event will be held at the new concert hall of the Institut
Francais d’Indonesie, which is very nice but not very big,
and this highly recommended concert is bound to be
sold out well in advance so I wouldn’t put off booking my
tickets. Read on to learn more this incredibly talented
musician.
Date/Time: 2 August 2015, 7pm
Venue: Institut Francais d’Indonesie
Contact: 0818891038 (Chendra)
Edith Widayani is without a doubt one of best Indonesian pianists
of her generation, if not the best. She claimed 1st prize at the
prestigious Koscziusko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition in
New York City, October 2014. The year before that, she won 1st
prize at the 2013 Jakarta International Open Piano Competition.
She was also the1st prize winner of the Ananda Sukarlan Award
Cumlaude Concert Series XV
proudly presents
SOLO PIANO RECITAL
EDITH WIDAYANI
Sunday, 2 August 2015, 7pm
Auditorium IFI
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.20
Info :
Ananda Sukarlan Center
Telp: 021.7237285, HP: +62.818.891038
102
Win-Lose-Pivot
By
Now in its fifteenth edition, the Cum Laude Concert Series has been
presenting some of the finest Indonesian musicians of the younger
generation since it debuted in 2010, this time featuring a solo piano recital
by Edith Widayani. She will perform virtuosic works of Mozart, Haydn,
Poulenc, Debussy, Chopin as well as the first Indonesian performance
of Ananda Sukarlan’s Rapsodia Nusantara no. 11 which was written for,
premiered and toured around South America and Europe by the Argentinian
pianist Natalia Gonzalez Figueroa.
J U LY 20 15 w w w. n owj a ka r ta . c o . id
OPINION
CRAIG MONEY
There is more music than there is life. The paradox of music’s golden age, is we
don’t have enough time to listen to it all. We are effectively content rich, but
time poor. We are swamped with more signals and noise than we can literally
digest. But this can also be considered good news, as it is largely about
managing personal choice. We all need to take a breather at times and remember
to curate our time as our most precious commodity. For your own personal
wellbeing, make sure to stock-take this July and ensure the playlists that weave
and impact your life heed your siren song.
for Best Indonesian Pianist in 2010. If she had a feather for each of
her accomplishments, her hat would look like a Native American
headdress. Her success has been the result of a long process. Currently a DMA
candidate residing in the USA, she started learning to play the piano
when she was three, back in Jakarta, Indonesia, as an extra activity
that her parents wanted her to do. Her talent in music, continued
to grow, and she was the youngest graduate from the Yayasan
Pendidikan Musik School of Music pre-conservatory program at age
15. She then studied with Dr. Johannes S. Nugroho, former Dean
of the Universitas Pelita Harapan Conservatory of Music, before
deciding to seriously pursue music as a career. There is a well-known saying in Indonesian which can be roughly
translated as “Pursue knowledge all the way to China”. And that is
exactly what she did next. In Beijing, China, she studied with Prof.
Ling Yuan at the Music School attached to the Central Conservatory
of Music, until she graduated high school in 2008, before turning to
the west to further her understanding of classical music. A recipient
of full-tuition scholarship from Texas Christian University School of
Music, including the Langdon Music Scholarship and Happy-Bell
Keyboard Scholarship, she did her undergraduate degree under the
guidance of renowned pianist and pedagogue, Dr. Tamas Ungar,
graduating Magna Cum Laude in May 2012. During her residency
in Texas Christian University School of Music, she was also awarded
the Judith Solomon Award in Chamber Music as well as the TCU
Faculty and Friends Chamber Music Award. She graduated in May
2014 with a Master of Music degree from the prestigious Eastman
School of Music under the guidance of Prof. Barry Snyder, and is
currently pursuing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at Eastman School
of Music as well. On top of her recent performances in Colombia, China, USA,
and Costa Rica, she has also performed in Europe, such as in
Italy, Germany, as well as Hungary in the past years, as well as
performing Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto with the Jakarta
Concert Orchestra under the baton of renowned Indonesian
conductor, Avip Priatna, in September 2013. As a young pedagogue,
passionate about sharing her knowledge with others, she was
invited as one of the guest artists in Bogota International Piano
Festival in Colombia, where she performed and taught in August
2013. She also served as one of the judges for Ananda Sukarlan
Award-Bandung International Music Academy International
Piano Competition in Bandung, Indonesia in 2012, while giving
masterclasses in Jakarta during her summer trips over the years. James Taylor –
Before This World
Nate Ruess – Grand
Romantic
Concord – Contemporary
Folk
Fueled By Ramen – Singer/
Songwriter Pop
He’s helped launch the ‘singer/
songwriter.’ He’s perfected the
art of storytelling. In earnest it
seems music has kept his soul
young. Since the 70’s when
he emerged with acoustic
introspection and calm with
‘Sweet Baby James,’ he naturally
became the voice of reason
to a generation’s emotional
exhaustion from rocky times.
His propensity to inspire looking
inward has stood the test of
time. With his own tumultuous
life, the guitar has always been
the anchor. Here he dispels life
lessons with cozy fare, with just
the right amount of signature
discomfort to make you question
your time here on earth. Listen
to ‘Today Today Today’ and
‘Watchin’ Over Me.’
Leaving the rat race for a more
fulfilling alternative is a wellworn fantasy in modern culture.
We still look to our artists as
a form of inspiration in risktaking.
Especially since the
opportunities we chase today
are now more abstract than ever.
When you grow up watching the
likes of Freddie Mercury make an
entirely new elite, it’s impossible
not to take a moonshot yourself.
Nate Reuss, frontman of the
Grammy award-winning trio
Fun., takes a solo step with a
grandiose and very catchy album
with featured production from
Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Bruno
Mars, Alicia Keys).
Third Eye Blind Dopamine
A$AP Rocky –
At.Long.Last.A$AP
Where most 90’s rockers are ripe
in their midlife crisis, some heed
the call to remain relevant. Since
their 1997 hit ‘Semi-Charmed
Life’, Stephen Jenkins and his
San Fran band rolled out singles
that were less angst-ridden,
more radio-friendly sheen that
transcended most airwaves and
feel-good flicks of that decade.
After embarking on a hiatus
to 2009’s ‘Ursa Major’, they’ve
disappeared to re-emerge for
fifth studio album ‘Dopamine.’
They still occupy accessible
classic rock sing-alongs in typical
Third Eye variety, some a little
riskier and richer.
Most great music is made by
kids. Ages 19 – 26. They’re full
of exuberance, arrogance and
singularity of youth. They have
nuance and access to capture the
pulse of the times. To uncover
what is influencing. To impact
what is resonating. And every
so often a rapper comes along to
challenge the genre’s proverbial
‘throne.’ On his second release,
the Harlem native A$AP Rocky,
is all things and more. A spine,
a backbone, to the rap game like
Tupac, Biggie and Jay-Z in their
prime before him.
Mega Collider – Pop/Rock
RCA – Rap
Besides her passion in piano, Edith also enjoys playing Chinese guzheng and Indonesian gamelan. During her spare time she enjoys
cooking, baking, as well as watching movies and doing some
chamber music sight-reading with her friends.
1 03
OPINION
Made In Indonesia
GaiA
Indonesia’s Luxury
Tea Brand
T ext
SUSANNA TJOKRO
|
P hotos
F amil R A M A N D Y T A
It is a widely known fact that tea is a healthy beverage, as
it is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. However, it
is a little known fact that today Indonesia is capable of
producing premium teas, which are exported to various
countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada
and the U.S., due to the higher prices overseas. Premium
Indonesian teas are not fully appreciated by the local
market and do not fetch the price they should here.
W
hile
Indonesians
are
perfectly
willing
to
pay
premium
prices
for imported teas, in
general they still perceive
Indonesian tea as a cheap commodity, thus
highly priced quality Indonesian teas are not
a popular purchase. Gaia Tea, a luxury tea
brand, which was established in December
2014, has a mission to create a domestic
market for Indonesian premium teas.
