Great news from Indonesia

Obama moving speech at Universitas Indonesia today

2010-11-10T17:02:00.003+07:00

President Obama spoke to a packed crowd estimated at 6,500 in the indoor stadium at the university, greeting them with "salaam aleikum" and opening by recalling his childhood in Indonesia, where he spent about four years as a boy. Below is the transcript of the President's speech, as prepared for delivery, and does not include any embroideries he made "live." One of those embroideries included the President imitating local streetfood vendors calling out "satay!" and "baso!" in a singsong voice to sell their wares.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Jakarta, Indonesia
November 10, 2010

As Prepared for Delivery—
Thank you for this wonderful welcome. Thank you to the people of Jakarta. And thank you to the people of Indonesia.

I am so glad that I made it to Indonesia, and that Michelle was able to join me. We had a couple of false starts this year, but I was determined to visit a country that has meant so much to me. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly quick visit, but I look forward to coming back a year from now, when Indonesia hosts the East Asia Summit.

Before I go any further, I want to say that our thoughts and prayers are with all of those Indonesians affected by the recent tsunami and volcanic eruptions – particularly those who have lost loved ones, and those who have been displaced. As always, the United States stands with Indonesia in responding to this natural disaster, and we are pleased to be able to help as needed. As neighbors help neighbors and families take in the displaced, I know that the strength and resilience of the Indonesian people will pull you through once more.

Let me begin with a simple statement: Indonesia is a part of me. I first came to this country when my mother married an Indonesian man named Lolo Soetoro. As a young boy, I was coming to a different world. But the people of Indonesia quickly made me feel at home.

Jakarta looked very different in those days. The city was filled with buildings that were no more than a few stories tall. The Hotel Indonesia was one of the few high rises, and there was just one brand new shopping center called Sarinah. Betchaks outnumbered automobiles in those days, and the highway quickly gave way to unpaved roads and kampongs.

We moved to Menteng Dalam, where we lived in a small house with a mango tree out front. I learned to love Indonesia while flying kites, running along paddy fields, catching dragonflies, and buying satay and baso from the street vendors. Most of all, I remember the people – the old men and women who welcomed us with smiles; the children who made a foreigner feel like a neighbor; and the teachers who helped me learn about the wider world.

Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages, and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my times here helped me appreciate the common humanity of all people. And while my stepfather, like most Indonesians, was raised a Muslim, he firmly believed that all religions were worthy of respect. In this way, he reflected the spirit of religious tolerance that is enshrined in Indonesia’s Constitution, and that remains one of this country’s defining and inspiring characteristics.

I stayed here for four years – a time that helped shape my childhood; a time that saw the birth of my wonderful sister, Maya; and a time that made such an impression on my mother that she kept returning to Indonesia over the next twenty years to live, work and travel – pursuing her passion of promoting opportunity in Indonesia’s villages, particularly for women and girls. For her entire life, my mother held this place and its people close to her heart.

So much has changed in the four decades since I boarded a plane to move back to Hawaii. If you asked me – or any of my schoolmates who knew me back then – I don’t think any of us could have anticipated that I would one day come back to Jakarta as President of the United States. And few could have anticipated the remarkable story of Indonesia over these last four decades.

The Jakarta that I once knew has grown to a teeming city of nearly ten million, with skyscrapers that dwarf the Hotel Indonesia, and thriving centers of culture and commerce. While my Indonesian friends and I used to run in fields with water buffalo and goats, a new generation of Indonesians is among the most wired in the world – connected through cell phones and social networks. And while Indonesia as a young nation focused inward, a growing Indonesia now plays a key role in the Asia Pacific and the global economy.

This change extends to politics. When my step-father was a boy, he watched his own father and older brother leave home to fight and die in the struggle for Indonesian independence. I’m happy to be here on Heroes Day to honor the memory of so many Indonesians who have sacrificed on behalf of this great country.

When I moved to Jakarta, it was 1967, a time that followed great suffering and conflict in parts of this country. Even though my step-father had served in the Army, the violence and killing during that time of political upheaval was largely unknown to me because it was unspoken by my Indonesian family and friends. In my household, like so many others across Indonesia, it was an invisible presence. Indonesians had their independence, but fear was not far away.

In the years since then, Indonesia has charted its own course through an extraordinary democratic transformation – from the rule of an iron fist to the rule of the people. In recent years, the world has watched with hope and admiration, as Indonesians embraced the peaceful transfer of power and the direct election of leaders. And just as your democracy is symbolized by your elected President and legislature, your democracy is sustained and fortified by its checks and balances: a dynamic civil society; political parties and unions; a vibrant media and engaged citizens who have ensured that – in Indonesia -- there will be no turning back.

But even as this land of my youth has changed in so many ways, those things that I learned to love about Indonesia – that spirit of tolerance that is written into your Constitution; symbolized in your mosques and churches and temples; and embodied in your people – still lives on. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. This is the foundation of Indonesia’s example to the world, and this is why Indonesia will play such an important role in the 21st century.

So today, I return to Indonesia as a friend, but also as a President who seeks a deep and enduring partnership between our two countries. Because as vast and diverse countries; as neighbors on either side of the Pacific; and above all as democracies – the United States and Indonesia are bound together by shared interests and shared values.

Yesterday, President Yudhoyono and I announced a new, Comprehensive Partnership between the United States and Indonesia. We are increasing ties between our governments in many different areas, and – just as importantly – we are increasing ties among our people. This is a partnership of equals, grounded in mutual interests and mutual respect.

With the rest of my time today, I’d like to talk about why the story I just told – the story of Indonesia since the days when I lived here – is so important to the United States, and to the world. I will focus on three areas that are closely related, and fundamental to human progress – development, democracy, and religion.

First, the friendship between the United States and Indonesia can advance our mutual interest in development.

When I moved to Indonesia, it would have been hard to imagine a future in which the prosperity of families in Chicago and Jakarta would be connected. But our economies are now global, and Indonesians have experienced both the promise and perils of globalization: from the shock of the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s to the millions lifted out of poverty. What that means – and what we learned in the recent economic crisis – is that we have a stake in each other’s success.

