Frese
Pandjaitan
In July 2022, the Investment Coordinating Board Ministry said that the contribution of foreign investment into PMA structures in the second quarter of 2022 reached Rp163.2 trillion, an increase of 39.7 percent compared to the same period in 2021. Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the contribution of foreign investment was the highest compared to the previous quarters.
Even at a time when the global economy is fragile, the Indonesian government is pulling all strings to attract more foreign investment into the country. For example, now VoA can be used for business activities as an effort to ease foreign investors visits.
This October, Indonesia Expat covers Investment and Finance. Prolific individuals share their stories on how they invest and their outlooks on digital finance. Furthermore, we include topics on foreign investment, housing, and vacation ventures while you’re here in Indonesia!
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due to constantly listening to his mother’s advice, no matter how simple and trivial it is. He brought his mother with him wherever he went, confiding in her to get her blessing. It is not just a tribute to his mother. Rather, Basko really understands how to put the Prophet Muhammad’s teaching into practice, “Heaven lies under the feet of your mother”.
Every time he encounters a hard and critical point in his day-to-day business, his mother’s view pumps him up for the challenge. His mother turns out to be his veritable reservoir of inspiration. Basko offers similar wisdom to his own children: “If you aspire to gain the upper hand in business, respect your mother and have her be your first trailblazing encouragement.”
Third, hometown investment is about much more than dedication. For many, investment and profitability stand hand-in-hand and run in a cause-and-effect perspective. Investing is an effective way to put your money to work and potentially build wealth. However, Basko believes that a superior return on investment should not detach someone from his or her origin and history. That’s why, in spite of his massive range of businesses in Riau and Jakarta, Basko still pays attention to his hometown, especially Padang.
Basrizal Koto is an invigorating Indonesian entrepreneur.
Known as Basko; he is a native of Pariaman, West Sumatra. Basko is considered to be Crazy Rich from Padang – venturing into coal, media, printing, livestock, and property. Much to everybody's surprise, the very rich entrepreneur with a super luxurious lifestyle came from a penniless childhood background.
Being an impecunious boy living in a very poor family in his village, Basko decided to relocate to Pekanbaru to seek his fortune. Though he was a school dropout, Basko excelled in communication, allowing him to get a job easily. His first job was as a public transport attendant (kernet) since he was only a school dropout. Fighting tooth and nail to pay rent, Basko tried his luck doing other jobs, like driving, tailoring clothes, and even selling petai. At a young age, he became a street vendor until he ended up selling motorcycles when he turned 17.
He established and expanded his own companies under the umbrella of MCB Group for years, and thanks to Atta Halilintar’s YouTube channel, we now know all about how this “goddamn hillbilly” has a luxurious and spacious house with a modern
design. In addition to the swimming pool, it has a beautiful garden. His luxury is also evident in his distinctive fashion style with sunglasses and Richard Mille’s watch worth Rp2 billion (US$134,067).
When asked for investing tips, Basko simply asserts normal things, like avoiding individual stocks if you're a beginner, eluding short-term trading, and creating a diversified portfolio. He further reminds us that there is no harm in trying, so being picky about jobs should be shunned. When revealing his success story from scratch, however, Basko waxes enthusiastic instead. On many occasions, he often says that what stands out from his story of a long journey from a painful lesson to a sweet outcome rests on three key matters.
First, be a morning person. Basko never sleeps after Fajr’ prayer. Sticking to his mother’s advice, sustenance is around before the sun rises. He sets himself in motion after dawn. He reckons that fortune never sleeps, that is why we should seek it out as early as possible, without delay. Back in the day when he was a tailor in Padang, Basko always opened his shop much earlier than any other tailor shop. It led him to not just get more clients but also to leverage his network. To
Basko, early timing is tantamount to wider social networking and investment.
He transforms his morning routine into corporate management. Basko exercises random control over his companies’ managers by phone. Like it or not, they are all waiting for this morning call on weekdays. He admits that this incredible morning approach has increased human resource productivity. The way he beats the sunrise is central to the companies’ crucial decision-making later.
Second, his love for his mother is a blessing. Basko credits his investing or doing business
In the 1990s, he returned to Padang and developed his hometown by distributing 400 jitneys as public transport in the city. Two years later, he ventured to build the first mall in the city, known as Minang Plaza. Many spurned him as insane at that time. Due to severe damage caused by a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred on 30th September 2009 in Padang, Basko renovated the mall and built a hotel next to it, naming them Basko Hotel and Basko Grand Mall, standing side by side. He also acquired West Sumatra’s first media company, Haluan – established in 1948 –for historical reasons, which has expanded into three companies; Haluan (for West Sumatra), Haluan Riau, and Haluan Kepri. Basko, 62, has retired now and entrusted his companies to his children. Now, he has been spending much of his time playing golf in his “Crazy Rich” circles, collecting luxury motorbikes and cars, and having fun with his grandchildren. He has joined the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Club. His collections of lavish motorcycles and cars are neatly lined up in his garage, namely a Mini Cooper, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Jeep Rubicon. With his abundant wealth, Basko is basking in the result of his hard work and learning from failure. He is reaping the rewards of success.
The writer is a lecturer at the Faculty of Humanities, Andalas University
If you aspire to gain the upper hand in business, respect your mother and have her be your first trailblazing encouragement.
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I enjoy being part of the community of educators which supports and helps others to grow and broaden their understanding of the world,” enthused
ACG School Jakarta Principal Myles d’Airelle, during a chat with Indonesia Expat about his new role and his return to Indonesia.
Myles, you have a wealth of educational experience working at top independent schools in Ukraine, Germany, and more recently, China. What are you most looking forward to at ACG School Jakarta?
After such a long period of online learning, having everyone on campus is invigorating. It’s been great to welcome students back and I'm looking to bring a truly global outlook to the community. I want to strengthen the sense of belonging across the school so students always feel welcome and alumni want to come back and visit.
Furthermore, having helped students apply to top ten universities in the past, I’m excited to continue this at the school. Supporting students in their future choices is essential, including finding their best-fit university destinations. I’m also keen to develop the entrepreneurial spirit of our students so they are prepared to transition into the world after ACG.
Briefly tell us about ACG School Jakarta.
ACG School Jakarta is a vibrant, valuesdriven school which focusses on the whole child. Our holistic approach delivers
excellence in academic achievement while supporting students’ physical, social, and emotional development to ensure they maximise their potential.
Plus, as a member of Inspired, one of the world’s leading groups of premium independent schools, we are part of a dynamic community that unlocks international opportunities and experiences for our students.
Please complete this sentence: At ACG School Jakarta, students will be… Global in outlook, local in action, entrepreneurial in nature, and compassionate in outreach.
With your strong International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum background, how are you planning to further elevate the IB Diploma Programme at ACG?
It’s all about preparation. The diploma course is challenging and combines rigorous academics with core elements and experiences. Our goal is to ensure students develop strong study skills and the ability to balance and prioritise these various areas before they enter the programme. This ensures they are in the best possible position to succeed.
In your view, why should a parent opt for the IB Diploma?
The diploma gives every student a broad education and the chance to excel in areas of strength. It allows them to experience
university-style learning while still having the support of familiar faces. Research shows that IBDP graduates tend to perform better at university and are more likely to complete their studies than peers who didn’t follow the programme. The level of education students receive in a strong IB school like ACG School Jakarta stands them in good stead as they transition into university.
You were a maths and science teacher in the past. Do you miss teaching?
I definitely enjoyed my time teaching maths and science. Seeing the ‘lightbulb’ moment of realisation on students’ faces was extremely rewarding and it's amazing to see the remarkable things they can and will accomplish. Many former students still contact me with updates on new projects or jobs.
Although I no longer teach, I still play an important role in student development through the ongoing support and continuing school growth I oversee.
Myles, what’s next for you and ACG School Jakarta?
I’m very excited about a new initiative involving reaching out to the wider community to broaden our students’ learning experiences. I can’t say too much now, but this project features opportunities that will help students with their future choices.
Share with us your thoughts on expat life in Jakarta. As a British native, being an expat in Jakarta is wonderful. I’ve only been in the city for a short time but I previously spent nine years working in Indonesia and I’ve enjoyed seeing the changes the city has undergone since I was last here. Jakarta is one of the easiest cities in Southeast Asia to get to know other expats and the friendly local people, making it a very engaging place to live.
Describe yourself in five words. Humorous, empathic, well-travelled, competitive, and resilient.
How can our readers get in touch with you and ACG School Jakarta?
Along with a great deal more information on our school, all of our contact details are listed on our website. So please visit us at jakarta.acgedu.com
We look forward to hearing from you!
The level of education students receive in a strong IB school like ACG School Jakarta stands them in good stead as they transition into university.
Andrew Paterson, Director of Schools at SIS, and Ryan Krause, Head of Teacher at SIS South Jakarta, share the importance of accounting for the various backgrounds of students and faculty at SIS South Jakarta in an enriching school environment.
Hi Andrew and Ryan! Please introduce yourselves.
AP: Hi! I'm Andrew, Australian, and I’ve been a part of the SIS team for eight years. I’m currently the group’s Director of Schools based at our South Jakarta campus.