“Indonesia is the world’s eighth largest tea
producer but most of our teas are exported
to other countries. Several of our finest teas
are able to fetch high prices in overseas
markets, say US$ 200 per kilo. On the
contrary, Indonesian teas are undervalued
here; our society is not appreciative of our
own premium teas, and through Gaia Tea I
want to encourage Indonesians to appreciate
our own tea,” says Ratna Somantri, Gaia Tea’s
tea specialist.
Ratna, who has served as an active speaker on
tea related topics for the last eight years, says
that it is not an easy task to get high-quality
Indonesian teas here, as the best plantations
have contracted to send their goods in
large quantities to various other countries.
However, a well-established relationship
between Ratna and the plantation owners
(Ratna built up a personal relationship with
them, long before she became Gaia’s tea
specialist) has enabled her to get the finest
Indonesian teas which are usually sold
exclusively to overseas market.
Gaia is, indeed, uninterested in selling teas
that people can buy at the market easily
- instead, this brand focuses on the finest
Indonesian teas that are a rarity here, such
as “Indonesian Beauty” and “West Java Silver
Needle,” with the latter being made with the
highest quality of young, needle-like tea buds.
According to Ratna, “Indonesian Beauty” is
Gaia’s most special tea, one which is inspired
by the famous “Oriental Beauty” (Dongfang
Meiren) from Taiwan. In terms of taste, the
Indonesian version of this tea is quite different
from the Taiwanese one. “Indonesian Beauty
has a very distinctive taste of fresh Thai basil,”
says Ratna.
Ratna, who personaly selects all teas for
Gaia, is also the head of promotions for the
Indonesia Tea Council. Ratna explains that
Gaia’s teas are selected from the best tea
plantations in Indonesia, which guarantees
the optimum freshness of their teas, and
unlike imported ones, there is no prolonged
process from the plantations to your teacup.
This Indonesia’s most premium tea brand
offers loose leaf tea only (no tea bags
whatsoever).
As expected from premium teas, Gaia’s teas
contain no artificial flavours or chemical
scents. Having Ratna, a die-hard tea purist,
as its tea curator, explains why there are no
blended or flavoured teas at Gaia (you will
never find, say, tealeaves that have been
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flavoured with artificial peach flavour, and
then labelled as peach tea).
“The flavours and scents in your tea cup
should not be artificial,” says Ratna who
believes that high-quality loose leaf teas with
their own natural flavours produce a better
tasting cup of tea. She adds that premium
teas do not need artificial fruit flavour - for
example, Darjeeling tea has a natural peachy
flavour, while Indonesian Oolong tea has a
distinctive taste of unripe pineapple.
“We do not use artificial scent either. While
the cheap jasmine teas use artificial jasmine
aroma to reduce their production cost, we
use the real flowers,” says Ratna. The process
involves piling jasmine in great quantity into
the teas, hence the natural perfume infuses
into the leaves - this process is costly, since
that sweet-smelling flower is not a cheap
commodity. “It is our commitment to provide
quality teas, like real jasmine tea, to our
clientele,” says Ratna.
Gaia Tea, which is available at Gaia Tea and
Cakes Boutique in Kemang, offers 9 teas,
namely Indonesian Genmaicha, Indonesian
Sencha, West Java Gunpowder Green Tea,
organic Mount Halimun Oolong Tea, West
Java Oriental Green Tea, organic Mount
Halimun Oriental Red Tea, Special Javanese
Jasmine Tea, West Java Silver Needle, and
organic Indonesian Beauty, with prices
ranging from IDR 28,000 to IDR 45,000 per
teapot.
Each teapot is accompanied with a digital
timer, so you won’t miss the perfect time to
pour your tea and savour it. And as there is a
significant difference in the true flavour of fine
tea if it is prepared correctly, Ratna herself
trains all Gaia staff step by step on how to
make tea correctly.
You can savour the freshly brewed teas at
Gaia’s cosy teahouse, or in the comfort of
your home, as the teas are also available in
chic tins patttered with batik Kawung. All tins
are sold at the same price (IDR 149,000), they
only differ in weight - for instance, a container
of West Java Silver Needle White Tea weights
30 grams, while a tin of West Java Gunpowder
Green Tea weights 150 grams.
Each tin comes with a tag, which gives a brief
and interesting story about the tea inside,
including its origin. The pocket-friendly tea
pouches (20 grams each) cost between IDR
29,000 and IDR 59,000. Prices are even more
economical if you buy in kilos.
Although the prices of Gaia’s teas seem
expensive for Indonesian beverages, it is
justifiable for their quality - after all, Gaia Tea
is owned by Alleira, a famous luxury batik
label that has always been associated with
quality.
Address:
Gaia Tea and Cakes Boutique
Kemang Raya #27 A Jakarta
T: +62-21 718 1355
Website: www.gaia-tea.com
Ratna Somantri holds monthly tea
classes at Gaia Tea and Cakes Boutique,
for more information,
call 0813 164 63 541 (Christina).
10 5
COMMITMENT
Educating Young
Indonesians
TEXT
LINDA LIm
|
PHOTOS
PRESTASI JUNIOR INDONESIA
Prestasi Junior Indonesia (PJI) is a part of the Junior Achievement Worldwide
network. With visions such as belief in the boundless potential of young
people as well as commitment to the principles of market based economics
and entrepreneurship, PJI continues to inspire and prepare young people
to succeed in a global economy by educating them in entrepreneurship,
workforce readiness and financial literacy. NOW! Jakarta had a chance
to reach out to Robert Gardiner, the Executive Director of Prestasi Junior
Indonesia.
Robert Gardiner
Please tell us a little bit about
yourself.
I grew up in rural New Zealand
chasing cattle and a few sheep
around the paddocks until I left the
farm to study at Waikato University.
I added a teaching certificate to my
degree and headed off overseas. In
London the teaching degree was
not all that useful as my brother and
I set up a company putting lofts and
conservatories on houses, however it
was a great experience learning to run
a business. After a few years doing this
I returned home and began a teaching
career for real. This eventually led me
to teaching at JIS and after ten years
teaching there, I set up Prestasi Junior
Indonesia.
of the Year competition – an event
in which we select the best microenterprise to represent Indonesia at
the Asia Pacific level.
How do you deal with the
difficulty of lack of human
resources in locations away from
larger urban areas?
AIG Road Safety Collaboration with PJI Our City Programme
We are aware that your
programmes focus on three
pillars; entrepreneurship
education, work readiness and
financial literacy. Why those
three?
PJI is extremely fortunate in that,
since its formation in 2006, we still
have the same principal staff in
Surabaya and Jakarta. These staff are
able to train and monitor additional
staff located in the regions. They
often travel to the locations and are
always in communication to support
officers. In addition, we have several
staff members who are alumni of the
PJI high school programs and know
very well about the procedures are
processes involved. For example,
our officer in Sanggata is a graduate
of the student company program in
2000 and is quite familiar with her
responsibilities.
These three are crucial for young
Would you please share a
people throughout the world,
PJI Our Nation Programme in HP Service
success story of one of your
particularly in Indonesia. Our original
students?
level of implementation was at high
As we work on developing our Alumni Association the positive
school as we felt that students needed to be better prepared
impact is becoming more and more obvious. We have recently
to achieve a sustainable livelihood after school. Therefore our
met a student company Alumni from one of our programs in
emphasis was more on the development of entrepreneurship
Malang. We had lost contact with Widy Dinarty until she returned
by encouraging students to set up and run their own businesses
back to Indonesia and visited our office. She is now 27 years old
while they were at school.
and had travelled to 27 countries and clearly maintains that the PJI
experience widened her horizons and prompted her to discover
We also continue to develop links between business and schools
the world helping others. Her last employment was in South Africa
and mobilizing business volunteers to work with students and
where she was in charge of DHL’s CSR initiatives for sub-Saharan
mentor their micro-enterprises. We now offer programmes for
Africa and had worked with the disadvantaged in countries such as
students in elementary, middle, and high schools as well as some
Uganda and Madagascar.