America has a stake in an Indonesia that is growing, with prosperity that is broadly shared among the Indonesian people – because a rising middle class here means new markets for our goods, just as America is a market for yours. And so we are investing more in Indonesia, our exports have grown by nearly 50 percent, and we are opening doors for Americans and Indonesians to do business with one another.

America has a stake in an Indonesia that plays its rightful role in shaping the global economy. Gone are the days when seven or eight countries could come together to determine the direction of global markets. That is why the G-20 is now the center of international economic cooperation, so that emerging economies like Indonesia have a greater voice and bear greater responsibility. And through its leadership of the G-20’s anti-corruption group, Indonesia should lead on the world stage and by example in embracing transparency and accountability.America has a stake in an Indonesia that pursues sustainable development, because the way we grow will determine the quality of our lives and the health of our planet. That is why we are developing clean energy technologies that can power industry and preserve Indonesia’s precious natural resources – and America welcomes your country’s strong leadership in the global effort to combat climate change.

Above all, America has a stake in the success of the Indonesian people. Underneath the headlines of the day, we must build bridges between our peoples, because our future security and prosperity is shared. That is exactly what we are doing – by increased collaboration among our scientists and researchers, and by working together to foster entrepreneurship. And I am especially pleased that we have committed to double the number of American and Indonesian students studying in our respective countries – we want more Indonesian students in our schools, and more American students to come study in this country, so that we can forge new ties that last well into this young century.

These are the issues that really matter in our daily lives. Development, after all, is not simply about growth rates and numbers on a balance sheet. It’s about whether a child can learn the skills they need to make it in a changing world. It’s about whether a good idea is allowed to grow into a business, and not be suffocated by corruption. It’s about whether those forces that have transformed the Jakarta that I once knew –technology and trade and the flow of people and goods – translate into a better life for human beings, a life marked by dignity and opportunity.

This kind of development is inseparable from the role of democracy.

Today, we sometimes hear that democracy stands in the way of economic progress. This is not a new argument. Particularly in times of change and economic uncertainty, some will say that it is easier to take a shortcut to development by trading away the rights of human beings for the power of the state. But that is not what I saw on my trip to India, and that is not what I see in Indonesia. Your achievements demonstrate that democracy and development reinforce one another.

Like any democracy, you have known setbacks along the way. America is no different. Our own Constitution spoke of the effort to forge a “more perfect union,” and that is a journey we have travelled ever since, enduring Civil War and struggles to extend rights to all of our citizens. But it is precisely this effort that has allowed us to become stronger and more prosperous, while also becoming a more just and free society.

Like other countries that emerged from colonial rule in the last century, Indonesia struggled and sacrificed for the right to determine your destiny. That is what Heroes Day is all about – an Indonesia that belongs to Indonesians. But you also ultimately decided that freedom cannot mean replacing the strong hand of a colonizer with a strongman of your own.

Of course, democracy is messy. Not everyone likes the results of every election. You go through ups and downs. But the journey is worthwhile, and it goes beyond casting a ballot. It takes strong institutions to check the concentration of power. It takes open markets that allow individuals to thrive. It takes a free press and an independent justice system to root out abuse and excess, and to insist upon accountability. It takes open society and active citizens to reject inequality and injustice.

These are the forces that will propel Indonesia forward. And it will require a refusal to tolerate the corruption that stands in the way of opportunity; a commitment to transparency that gives every Indonesian a stake in their government; and a belief that the freedom that Indonesians have fought for is what holds this great nation together.

That is the message of the Indonesians who have advanced this democratic story – from those who fought in the Battle of Surabaya 55 years ago today; to the students who marched peacefully for democracy in the 1990s, to leaders who have embraced the peaceful transition of power in this young century. Because ultimately, it will be the rights of citizens that will stitch together this remarkable Nusantara that stretches from Sabang to Merauke – an insistence that every child born in this country should be treated equally, whether they come from Java or Aceh; Bali or Papua.

That effort extends to the example that Indonesia sets abroad. Indonesia took the initiative to establish the Bali Democracy Forum, an open forum for countries to share their experiences and best practices in fostering democracy. Indonesia has also been at the forefront of pushing for more attention to human rights within ASEAN. The nations of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny, and the United States will strongly support that right. But the people of Southeast Asia must have the right to determine their own destiny as well. That is why we condemned elections in Burma that were neither free nor fair. That is why we are supporting your vibrant civil society in working with counterparts across this region. Because there is no reason why respect for human rights should stop at the border of any country.

Hand in hand, that is what development and democracy are about – the notion that certain values are universal. Prosperity without freedom is just another form of poverty. Because there are aspirations that human beings share – the liberty of knowing that your leader is accountable to you, and that you won’t be locked up for disagreeing with them; the opportunity to get an education and to work with dignity; the freedom to practice your faith without fear or restriction.

Religion is the final topic that I want to address today, and – like democracy and development – it is fundamental to the Indonesian story.

Like the other Asian nations that I am visiting on this trip, Indonesia is steeped in spirituality – a place where people worship God in many different ways. Along with this rich diversity, it is also home to the world’s largest Muslim population – a truth that I came to know as a boy when I heard the call to prayer across Jakarta.

Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith, Indonesia is defined by more than its Muslim population. But we also know that relations between the United States and Muslim communities have frayed over many years. As President, I have made it a priority to begin to repair these relations. As a part of that effort, I went to Cairo last June, and called for a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world – one that creates a path for us to move beyond our differences.

I said then, and I will repeat now, that no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust. But I believed then, and I believe today, that we do have a choice. We can choose to be defined by our differences, and give in to a future of suspicion and mistrust. Or we can choose to do the hard work of forging common ground, and commit ourselves to the steady pursuit of progress. And I can promise you – no matter what setbacks may come, the United States is committed to human progress. That is who we are. That is what we have done. That is what we will do.