RK: I’m Ryan from South Africa. I was the head of the SIS campus in Medan for two years and I’m now the Head of the South Jakarta campus in Lebak Bulus.
Tell us more about SIS Schools.
AP: The group has seven schools throughout Indonesia, three overseas, and more on the way. Our roots come from Singapore but now our faculty and students are very multinational – now with more than half of our students in South Jakarta are from Indonesia and a very large number are from mixed culture families.
RK: I think what stands out about SIS is that while our curriculum is international with a focus on preparing students for overseas universities and scholarships in a full English immersion environment, we cater to students with varying levels of past exposure to the English language. SIS has a strong emphasis on traditional values - including respect for those who come from a variety of religious backgrounds, which is not commonly the case with other international schools. Our unique Active Learning approaches put students at the centre of the learning process, which leads to students making meaningful connections with the curriculum and increased retention through hands-on, real-world linked activities.
SIS adheres to an international curriculum. What do students learn and what activities do they engage in?
AP: We use curriculum from Singapore, Cambridge, and the IB Diploma while also meeting all government requirements for Indonesian students and Indonesian universities. We are proud of our long history of student results of the highest standard. We believe in building a strong foundation that caters for both native speakers of English and those who only ever use English while actually at school.
RK: One of our particular areas of focus is technology. We want to make sure our students are not left behind as the world changes and so we have a fully integrated robotics and coding program and the emerging use of virtual reality headsets and 3D printing. Active learning helps students connect the curriculum to real-life problems. The teaching of values remains a core area of focus at all levels – we don’t just want smart students – we want students of good character, who care for the world around them and respect people of all religions and cultures.
Congratulations on rebranding into SIS South Jakarta! What’s the story behind the rebrand?
AP: We have students coming to us from throughout the larger South Jakarta region and so the new name reflects that better but even more important is our desire to focus more on the needs of that community. Many of the Indonesian and expat students (for example, from South Korea or Japan) do not start with a strong level of confidence in using English so we have deliberately upgraded our English support program to build that confidence.
RK: Andrew has already mentioned the importance of values. We don’t think segmenting students into “single religion”
Our unique Active Learning approaches put students at the centre of the learning process, which leads to students making meaningful connections with the curriculum and increased retention through hands-on, real-world linked activities.
schools is ideal for developing collaboration and broad community leadership skills but we also recognise that Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Hinduism are important to many of our community and so we seek to respect and cater for those students along with those who have no religious background.
With only three words, describe SIS South Jakarta.
AP: Values, English, Technology.
The decision to reduce tuition fees was taken this year. Why is that so?
RK: We prefer to reach a larger number of families instead of a small number of very high-income earners.
Considering the reasonable tuition fee that comes along with the quality of international teachers and a diverse student population, please share the value of the school.
AP : About half of our teachers are expatriates but we choose teachers based on their attitude and skills rather than their years of experience or their specific country of origin. We invest in high-level facilities
when it makes a positive impact on student wellbeing or learning but we avoid spending money on luxuries or status symbols. This makes SIS the best-value international school in Indonesia.
RK : Students get exactly the same qualifications and levels of performance as international schools that are more than three times more expensive - in a genuinely international and English-speaking environment. Many students move to SIS because although their existing school offers some level of international curriculum, many of their teachers do not have the ability to deliver it consistently in English.
Complete this sentence: Students and parents at SIS Schools can look forward to…
AP: Inspiring teachers, engaging technology and a fun, values-oriented family atmosphere with lots of individual support.
How can our readers get in touch with SIS Schools?
RK: Visit our website https://sisschools. org/sis-southjakarta/ or WhatsApp to our Admissions Department at +628111735800.
Most of us lucky enough to grow up in relative comfort, safety, and security probably failed to give much thought to long-term financial security during our formative years. If we were fortunate enough to have gainfully employed parents who were able to protect and provide for us, and our current and immediate needs were being met, then that was usually sufficient to satisfy us. The thought of future days ahead and needing to provide forthwith could not have been further from our minds back then.
As time invariably ticks by for all of us and we head into ever more uncertain times, however, thoughts invariably turn to the future and financial provisions for ourselves and our families. This is where things can start to become confusing for the layman simply due to the wealth of information available.
Put simply, where does one begin?
The majority of us are probably aware to some extent of the importance of basics such as medical healthcare, life insurance, and a rough outline of pension schemes, but trying to wade through the forest of alternatives out there for further provision can be both timeconsuming and baffling. Those of us who choose to live our lives as expatriates in other countries can find these challenges especially difficult at times.
In days gone by, simply "saving" money in a bank account was a way of ensuring some sort of return, or income, for the future. Depending, of course, on a country’s financial condition, banks would offer a fixed rate of interest and so one would be fairly confident of an income of some sort, however negligible it may be. The recent global economic downturns have pretty much put paid to such guarantees, however, with interest rates being either non-existent or else so small as to make no difference. This means that investors have had to look further afield.
Inflation is currently also pretty much a global issue, with the effect that our salaries are, in the main, worth less in real terms than they were just a few years ago. So, where can we go for help and advice?
Well, the best bet may be to seek the advice of an independent financial adviser. A shop around on the internet and beyond produces a myriad of companies offering their services, and if time is invested in comparing such companies, then some good deals can be found. For a small fee, it is possible to find companies able to do a full audit and personal analysis of your financial situation and thus make unbiased suggestions as to how best to invest your money.
Firstly, it is important to make provisions for yourself and loved ones through life and health insurance schemes. These may be fixed-term or whole life, and they may or may not be guaranteed to pay out any benefits, or dividends, within the policyholder’s lifetime.
Then there are pension schemes. Money paid into a pension scheme will be invested and compounded. This means that profits made within the scheme will be reinvested and will - theoretically at least - lead to further profits. The type of investments your pension money will be ploughed into will depend upon how much risk you are willing to take. The higher the risk, the greater the potential profits, with, obviously, the more chance of losses being occurred.
Pension schemes can come in different forms. They can be through the company you work for, in which case your company will contribute a certain amount each month and you may have the option to match or add to these amounts through additional payments. Alternatively, they can be government or national pension schemes whereby a certain percentage of your salary is automatically deducted by the government and when you reach the national retirement age you become eligible to receive a state payment. Finally, a private pension plan can be taken out.
It is never too early (or too late) to start considering such, and those with both the means and foresight to be able to pay into one from an early stage in their working life will have a degree of security when it finally comes time for them to stop working.
Now, there are other ways of investing money aside from pension schemes, and these include equities, stocks and shares, index funds and mutual funds, amongst others. These can be procured on an individual basis with nothing much more than a laptop, a cup of coffee, and nerves of steel. An alternative, of course, is to once more seek professional advice and help.
Whether one decides to "go it alone" or to employ the services of those more qualified, there are various factors that come into play. As mentioned above in the case of pensions, any potential investor has to, first of all, be clear in their own mind as to the reason and aims behind their investment. What are the ultimate goals? Are you looking for a short-term or a long-term dividend? Are you willing to take risks? And, perhaps most importantly of all, what can you afford to lose?
This last consideration is particularly important and is the reason why many people do not "put all their eggs in one basket" and instead choose to diversify their portfolio. This could range from buying shares in "blue-chip" companies, which will provide a steady if unspectacular dividend and growth, to speculative investments in commodities and service industries.
To spread the risk, many people choose to use mutual funds or exchange-traded funds for the most part, which allows investors to purchase baskets of securities instead of individual stocks and bonds. Again, this can be done individually by those brave enough to go it alone, or else through the acquisition of professional help.
Other financial investments include those made in goods, bricks and mortar, and commodities. With the changing economic focus and times, many countries’ economies are shifting to the point that it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people especially to gain a foothold on the property ladder. Those of us of a certain age growing up often heard the virtues of investing in the property market extolled to us, and it is true that property very rarely, if ever, depreciates in value.
The truth is, financial planning and investment can be a minefield but it doesn't need to be an insurmountable obstacle. Whether through inertia, lack of knowledge or over caution, too many people avoid taking the plunge until it is too late and then they live to regret it.
KITA 喜多 Restaurant on level 37 at Park Hyatt Jakarta has of cially opened its doors this September to discerning diners of the capital and beyond. At KITA 喜多 Restaurant, prepare to indulge in a diverse range of delectable Japanese dishes.
Park Hyatt Jakarta offers a distinctive collection of culinary, leisure, and wellness experiences as well as unique event venues for bespoke celebrations, delivering the epitome of luxury. Whether choosing a destination for socialising or special occasions, KITA 喜多 Restaurant can cater for any purpose as this stylish restaurant occupies the top level of Park Hyatt Jakarta in the city’s tranquil Menteng area. Diners are encouraged to embrace an elevated modern Japanese dining experience amid spectacular views of the Jakarta skyline, especially at sunset.