Universities. Our scope has now broadened to provide specialized
initiatives to improve work readiness and financial literacy
Any funny stories from working with students?
amongst the nation’s young.
PJI frequently has volunteers from abroad engaged in our
activities. One such volunteer was organized by Development
Do you assess students to fit certain programs?
Without Borders based in Paris and was from the South Pacific
We almost always coordinate our initiatives with corporations
Island of New Caledonia. Ophelie volunteered for us over a period
as this is where most of our support comes from. It is these
of several months and it was always hilarious to see the expression
corporations that frequently ascertain what level we work with
on students faces when she first arrived at school (sometimes on a
and in what areas. The funding and volunteer support is then
very small motorcycle) and enter the classroom particularly in rural
directed towards a student group in need and where the most
Java schools. She always got the students’ attention because she
impactful result can be made. Of course, we also need the support
was 186cm tall!
from local education authorities and, at times, they will direct us
towards schools which they feel are in need or are appropriate for
the operation of programmes.
Do you have any major upcoming projects?
We have several major initiatives this year which provide
challenges for us as they are located in disparate regions.
This involves a lot of travel and coordination between various
stakeholders. Coming up in August is our Student Company
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J U LY 20 15 w w w. n o wj a ka r ta . c o . id
Visit www.nowjakarta.co.id/commitment to see PJI’s latest
inspirational project.
10 7
SPORT
RUGBY
AUSSIE RULES
INDONESIAN RUGBY HAS
LOST A GREAT SERVANT
OF THE GAME
T ext
S tephen B arber , P R U I L ife M ember
On Saturday May 16, Indonesian Rugby
lost a great servant of the Game in
Alan Nye who passed away following a
short battle with a bacterial infection
resulting from a recent hiking expedition
on the Kokoda Trail in PNG. Alan was with
close family members at the time of his
passing in Jakarta and at his funeral
on Monday May 18, many of his friends
joined his extended family to say farewell
to him with the dignity and honour he so
rightly deserved. A
lan was described by his son, Stephen
Nye at this funeral as being “Superman”
and for those who knew Alan they would
understand that age was not a barrier for
this man who at every chance would be out
on the rugby field playing with those who were a third of
his age. He was active and loved the outdoors, but Rugby
was always his passion and this love for the game spilled
over into the wonderful sponsorship support that Alan’s
company Britmindo have given to Indonesian Rugby
over many years.
An “Alan Nye Memorial Vets Match” was played on
Sunday June 7 at the British School Jakarta. This match
was played prior to the Test match between Indonesia
and Guam (Guam 17-6 winners). Those who played that
day honoured a lost mate but a never forgotten servant
of Indonesian Rugby.
Sport
AusKick Fun
By
A dam N orton
With over 800,000 participants in Australia each year, to say that AusKick is a
widely popular programme in Australia is an understatement. So in 2015 the
ANZ Jakarta Bintangs Australian Football Club (JBAFC) wanted to make the
benefits of the programme accessible for young people living in Jakarta.
Due to popular demand, AusKick clinics were held each Saturday over ten
weeks from April - June at AIS Pejaten Campus and were open to the public.
T
his programme was targeted (but not
limited to) local youths aged between
5 and 12 years who were interested
in learning the basics of how to play
Australian Rules Football. Participants
benefited from learning new skills, while improving
their fitness, teamwork and socialisation skills.
During the clinics, participants were taught how to
mark, kick and handball correctly before progressing
to slightly more complex skills. Furthermore,
participants learned the importance of stretching,
hydrating and working as a team. Coaches provided
a friendly, welcoming and inclusive learning
environment in which everyone was able to work
towards improving on their personal best.
Throughout the initial programme, participants
impressed their parents and coaches alike with
their unbridled enthusiasm, willingness to learn
and desire to play Australian Rules Football. More
importantly the players had a lot of fun, particularly
during the modified rules matches that were held
during each clinic.
Due to the success of this initiative, the ANZ Jakarta
Bintangs Australian Football Club plans to recommence the AFL AusKick programme very soon.
For more information, please visit www.bintangs.
com, or Like AFL Indonesia on Facebook.
Speaking with Stephen Nye over the weekend he told
me that he and his brother David were planning a Vets
Memorial Game in Bali on Sunday October 11, which
would be part of the annual Bali Rugby Fest weekend (Oct
10-11) to be played in Jimbaran, Bali. He also said that
Alan’s family would look towards dedicating a trophy in
his Father’s honour in the not too distant future. Last Saturday, Alan’s younger brother Eric Nye and his
sons Stephen and David Nye received a posthumous Life
Membership of Indonesian Rugby on behalf of Alan for
all the great work and sponsorship support he gave to
the Union over so many years.
Vale Alan Nye
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10 9
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FAMILY
Kitchen Essentials
Fit your kitchen out with all the basic tools to
prepare great family meals every evening. From
cutting boards to sturdy pots and pans, IKEA offers
a wide range of well priced essentials to get you
started. Turn the pages to find out more.
Presented by:
111
FAMILY
HOME
Dinner Time
Some say the kitchen is the heart
of the home. Equip your kitchen
with everything you need to
create hearty evening meals
where the whole family can
gather together, eat and enjoy!
KRYDDIG
Spice mill, dark blue
IDR 199.000
This stylish spice mill features
a ceramic grinding mechanism
which is harder and more
durable than steel grinders.
MÄTTAT
Bowl, white
IDR 34.900
These simple white bowls are well priced and
ideal for weekday suppers. Microwave and
dishwasher safe.
IKEA 365+ GUNSTIG
Apron, grey
IDR 179.000
Keep your clothes clean while
cooking with this apron featuring
an adjustable neck-band to fit
everyone. The cotton /linen blend
combines the softness of cotton
with the shine and firmness of linen.
PROPPMÄTT
Chopping board, beech
IDR 59.900
No kitchen would be complete without a
good solid chopping board. This one is also
perfect for serving cheese and charcuterie
platters.
LJUST
Jar with lid, red, transparent
IDR 69.900
Ideal for storing food in your
fridge or cupboards, the tightfitting lid on this container will
ensure freshness is retained. The
transparent lid makes it easy to
find what you are looking for, even
if the jar is stored in the fridge or
pantry.
SKÄNKA POT, 5L
Cooking Magic
IDR 349.000
The Skänka Pot is your one stop
solution to easy cooking with
comfortable handles making it easy
to lift, as it is made out of Aluminum,
the heat is evenly spread meaning
contents will cook faster but won’t
boil over. Teflon© Select ensures that
food won’t stick and cleaning will be
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GRUNKA
4-piece kitchen utensil set,
stainless steel
IDR 99.900
Set of pasta server, soup ladle,
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handles for cooking convenience.
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Serpong, Tangerang - Banten 15320
T: +62 21 298 53900
www.ikea.co.id
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1 13
FAMILY
HOME
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RP. 40.000,ͳ
6/24/15 11:22 AM
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115
FAMILY
kids fun
TIPS
Life is a Playground
Text
ANJA RUMPITA
The opening of Club Kembang has filled the void somewhat in terms of the
need for more open spaces in Jakarta for family activities.
N
ow open for almost a year, Club Kembang has already
received an enthusiastic response. Families and
individuals from different backgrounds and ages
have started coming here in search of a relaxed and
laidback atmosphere.
In the afternoons and especially on weekends, children can let loose
in Club Kembang’s playground, which is filled with plants and trees.
Storytelling, as well as various fun classes focusing on art, cooking,
yoga, football, science, movies, photography, theatre and arts and
crafts, are also on offer. While kids are engaged for a happy hour or
two, parents too have the opportunity to join workshops aimed at
adults.