We know well the issues that have caused tensions for many years – issues that I addressed in Cairo. In the 17 months that have passed we have made some progress, but much more work remains to be done.

Innocent civilians in America, Indonesia, and across the world are still targeted by violent extremists. I have made it clear that America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. Instead, all of us must defeat al Qaeda and its affiliates, who have no claim to be leaders of any religion – certainly not a great, world religion like Islam. But those who want to build must not cede ground to terrorists who seek to destroy. This is not a task for America alone. Indeed, here in Indonesia, you have made progress in rooting out terrorists and combating violent extremism.

In Afghanistan, we continue to work with a coalition of nations to build the capacity of the Afghan government to secure its future. Our shared interest is in building peace in a war-torn land – a peace that provides no safe-haven for violent extremists, and that provides hope for the Afghan people.

Meanwhile, we have made progress on one of our core commitments - our effort to end the war in Iraq. 100,000 American troops have left Iraq. Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their security. And we will continue to support Iraq as it forms an inclusive government and we bring all of our troops home.

In the Middle East, we have faced false starts and setbacks, but we have been persistent in our pursuit of peace. Israelis and Palestinians restarted direct talks, but enormous obstacles remain. There should be no illusions that peace and security will come easy. But let there be no doubt: we will spare no effort in working for the outcome that is just, and that is in the interest of all the parties involved: two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.

The stakes are high in resolving these issues, and the others I have spoken about today. For our world has grown smaller and while those forces that connect us have unleashed opportunity, they also empower those who seek to derail progress. One bomb in a marketplace can obliterate the bustle of daily commerce. One whispered rumor can obscure the truth, and set off violence between communities that once lived in peace. In an age of rapid change and colliding cultures, what we share as human beings can be lost.

But I believe that the history of both America and Indonesia gives us hope. It’s a story written into our national mottos. E pluribus unum – out of many, one. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – unity in diversity. We are two nations, which have travelled different paths. Yet our nations show that hundreds of millions who hold different beliefs can be united in freedom under one flag. And we are now building on that shared humanity – through the young people who will study in each other’s schools; through the entrepreneurs forging ties that can lead to prosperity; and through our embrace of fundamental democratic values and human aspirations.

Earlier today, I visited the Istiqlal mosque – a place of worship that was still under construction when I lived in Jakarta. I admired its soaring minaret, imposing dome, and welcoming space. But its name and history also speak to what makes Indonesia great. Istiqlal means independence, and its construction was in part a testament to the nation’s struggle for freedom. Moreover, this house of worship for many thousands of Muslims was designed by a Christian architect.

Such is Indonesia’s spirit. Such is the message of Indonesia’s inclusive philosophy, Pancasila. Across an archipelago that contains some of God’s most beautiful creations, islands rising above an ocean named for peace, people choose to worship God as they please. Islam flourishes, but so do other faiths. Development is strengthened by an emerging democracy. Ancient traditions endure, even as a rising power is on the move.

That is not to say that Indonesia is without imperfections. No country is. But here can be found the ability to bridge divides of race and region and religion – that ability to see yourself in all individuals. As a child of a different race coming from a distant country, I found this spirit in the greeting that I received upon moving here: Selamat Datang. As a Christian visiting a mosque on this visit, I found it in the words of a leader who was asked about my visit and said, “Muslims are also allowed in churches. We are all God’s followers.

That spark of the divine lies within each of us. We cannot give in to doubt or cynicism or despair. The stories of Indonesia and America tell us that history is on the side of human progress; that unity is more powerful than division; and that the people of this world can live together in peace. May our two nations work together, with faith and determination, to share these truths with all mankind.

Indonesians 2nd most confident people in the world

2010-07-01T20:55:00.002+07:00

From Jakarta Globe 30 June 2010.

Indonesians are the second-most confident people in the world about their job prospects and near-term financial futures, according to a global survey released on Tuesday by media and consumer research company AC Nielsen.

Indonesia rose a point to 116 in the consumer confidence index, second only to India’s 127 and just above Norway’s 115. About 70 percent of Indonesians polled described their job prospects as excellent or good, well above the 57 percent average for consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, and 77 percent of Indonesians said they were upbeat about their personal finances over the next 12 months. In addition, 46 percent said they believed now was a good or excellent time to buy things they want and need, an increase from 41 percent six months ago. “So optimism is growing and all things being equal, this should translate into spending,” said Catherine Eddy, Nielsen’s executive director of consumer research. And the money will be spent on things other than washing machines and vacuum cleaners.

The survey found that Indonesians plan to indulge themselves by spending more on vacations and new clothes, while the percentage of those using disposable income to pay down debts has slipped to 28 percent from 30 percent in the third quarter of last year. “It seems Indonesian consumers are gradually loosening their purse strings as we see increases in their intention to spend on what we might call indulgence categories,” Eddy said.

The Nielsen survey, conducted online in March, measured the views of 27,000 people in 55 countries in Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Middle East. In Indonesia, a total of 505 online users participated in the survey. Nielsen said the survey has a maximum margin of error of about 0.6 of a percentage point. Globally, Lithuania, Croatia, and Portugal were the most pessimistic nations. Taiwan recorded the biggest jump in consumer confidence, followed by Singapore and Israel. Crisis-struck Greece recorded the steepest decline. In Asia, the Philippines ranked third, Australia fourth and China fifth. About 65 percent of Chinese consumers said they were are optimistic about their job prospects, while 64 percent said their personal finances were good, but only 41 percent said this is a good time to buy the things they want and need. About 20 percent of Asia-Pacific consumers expressed concerns about the economy, 14 percent about the balance between life and work, and 11 percent about their health. Consumer confidence in many markets rebounded to pre-recession levels of late 2007 and early 2008. Over the past year, the number of global consumers who believe their nation is in recession dropped to 58 percent, compared with 77 percent a year ago.