KITA 喜多 Restaurant opens daily at 11:30am-2:30pm for lunch and 5:30pm10:30pm for dinner. Helmed by Japanese Executive Sous Chef, Takeumi Hiraoka, KITA 喜多 Restaurant offers the authentic avours of modern Japanese cuisine all prepared from the nest and freshest ingredients in a lively open kitchen. The authentic Japanese concept includes a series of nine private rooms, comprising tatami rooms and a large VIP room with a private kitchen. Each dining area has breathtaking city vistas, while Japanese motifs, textures, and artworks enhance the culinary experience.
Guests can savour the true taste of sushi and sashimi, authentically crafted from the freshest sh and seafood, complemented by the culinary team’s exquisite fresh wasabi and shoyu. Discover the pleasures of an eclectic omakase experience as well!
Enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails and mocktails whilst unwinding in the serenity and splendour of the bar. Sample the selections of the nest sake, shochu, and Japanese whisky, or choose a bottle or two from the carefullycurated wine cellar.
Experience an array of premium Japanese, Australian, and US beef transformed into delectable dishes on KITA 喜多 Restaurant’s robatayaki grill and teppan tables. Make it a banquet for family, friends or colleagues as two of the teppanyaki rooms can accommodate up to 18 people while the private room seats 12.
Embark on a journey of gastronomic delights from traditional to innovative shabu-shabu with three set menus; using the best selections of beef, seafood, and vegetables. Add to the sensory enjoyment with a choice of the special broths, Japanese ponzu stock and spicy miso.
Ideal for business as well as family gatherings, KITA 喜多 Restaurant’s nine private rooms have a range of seating capacities. Special set menus are available for private parties. Enjoy the live performance of the chefs, then relax to the ambience of customisable music and lighting, while taking in magni cent views of the National Monument (MONAS) or Tugu Tani statue. Share the memories whilst revelling in the diverse selection of the nest beverages.
Make your reservations at KITA 喜多 Restaurant or send inquiries by emailing kita.jakarta@hyatt.com, dialling +622131190333, or WhatsApping +6285824686263.
Born and bred in Europe, Arwin Rasyid recalls his early struggles with the Indonesian language as a teenager. The young man grew up to be one of Indonesia’s prominent bankers, with a career that has spanned over 35 years. Rasyid shares how digital banking is toppling traditional banking’s longestablished precedence, his latest financial projects, and his penchant for gelato which led to the birth of another exciting business venture.
Good afternoon, Arwin! Could you please tell us a little bit about your banking journey?
As you know, I’m a retired banker now. My banking journey started in 1980 at The Bank of America, before moving to Niaga Bank in ’86 until ’97. Unfortunately, Niaga was taken over by the government during the ’97 financial crisis, as many banks were back then. I moved to IBRA (Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency), and then to Bank Danamon until its divestment to Temasek in 2003. I then pursued BNI for a few years as the Vice CEO.
Then came this interesting shift in my career when I became the CEO of Telkom Indonesia. I just had this desire to be posted outside of banking. I returned to the banking realm in 2008 at CIMB Niaga, where I ended the tenure and concluded my banking journey in 2015 as CEO.
As the son of a renowned diplomat, you spent many years abroad before settling in Indonesia. Did that make you feel like an expat in your own country?
I was born in Rome and raised in Italy, Switzerland, and Singapore. At our home, my family spoke English and the Minangkabau language. When we relocated to Indonesia, I mistook the Minangkabau language as the national language when in reality, it’s a dialect spoken by West Sumatrans.
In Jakarta, I went to The Gandhi Memorial School, an international school with an Indian curriculum. The language impeded me at first, however, I gradually picked it up. I somehow always felt like an expat in any given country. In Switzerland, I felt like the odd-looking one for having brown skin. In Singapore, where the Chinese constitute a majority of the population, I had brown skin. In Indonesia, where I finally looked like a local, I had this difficulty speaking the national language. I find this to be hilarious at times. That being said, I still think in English.
If the situation were to happen today, do you think children who migrate to Indonesia would face difficulties as such?
I don’t think so. I believe that technological advances and the prevalence of international schools have made it easier for them to learn languages and adapt. I’ve seen many Indonesian youngsters speak wonderful English with impeccable accents. Some of
them have never even travelled abroad. It’s amazing how the internet and technology have transformed society.
I started TEZ after my retirement in 2016. Our focus has been commercial lending. As a banker, I found banking rules to be rigid and bureaucratic at times. For instance, banks are unlikely to offer a company or a particular institution a loan when they are less than three years old, due to a lack of track record. This certainly doesn’t imply that the company is not profitable, it’s simply how the policy works. As long as I feel comfortable with the company’s owners and its working culture, I would be happy to offer them a loan given that they meet our lending criteria. I had visualised this at some point in my banking career, and I’m glad I was able to execute it. Having my own company allows the rules to be more flexible and agile. We provide short-term, bridging loans. Our market has mostly been mediumsized companies, including Singapore-based Indonesian business owners.
How do you find the digital banking market in Indonesia?
Digital banking undeniably offers more convenience and comfort compared to traditional banking. Digital banking first took off when we had a 3G connection in Indonesia. As you know, the internet connection catalyses information exchange. It’s amazing to think how some of us even have access to a 5G connection now. Developing countries often enjoy the latest technological advancements. Digital banking has made it possible to transfer large sums of money without even having to move out of your chair. One of the most notable developments is shopping malls and retailers with QR facilities. You can
Does this mean that we are simply ahead of other developed countries when it comes to digital banking?
As the fourth most populated country in the world, Indonesia has a high internet penetration rate and a high number of social media users. In the rule of investment, there’s something called a payback period.
It wouldn’t make sense to spend money on a particular technology to only replace it with a newer version in a year or two.
The latest markets, mostly developing countries, have better access to a newer version of the technology. This certainly doesn't imply that developed countries lag.
I once asked a friend who runs a movie business why Indonesia has earlier access to Hollywood films compared to Singapore.
While Singapore has a much higher GDP, Indonesia is a more feasible market with 50 times the population of Singapore. Indonesia has more cinemas and therefore, a higher number of viewers.
I think it's amazing. Blockchain provides perfect security that in no way is the transaction able to be tampered with. We saw how crypto went from a few hundred dollars to US$7,000 in 2018, all the way to US$60,000 in 2020, only to plummet to below US$40,000 now. Naturally, prices go up with more demand, and vice versa.
At times, I still wonder about the valuation, especially when it comes to NFTs. I'm aware that when a particular work of art is registered, it becomes unique to one’s own creation and has a special identity. However, I wonder about the specific
valuation measures – how much is a work of art valued? I'm not sure whether or not this is a phase. I think it’s early days; we don’t know what we don’t know.
To some extent, Indonesia could be a haven for investment. There was a time in the early 2010s when the country enjoyed the highest property boom in the world. Prices would increase by 15 percent every quarter of the year, and about 60 percent a year. This is mostly attributed to the burgeoning middle-class and the limited amount of housing. The new Omnibus Laws have also eased foreign property ownership. However, expect fruition in two to five years; it won’t give you direct results.
Another interesting sector would be government bonds. The Rupiah has been quite steady for some time now. If you buy money market funds, Indonesian or government bonds, the yield would be much higher compared to that of Singapore or US dollars. Assuming the Rupiah remains steady, of course. You certainly don’t wish to sell your dollars to buy rupiah to only watch it depreciate. Indonesia is also home to many start-ups, with some going public with their IPOs – Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and many more.
I’m an avid gelato lover! My love for it has led to the birth of Romano Gelato. I run the business with my daughter so I mostly supervise it. We have unveiled our stores in Pacific Place, Jakarta and recently at Beachwalk Mall, Bali.
We offer authentic Italian Gelato. All ingredients have been imported and the chef is Italian. As it is a local brand without franchise and royalties, the prices are pretty competitive. My personal favourites are pistachio and coco rocher! This is my second culinary venture after Simpang Raya, a West Sumatran Restaurant in Manggarai, South Jakarta.
After retirement, what does your typical day look like?
I’m 65 now and I don’t know how many more years I have left. I started as an academic and I feel privileged to still be able to share my knowledge as a guest lecturer at various events for leadership, banking, and managing changes in the corporate world. My academic papers are available on my website, arwinrasyid.com. I’ve also authored three books about Danamon, TELKOM, and CIMB respectively.
I believe that an active life is a key to a happy life – even machines rust without regular use. I try my best to stay fit too. I’m a golf fan and I enjoy going for walks. Moderation is the key to everything. As a devotee of red meat and gelato, my love for food persists, yet I continuously keep track of my cholesterol levels. I also try my best to help the unfortunate with philanthropy, often by distributing food boxes. At the end of the day, social work nurtures your soul.
Afriend and I were discussing our depiction of Bali’s areas, based on several holiday moods. We both agreed on Nusa Dua as the place where one heads to so you can feel at peace and leave behind unwelcome real-world distractions because frankly, one lingers in seclusion here. It’s almost as if one disappears into the beachy breeze. That’s not a bad visualisation, especially staying at The Apurva Kempinski Bali and dining at Reef Beach Club.
As a long-stay guest, I was splurged with the epitome of disappearing in summer. I noticed a similar ambience day in and day out at Reef Beach Club. Sunshine peeked through on cloudy days. The golden-sand beach is never overpopulated. An endless flow of refreshments and bites is within reach. Uplifting tunes serenade you through the speakers. Families hop on paddleboards and kayaks. Honeymooners chuckle in the pool. Of course, the majestic Balinese sunset closes off a day in the sun.