The Classes
Club Kembang works in collaboration with various other organisations
to put on a number of creative classes. Their crochet class is hosted by
WeWo arts and crafts community. Ganara Art Studio helps to put on
art classes for toddlers while Little Feet Soccer School partners with
Club Kembang to run sporting activities. Many more unusual classes,
like rubber stamp carving with OZS Handmade, are also available at
Club Kembang. With teachers or instructors who are very competent
in their fields, following Club Kembang’s classes and workshops is
both exciting and educational.
The Kids Are Alright
Text
GIBRAN SANI
For busy parents who spend their days at the office before struggling
home through the notorious traffic, it is understandable if they miss out
on a point or two of how to keep their young ones healthy. In this issue, we
give you the lowdown on how to keep things balanced and how to maintain
your child’s health whenever you are away (and no, we’re not talking about
apps that can monitor your house from afar!).
• Encourage your kids to move more. Try and keep a
good physical balance of 30 minutes exercise every day
and slowly add the duration as the weeks progress.
•Limit your child’s television consumption to a minimal
every day. We know Cartoon Network every now and
again is necessary for kids, but make sure it doesn’t
surpass more than two hours every day.
The Compound
Club Kembang shares the same location as Sekolah Kembang, a 41year old educational institution that offers dynamic kindergarten and
elementary school activities on a daily basis. In contrast to Sekolah
Kembang whose educational programmes are intended for its
students only, Club Kembang’s activities are available to the public.
Club Kembang’s environment is safe and clean for children, with a
sand box, outdoor play sets and a trampoline – a favourite among
children – as well as a reading room and an arts and crafts room.
FAMILY
•Household chores are not only for the maid, teach your
kids to do simple tasks like putting the dishes in the
dishwasher and putting their dirty laundry in the bin.
It’s simple but it will help with discipline.
The Special Programmes
There are always special programmes at Club Kembang, including
things like Summer Club 2015, which was held from June 22 to July 10
and featured activities like junior film camp, kids photography, comic
drawing , batik class and a kids home décor class.
Birthday Parties
Club Kembang is also a popular birthday venue with its prime location
in Kemang, as well as its outdoor facilities and hassle-free option to
bundle in Club Kemang’s fun classes with the package.
Keep up to date with what’s happening at Club Kembang via their
social media channels: Instagram: clubkembang and Facebook: Club
Kembang.
• Serve a variety of foods which are diverse in nutrients.
Go a step further and let your child plan their meal once
a week, it will help them to be more independent.
•Bake, broil or grill food and avoid cooking with butteror
vegetable oil.
• Teach your little darlings about the ‘nutrition labels’
on canned goods or home dairy, and explain what it
means.
•Do not give your children any food supplements unless
recommended by a doctor. Why? Because a child’s
body metabolism support itself and it is good to let
their physical body recuperate on its own.
• Teach your children to always eat at the dinner table
because it forces them to focus on their meal so that
they are more aware of how much they are eating.
• Take your kids to the park instead of going to the mall.
It will push them to do more physical activities and less
exposure to AC is also good for them.
• If you’re going to keep snacks at home, make sure that
they are low in calories like whole-grain cereals, baked
chips and even low-fat dressings on salads.
• To avoid the humdrum of daily routines, make sure
your children have different sporting activities on the
weekend or on holidays.
• Always try and encourage water instead of sugary
drinks and make them understand the benefits of
consuming it.
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1 17
FAMILY
EXPLORE JAKARTA
Another Side of
Ancol
Text
H eather F ischer
|
Photos
F amil ramandyta & I H S
Ancol is well known as a seaside leisure destination, but did you know that it’s also
a great place to learn about the history of Jakarta? Ancol was first a popular place
for recreation during the 18th century, when many wealthy Dutch owned vacation
houses were situated there. However, it was deserted after the Dutch East Indies
capital, Batavia, moved further south because of a malaria plague.
O
ne remnant of the 18th century is a Taoist Temple,
Vahara Da Bo Gong, which is located just outside of
Ancol Dreamland. Commissioned by a Chinese sailor
who had settled in Batavia having fallen in love with a
Sundanese Muslim dancer, the temple was completed
only after the couple died. When you visit, you can see the tombs of
the helmsman, his wife, and her family, in addition to the tomb of the
craftsman who built the temple.
After the Dutch left, Ancol remained a deserted swampland until
World War II, when the area was used by the Japanese as a site
for executions. Today, you can see the graves of over 2000 Dutch,
Commonwealth, and Indonesian men killed by the Japanese during
World War II at Ereveld cemetery.
Ancol Dreamland
In the early 1960’s, Soekarno travelled to the
United States where he visited Disneyland
and the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. When
he returned home to Indonesia, he wanted to
create something similar for the Indonesian
people, so he supported the development
of Ancol Dreamland, which was opened to
the public in 1966. Today, Ancol Dreamland
contains many seaside attractions; a beach
and marina, an art market, Sea World, a water
park, a few restaurants, hotels, and even a big
mall.
So next time you visit Ancol, enjoy the
modern attractions of Ancol Dreamland, with
its flumes and aquariums, but remember to
take in the history too!
The Indonesian Heritage Society Jakarta
is a non-profit organization offering the
opportunity to learn more about the rich
cultural heritage of Indonesia. The varied
activities of the society, including tours,
lectures and study groups, provide a
stepping stone to discovering the culture,
life, history & art of this vast archipelago.
The Indonesian Heritage Society Library
17th Floor, Sentral Senayan 1
T: +62-21 572 5870
E: info@heritagejkt.org
www.heritagejkt.org
The Indonesian Heritage Society’s
Explorers meet regularly to visit places of
interest in Jakarta and the surrounding
area, and to learn about Indonesian
culture and traditions.
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119
Travel
TURNING RESPONSIBILITY INTO REVENUE THROUGH
A COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY AND SECURITY
MARKETING PROGRAM
Hotels spend a great deal of time and money making sure that their hotel is safe,
secure and socially responsible. But most of their guests don’t know.
The Safest Hotels Double Check marketing program lets the world know that
a hotel is a safe, secure and socially responsible choice AND sells their rooms through a unique
and comprehensive marketing package.
Hotels also spend a great deal of time and money proving to their corporate clients
and the travel industry that their hotel is safe and secure.
Safest Hotels Double Check deals with all their requirements saving everyone time and money and
leaving hotels free to concentrate on their core business.
66
69
The percentage of hotel guests who state
that safety and security is their number one
concern when traveling.
The percentage of guests who state that
they consider the environment before
booking hotels.
Source: CNN 2012
Source: TripAdvisor 2013
SAFEST HOTELS DOUBLE CHECK PROGRAM
A PARTNERSHIP FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
www.safesthotels.com • www.safetyassessed.com
Jakarta Office:
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T: +62-21 781 3212 F: +62-21 781 2476
120
www.phoenix.co.id
Head Office:
216 Joo Chiat Road Unit 03-05
Singapore 427483
T: +65-934 70363
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T: +62-361 823 6722, 823 6733 F: +62-361 823 6722
D a v id M etcalf
And Represented in Indonesia By
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Presented by Safety
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“Every May, on the night of the full moon, thousands of Buddhists gather
at Borobudur Temple for Waisak Day. This holy festival celebrates Buddha’s
birth, enlightenment and parinibbana (ultimate freedom). It is affectionately
known as Buddha’s birthday. The celebration serves as a moment to
create world peace among people regardless of racial, religious, or ethnic
background.”