While exceedingly confident, Indonesians also rated the economy as their second-biggest concern. That compares to consumers in Asia Pacific who put the economy as their chief worry. “Indonesians’ top priority is their work-and-life balance with 18 percent. The economy comes in at 17 percent, followed by children’s education at 14 percent, parents’ welfare and happiness at 13 percent,” Eddy said. More than half — about 55 percent — of Indonesians surveyed do not believe Indonesia is in a recession. “While, among those who do, 31 percent believe the situation will improve in the next 12 months,” Eddy said. This is lower than the Asia-Pacific average. As many as 65 percent of consumers in the region say their country is not in recession, increasing from 57 percent in the third quarter of 2009. However, Japanese and South Korean consumers seemed pessimistic, saying that their countries are in recession (77 percent and 76 percent, respectively).

The birthplace of civilization was in Indonesia?

2010-01-29T22:12:00.001+07:00

clipped from http://www.atlan.org/

Professor Arysio Santos is a Brazilian geologist who have a deep knowledge of mythology. Interesting combination that led him to argue that Plato's lost continent is Indonesia. The massive land that bursted down 180 m create an area we know now as South East Asia, separated from Australia and mainland China. Find out more at the website and Amazon.com.

Queue for anything

2010-01-18T08:35:00.001+07:00

Who says we, Indonesians are impatient people? We are willingly queueing for bread and cakes (In this picture, Singaporean bakery), 2 weeks to 3 months or worse for new car, more than 15 minutes for TransJakarta busway.

Apple premium cafe and shop

2010-01-14T20:02:00.004+07:00

This one in Plaza Semanggi. The other one is in Kemang.

Low cost, no frill hair cut

2010-01-08T12:37:00.000+07:00

They even use vacuum cleaner to clean your head instead of washing your hair. This barber has some shops in Jakarta. Rp 25,000 (US $ 2.5) get your hair shortened, just don't expect any fancy cut.

Garuda Indonesia new 4 star ranking from SkyTrax

2010-01-07T14:24:00.002+07:00

clipped from http://www.airlinequality.com/Airlines/GA.htm

Garuda Indonesia product service quality Star Ranking analysis Skytrax Garuda Indonesia

Official Star Ranking
LONG HAUL
Business Class
Economy Class

SHORT HAUL
Business Class
Economy Class
Airline Star Ranking formula
What each Star Ranking level represents

Jakarta in 2010, the view from Grand Indonesia

2010-01-04T15:25:00.001+07:00

A chinese treat

2009-12-14T15:34:00.002+07:00

Patrons at Mandala restaurant enjoying delicious Indonesian Chinese dishes at Santa area, South Jakarta. This small establishment has loyal patrons and diners stand patiently waiting their turn to get a table.

Coco before Chanel

2009-12-02T16:04:00.001+07:00

The movie I look forward to in the Jakarta international film festival starting this week.

clipped from 2008.jiffest.org

In this film, we can witness the early years of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (Audrey Tautou - Amelie, The DaVinci Code), the woman who turned fashion inside out by creating clothes for women that allowed for movement and freedom. From her orphanage years right until her early empire days, the film exemplifies the agony and struggle of the most important person in fashion history.

Dede Suryana, a champion surfer in documentary movie

2009-05-29T19:14:00.001+07:00

A movie by Dave Arnold and Tyrone Lebon. They also have the site www.chasingwaves.com.

clipped from www.youtube.com

Anggun version Francaise of the song " Crazy"

2009-04-30T22:24:00.001+07:00

Enjoy!

clipped from www.youtube.com

Jakarta during earth hour 28 March 2009

2009-04-06T12:17:00.001+07:00

clipped from www.boston.com

16
Photographs taken before and after the lights at the main roundabout at the main business district are turned off during Earth Hour in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, March 28, 2009. [click image to see it fade] (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) #

Jakarta before and after earth hour 28 March 2009

2009-04-06T12:07:00.002+07:00

clipped from www.boston.com

Java jazz, one of the biggest jazz festival in the world

2009-03-10T19:36:00.002+07:00

This year festival features Jason Mraz, Swing out sister, Brian McKnight, Matt Bianco, New York voice, Dianne Reeves, Quasimode from Japan amongst the many international stars coming in Jakarta this long weekend of 6, 7, 8 March 2009.

I went only on the second day of this great festival because of flu and all.

It's getting popular and feels like there's more crowd. The organiser is thinking to relocate for next year.

www.javajazzfestival.com

clipped from www.thejakartapost.com

Four-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Dianne Reeves belts out the tunes at the JCC’s Assembly Hall 3 on Friday. She released her latest album, When You Know, last year. JP/J. Adiguna

A long weekend beckons, and it is such a great coincidence that the annual Java Jazz Festival is coming around at the same time. This year’s event offers a rich lineup, with more than 180 performances involving more than 1,000 local and overseas musicians on 19 different stages.

This year’s festival features collaborations between local and overseas musicians, such as that between Jason Mraz, 2005 Indonesian Idol winner Mike Mohede and indie jazz singer Dira.

White shoes and the couples company in USA tour

2008-12-22T20:05:00.002+07:00

One of my favorite Indonesian bands. Voted 25 best bands in MySpace by rollingstone.com.

clipped from www.thejakartapost.com

Accolades from respected music websites including All Music Guide and Rollingstone.com led to the Jakarta indie-pop sextet releasing their self-titled debut in the U.S. late 2007 under prestigious Minty Fresh Records. Since then, the band made its maiden voyage to the United States last March to perform at South by Southwest, a music festival in Austin, Texas known as a breeding ground for up-and-coming acts.

In late October, the group returned to the U.S. for an invitational performance at the New York-based CMJ, another music festival known for showcasing fresh talent from around the globe.

Buddha bar opens in Jakarta

2008-12-12T19:01:00.008+07:00

I went to the newly opened Buddha bar last wednesday evening. It was packed (on a weekday). Got gin tonic at the bar and wandering around at the second floor restaurant, moved to the terrace outside overlooking the garden and the fountain outside. The club/restaurant is housed in the Dutch colonial building. It was the centre of cultural life back then before turned into an immigration office in the past years.