Reef Beach Club is a broad, easygoing venue surrounded by tropical greens and footsteps away from the Indian Ocean’s waters. It’s the perfect place for spending your day under the sun because an unforgettable beachfront experience is offered with its wide range of food and beverages, as well as free water sports activities. Plus, you will be well taken care of by the staff exuding the famous Balinese hospitality.
Whether you’re an in-house guest or visiting Reef Beach Club from elsewhere, Reef Beach Club is open to the public. You can take a buggy or walk towards the end of the enriching green trail where the Nusa Dua coast greets you. A uniquely shaped building on your left is Reef Beach Club, accommodating 130 people indoors and outdoors, coming along with its own 42-metre infinity pool with cabanas, sunloungers, and sunbathing spots.
Its building is inspired by the traditional houses found in Kudus, Central Java. Known locally as Rumah Joglo Kudus, the distinctive architecture is easily recognised from its high soaring roof. When seated indoors, you’re amongst wooden carvings and engraved furniture decorating the space, resulting in a warm and cosy setting complete with an open kitchen and bar area.
I recommend you opt for a cabana by the pool or on the beach that fits a maximum of four people – you can squeeze the family in – both overlooking the ocean and accessible until sunset.
I’m one of those people who’s jaded when it comes to food. Therefore, as dinner time arrives, I’m more than thrilled to walk into Reef Beach Club in my resort wear dress to devour the wide range of international cuisine with a twist of Asian flavours offered.
Three words stuck in my mind: fresh, mouthwatering, and eventful. Under “Healthy and Tasty” in the beverage menu, the Immune Plus (orange, carrot, turmeric, tamarind, mint leaves, lemon, and honey) catches my eye. Whoever says “healthy” tastes displeasing needs to sip on this!
One of the highlights at Reef is its “Grill and Charcoal” selections capturing the tropical ethos of Bali. Without a doubt, I order the sizzling baby red snapper marinated in Lombok’s special savoury and spicy Taliwang sauce with a side of urap sayur (steamed salad mixed with spiced grated coconut for dressing). My tastebuds turn to dance in joy.
More seafood and meat options are guaranteed to be grilled to perfection. Each comes with choices of marination, sides, sauce, and sambal . Waiters can suggest the ideal pairings but feel free to adjust to your liking. I had the pleasure to also taste the saporous lobster immersed in the spicy yet sweet red-orange Jimbaran sauce alongside sauteed mushrooms – the embodiment of Balinese cuisine; the hot tiger prawns soaked in Jimbaran sauce with white rice and sambal terasi – one can never have enough tingles of tanginess; and the succulent medium-rare lamb rack bathed in natural jus accompanied by mashed potatoes – fears of lamb cooked faulty vanish because this was cooked by the hands of the divinity.
As for dessert, a waiter suggests the light, cloudlike sweet pavlova (chantilly strawberry, banana, passionfruit, and vanilla ice cream poured over meringue) is to die for – it certainly is. Another must-try dessert is the lava cookie (dough cooked in a pizza oven with melted dark chocolate and cashew nuts, topped with vanilla ice cream and salted sugar palm). This chocolate heaven is hands down a sweet tooth's delight!
Reef Beach Club’s energetic colour transforms into an intimate scene with a bonfire and daily live music performances in the open air. Thursdays happen to be “Latin Night”. A band and extremely talented dancers charm diners until 10pm. At one point whilst enjoying the sweet and spicy potato-based crackers, a dancer approached me to dance in front, despite not having any Latin dance experience. “Don’t worry, we’ll guide you,” she encouraged. There I was, swaying left and right, twirling alongside a toddler with her mother beside me. More so, Sundays are for jazz lovers.
Embrace the dynamic beach-club ambience during the day and a stylish beachfront restaurant at night. Have a fun and relaxed beachfront experience with an eclectic mix of Asian and international dishes, complemented by an exotic list of tempting cocktail creations.
Delight in the additional barbecue, charcoal grill by the sea, 30 selections of rosé, and a bonfire at this vivacious place attentively catering for food enthusiasts, couples, communities, and families. Food starts from Rp160,000++, and beverages start from Rp50,000++, while the signature mixologist creation starts from Rp125,000++.
I must say, it can get rather chilly at night. “But I’ll undoubtedly be back soon, Reef Beach Club!” as I walked towards my room with a stuffed belly and high vibrations.
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, Bali. +62 811-3820-9541
@reefbeachclub restaurants.bali@kempinski.com https://www.kempinski.com/en/bali/ the-apurva-kempinski-bali/dining/ reef-beach-club/
When schools reopened their classrooms to resume faceto-face learning after an extended period of online learning, students studying the arts — especially performing arts — rejoiced at the chance to practice and demonstrate their passion on stage, in front of a live audience.
At Jakarta Intercultural School’s (JIS) Cilandak campus, the Fine Arts Theater lifted its curtains for the first time in over two years on 2nd September, when Grade 11 and 12 dancers from the JIS International Baccalaureate (IB) Dance graced the stage with a collaborative performance titled Dare to Lead
Inspired by the school’s values of upholding integrity and responsibility, Dare to Lead was choreographed by JIS High School Dance Teacher Michael Cali and two guest dancers from Italy’s Grupo Danza Oggi (GDO), Monica Castorina and Giovanni Belluci.
“We settled on the title Dare to Lead as a way to represent the unique qualities of a leader,” Mr Cali explained. “Throughout the performance, there were movement motifs that showed strength, vulnerability, and dependence — all qualities of a good leader who demonstrates both responsibility and integrity.”
Castorina and Belluci engaged with students throughout a two-week residency based at JIS’s Cilandak campus. They worked closely with the dancers as both a group and individually, creating bespoke solo performances for them that will be used again for their IB Dance coursework.
Cali first connected with GDO and its founder Patrizia Salvatori during the organisation's 2017 visit to the Italian
Cultural Institute in Central Jakarta. After participating in various workshops with GDO, he knew that JIS dancers would greatly benefit from their talent and deep appreciation of the performing arts.
“Not only were they some of the most incredible dancers I've seen perform, but they were also gifted teachers who were able to quickly tune into each student they were working with in order to highlight each dancer's strengths to create a final performance,” he said. “After this experience, I knew I wanted to bring them back to JIS to work with our students.”
GDO and JIS students first connected in 2019 in Kuala Lumpur as part of a dance exchange involving international schools from across Southeast Asia. But then, the pandemic struck, and it would be three more years filled with Zoom lessons and online workshops before the two sides could reunite face-to-face.
“Now that the borders opened back up, we were able to invite GDO dancers to come to Jakarta to work with our students,” Cali said.
As a celebration of both JIS IB dancers’ commitment to their craft and the return to on-campus engagement, Dare to Lead became a promise of the artistic talent and potential that will enliven the stage of the JIS Fine Arts Theater.
Evan Burns has recently been appointed as the Country Manager of Indonesia at Cross Hotels & Resorts. Burns shares with Indonesia Expat about his recent adventure as a hotelier in Indonesia and more about the property.
Hi, Evan! We’d like to know more about you. Please introduce yourself.
I grew up in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia which is in the eastern part of the state. From a young age, I knew that I was passionate about hospitality which was stoked by a trip to the Langham Hotel in Melbourne. I was impressed and fascinated by the attention to detail the hotel provided guests as well as a deep sense of personalisation in the service we received. This lead me to work up the ranks in hotels, starting as a bartender at the cocktail lounge at The Westin in Melbourne, which eventually led to years of working in the industry. I arrived in Indonesia nine years ago in Jakarta to work at the Keraton at the Plaza, which was the start of my journey of growing my life in Indonesia which I’ve come to call my home.
Share with us your thoughts on expat life in Indonesia.
I’ve always loved the expat community in Indonesia, especially the social nature of being a hotelier. Both in Jakarta and Bali, there is a strong culture of socialisation, whether that be after-work drinks or events at various hotels; you’re never short of a place to go and connect with your fellow colleagues.
Tell us about Cross Hotels & Resorts.
I’ve worked at Cross Hotels & Resort for four years now, which has been an incredible journey. The ethos of the business and the workplace culture is something that speaks directly to me as a professional and the company shares my interest in making sure everything operates in a way that gives our people, our owners and our guests the best experience possible. Cross Hotels & Resorts’ current portfolio includes more than 26 hotels under five distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, and Cross Collection – in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan.
You’ve recently been appointed as the Country Manager of Indonesia and shared your vision for the company to further expand into Bali, Lombok, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and beyond. Can you share your plans for this?
The Cross Hotels & Resorts brand is gaining strong brand recognition in Bali for its service and variety of properties and this is something I’ve been focussed on growing not just in Bali but across Indonesia. There are destinations within Indonesia that are becoming very popular amongst our target audiences, so we’re focussed on making sure we can establish a presence in these areas such as Lombok, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta. The key to this is building strong relationships with our partners
The key to this is building strong relationships with our partners and potential partners, similar to the way we treat every one of our guests at a Cross Hotels & Resorts property.
and potential partners, similar to the way we treat every one of our guests at a Cross Hotels & Resorts property.