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TRAVEL
HIDDEN HERITAGE
Waisak Day Festival
Borobudur and the Birthright of Humanity
TEXT
S tephanie B rookes
|
Photos
D a v id M etcalf
Every May, on the night of the full moon, thousands of Buddhists gather
at Borobudur Temple for Waisak Day. This holy festival celebrates Buddha’s
birth, enlightenment and parinibbana (ultimate freedom). It is affectionately
known as Buddha’s birthday. The celebration serves as a moment to create
world peace among people regardless of racial, religious, or ethnic
background. Just before dawn the Buddhist flag is unfurled. The air is
filled with mantras and chanting as the monks circle the Borobudur
temple in a flow of saffron and crimson robes. They unite and join in a
meditation ritual called Pradaksina. 122
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TRAVEL
HIDDEN HERITAGE
M
y day began at 5.00am with an auspicious sunrise
from the viewing platform of Punthuk Setumbu.
Armed with a head torch and a camera, I climbed
for twenty minutes on a manicured trail with about
one hundred other people. From the viewing
platform you are positioned way above Borobudur, the biggest
Buddhist monument in the world, which sits poised between two
large volcanic peaks. The sun slowly burnt through the layers of the
mist to reveal a spectacular mountain vista of the ancient relic.
Next, it was onto Candi Mendut, the starting point of the pilgrimage
walk. The atmosphere was festive, noisy and vibrant. Street stalls
were opening for business, hot peanuts on the go, pillars of colourful
balloons for sale, wafts of salted butter rising from sizzling corn, as
actors dressed in full Ramayana costume filtered through the crowd,
entertaining as they went.
Candi Mendut is also where you purchase a special pass that
allows you to enter the inner gates of Borobudur to pray and sit in
meditative silence. Buddha’s birthday is the only day of the year
Borobudur is closed, so without a pass, you cannot enter the inner
sanctum. Around mid-morning the huge floats started arriving at the
temple and after lunch the procession was ready to go.
I positioned myself near the gates of Borobudur, two kilometres
away from Candi Mendut. By 2.30pm the streets leading to the
Borobudur gates were packed to the gills. I jostled for a position
amongst thousands of spectators and then I spotted a perfect
elevated vantage point. I made a beeline for a big black shiny police
truck. A sea of helping hands stretched forward to grab my camera,
tripod and bags and with a friendly nod and a smile I hoisted myself
up on the flatbed police truck.
countries, sporting umbrellas to guard against the hot temperatures
which climbed well into the 30’s.
The parade took around two hours from Candi Mendut to Candi
Pawon, finishing at Borobudur Temple. The three temples form
an imaginary straight line to the east. In ancient times this
careful planning drew a connection between the harmony of the
macrocosmos (the universe) and the microcosmos (human being).
The positioning of Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut temples signifies
the combining of Tri Mandala (Hindu) and Vajradhatu Mandala
(Buddha) concepts. In terms of cosmic connections, the position
of the three temples is believed to be related to the three stars of
Orion’s belt.
Not only does this religious festival day attract thousands of
Buddhists, devotees and spectators, but also the President, Joko
“Jokowi” Widodo, who also attended. The festival is an opportunity
to mingle with the throngs of people from all over the world and wait
it out until midnight for the grand finale; the release of 1,200 lanterns.
The parade started with an explosive burst of energy. A shiny brass
band complete with marching girls in white boots and red peaked
hats headed the parade. Big booming drums and a smart brass
section set the tone for an upbeat rhythm of celebration. Tall towers
of fruit and nature’s offerings followed along with hundreds of monks
from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, China and other ASEAN
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TRAVEL
HIDDEN HERITAGE
Another ticket arrangement you need to
organize in advance is the lantern event. At the
foreground of the temple, a group of monks sat
quietly making floral arrangements, finishing
at about 5 pm and then like magic, all the floral
tailings were swept away, and the table turned
into a makeshift ticket booth. A very long queue
formed very quickly to buy lantern tickets, which
is restricted to only 300 attendees.
Accommodation:
MesaStila, Magelang, Central Java
Located in the middle of a working coffee
plantation, this stunning resort sits 700
metres above sea level, surrounded by eight
mountains. The weather is cool, and the
elevation allows for beautiful views of the
mountains. The Joglo villas are furnished
with antiques and capture a piece of Java’s
historic past.
www.mesahotelsandresorts.com/mesastila
For a donation of IDR 100,000 (USD$8) you
were given a numbered entry ticket and three
large white stickers. “You write your prayer on here,” I was told at
the booth. “You can write a whole story if you wish, as it’s a rather
large sticker. Once your lantern is ready to release at midnight, stick
your prayer to the outside and send it up with good intent,” said the
smiling Buddhist ticket seller.
It was quite a long wait until midnight, however an enterprising
massage club had set up shop outside the lantern area. Mats were laid
on the soft grassy area under the trees and for another IDR 100,000 you
could relax into the night, under the hands of trained masseuses who
sported bright orange polo shirts stating, “Borobudur Massage Team”.
above the 8th century temple carrying prayers
to the universe. It was truly a beautiful moment
in time.
There was such a universal feeling of love in
the air and after a chorus of ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’
we were instructed to “get grounded, sit down
and find our peace again”. After this, the next
round of lanterns were passed along each row
and we waited for our cue to form our circle of
five again. A few rule breakers were amongst
the crowd and I saw a couple of lanterns totally
catch alight heralded by squeals of horror and nervousness. There is
always one or two in a crowd, right?
Our second round of lanterns were released again simultaneously.
Again, the midnight hour filled with muted sighs and expressions of
delight, as the flames lifted our messages of love, prayer and peace
high into the night sky. I glanced at my watch and saw the time was
actually 1.37 am. No one cared. The feeling of collective wisdom,
prayers for world peace and harmony filled the midnight sky under a
huge brilliant full moon. By the time we did the third lantern release
we were all experts and there were no more accidental fires.
Around 11.15pm the gates opened and we were guided to our lantern
spot. The monks held a beautiful prayer session and we were made to
feel very comfortable to join in if we were Buddhists, or to partake in
prayer in our own private way, if we were of another religion. The whole
service was conducted in Indonesian and English. There was a beautiful
feeling of universal peace on the grassy grounds that lay at the foot of
Borobudur Temple. A huge light beamed from the top stupa and the
eight levels of the temple were illuminated against the indigo night sky.
Sitting at our special designated spot, with hundreds of candles, we
joined in a soulful moment of peace, love and harmony. After the prayer
session the large circular paper lanterns were passed along the rows.
I got home at 3.30am and slept all the way back to MesaStila, my
beautiful resting place in the mountains, just out of Magelang. In the
wee small hours of the morning I silently blessed all eight peaks that
surround MesaStila before crashing into a luxurious bed fit for a queen.
I was really impressed with the precise instructions given for lighting
the lanterns, which had to be held by five people and lit from the
centre very carefully. Everyone was instructed to light their lantern
in unison, with five people sharing one lantern. We were lead in a
countdown for the release. The feeling in the air was absolutely
magical, and the fact that you were working with your neighbour
who was a complete stranger meant unity was represented. On the
final countdown to zero we released our lanterns together. Literally
hundreds of lanterns coursed their way into the night sky, rising
Stephanie Brookes is the author of Indonesia’s Hidden Heritage,
Cultural Journeys of Discovery. Her tales from Indonesia and beyond
can be viewed on www.travelwriter.ws
126
Perhaps the day is best summed up by a quote from Anna Julia
Cooper, whose words graces the last page of the current issue of a
United States of America passport and reads, “The cause of freedom
is not the cause of race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of
humankind, the very birthright of humanity”.
David Metcalf is a masterclass photographer and co-author of
Indonesia’s Hidden Heritage, Cultural Journeys of Discovery. David
runs half-day photography tours in Bali, and 8 days photo tour
workshops in Java, Kalimantan and beyond.
View David’s work on www.davidmetcalfphotography.com
1 27
TRAVEL
I
WAKATOBI
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Text
Will Woodruff
|
Photos
Nova Dien
It’s not often that one gets to feel super human, but diving over the
pristine reefs of Wakatobi certainly feels like flying as you sweep over
the edge of an underwater cliff with nothing but streaks of sunlight
streaming past you into an aquamarine void. With little effort at all, the
one-knot current takes you almost weightlessly over and through an
amazing variety of marine life in colours and shapes that have been defined
by their environment for millions of years.