The interior is elegant. The music is nice (although weird because they played Culture Club, Kenny Logins, Gloria Gaynor etc that night). Is Wednesday an 80's music nite?

Didn't try the restaurant. I suspect it tasteless and expensive. Anyway, I don't think you go to this place for the food.

Want to have ago at this decadence? Just head to Jalan Teuku Umar 1, Jakarta Pusat.

clipped from http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/10/26/chilling-out-with-buddha.html

Jakarta international film festival begins.

2008-12-07T02:04:00.004+07:00

Here is the Brazilian award winning film I'd like to see: Tropa de elite / Elite Squad. The festival will last only 5 days this year from 5 to 9 December 2008.

clipped from 2008.jiffest.org

In 1997, before the visit of the Pope to Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento from an elite squad to combat drug deals is assigned to eliminate the risks of the drug dealers in a dangerous slum nearby. He is trying to find a man to replace him, and narrows down his choices to new recruits, Neto and Matias. They join the squad after backing out from the corrupted, incompetence and stupid bureaucracy of the military police. Without their knowledge, the squad and its operations challenge these guys views to their cores.

Birthday in Indonesia

2008-11-26T20:28:00.006+07:00

My nephew birthday party. Instead of having a birthday cake, we had

"tumpengan", traditional Javanese rice mountain.

Indonesia: Anthony Bourdain's end of the road?

2008-07-06T02:15:00.002+07:00

Interesting episode of "No reservation" where New York chef Anthony Bourdain ponders whether he's done with his television career and perhaps be better off living in Indonesia, a country he falls in love with.

He gets it now why most of us never leave.....

clipped from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFF3MfrN93U

West Sumatra: Sikuai island part 2 and Harau valley

2008-05-14T22:28:00.001+07:00

As promised, more pictures of Sikuai and Harau valley.

The top 2 pictures (and also at the head of my blog ) are those of Harau, the biggest and highest rock climbing valley in Asia. The house that you see is actually one of the many bungalows of Echo homestay. Call ahead at (62 752) 775 03 06 if you're interested to stay there as it is often full. The bungalows are well equipped and surrounded by beautiful scenery of the valley. Here, And if you howl your heart out loud, the sound will come several time , therefore the echo...

Meanwhile, Sikuai island can be reached half an hour from Padang. Pristine, powder-sand beach with see-through sea water beckon you. If you want to visit Sikuai island, call this local guy named Jack (62 752 6141) He can arrange travel around west sumatra including Sikuai island and finds you the best rate. He actually owns a cosy "Bagus cafe" at lake Maninjau which serves probably the best western food in Sumatra (He lived in Alaska once). The cafe also provides internet, DVD movie and transportation. If Jack loves you, he may close the cafe and show you around for several days!

Batik from Madura

2008-04-30T23:11:00.001+07:00

The island of Madura is located east of Java. It is where salt and corn are produced, where the relatives of the Javanese royalty live in the Sumenep Kraton or palace and best of all where the colorful, vibrant and brave batik print fabric is made.

Unlike it's counterpart in Java, the Madurese have more daring experiment with pattern and color. They absorb the best influence from Arab and Chinese traders and there you have it. And the saying on the street is even the poorest batik producer won't use cheap coloring. They use high quality indigo or purple mix. And there you have it, simply exquisite batik.

My cousin sent me these beautiful pictures. In Jakarta it was rare and difficult to find Madurese batik, it explains why it is so expensive. If you're lucky to meet someone who sell them or find them at the stores, expect to pay Rp 300,000 (US $ 30) for the lowest quality of fabric.

Sikuai island

2008-04-13T17:52:00.000+07:00

I have loads of questions from people asking me about Sikuai island in West Sumatra. Most people ask me how to get there. What's the accommodation like?

Also apparently there are pictures in the internet claiming to be Sikuai island. I have seen these pictures. They are not taken from Sikuai island.

Here I attach some pictures. More coming in.

Adidas with Batik

2008-03-30T23:36:00.001+07:00

I know this is last winter collection, however I just put it here to ask if anybody got the sneaker since only 1000 pairs made?

clipped from www.freshnessmag.com

"Verses of love" behind the scene

2008-03-11T21:09:00.001+07:00

Hanung Bramantyo, the film director of "Ayat-ayat cinta" wrote an interesting post of the challenges, frustration and difficulties in shooting this movie.

I find it eye-opening, sometimes hilarious.

Amongst others:

- At some point, the producers (Of Indian descent) want to make it more pop, more youthful, meaning more "Kuch kuch Hota Hai"

- Ryanti Catwright playing Aisha, has to juggle her job as MTV VJ and her being deported. (She has UK passport)

- Thinking that Jodhpur in India is an isolated location, not a popular tourist destination (C'mon Hanung, you should have known better!), the crew had to ride a (mini) bus for the 24 hours travel time from Mumbai instead of a plane tickets.

Find it here at his blog (In Indonesian only):

http://dearestmask.blogs.friendster.com/my_blog/2007/11/kisah_di_balik_.html

clipped from ruangfilm.com

Love in the moslem world

2008-03-04T20:27:00.002+07:00

Based on best-selling novel of the same title, "Ayat-ayat Cinta" or "Verses of love" tells the story of an Indonesian student, Fary, studying at the prestigious Al Azhar university in Cairo. Shy and inarticulate around women, he finds himself surrounded by all the women who falls for him. Amongst love, religion and cultural differences, will he finally find happiness?

I find the movie delivers best adaptation of this page-turning novel by Indonesian Habiburrahman El Shirazi, himself, an alumnus of the Al Azhar university.

Below is the trailer.

clipped from www.youtube.com

Daihatsu Gran Max exported to Japan

2008-02-23T18:27:00.001+07:00

clipped from duniamobil.net

PT Astra Daihatsu Motor (ADM) has signed a deal with Toyota Motor Corp. to supply 18,000 minibuses and pickups a year to Japan.