What should guests look forward to at Cross Hotels & Resorts properties in Indonesia? Are there any specialities setting these properties aside from those in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan?
The properties we have in Indonesia are diverse and we believe this provides guests with the full spectrum of experiences they might be looking for, whether that be a family-friendly resort or a tranquil jungle escape. We have something for everyone across our properties which means we can cater to just about every type of audience.
Recommend an itinerary that guests could do in any property based in Indonesia.
My personal recommendation would be to try each property we have in Bali as they cater to just about every type of activity you might be looking to do on a holiday. I’d recommend people start at Cross Bali Breakers to enjoy the serene beauty of Balagan to unwind upon arrival, then move on to Away Bali Legian to enjoy shopping and a beachfront property in the heart of Legian, and finish off their trip at our hillside property in Tanadewa Ubud to enjoy a tranquil and bespoke experience. For the adventurous types, take a trip to Lombok and stay at Amber by Cross Collection with one of the best beaches in Indonesia.
My next focus as Country Manager for Indonesia is to continue our momentum of growth. We’ve extended our portfolio with amazing new brands and we’re looking to keep up this growth in the market as we continue to see international tourism increasing month-on-month.
How would you describe your leadership style and its significance in your current role?
My leadership style has always been focussed on development and growth opportunities. I like to work with my team the same way I like to be treated in a workplace, which is that opportunities for growth and development are offered at all times. I also understand that in this competitive landscape, we as a team need to always have the guest front of mind with every single decision we make. This has always been important to me from the moment I visited the Langham as a child, so I continue this focus.
What’s your experience of raising your family in Indonesia? Should there be anything expats should look out for?
It’s been an incredible opportunity to raise my son in Indonesia. We’re lucky enough to be on a beautiful island that has no shortage of experiences that are perfect ways for my son, Charlie, to develop and experience things that I would have loved to as a child. The expat community is very tight-knit which means that as parents, we feel really supported by those around us and I believe Charlie also feels this way with his friends at school. Class sizes are smaller which means he has more interaction with his teachers and I think that is a really healthy way to grow up.
How can our readers get in touch with you and Cross Hotels & Resorts?
You can get in touch with me easily via my LinkedIn account, or directly at my email address, evan.burns@ crosshotelsandresorts.com
PwC suggest Asia Pacific must now “build a resilient future on five pillars: i) advancing the digital economy; ii) enabling regional enterprise growth; iii) rebalancing supply chains and fostering innovation, iv) futureproofing the labour force, and v) building towards a net-zero economy.”
If we bring this back to Indonesia and look at each of those pillars, it’s reasonable to conclude that they can identify the triggers that tip to success. And if we’re tipping, if not already tipped, a surge in momentum and development follows at an even faster rate.
Marketing Technology Insights
posted an interesting article on tipping points, something we talk a lot about at Seven Stones Indonesia.
In the article, Mark Seeman writes that for a business, a tipping point happens when things begin to scale up and if the right tools are harnessed, growth and culture can thrive. However, if they’re not aligned, Seeman suggests, a crisis is likely to develop.
So, what exactly is a tipping point?
Even though the term is most widely said to have its origins in the field of epidemiology, when an infectious disease reaches a point beyond any local ability to control it from spreading more widely (it goes viral) but in a non-laboratory environment, you could argue that tipping points hit the mainstream largely because of a book by Malcolm Gladwell; The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, which he adapted from an article he wrote about the AIDS epidemic, the drop in crime in New York City, and the social movements that made it happen.
Gladwell demonstrates that tipping points “are a reaffirmation of the potential for change and the power of intelligent action” and they can apply to crime rates, diseases, TV shows, new ideas, businesses, advertising campaigns, political movements, and even whole countries. It’s worth looking at how Gladwell breaks it down. He suggests there are three key components to tipping points:
This dovetails into the 80/20 principle; a minority of causes, inputs, or efforts (the 20 percent) usually leads to a majority of the results, outputs, or rewards (the 80 percent). There are three types of key people in this small minority, and these few cause the success of any kind of social epidemic. These are Mavens, who motivate, educate, and influence by sharing their knowledge with friends and family; Connectors , who know a lot of people and have social influence; and Salespeople, who naturally possess the power of persuasion. They are charismatic and their enthusiasm rubs off on those around them.
This is a unique quality that makes things "stick" in the minds of the public and this ultimately influences their behaviour. Sticky things compel people to pay close, sustained attention to a product, concept, or idea.
This refers to the situation or moment in history when a trend is introduced. If the context isn’t right, it is unlikely the "tip" will happen. But if it is, like in Indonesia right now, that trend gains momentum.
Put this minority of people together in the right place and at the right time, so the theory goes, and the majority will follow.
In this day and age, a large part of what makes things tip is now digitally dependent and connected, so the speed is of the essence. Seeman says, leaders who aren't aware of this tend to believe “that putting in new processes or platforms is in fact overkill and unnecessary.” Like a question of better the devil you know, so you end up doing nothing.
But being behind the digital eight ball in this respect, and at this time in our history, makes it real hard to get back on track and catch up. When popular expectations and needs are ignored, opportunities are missed and momentum is lost. A crisis could develop.
In the case of Indonesia, we’re witnessing an administration that seems to have avoided serious crises and been very much aware of the opportunities and the need to harness the right tools to lead the country into greater growth and prosperity and into Jokowi’s tipping point, which he’s labelled Indonesia’s Golden Age
A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report suggests Asia Pacific is changing.
“The strong fundamentals, which dramatically improved prosperity and living standards across the region, can no longer be relied upon to address the inevitable continuous disruptions. The era of passive growth is over; it's now time to act. This is Asia Pacific’s time.”
The administration’s allocation of significant financial and technical resources to advancing Indonesia’s digital economy is not just to stay competitive. In many respects, it’s eventually intended to lead the way.
Indonesia is already the fifth largest country in the world for start-ups, with 2,346, including two decacorns and eight unicorns. According to Jokowi, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is expected to reach US$330 billion in value by 2025, is forecast to enjoy 20 percent annual growth, and will likely reach US$146 billion by the same year. That’s just three years away.
Bank Indonesia (BI) is currently working on developing the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which will be called the “Digital Rupiah”, to provide the public financial sovereignty, support the central bank’s mandate regarding the digital economy sector, as well as increase financial innovation and efficiency. There’s even talk of a Crypto Stock Exchange being established and regulations being set to focus more on local crypto entrepreneurs.
There’s a connection between this and enabling local enterprises to grow through several Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnerships (RCEP.) Innovation is being encouraged, particularly digital innovation, and supply chains are being restructured. Earlier this year, Tempo reported that during Jokowi’s seven-year term as President, 1,900 kilometres of toll roads have been built across the nation. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but to put it in perspective, that’s over 1,000 kilometres more than has been built over the last 40 years! And now with more than 680 airports (and growing), Indonesia is expected to be the world’s sixth-largest market for air transport in 2034, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Efforts are being made to re-skill and future-proof the country’s huge labour force with a strong emphasis on MSMEs, and organisations like OK OCE, for example, assist MSMEs with insights, community support, access to networks and mentorship. Since its inception in 2016, OK OCE has created almost 300,000 jobs in DKI Jakarta and a little over 500,000 nationwide and is active in almost 200 communities across the country. And they’re growing.
While a totally net-zero economy might not be that practical in the short term, serious attempts are being made to move towards alternative energy and away from a reliance on fossil fuels. Hydropower and geothermal plants are being developed and Jokowi’s latest push for EVs, for example, and the increasing number of vehicle manufacturers building factories and facilities is a sure sign of green things to follow. The (EV) revolution and green energy agenda have attracted some criticism for being too ambitious, but in just a couple of years, progress has been impressive, showing how these earlier policies and plans are now becoming a reality.
Are these Indonesia’s tipping points?
A strong, consolidated government, albeit with the odd cabinet reshuffle, has taken steps to centralise all licensing into one body, which was done through BKPM (Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board.) The Omnibus Law was passed. A positive Investment List replaced the negative one. And under a new cabinet, Indonesia has continued to reach out to many countries to develop mutually beneficial trade agreements. Australia, as a key partner, was one of them, EFTA another. And since then, agreements and efforts to improve trade ties have been signed with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, and Japan. Most recently newswires have been reporting that Indonesia was working again with the EU towards a free trade agreement.
With all these positive steps forward, it was only a matter of time before Indonesia’s credit rating improved, and it did. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) upgraded Indonesia’s growth forecast to 5.4 percent this year, which is up from a previous forecast of 5.0 percent.
It’s arguable that if these steps hadn’t been taken, a crisis could have developed, but instead, the opposite has happened. The World Bank has stated that Indonesia is not in a recession and has one of the strongest economies in the world. As if to prove that point, BKPM recently announced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is at an all-time high.