T
he marine landscape is so varied and the sea life so
abundant that it is no surprise that Wakatobi National
Park is listed as a tentative World Heritage Site. It certainly
rivals other fantastic Indonesian dive spots such as Raja
Ampat and Bunaken. Wakatobi is the third largest marine
park in Indonesia and supports a tremendously colourful cross-section
of biodiversity including 25 types of fringing reefs, barrier reefs and
atolls. The hawksbill, loggerhead and olive Ridley turtles can all be
found in Wakatobi. To have all three in a relatively small area is rare.
Located at the southeastern corner of Sulawesi, Wakatobi is actually
an acronym for four of the largest islands in a small, isolated chain
called Tukangbesi. We were on the Wa of Wakatobi, Wangi-Wangi,
with the others being Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. They all offer
some of the best diving in the world with many sites to choose from.
For now the area has relatively few visitors, despite efforts to improve
tourism infrastructure and transportation, so the time is right for the
dive of a lifetime.
128
Our first dive was called a discovery dive. Although we all showed
our Open Water dive permits, I think this was so our dive masters
could ‘discover’ whether we could actually dive or not. We boarded
the boat that was tied to a long jetty and got our gear on. Once fully
kitted out, I expected the boat to take off. However, all we had to do
was walk to the side of it, away from the jetty, and dive in!
Once in the water, we immediately realized the long trip of three
planes rides from Jakarta was well worth it. Before us, in 25-metre
visibility water and only 15-metres deep, was a fantastic marine
wonderland there for just the three of us to explore. We were
surrounded by hundreds, even thousands, of fish of different species
and size to such a degree it was hard to know where to look first.
My dive guide pointed out a classic nudibranch, a shell-less mollusk
in outrageous and bawdy regalia, and all of three centimetres
long. Next to arrive was a reef shark cruising its territory. From the
miniature to the top of the food chain, at Wakatobi you can dive
with them all.
On subsequent dives we actually left the jetty. Yet it
was only a few breezy minutes to a nearby reef and
another aquatic marine dreamscape. We should have
stayed longer to explore more of the dozens of sites
on Wangi-Wangi and its sister islands. Allow yourself
five full days to get even just a good cross-section of
sites under your weight belt.
While it may be remote, an Internet search for
Wakatobi National Park will reveal any number of
sites offering information on the islands, the NGOs
working to preserve the reefs such as WWF and The
Nature Conservancy, videos and tour guides. There is
no off-season for diving in Wakatobi as the weather
is generally quite calm and dry year-round. August
generally sees cooler air and water temperatures,
but any time is just fine. You’ll be flying once you dive
there as well.
12 9
TRAVEL
TANJUNG LESUNG
Text
G I B RA N S A N I
|
Photos
famil ramandyta & JABABEKA
Located around 180 KM from the bustling city of Jakarta lies the natural
wonder of Tanjung Lesung with its pristine beaches and enchanting ocean.
Families and holiday-makers venture there to enjoy their holidays and their
time off to be close to nature and to escape the busy city life, to enjoy its lavish
villas, premium beach clubs or simply to explore its natural richness that
covers the West coast of Java.
Candle Light Dinner
Tanjung Lesung Beach
T
he 1500-hectare beach area of Tanjung Lesung was
officially opened in 1998 and inaugurated as a special
economic zone last February and with that, the area
is considered to have met the requirements to be an
international tourist attraction, and has recently been
developed by the Jababeka Group.
The world class facilities in the area that can now be enjoyed include
a selection of 56 premium villas, carefully designed to differ from
one another to meet the requirements of every holiday-maker. The
cottages will remind you of how fascinating it is to be at one with
nature, while at the beach club you can enjoy varieties of water
activities like banana boat riding, snorkeling, water ski-ing, wake
boarding, pedal boarding, sea kayaking, jetskiing and various boat
excursions, from visiting the islands like Krakatau, an Ujung Kulon
excursion and much more. And if you’re an avid fan of diving and
snorkeling then there is a lot to see here, as some of the reefs are
very well maintained and it is just as beautiful as diving in popular
dive spots like Bunaken. While other diving areas are more well
known, Tanjung Lesung has its own special charm with Krakatau
looming in the background; you will feel as if you are somewhere
in the middle of the ocean just fiddling about through the crystal
clear ocean.
If you’re visiting Tanjung Lesung for your honeymoon, then it is
the perfect place to be and to spend it in style. Choose from the
selection of water activities you and your significant other can do,
or perhaps enjoy a lavish candlelight dinner under the sky with the
sun setting just accross you with their classy selection of dishes
which can be catered specifically to meet your needs. Choose from
the two restaurants in the hotel area where you can enjoy your
meals without having to worry about blowing a hole in your pocket,
because spending your honeymoon at Tanjung Lesung will not only
guarantee you a memorable time in the sun but also offer you that
quiet moment that you will enjoy with your loved one.
Mount Krakatoa
And if you’re feeling adventurous, then it is only right to discover
more of what the area has to offer by land and you can rent bikes or
even a buggies to explore more of what Tanjung Lesung has to offer,
from its golf range to its great outbound area and of course if you’re
willing to go out on a limb then it is best to visit the surrounding
areas like the Baduy village, mini zoo, agro farm or perhaps trekking
through coastal areas by foot.
www.tanjunglesung.com
T: +62-21 572 7225 / +62-21 572 7220
E: info@tanjunglesung.com
New Coral Reefs
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TRAVEL
SINGAPORE
A Day in the Gardens
Text
A l i s o n P a c e | P h o t o s by J u s t i n E e l e s an d G a r d e ns b y t h e B a y
C
M
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are a breath of fresh air
S
Y
CM
MY
omething which many people feel is missing from
Jakarta are recreation areas; real stretches of quiet
green to wander around, take in a bit of fresh air and
just relax on a Sunday. The closest we seem to get is
car-free day on Jalan Sudirman or even worse, many of
us end up in Grand Indonesia of a weekend for the chance to walk
around, untroubled by wayward motorists, man holes and cracking
pavements.
CY
CMY
K
Singapore’s shining green example is the highly prized Gardens by
the Bay with their now iconic Supertree structures which dart up 16
storeys into the air. Supertrees aside, there is an endless array of all
things green and natural to explore at Gardens by the Bay and you
could spend the whole day strolling around in relative peace and
quiet, stopping to smell flowers, picnicking on the grass and licking
ice creams if you wanted to – what a far cry from the mall!
While it’s free to roam around some areas, it’s worth forking out
a bit extra to see the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. The
cloud forest is a cool, moist conservatory designed to mirror the
conditions high up in the misty, tropical highlands. View a lush
mountain carpeted in rare flora and marvel at the world’s tallest
indoor waterfall, you can even ascend to the top via a lift.
Meanwhile, in the Flower Dome, it’s perpetually spring and the
constantly changing flower display is always bursting with colour.
Breathe in the floral aromas in the cool, dry climate, designed to
imitate regions of South Africa and the Mediterranean. Highlights
include ancient Spanish olive trees and the alien silhouettes of
African Baobabs.
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TIP
Standard admission to the Flower Dome is
SD 28 (including entry to the Cloud Forest)
but if you dine at Pollen, which is located
inside the Flower Dome, see it for FREE!
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
13 3
TRAVEL
SINGAPORE
Lunch at Pollen
Text
ALI S O N P ACE
|
Photos
P OLLE N
On a recent sojourn to Singapore, I hooked up with the editors of sister
publication NOW! Singapore to sample lunch at one of the coolest (in both the
metaphoric and literal sense) restaurants in town, Pollen at Gardens by the Bay.