The 1,500-cc car will use the Toyota brand in Japan -- Toyota Lite Ace for pickup and Toyota Town Ace for the minibus version.

The premiumisation of everything

2008-02-22T21:11:00.000+07:00

The trend is happening here too. Shown here is the food hall at the Pacific Place, Jakarta central business district. The mall is connected to the Ritz Carlton.

14 days to Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival

2008-02-22T20:55:00.000+07:00

Got my early bird tickets already. I might buy another ticket for James Ingram show.

clipped from www.javajazzfestival.com

Food review: Dapur Solo

2008-02-16T21:38:00.009+07:00

Dapur Solo is a little cafe in Jalan Sungai Sambas, South Jakarta. It serves Javanese /Solo fare.

Herewith some of the food we tried.

We had Pindang bandeng, milk fish in a brown kluwek pangi / pengium edule soup with red chilies thrown in to give color and flavor. This is for me an interesting variation of pindang as it uses black nut as the base of the soup.

My friends ordered lontong solo, rice cake in saffron and coconut milk soup. Slice of chicken, crackers, fried shallot and nuts are thrown in on top .

Nasi campur here comes in a big plate with fried chicken, spicy potato and liver, shredded meat sliced egg and spicy hot crackers.

For dessert, we tried Es Oyen, selection of fruit: avocado, jack fruit, jelly, cendol jelly with sweet condensed milk to give it well rounded fruit ice taste.

Overall it is an interesting little cafe but I think they can do better on the taste and service. The standard Sambal condiment usually present for this kind of food was missing from our table so it is probably why it doesn't really go well with my taste buds. It finally arrived after we requested it but it was probably too late.

With loads of competitions from other Indonesian cuisine restaurant, Dapur Solo can, I believe, make a name for itself. They already have interesting menu but they should improve on the food and the service.

Nyonya Endang is still my preferred choice exactly for those two qualities. (review coming soon).

27 days to Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival

2008-02-09T01:21:00.001+07:00

clipped from www.javajazzfestival.com

7, 8, 9 March 2008 (Long weekend here in Indonesia) at the Jakarta Convention Center.

Featuring amongst others: Incognito, James Ingram, Earth Wind and Fire, Baby Face, Matt Bianco.

I'm looking forward to see Manhattan Transfer!

Best of 2007

2008-02-08T09:32:00.000+07:00

Presenting the best of 2007 as voted by the readers of Free magazine. I just took some of the categories and added my comments.

Best bookstore: Aksara
Aksara is a meeting point, a fantastic indie record store and a bookstore with carefully selected collection. Their main location is in Kemang just underneath Casa.

Best crowd: Dragon Fly
Here is the place to see beautiful faces in Jakarta.

Best pre party hang out and best wine retreat
2 awards for Cork and Screw
Their location in Kuningan is attractive enough to separate it from traffic congested Kemang area. Actually I dare say Vin + in Kemang has bigger selection and competitively priced.

Best music festival: Java Jazz
My choice as well. Who can compete with a jazz festival featuring Chaka Khan, Level 42, Lisa Ono etc. Nobody in Asia can!

Best local album: Maliq & d'essentials
This is their second album showing their maturity. I still prefer their first one though.

Best bar: Public
Ok I have to admit, I haven't been to this place since they are still called Manna house.

Best urban art event: OK video
Held in Galeri Nasional Indonesia this show featuring exhibition and workshop.

Best club: X2
Yeah! This club rocks! I've seen Malaysians and Singaporeans fly on Friday night to Jakarta just to visit this place.

Best coctails: Casa
I've tasted their white chocolate martini. It's not bad at all, I wouldn't say the best.....

Best lounge: Blowfish
In case you lose track, they move to Wisma Mulia, ground floor, Jalan Gatot Subroto.

Best music concert: Black eye peas
I thought they would pick Beyonce or Muse Jakarta concert...but the concert hall is apparently better in this show than in Beyonce's Mangga dua concert

Best cinema house: Blitz megaplex
Totally! Blitz changes my life. Non mainstream movies from various countries means movie festival every week. It has concert hall, resto, lounge, game parlour, music download, it totally changes your cinema experince.

Best local dance club: Dawai damai by Algriculture
Ok, apparently this is not trance, progressive or house. It's more electro clash....whatever that means.

Bjork world tour concert 2008 in Jakarta

2008-02-03T10:38:00.000+07:00

Jakarta is the only city in South East Asia in her "Volta" world tour 2008 this upcoming 12 February 2008.

Just hope that tropical rain and flood won't deter her!

Ticket price:

Tribune Rp 500,000 / US $ 53

Festival Rp 600,000 / US $ 65

clipped from freemagz.com

The fall by Tarsem Singh

2008-02-02T23:00:00.001+07:00

Having missed it at the Jakarta International Film Festival, I finally saw the movie at Blitz, Grand Indonesia.

Rich visual experience. Engaging plot and brilliant performances (By mostly unknown actors!). I am especially impressed by Cantinca Untaru who plays the little girl.

Shot in location in Egypt, India, Turkey, Italy and Bali amongst others.

Tarsem is an Indian director with video clip reputation and in fact he won MTV best video of the year for REM's Losing My Religion.

The plot:

In a hospital a little girl with a broken collar bone meets a bedridden man who starts telling her a fantastical epic story which reflects his state of mind. As time goes by fiction and reality start to intertwine.

Go see it yourself before it's too late. It is not a movie to watch from DVD. The visual itself is worth queuing at Blitz for that big, cinema experience.

Below is the trailer.

clipped from www.youtube.com

What Indonesians miss most from the Suharto era

2008-01-27T23:47:00.000+07:00

Remember Goodbye Lenin, the movie that makes former East German citizens look back with nostalgia?

Here is the Indonesian version of the good ol' days under Suharto, especially the period when Ibu Tien was still around.

- Extremists, fundamentalists, radicals were kept at the gate. Terrorists were not put on trial. They simply.....disappeared.