Have we passed the point of no return and reached a tipping point? It’s worth talking about because these are exciting times for those who believe in Indonesia’s future and at Seven Stones Indonesia, we do. We believe in the power of a positive and creative mindset. We try to help businesses and partnerships grow; we encourage investment and we’re forging relationships with like-minded organisations; we encourage you to do the same. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with us at Seven Stones Indonesia through hello@ sevenstonesindonesia.com
Sources: Thought.Co, Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point, PricewaterhouseCoopers – Asia Pacific’s Time – We Must Act Now, 2020, Marketing Technology Insights, Tempo, Antara News, From The Desk of Terje. H. Nilsen Newsletter, OK OCE, ADB, Statista, IATA, Energy Tracker Asia, Bappenas
I’m a sucker for a spa day. My mother introduced massages to me as a little girl, as her mother did for her. Unknowingly, massages instilled a motherdaughter bond. I should add: it’s also a bond connecting our own bodies and minds to the present well-being.
At Apurva Spa, nestled away one floor below the grandeur of the Pendopo Lobby of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, its treatments are inspired by the Javanese manuscript “Rupasampat Wahyabiantara ”, which means true beauty will be obtained when outer and inner beauty are in harmony. Massages, scrubs, and other body treatments are available for spa-seekers to indulge in. Apurva Spa strives to enrich inner welfare using traditional herbal drinks, healthy light bites, and meditation for mind-body balance, too. Treatments are therefore split based on the stages of life; adolescence, adulthood, married life, and post-adulthood to fulfil a variety of needs.
I descend Pendopo Lobby’s stairs, reeling in glimpses of the long stretch of the five-star resort illuminating the light-teal-coloured ocean. To the left is the intricate woodencarved walls of Apurva Spa. Escorted into the waiting room, I gulp down a striking purple concoction of natural herbs native to Indonesia. “Please follow me,” said Ayuni, one of the spa attendants of my mind-body excursion of the day, hailing from Bali. Prancing through the corridors infused in cool tones and more wooden doors Bali’s architecture is famed for, I was in absolute awe. A lady looking revived after her treatment passed by.
Entering the spa room designated for couples, I fathom how romantic it would be to bond with a loved one while being pampered against the Indian Ocean. I’d still advocate having a spa day with a dear friend here. Another spa attendant named Merbi, from Sumba, greets me, “Please take a seat.” I comfortably adjust myself dressed in a lightweight batik motif kimono as Merbi introduces herself and asks about any specific pressure points to focus on and avoid. “Every inch of my body except for my stomach,” I replied.
Merbi and Ayuni start with foot scrubs infused with green tea, bath salt, tea tree, and pave stone. They wash it off by splashing blessing water good for relaxing muscles. Laying face down underneath a sarong as slow, grounding rhythmic tunes belt out, we request a dark setting. “Next is aura cleansing; wholesome to relax the body and mind,” says Merbi. This procedure begins with meditation. “Please take a deep breath and let it out. We’ll do that one more time. Now, relax your mind and body following the singing bowl,” continues Merbi. This meditative aura cleansing is beneficial for positive and negative auras to pierce and release.
The natural abundance of Banjar, South Kalimantan inspires this treatment using the Ba'urut massage technique. Merbi’s hands caress my aching body with adequate pressure, leading me into a state of zen. An hour somehow goes by. She covers my skin in scrub and exfoliates dead skin. Afterwards, a minty, cooling mask awakens my consciousness due to its tingling sensation on my skin. The oils and scrubs used are inspired by natural ingredients native to the mystical island of Borneo, functioning as antioxidants and preventing rheumatism, and rejuvenating the skin. The treatment comes to an end with the Batimung body steam, the traditional famed steam in Kalimantan using herbal ingredients to dismiss body odour and to remove toxins and excessive sweat.
I sense revitalisation coming out of the shower, similar to the lady I saw earlier. “We hope you had a wonderful spa experience,” said Merbi and Ayuni.
A spa experience combines aesthetic treatments with relaxation therapy resulting in many health and relaxation benefits. The pleasure is all mine to reap the benefits of the Borneo Beauty Secret, a treatment lasting two hours broken down into an hour of massage, a 30-minute scrub, plus a halfhour mask and steam – available on 1st-31st September 2022 at Apurva Spa.
The Borneo Beauty Secret executes in simplified time compared to Apurva Spa’s other treatments which usually take up to three hours. It’s straightforward. Each couple seeking this reviving treatment is charged Rp2.3 million++, meanwhile, one person pays Rp1.2 million++.
No need to fuss about missing this promotional treatment. Apurva Spa offers different promotions every month to introduce the diversity of traditional treatments in the archipelago thus guests can experience a unique treatment. Be on the lookout for the next traditional treatments from Sulawesi using “Bedda Lotong”, a typical scrub from the Bugis tribe of South Sulawesi that utilises black sticky rice and herbs.
A spa day is strongly encouraged. Thus, wellness enthusiasts of all ages are welcome to receive necessary mind-body relaxation that’s suitable for all life stages at Apurva Spa. My spa excursion at Apurva Spa was certainly the morale booster and stress relief therapy I longed for. Leaving the spa with a more relaxing, passionate inner and outer self-connection, I realised I forgot one of my rings in the jewellery box! Luckily, the reception lady found it.
the spa room
for couples,
fathom how romantic
students will enter the Cambridge A Levels program (for 16-18-year-olds) in August 2022. Our Early Years program is playbased and follows the Australian Curriculum Framework. The Primary and Middle School outcomes are from the Australian Curriculum with an international focus on HASS (Humanities and Social Studies) and Science. High School students have a choice of subjects from the Australian and International Cambridge courses. We currently have over 50 students enrolled.
My daughter has four levels of SCUBA diving certificates, Model United Nations (MUN) awards, organised Lombok’s first interschool MUN event (MUNBOK), can surf and skateboard, and helps regularly with the welfare of stray dogs with Kuta Lombok Dogs. My son runs an after-school club for Dungeons and Dragons, has an award for Bahasa Indonesia speaking, has participated in several MUN competitions and loves being in the Security Council, and learns Muay Thai and Circus skills. I love that he can also pursue his passion for History and is taking classes above his year level in this subject.
Our students often learn in groups of mixed ages. At MIS, we believe that it’s important for our students to be able to communicate and collaborate with people of all ages.
Extracurricular activities: Surfing, skateboarding, yoga, martial arts, SCUBA diving, camping, and hiking.
Our students help with local community organisations such as Kuta Lombok Dogs, Mandalika Dog Shelter, Batu Bambu kids foundation, Lombok Aid, Lombok Plastic Free, and more.
The school serves all year groups from Early Years through to High School. As a small school, students experience a unique, tailored learning environment that is very connected to the local community.
Read on to learn more and if you would like to get in touch with the school, you can do so here.
Hi Julie, thank you for taking the time to talk to us about Mandalika Intercultural School (MIS). Can you tell our readers a little about yourself and what brought you and your family to Lombok?
Yes sure, I’m originally from Brisbane, Australia and have been working in international schools for more than 20 years. My area of speciality is High School teaching in Biology and Geography, though I have taught many subjects at many grade levels. I also have a Master of Environment in Education for Sustainability and am passionate about service learning and global citizenship.
After travelling the world extensively and teaching in schools in four other countries, my husband, two children, and I fell in love with Indonesia and its people. After 10 years in Java, we finally followed our dreams and moved to Lombok to settle in our forever home. We love living close to such beautiful beaches, being part of a small, vibrant tourist-centred community, and being part of a fast-developing hub, which is exciting and challenging at the same time.
Can you give us a brief background on the school? When it was formed? What year groups it serves and what curriculum that follow?
MIS first opened as Rinjani Indah School in 2017 by Rod and Jacqueline Chin, who had a vision of an international school embedded and interacting with the local community. While our lessons are in English, we have a strong Bahasa Indonesia program, teach the national curriculum requirements for Indonesian students and are developing our English as an Additional Language program.
We strive to be inclusive of children from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities, and welcome students from three years old into our Early Years program. Our eldest
There are quite a few things I love about the school!
Because we are a small school, we can really cater to every student, support them in areas they need, and encourage them to pursue and grow in their talents and passions. We have excellent teachers who are caring and creative. Our ratio of students to teachers (currently 1:5) means teachers can support each student with their learning. We are very connected to our local community and our students are involved in many activities: sports, creativity, and community service, both in class time and outside of school.
Our new, purpose-built campus has been designed to blend in well with our beautiful surroundings in the rice fields and at the base of the surrounding hills, while also providing comfortable yet stimulating learning spaces. We have many collaborative spaces where students and teachers can break out into working groups, as well as a large Science Laboratory, Library, playing fields and gardens. I love working in this space.
My teenage children attend the school and I’m very happy that as well as being a principal, I’m also a parent. I love that my teens interact with children of all ages from all types of backgrounds. While their native language is English, they’re both competent in Bahasa Indonesia and Spanish as well. I love that they are active outdoors and have been involved in several community projects.
I really love that all our children have so many opportunities to follow their passions and learn new skills. They have learnt to interact with people from all backgrounds and they are truly global citizens.
What are some of the unique things the kids enjoy about the school?