T
he Pollen “experience” begins
with a limousine buggy ride which
picks guests up from Gardens by
the Bay reception and drives you
right to Pollen. Located inside
the actual Flower Dome (hence the cool
temperature), Pollen’s clean, botany-inspired
interiors blend in seamlessly and organically
with the surrounding vegetation – this is
unpretentious fine dining at its best.
Having donned the ceremonial Pollen shawls
from the waiting staff, an assortment of cute
and quirky amuse bouches and breads arrive at
the table – the tempting preamble to our tasting
menu (which has been specially laid on by the
writer’s very old friend and Executive Chef, Colin
Buchan, to celebrate Pollen’s 3rd anniversary).
Heritage tomatoes with Burrata & basil oil
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Pollen’s trademark cuisine is described as
“British with an Asian touch,” but for me
the outstanding feature is the lightness
and freshness of the food which shines
the spotlight on beautifully ripe produce
prepared in a way which leaves the diner
feeling both utterly spoiled and with a healthy
spring in their step! For lovers of fresh, light,
herbaceous food, Pollen is a must.
Highlights of their five-course tasting menu
include their Heritage tomatoes with Burrata
and basil oil – the personification of summer
– and raw Hokkaido scallops with dashi jelly,
apple, shiso, wasabi and avocado puree.
Fresh, delicate and artistically put together
– the latter was a very feminine starter for a
very unfeminine chef to conceive!
Raw Hokkaido Scallops with dashi jelly,apple, shiso, wasabi
and avocado puree
Every detail has been considered at Pollen,
including the plating and presentation which
are beyond pretty. The food is as light, airy
and pleasing to the soul as the surroundings
(incidentally, diners get free entry to the
Flower Dome).
Chef Colin can often be found presenting his
dishes personally in the dining room and his
jovial charm and Glaswegian ‘patter’ makes
the experience all the more memorable.
Pollen’s Anniversary Tasting Menu
is available for dinner from 29 June to 31
July from 6pm to 10pm. $160++ per person
(or $300++ per person with wine pairings).
Executive Chef Colin Buchan with the writer
13 5
TRAVEL
bali
Private Dining
Mozaic-Style
Located just a stones throw away from Batu Belig Beach, Mozaic BeachClub
is the “wild child’ of the award winning Mozaic brand as acknowledged by
San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the Miele Guide as well as
being a member of the famous Les Grandes Tables Du Monde.
ozaic Beachclub is famous for its world class cuisine
specially prepared and crafted by UK-born chef and
co-owner James Ephraim. Meanwhile, bouncing
parties with world class DJs gracing the beachside
decks have planted Mozaic Beachclub firmly on
the weekend and weekday party circuit too. When it comes to their
selection of innovative dishes, guests can opt for competitively
priced bar bites, unique and delicious a la carte items or a sampling
degustation menu for a taste of everything.
M
of ethnic folk-art and elegant displays of traditional craftmanship.
Contemporary yet warm, the refurbished dining room is littered
with objet d’arts from around the archipelago, including various
traditional urns and a precious wayang (puppet) wood screen.
The newly remodeled VIP private dining room is the establishment’s
latest and most coveted section, having been carefully designed
to accentuate the rich Indonesian cultural heritage with touches
Jl. Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan, Bali
T: +62-361 473 5796
www.mozaic-beachclub.com
13 6
J U LY 20 15 w w w. n o w j a ka r ta . c o . id
Whether a private birthday dinner or corporate gathering, the new
look VIP dining room offers guests a chance to marvel at rare and
antique items from the country’s past while enjoying a long and
sophisticated dinner, Mozaic-style of course.
13 7
TRAVEL
bali
Into the
wild
Picture yourself amidst the African wilds (without having to travel
all the way to deepest, darkest Africa!). You can have the adventure
of a lifetime closer to home at Mara River Safari Lodge at Bali
Marine & Safari Park, a new African-themed resort where guests can
live amongst wild, exotic animals.
A
s you gaze through your room window, you’ll be amazed to learn that you can actually hand feed the
wild animals which roam free outside. Look out for rhinos, zebras and oryx within close proximity of
your accommodation. The Mara River Safari Lodge is located in the heart of Bali Marine & Safari Park
and with the shadow of Mount Agung looming in the distance, you will get the feeling of actually being
in the wild.
Enjoy and savour the African panorama in a world-class resort designed to mimic the open-air experience of the
African savannah. Enjoy the view from the infamous Tsavo Lion Restaurant where you will get to see and experience
what it is like being on an excursion that will challenge your life. And if that is not enough, try one of the special trips,
like their Walking Safari around the park or the famous (if slightly unnerving) night safari that allows you to enjoy
the night time atmosphere and witness what it is like to live out in the wild. In the evenings, guests can even take in
traditional Balinese entertainment like a Kecak (fire) dance performance, puppet shows and so much more from their
carefully designed Nkuchiro Bar.
Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra KM 19,8 Gianyar, Bali.
www.marariversafarilodge.com
13 8
J U LY 20 15 w w w. n ow j a ka rta . c o . id
13 9
TRAVEL
bali
Gili Getaway
Boutique Break
BASK Gili Meno is the first world-class
luxury beach resort poised to be the dream
destination of the three Gili islands, with
its luxurious design and concept and ecofriendly technology that helps keep the
pristine island in its most beautiful form.
In need of a luxurious break from the chaos
of the city?
Experience world-class cuisine, fantastic bars and restaurants and a
view like no other you have witnessed at a resort which has already
been recognised as the best new hotel in Indonesia at this year’s
Asia Pacific Property Awards, winning “Best New Hotel Construction
& Design decorated with a 5-star rating”. Just 40 metres from the
shoreline, guests can marvel at BASK Gili Meno’s underwater eco-park,
featuring a unique underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor.
www.baskgilimeno.com
Worry not as Alaya Hotels & Resorts in Kuta has just opened its
second boutique hotel in Bali. Offering 116 classy rooms and suites in
Bali’s favourite destination for visitors, the resort is perfectly placed.
Just 10 minutes from Bali’s airport, and walking distance from one of
the best water parks in the world, Waterbom, Alaya is a compact yet
comfortable living area for tourists wanting to relax.
Designed by award-winning Perth-based Grounds Kent Architects,
Alaya presents an exquisite experience, equipped with multiple
resources such as a gym, a multi-purpose meeting room and a
library-lounge with free iPad use within the resort. Outside of the
area, down the road Kartika Plaza Street’s malls and shops and the
nearby beach all create an experience like no other.
So what are you waiting for? Book now!
Recharge at Banyan Tree
Alaya Hotels & Resorts
T: +62-361 755 380 | F: +62-361 755 328
Perched high atop the cliffs of beautiful
Ungasan on Bali’s southern coast, Banyan
Tree offers a welcome retreat from the
hectic pace of city life here in Jakarta.
Visit Villa Tiga Puluh
Luxurious villas are highlighted with uniquely Balinese touches
offering refreshing ocean views or attractive garden views. Take in
the evening air (cocktail in hand) at the renowned Ju-Ma-Na, Banyan
Tree’s Moroccan themed bar and restaurant overlooking the ocean.
What could refresh the mind more?
The ‘secluded haven’ of Villa Tiga Puluh, in
bustling Seminyak, Bali, was built last year
when a family decided to design their dream
home to celebrate the parents’ 30th wedding
anniversary.
Banyan Tree Ungasan Holiday Offer
From IDR 5,400,000 net per room, per night.
Minimum stay period of 2 nights.
Includes daily breakfast at Bambu restaurant, afternoon tea at
Ju-Ma-Na, complimentary airport transfer and late check out (for
weekend stays only).
Balinese culture is blended with Western standards of luxury and
comfort and the result is an exotic cocoon created to custom-fit your
every desire. During your stay, the caring staff will attend to your
every need and deliver a service of the highest quality, allowing you
to fully appreciate every second of your blissful getaway. Let the Villa
Tiga Puluh family take care of you and enjoy the soothing tranquility
and countless gems only the “Island of Peace.