-No government officials allowed to have a second wife, well at least not legally. Apparently as the suggestion of the First Lady herself.

-The successful Keluarga Berencana family planning program and the ubiquitous Posyandu and Puskesmas health clinics especially for mothers and babies. Again the credit goes to Ibu Tien.

- Low crime rate

-Low tuition for best students including those from the Chinese ethnic

-Affordable basic staple, good availability and distribution

-One TV channel only. Everyone knows what program you're talking about. Rich or poor you have to watch the much engaging Unyil puppet show, the well-written Marlia Hardy family drama and military parade mixed with music, song and dance only Aneka Ria Nusantara knows how. Hollywood supplied us with Little House on the prairie, Hunter, Starsky and Hutch.

-This is my favourite. Since the bad news are all censored, we always feel good about ourselves!

clipped from www.waidev2.com

Pak Harto meninggal hari ini. Suharto passed away today

2008-01-27T22:40:00.001+07:00

The government has announced a week of mourning.

clipped from news.bbc.co.uk

Obama school days in Jakarta

2008-01-24T23:25:00.000+07:00

Barack Obama, the US Democratic presidential hopeful, attended two schools in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, in the late 60s.

Al Jazeera's Dan Nolan reports from Jakarta on Obama's school days.

And no, it is not an islamic madrasa as some suggested. It is just a regular government school.

And by the way, despite being the largest muslim country in the world, radical muslim movement has never been a strong part of Indonesia.

clipped from www.youtube.com

Automotive growth in Indonesia

2008-01-21T22:48:00.000+07:00

Nissan Livina is finally here. The cute version of Grand Livina has been launched in Jakarta. I was going to my Celebrity fitness gym at E.X. when I saw the exhibition.

Nice and great value for money. The automatic version costs Rp 148 millions (US $ 15,500)

This 2008, sales of cars is expected to reach 500,000 units

Here is the figure for the previous years:

2007: 434,449 units
2006: 318,910 units
2005: 533, 922 units

I am an avid driver myself but every time I go to Plaza Indonesia during lunch time I prefer taking the Trans Jakarta bus way.

Can't wait for the monorail to operate.

Javanese erotica: the mysterious Sukuh temple

2008-01-16T22:21:00.000+07:00

I went to Solo (Surakarta), Central Java with a good friend of mine, Yuwono. He brought me along to visit this striking and little known temple Candi Sukuh on the slope of Lawu mountain, about 30 kms east of Solo.

The temple looks more like a South American Indian rather than a Javanese 15th century candi.

It has no relation to Buddhist or Hindu style, that's what makes it mysterious.

Who built this monument and for what purpose?

The statues and ornaments are erotic in style. This is supposed to be a fertility temple, built for those who want to get offspring.

Also people talk about this temple as a place to test your fidelity. Wear sarong and enter the yard. If your sarong tore, your infidelity is proven.

Unfortunately or rather fortunately? we didn't have any sarong to wear that day.

Food review: Crab, glorius crab

2008-01-13T21:01:00.000+07:00

If you're visiting Cirebon on a road trip, travel 10 kms more toward the east. Then you'll find a small town with the name of Comal.

Towards Comal, you will find loads of signs of this wonderful Restoran Kepiting Prima, Prima crab restaurant.

The photo here might not be the best food picture at all but the crab is heavenly.

On the left is my favourite kepiting pedas, spicy hot crab. In the middle is morning glory with terasi seafood seasoning. On the right is crab with sweet and thick nut sauce which tastes like rendang without the coconut milk. The food was so good, my mom and I were practically battling each other.

The setting here is little gazebos where you sit down leg crossed on the tikar mat. Call the staff and order the food at one go because it will take long time for them to come back with your second order. Last time I was there, it was actually very hectic since it was Lebaran Eid Al Fitr holiday. I expect on a regular day, it would be much leisurely.

And oh yeah, we spent less than Rp90,000 for the meal including 2 plates of rice, hot tea and fruit juice.

I will come back.

Best movie I've seen at Jakarta International Film Festival

2008-01-08T23:05:00.000+07:00

Last December I managed to watch Persepolis, Elizabeth the golden age, and 2 days in Paris at the JIFFEST.

I wanted to see more but couldn't because I had to go out of town for a meeting.

In 2006, JIFFEST attracted 63,000 enthusiasts with the funding of US$500,000. In comparison, the Bangkok Film Festival cost US$5 million and attracted only 23,000 people. 2007 is Jiffest most successful year make it the biggest and most successful film festival in South East Asia.

As luck would have it, my client sponsored the festival and on the opening night, I was a selected few to watch Persepolis which already sold out in Jiffest regular screening.

Persepolis is a biography written by Marjane Satrapi initially in the form of a graphic novel (comics). This movie gives me an insight into growing up during Iran revolution in 1979.

The animation is innocent and naive but the story is poignant, emotional and sometimes even funny.

It is easily the best film I've seen in 2007.

Now that I've seen the movie, I want to read the comics!

Lego city, Asian record broken

2008-01-07T22:48:00.000+07:00

I'm not usually impressed by new record of this and that. But recent Lego city built in Senayan City (Sen-C) mall is really interesting.

Made from more than 300,000 pieces of Lego, it measures 11.49 square meters, by 20 Indonesian Lego Club collectors.

The Lego city features a number of Indonesian landmarks, such as the National Monument and Serpong Train Station in Tangerang and also Indonesian unique character such as bajaj three wheeler and ancient temple.

The Lego city recently displayed in Hong Kong was only half of this in size.

Great job, well done!

Food review: Soto Padang

2008-01-07T22:44:00.000+07:00

One of the many version of soto (Light broth soup containing beef or chicken)in Indonesia. This one is from West Sumatra containing rice noodle, fried meat bits, perkedel spicy mashed potato and cracker on top. Eaten with hot steam rice and spicy sambal condiment. Nyam nyam!