We have very creative students! They love to build and construct, cook, and explore solutions and multiple perspectives. What other school would be doing Shakespeare on a mountain between Tanjung Aan Bay and the drama of the ocean? When we need to exert ourselves, we just pack up and go on a nature hike, where the starting point is less than five minutes away. Our school activities range from hip-hop classes to robotics to highly academic science fairs. We are as diverse as our community!
About living in the area in general – kids can feel safe riding their bicycles to school, walking down the streets with their friends, and hanging out at the beach on the weekends.
What are some of the biggest differences the students find between the school and their previous education?
Small class sizes, low teacher-to-student ratio, individual education plans, wellbeing programs, authentic learning, and inquiry learning addressing real-world issues and solutions. MIS teachers believe that learning should be fun and engaging for all of our students.
What are some of the common questions you receive from potential new parents/students interested in enrolling in the school?
If students attend our school, can they return to school in their home country? YES! Our curriculum is internationally recognised and our assessment and reporting outcomes are clear and transferable.
What if they cannot speak English? Immersion is the best way for children to learn a language. EAL students join regular classes, with support, and we find that their English develops very, very quickly.
Do we offer the National Curriculum and examinations for Indonesian students? Yes, our Indonesian students must take the national curriculum from grade 4. We offer Bahasa Indonesia and Civics classes, organise Religion classes and prepare students for their national exams.
When does our school year start and finish? Our academic school year starts in July/August and ends in June. Students are welcome to join at any time of the year. As we have students from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, our main holidays are split between December/ January and June/July.
We have heard that MIS has recently opened a brand new campus. Can you tell us more about that?
Our brand new school will open for term 2 of our 2022/2023 school year, so in midOctober 2022. We are all very excited for our beautiful campus to be completed.
The campus is designed to fit sustainably with the environment, to be bright and airy with collaborative learning areas and to make the best use of the extensive green spaces and undercover buildings. It will include a dedicated Early Years Centre; a large, covered Multi-court space; Science/ Artspace; a library; outdoor learning areas; a sports field; and an organic farm.
Mandalika Intercultural School is truly unique in this part of the world, with our innovative teaching and learning programs, the truly caring staff, and the gorgeous grounds and surroundings. Every child feels welcome and part of our big MIS family.
After a lot of discussion and soul searching, we decided to sell my house in Vermont. My wife is a Chinese Indonesian from Surabaya. We met about fourteen years ago when I was hired to teach at a school here. So, selling the house for me was cutting the cord to my homeland (Patria in Latin). All the psychological aspects surrounding this process deserve their own essay but this one is about the practical details of finding and buying a house here.
Foreigners cannot buy property in Indonesia. And they can’t inherit property either. So, despite my wife being an Indonesian citizen, she cannot legally will the house to me in the event that she predeceases me. What is required is a prenuptial agreement stating that the property would go to her daughter in the event of her death. Happily, one can get this paperwork done even if it wasn’t done before the marriage. No regulation stays the same for long. I don’t appear on any of the paperwork. Basically, I sell my house in Vermont and my wife takes that money to buy a house under her name in Surabaya. Think about that.
So the process begins. We cleared about US$275,000 from the house in Vermont. One would think that would be fine as generally, the cost of living in Indonesia is about 400 percent less than in America. Think again. About the only thing that is not relatively inexpensive is real estate. Of course, some of that depends on location. We live on the East side of Surabaya, the old side. There’s very little vacant land here and no place to expand as we are on the edge of the ocean. It’s a different picture on the West side of Surabaya where things are developing quickly and there is plenty of room for expansion. However, the prices there are not lower.
We had two big problems: finding the right house for us and finding one we could afford. The housing requirement was a one-floor building, in a good location for the things we do here, and with space for a painting studio (usually the garage). We spent a year looking with the help of an independent realtor who became our friend. She worked very hard for us despite our continuing failure to come up with the right house. I don’t think one-story houses are being built here now. The land is too expensive so two-story buildings are the norm on small lots.
The reason for the one-story building is that one gets tired of climbing stairs many times every day and we’re not getting younger. I progressively was willing to compromise on that as no options showed up and I began to think it was impossible for us to find and afford what we really wanted. Luckily, I trust my wife on all the important things and she wasn’t willing to give up.
We looked for a year and saw hundreds of houses at least from the outside. We would get in the car and spend most of the day driving around neighbourhoods looking at signs, making calls, and doing that over and over again. I went on about half of those trips, as much as I could stand. My wife, Jovita, and our driver Pak Rom did the lion’s share. When we did find a likely candidate, the price would be US$350,000 or US$400,000. There was nothing in our price range, nothing.
One day we found a nice-looking house with a sign on it and my wife called. The price was within our budget! And the builder was in the neighbourhood. It was a new house, two stories, but a modern design with a view and very attractive. I was thrilled and also desperate by now. I pushed very hard. The builder wanted a hefty down payment. I pushed to give it to him. I think I was hysterical, to be honest. My wife, thankfully, is a cool head. She insisted on seeing the house certificate. The certificate had a different name on it! Without going into all the details, the builder was attempting to get a deposit on a house he didn’t own! I was shocked and dismayed but happy I trusted my wife. After that, I just followed her lead. We had seen a house that fit our requirements and it was in a good neighbourhood and in a perfect location.
As usual, the price was too high. We made an offer. It was rejected. Some months later we made another offer and they made a counteroffer. The people were wealthy and wanted to sell the house, pay off their bank, and get their money out of it. We were able to buy it for about US$225,000 and have money left over for renovations. Truthfully, the house was fine. We could just move in but you only get your dream house once so we wanted it renovated in the best way possible.
Our son-in-law lives in Malang – a businessman. He recommended a crew of workers to do the renovation. It was planned in two stages and that turned out to be very important as their work wasn’t good in many cases and had to be redone. My wife’s cousin recommended her son take over as the contractor for the project. He’s a young guy, who recently graduated from university with top grades and with some experience. Actually, he seems to have had a lot of experience, is very talented and smart, and is a very nice person.
The workers he uses are all competent specialists in different aspects of construction and he makes sure they do the work properly. This is a three-month process - maybe four months - including the complete replacement of all the floor tiles, redoing of two bathrooms and the kitchen, and a lot of other smaller things. There are a lot of details to it all which require attention and skill. So far we are very happy and hope to move in sometime in December if not sooner.
There is a lot of trickery in the business culture here. Be careful to know all the details. Ask for the house certificate if you are interested in buying. Make sure you see that and have a notary check. Sometimes the certificate is in the bank, meaning they owe money that has to be paid before they sell. Find a good notary with a good reputation. Sometimes the person selling the house is not on the certificate as in the case mentioned. In another case, a woman’s husband had passed away but only his name was on the certificate. In these instances, you’re defeated before you begin. Just walk away.
Regarding real estate agents, normally they’re too busy and only interested in expensive properties. Shop around until you find someone you like who will take an interest in your search for a house. Go around and look through neighbourhoods, take photos of signs, and make calls. Many people want to sell without having to pay real estate fees. Don’t give up.
Regarding renovations, the money required is much more reasonable than buying a house, so things get easier. However, many of the workers don’t know how to do the work properly unless someone is over them telling them how to do it. Their standard is often “village standard” and not up to par in the city. That is why a contractor can be very important. However, there are also big differences. We talked to two contractors who basically said they couldn’t do the work we wanted. Probably they could build a house from scratch using an architect’s plans but to think their way through a complicated renovation was too much for them.
Good luck with your house hunting!PHOTO BY BRENO ASSIS (UNSPLASH) PHOTO BY MARIA ZIEGLER (UNSPLASH)
As part of the Unity in Diversity campaign running throughout 2022, the five-star resort The Apurva Kempinski Bali is highlighting the traditions and culture of the island of Kalimantan by conducting various collaborations with the craftsmen of Indonesia, each of them representing the cultural identity of each of the highlighted regions. This time, the resort teamed up with Franklin Firdaus, a fashion designer from Borneo, to set the stage for the island's heritage.
Franklin Firdaus, who is known for his work through the Franksland fashion label, displays a line of clothing inspired by the colours and culture of Kalimantan. On 3rd September 2022, the fashion show titled Mystery of Borneo was held in the Pendopo lobby. The stage presented a variety of clothing that told the stories of patterns originating from the island. Their distinctive colours, as well as the hidden messages contained in each design, are conveyed through this spectacular stage.
HARRIS Vertu Harmoni has won the Gold award in the MUSE Hotel Awards as a World-Class City Hotel and World-Class Event Hotel winner.
"This award is one of the great achievements as well as international recognitions for HARRIS Vertu Harmoni in the hospitality industry, of course, all thanks to the cooperation and support of the entire team from HARRIS Vertu Harmoni that continues to dedicate itself to providing the best services for our guests,” noted General Manager of HARRIS Vertu & YELLO Hotel Harmoni Christoph Voegeli.
Throughout a few months, the awards program received countless stellar entry submissions from over 30 nations across the globe originating in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Australia, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey, South Africa,
The Indonesia Expat Mixer was thrilled to head over to the Island of Gods this August since the last soiree in 2019!
Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach provided their outdoor haven SugarSand as the venue between 7 and 9 pm for a night of effortless networking!
Participants from various backgrounds residing in Bali gathered whilst enjoying free-flow beer from Singaraja as well as wine from Hatten Wines, while scrumptious light bites were whipped up by SugarSand. A special thanks also go to Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach and Hotel Tugu Bali for providing the lucky draw prizes.
We had plenty of lucky draw prizes towards the end of the night. Those who placed their business cards in a fishbowl upon registration stood a chance to win
“As a fashion designer, I find it very inspiring. If we want this culture to be enjoyed by future generations, we must continue to preserve it. At the end of the day, we have to start with ourselves, and inspire those around us,” said Firdaus.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali also continues to introduce Indonesian culture and traditions through crafted specialities inspired by the island's traditional foods, handicraft classes, as well as the folklores shared at Jalak Family club, where visitors can get to know more about the traditions and culture of Kalimantan. “The cultural beauty of the island of Borneo really shines through our stage with Franklin Firdaus,” shared the General Manager of The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Vincent Guironnet. "We hope that through this event, people can continue to appreciate and preserve the culture of Indonesia."
Visit kempinski.com for more details.
and many more in search for submissions that uphold the gold standard of the hospitality and tourism industry through recognition and celebrating their hard work and effort in making unforgettable memories for their guests. Hosted underneath the International Awards Associate (IAA) umbrella of awards programs, the MUSE Hotel Awards continues its mission of furthering the innovation and evolution of all aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry.
HARRIS Vertu Harmoni is located in the heart of Jakarta; just a few steps from MONAS (National) Monument. Other important landmarks like government offices, State Palace and historical sites are within reach. The hotel boasts 240 elegant rooms and suites, along with other facilities. The hotel also features extensive banquet and meeting facilities, all equipped with the latest meeting technology and ready to cater up to 1000 people.
Dial 021-22036000, WhatsApp 0811-8683788 or follow Instagram @hvertuharmoni for more details about HARRIS Vertu Harmoni.
exciting prizes. Hotel Tugu Bali awarded a one-night stay hotel voucher to one winner. Furthermore, the grand prize was a complimentary stay at Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach.
The Indonesia Expat Mixer is a monthly event that brings together both Indonesians and expats to expand their social network in an informal, relaxing ambience whilst also releasing some mid-week steam with appetising food, beverages, and music. Every event is presented in a different and unique setup.
To stay updated about the upcoming mixers, follow @indonesiaexpatmixer and @indonesiaexpat on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to Indonesia Expat on YouTube to watch the soiree’s recap.
See you at the next one in Jakarta!
Antasari main road 1,074m 2 , US$5,000/month (Antasari House permit is for foreign Government office, hotel, house, school & commercial).
Citiloft office US$60m 2 , US$950/month. Contact: +628129088286.
For Sale Mercedes Benz C200
A/T AMG EDITION-C NIK
2014. tax 11.22. Low Odo 29rb miles / 46rb km, Service Record, Plat B Jakarta. FULL AMG PACKAGES ORI, Price 345 JT Nego. Location Bandung, WA For Serious Buyer.Call: +628999355755.
Jobs Available
Our client is an international school in Bandung looking for 1. Expat Physics Teacher preferable experience with Cambridge Curriculum, 2. Female Expat PreSchool Coordinator. You may send your latest CV to reswara. educentre@gmail.com
Urgently needed. Local English teacher for School in West Jakarta. Please send your CV to hyhotama@yahoo.com
Hi I am a Native English Teacher Based in Bali Indonesia. Looking for part-time teaching in the afternoons and evenings I am TESOL TEFL and Cambridge Trained contact WhatsApp +6285959490609.
FOR RENT Houses in Kemang. 450m 2 , USD 3800/ month. Bangka 900m 2 , US$3,300/ month. Jeruk Purut 1300m 2 , US$3,000/month. Cipete 450m 2 , US$3,000/ month. Antasari main road 1,074m 2 , US$5,000/month (Antasari House permit is for foreign Government office, hotel, house, school & commercial). Citiloft office US$60m 2 , US$950/month. Contact: +628129088286.
Balinese style garden in Kemang. South Jakarta, Value lease and sale, Family Haven residence. Strata title apartment, Apartment Kemang Jaya for rent or sale. Located in strategic area in kemang SELATAN VIII between kemang and antasari, easy access to scbd and TB Simatupang. With 5 ha filled with lawn, palm trees and beautiful flowers. Available KPA, Bank: danamon, bni, mandiri, niaga, panin. Unit details: 144sqm, 3 Bdr, Renovated, Unfurnished, Cityview, Morning sun. FAST Sale price IDR 3,3 M, Rent price IDR 20 million and Penthouse 256 Sqm-3 Bdr, 2
Newly renovated Apt Senayan residence is for lease. 3 bedrooms + 1 maid's room,area 195m 2 (gross). Behind Hotel Mulia, and very close to Senayan City/ Plaza Senayan, 30 minutes to SCBD. The master bedroom is very spacious with a walk-in closet. Rental Price; 30.000.000 / month x 12 months (include service charge - swimming pool, gym, 24-hour security/ engineering service). Whatsapp me at +6281311014567. Email me at collinsproperty88@ gmail.com
FOR RENT Houses in Kemang. 450m 2 , USD 3800/ month. Bangka 900m2, USD 3300/ month. Jeruk Purut 1300m2, US$3,000/month. Cipete 450m 2 , US$3,000/ month.
House/land for sale by owner. Gunung Salak, Bogor (Kec. Tamansari near Pura Parahyangan Temple and Highland Park Resort).
Wooden 2-story house, originally from Bali. Upstairs – 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen. Downstairs – 1 bedroom, large recreation area, gazebo. Partly furnished. Land – 970 sqm. Rural, great views, cool climate, 2 hours drive from Jakarta. Rp1 billion (or near offer). Enquiries: contact via SMS or WA only (no voice calls please) +6281219140802.
Sukabumi is the last frontier for Jakarta weekenders – get in before land prices skyrocket.
The Bocimi Toll Road will open up beautiful West Java for villas, vacations and vivacious visits. Land is still cheap and plentiful. Gorgeous views of the volcanos. Half-day guided real estate hunt by car through the hills: Rp800,000. Have a look at the landscape and plan your future in the natural grandeur of West Java. Contact: sukabumi.investment@gmail. com
For Sale
Giant Enchant 24” bikeIDR 2.5 million. Ideal for a growing child or small adult. Shimano gear includes easyto-use 7-speed revoshift gear shifters and tourney derailleur. Excellent condition and properly maintained. Selling it because our daughter has outgrown it. Priced fairly to sell. New price c. Rp6 million. Contact for more information: Oliver, WhatsApp: +628111082607 / Email: olirichards22@gmail. com
We are all at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. These conditions can often be prevented, even if you have family members who have a history of these conditions. You can do a simple check at your family doctor and you will be prepared for the future and you can take action to maintain or improve your health.
A Cardiovascular Risk check is a sophisticated check of your heart health. It is especially good for adults aged 40 to 74 years old. It checks your vascular or circulatory health and it calculates your risk of developing some disabling-but preventable-illnesses.
See it as your Essential Medical Check Up. It basically checks that some of your body's most important systems are all working properly. It looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI for instance.
The check is important because it can detect potential problems before they do real damage. Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that you often can prevent these conditions.
Your Cardiovascular Health Check will assess your risk of developing these conditions and give you personalised advice on how to reduce it.
You will be given some straightforward health tests including having your blood pressure, weight and height measured. This is to calculate your BMI. You will also be asked some questions about your family’s medical history and your lifestyle. It’s not embarrassing or painful and should only take 20-30 minutes. This can all be done by your General Practitioner (at GOOD PRACTICE for instance).
Your Health Check will be done by a doctor. The check takes about 20 to 30 minutes. There will be questions, measurements and blood tests.
You'll be asked questions like:
• whether any of your close relatives have had the illnesses being checked for
• if and how much you smoke
• how much alcohol you drink, if any
• how much physical activity you do
Your weight and height will be measured to work out if you are a healthy weight for your height. This is also necessary to calculate your Body Mass Index.
Your waist may also be measured using a tape measure. Your age, gender and ethnicity will be recorded.
Your blood pressure will be taken using a cuff tted over your upper arm. Your pulse should be taken too.
You will have a blood test at the check. A sample will be taken to determine your lipid pro le (all types of cholesterol), kidney function and blood sugar control.
We will use an evidence based risk calculator to determine your risk to develop a cardiovascular disease.
At GOOD PRACTICE we will do our best to explain the test results and we will discuss what the score means for you.
The possibility of harm from being treated unnecessarily are low, as medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol are known to be very safe. The possibility of harm from being falsely reassured by an inaccurate test are also small.
Once you know your blood pressure, cholesterol level, BMI and age the RISK calculator combines these results to calculate your risk. The calculations are based on studies which have observed the health “outcomes” of large numbers of people over many years using these same tests and questions.
Ask your GP about cardiovascular risk, especially when you are over 40 years old. A good family doctor knows what to look out for and will use a reliable tool to determine your risk.