For reservations, call +62 361 300 7000 or email reservationsungasan@banyantree.com
140
www.villatigapuluh.com
14 1
Early morning, in old town, all the
characters are out: drinking coffee in the
ancient warung and chewing the cud in
the Chinese temple court. Sadly, much of
the colonial architecture was tragically
destroyed in the 2009 earthquake — in both
the Chinese and Indian Arab herb-vendor
districts. A 19th century mosque in the
Hyderabadi style survives as the heart of
the Arab perfume and fanatics district.
Invited to a wedding in Solok, West
Sumatra last month, I took the opportunity
to explore the incredible scenery and the
wealth of traditional architecture — both
ancient timber mosques and rumah gadang
traditional houses — in the highland country
near Bukittinggi.
I started on my first afternoon in
Padang, the regional capital, with a visit
to the Adityawarman Museum, itself a
giant rumah gadang, to see their extensive
collection of textiles and gilt headdresses.
Included in the collection are photographs
from the early 20th century of ceremonial
groups and old architecture. The collection
of artefacts from West Sumatra’s brief
Hindu era is interesting too: it includes
the excellent replica of the famous 14th
century ‘Bhairawa’ statue of the great ruler
 The early 15th century Mesjid Tuo timber
mosque at Kayu Jao at Jorong Kayu Jao halfway
from Padang to Solok, just off the main road
 The late 19th century Hydrabadi mosque in
old town, Padang
 Lake Singkarak, north of Solok, West
under the sun. Mix that with the vibrant
colours of the mountain vegetables and the
menfolk in kampong cowboy outfits — all
seaside, in a vast labyrinth of tiny stalls —
and you have the picture. There are some
amazing traditional wedding baskets to
souvenir.
After the hectic market visit, I asked my
guide to take me to Teluk Bayur south of
Padang to see the superb coastal scenery.
From nearby Bungus port, boats leave
for the fascinating Mentawai islands, 150
kilometres off the coast, now a popular
surfing destination.
From Teluk Bayur we headed to Solok —
a 90-minute drive through tea plantations
and bamboo forests — stopping briefly half-
bits in private. Sadly, the springs have had a
municipal makeover, like nearly all hot springs
in Indonesia, but one can still admire the
mountain scenery from the concrete corral.
Day two I spent searching for the
prettiest rumah gadang in Solok (next
month in this column I‘m doing a piece on
Sumatran architecture, so I’ll publish some
of the winners).
It’s a pretty laid-back lifestyle for
the women in the Minang hinterland, I
discovered, spent between long weekends
cooking rendang and whipping up fancy
outfits for wedding ceremonies. The menfolk
are sent out to the rice fields that form a
narrow band between Solok the markettown and the hills that define the valley.
the Adityawarman Museum, Padang
Adityawarman, cousin of Jayanegara, King
of Majapahit (1309-1320), sadly without any
explanatory plaque or museum-card. This
ruler went on to found Hindu kingdoms in
Bukittinggi and Melayu, and to take control
of the gold trade.
In front of the museum, a Minang
songbird was recording a video in the pretty
garden — this was a special treat, and a
reminder of the place pretty women have
in Minang’s matriarchal culture (men just
press the record button, it seems).
• • •
I stayed the first night at the perfectly
adequate Mercure Padang near the Indian
Ocean and rose early the next morning to
visit old town nearby.
142
 Top: Akad Nikah wedding ceremony of
My last day was spent at my friend’s
house, watching procession after procession
of Minangkabau aunties arriving in
their colourful dress, baskets on head,
accompanied by four-piece percussion bands.
There was rather a lot of sitting around
watching the battalions of power aunties
bring out plates of food.
I retired that night with fond memories
of beautiful people and a stomach bloated
with rendang!
See video wedding ceremony of Etwin
Juanda and Vighea Oktrisna: https://youtu.
be/uZsXJDadPYg.
 Kampung cowboys convey their canines
 Wedding feast, 8 June 2015 at the groom’s
 Lawrence of Arabia-look scent-vendor,
Padang
way to inspect the early 15th century timber
mosque, Mesjid Tuo Kayu Jao at Jorong Kayu
Jao, Nagari Batang Barus, Gunung Talang.
One finds timber mosques in the
ancient Austronesian (read pre-Hindu)
style from Aceh to Palembang — the hills
above Padang are home to a few excellent
examples. Nearly all are on natural springs
or river meanders, and provide delightful
communal bathrooms for the villagers.
This one is one of the oldest (1404) and
the most striking — black ijuk fibre roof,
simply carved dark brown timber walls,
exquisitely sited in a shallow valley on a
fierce mountain stream.
I had a bath in the mosque’s bath-house
and we headed on.
house
 Your columnist at the groom’s father’s
house, fighting rendang fatigue
hundreds of rumah gadang, and a handful
of hot springs and mountain lakes.
The wedding was stretched over four
days, so I had ample time to explore the
countryside and fill up on rendang padang,
the local beef curry that is the centrepiece
of every Minang gathering.
The first feast was at Vighea Oktrisna,
the bride’s house. After Friday prayers the
akad nikah ceremony lasted five minutes,
but the lunch that followed lasted an hour.
After lunch we kidnapped the groom and
sped off to the hot springs at Talang, which
were deserted, and we got to broil our sore
 Sweet-spice vendor of Pakistani descent in
 Statues of Minangkabau citizens in front of
Sumatera, 7 June 2015
Etwin Juanda and Vighea Oktrisna, Solok,
5 June 2015; Bottom: Power-aunties tuck into
the rendang curry, groom’s feast, 8 June 2015
“Don’t take my photo, I’ll end up in hell,”
one handsome young Lawrence of Arabia
style coffee-vendor told me.
In the 19th century, the Chinese
community built a klenteng (sadly rather
over-restored after the earthquake). The
people there are much friendlier.
Serious colonial architectural voyeurs
and cultural historians could spend hours
inspecting old town, but I wanted to get to
the morning market to get a bit of Minang
colour.
I got more than I bargained for. Minang
ladies deck themselves out in every colour
front of the Hydrabadi mosque
Panjang and the early 19th century Masjid
Lubuk Bauk in Lubuk Bawah — and stopped
for lunch halfway at the famous Satay Mak
Syukur at Padang Panjang, a satay hall which
serves beef satay with lontong in a vaguely
middle eastern sauce.
The drive to the end of Lake Maninjau
was stunning, but the festival was a bit of
a dud: some Quran reading, canoe racing,
and fishing contests.
Solok was a surprise: hundreds of pretty
rumah gadang houses can be seen from the
road (they signify that the inhabitants are
original Solok folk).
I stayed at the Caredek losmen which
was clean: air-conditioned, but lacking a
restaurant. Breakfast was indifferent and
served in a small room off the car park.
My room, the losmen’s largest, was
noisy, but I was so happy to be close to
 Putri Minang beauty at the groom’s feast
to the bush pig hunt, outside Solok, Sunday 7
June 2015
Unlike the feisty Bataks further north,
the Minang men don’t drink, but they do
have an exotic hobby: bush pig hunting, for
which they raise packs of doting canines.
On Wednesdays and Sundays the dogs can
be seen along the shores of the lakes district
being ferried to and fro on motorbikes (see
photo this page).
See video Scenic Minang, West
Sumatra, June 2015: https://youtu.be/
MLWa9Ob3JXQ.
• • •
On my second last day in lovely Minangkabau,
I attended the Lake Maninjau Festival at Lake
Maninjau, which is a two-hour drive from
Solok. On the way we visited two old timber
mosques — the 15th century Masjid Asasi
Nagari Gunung in Sigando district in Padang
14 3
144

ISSN 2086-2520 JULY 2015 RP. 30.000 www.nowjakarta.co.id

Transcription

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