Although called Padang meat soup, I ate this in Bukittinggi at restaurant which ironically is from a chain resto in Jakarta, Restoran Sederhana.

Price Rp 6000

I tried the same thing at resto Sederhana in Jakarta. But it's not as good. Perhaps because it's not popular in Jakarta so it's not fresh. The veggie is overcooked here. Or there is too much rice noodle.

Will come back anytime to Bukittinggi just for this.

What's next for Hady Mirza?

2008-01-03T23:47:00.000+07:00

He is the winner of the first Asian idol held in Jakarta last December despite his not best performance. (Taylor Hicks was performing that night, by the way).

He has beat my Indonesian idol Mike Mohede and my other favourite singer the charming Phuong Vy ( Which regrettably hasn't made her first album, I found out from Ho Chi Minh city recently)

His album which has English songs and 2 Malay song went platinum in Singapore which means it sold more than .....16,000 copies.

The music industry says he has to go to the Malay market in Malaysia which is battling Indonesian acts.

So I say why not go here in Indonesia directly and record with Indonesian artists. He should be challenged to make it here where there's huge growth of talents.

Personally I like his voice which is ok. But his strength, is his good look and charming personality.

After all there are millions of young Indonesian girls who will make sure his record won't just stop at 16,000 figure.

Elizabeth Gilbert, my new favourite author

2008-01-03T23:05:00.000+07:00

When I was on holiday in West Sumatra, I brought along this book EAT PRAY LOVE which I had planned to read but only then had the time. I had asked my sister to bring me this book as oleh-oleh, memento from Singapore. There is already Bahasa Indonesia translation but that edition is heavier and bigger for travelling so I settled for the English paperback version.

I don't know why, but the first five chapters didn't amuse me at all. (EAT part in Italy) Maybe because it talks about her depression, divorcing her husband etc. Maybe because nobody likes to read depressive notes. Her relentless rants, her showing off by praying in Sankrit etc. But after that, I really enjoyed her observation of Italy and the people. It doesn't read like a cliche American observation of a culture which I had suspected earlier. In fact, it is quite hilarious the way she depicts Italian football fans screaming in a match. And her Italian friend by the name of Luca Spaghetti. (No kidding here).

In Bali (LOVE part) she found another guru after India by the name of Ketut Liyer with a comical personality. Helped a Balinese woman buy a house (A hysterically funny episode) and met a Brazilian guy named Felipe.

Overall, it is entertaining, full of wit, inteligence and also with enough self deprecation. Caveat emptor: If you expect the usual travel observation then you'll be disappointed. This is more like a journey inside that's also matters.

Curiously, the countries she visited are all the places I hold dear in my heart: Italy, India, Indonesia.

I have yet to finish the book. I skipped over to the part 3 Indonesia/Bali. Now I am going to read part 2: India.

Gramedia Matraman, biggest book store in South East Asia

2008-01-02T14:38:00.000+07:00

This is what happens when you're in the city for the new year and there's nothing else to do because you're just came back from holiday,the office is still close etc except maybe go to the gym, spa, or shopping...

Fortunately, as this has always been my reason, my money was well spent on books.

I went to Gramedia book store Matraman in East Jakarta on the second day of their 30% off week. It was officially reopened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the previous day. It boasts 7,097 square meters and some 130,379 titles in its collection.

Busy crowd but not so big that you can still browse the books easily. I intentionally parked my car across the street rather than going around looking for parking lot.

Honestly nowadays I see more interesting titles in bahasa Indonesia from Indonesian writers or translation of foreign authors. I don't know why but English language bookstores here don't have interestings title anymore, I feel. Except perhaps Aksara (Though I'm not really an artsy type) or Periplus which has interesting Asian and Indonesian coffee table collections. So I often buy my English books when I'm abroad or order them from Amazon.

Anyway, some titles I have bought at Gramedia that day: Buddha manga by legendary Osamu tezuka, Type AB diet, Tricks and tips for Microsoft Excel, La Tahzan (The middle east version of Dale Carnegie books) new edition with thicker paper and cover.

For my sisters: Nice girls don't have the corner office, Nice girls don't get rich.

For my litle niece: 2 books of learning how to read.

For my mom: recipe books of Manadonese and Chinese food, Indonesian soto and soup, etc. I didn't buy anything for my father because I had bought him loads of Islamic books lately.

From this experience I learned that children and recipe books are expensive. Must be because of the glossy page and nice photography.

Anyway, with 30% discount, I ended up paying Rp700,000 in Gramedia! Rubi spent about Rp400,000 for English edition of Harry Potter, several manga books, one marketing title and one microsoft Excel book. Well, there you go. Money well spent. You cannot really value a good read, I suppose... (SIGH)

New year 2008 in Jakarta

2008-01-01T13:38:00.000+07:00

This year, on the new year eve, I stayed in Jakarta after a week holiday in West Sumatra visiting Sikuai island, Harau valley, Maninjau lake and Bukittinggi.

We had a simple dinner at my sister's Sudirman Park apartment, with both my parents and my 2 sisters. It was raining hard. Nobody swam at the swimming pool below us.

My parents had left when the countdown started. On TV, the sky above the Monas, National Monument in Jakarta was ablazed with 10,000 fireworks which lasted for about 30 minutes. Rp 200 millions was reported spent on those fireworks. There were, apparently 3 major locations for the celebrations: the National Monument in Central Jakarta; Ancol Amusement Park in North Jakarta; and Taman Mini Indonesia Park in East Jakarta.

From 12th floor of the apartment we could also see the fireworks from various locations of Jakarta. I got out of the apartment and looked out from the window of the corridor, there, the view of Shangrila hotel. It was weird because the people in the hotel rooms were also looking out from their window trying to see the celebration across the city. After the count down, we opened the Australian Shiraz wine I bought at Vin + in Kemang. It was great, especially after the disappointing Argentinian Merlot I had tasted on Friday. Anyway, I continued reading my Buddha comics and hit the bed around 2 am.

Image: Jakarta Post, J. Adiguna