Indonesia Expat – Page 2 – Gail G. Collins

Walking for Education

Taking on challenges for the kids of Elisama

22 September 2014

Hitting middle age for some can cause a big life shift, but it doesn’t have to be a crisis. Fiona Forrest, an Aussie expat in Jakarta for eight years, woke up at age 45 and something snapped. She was going to get really fit. And she did. Coinciding with this inward focus on health came an outward focus on those less fortunate. Since then, Forrest has undertaken three physical challenges as fundraising efforts for underprivileged children’s education. Continue reading “Walking for Education”

Sekolah Kami

Breakinng the Cycle of Poverty for Trash-Pickers’ Children through Education

Issue #118, 20 May 2014

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

As we approached the school to volunteer our time, girls swept with rush brooms and boys tidied up. They are used to picking up trash; many are the children of pemulung (scavengers). But their actions represent more than that. This is Sekolah Kami, or Our School in Indonesian, and these children have a sense of pride in their school that other students might take for granted. Continue reading “Sekolah Kami”

An Endless Journey: Reflections of an Indonesian Journalist

Issue #118, 20 May 2014

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

One doesn’t plan to live 97 years, but in doing so, it is impossible not to consider how it was accomplished, and moreover, what one contributed to the betterment of others during that lifetime. Herawati Diah has been described as the epitome of the Indonesian woman. Personally, she sees herself honouring traditional customs and a modern mind. This outlook translated as proud nationalism, when as a journalist, Herawati reported on Indonesia’s struggle for independence, and as an ambassador’s wife, she carried its culture abroad, and as leadership, she stood in the streets with women, urging them to find a strong voice. Benchmark moments in her life shaped her vision and steeled her steps for her book, An Endless Journey: Reflections of an Indonesian Journalist. Continue reading “An Endless Journey: Reflections of an Indonesian Journalist”

It’s All Downhill on a Cycling Tour of Ubud

6 May 2014, Issue #117

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

When visiting Bali, people either stay by the sea or head for the hills. My husband and I opted for Ubud’s cooler mountains. Everything necessary for a happy holiday exists – lush forests, terraced rice fields, ancient temples, crafts, cheap accommodation and luxury hotels. Ubud is an artisans’ hub, encompassing a sprawling collection of villages that is spread over several kilometres. A great way to explore the area’s natural beauty, interact with locals and taste the island’s bounty is by bicycle. You can make tracks on back roads, yet stop to indulge every interest. The pace is your own. You also will burn calories in the process. Continue reading “It’s All Downhill on a Cycling Tour of Ubud”

Custom Bikes with Powerful Pipes

A compassionate heart beats under the leathers of a Harley-Davidson rider.

23 April 2014, Issue #116

When you ask guys who own Harley-Davidson motorcycles how long they’ve been riding, most of them give the same answer: “I always had somethin’.” The Big Wheel they turned donuts with in the driveway at five years old was the only legal option before they inevitably could own a Dyna custom bike. Rob Jagodzinski was no different. Big Rob, as he’s known, didn’t come by his name for being puny, and explained bike passions as he feasted on crawfish, pulling their heads off and building a pile of beady-eyed red carcasses on a tin plate. The smaller Harleys are more useful in Jakarta, but he would prefer something bigger. Big Rob is a HOG—a member of Harley Owners Group Indonesian Chapter. The 120-member international group takes Sunday rides to Puncak and weekend trips to Pelabuhan Ratu. Continue reading “Custom Bikes with Powerful Pipes”

The Gamelan Group: All Nationalities, Ages and Motives Welcome

March 10, 2014

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

As Pak Parno threads his way through the gamelan, he claps his hands to guide the tempo and calls out to beginners who have lost their place in the music. Eyes focus on notes as mallets tap out a lancaran or simple song. The cyclical melody is carried by the metallophones, embellished by the ringing tones of bronze, knobbed kettles. This is punctuated by hanging gongs and led by the beating of the kendhang drum. Repetitive lines pulse on counts of two and four. These crescendo and accelerate before winding down to pause for the strike of the massive gong gede, followed by the musicians’ final note. It is mesmerizing music. Continue reading “The Gamelan Group: All Nationalities, Ages and Motives Welcome”

A Hop, Skip and a Jump to a Hawksbill Turtle Conservancy

104^th Edition, 24 October 2013

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

With about fifty passengers aboard, the outfitted Zenvolution left Marina Ancol a half an hour late and skipped across a flat, golden mirror of water. My husband and I felt the promise of a day of relaxation. Our eyes focused on the misty horizon, but our minds considered what swam in the sea. We thought about turtles – more directly, Hawksbill sea turtles – and imagined their burnished shells gliding amongst the coral reef, sharp beaks snapping at sponges. Continue reading “A Hop, Skip and a Jump to a Hawksbill Turtle Conservancy”

Shaping Women’s Roles through Literature: Helvy Tiana Rosa

103^rd Edition, 9 Oct. 2013

Poised amongst the top ten female writers in Indonesia, Helvy Tiana Rosa has produced 50 written works including short stories, plays and poetry in addition to her role as past editor in chief at Annida. She has been a driving force for women and active in many literary groups. She also founded a forum to establish writers worldwide and has received a strident list of writing and empowerment awards for her efforts. Currently, Rosa is a lecturer and theatrical coach while finishing her Ph. D in literature at the University of Indonesia.

You are a prolific and beloved writer from Indonesia. Importantly, you are female and Muslim. How does this influence both your subject matter and professional outreach? Continue reading “Shaping Women’s Roles through Literature: Helvy Tiana Rosa”

Kids in the Kitchen

Small hands are a big help, and kids enjoy eating their recipe creations.

Issue #115

Story & Photography by Gail G. Collins

Chubby hands held a measuring cup, poised to dump in more flour as her brother stirred. The eldest read the recipe aloud while the baby beat the linoleum with a wooden spoon. The big brothers wore dinosaur aprons, and little sister had a tea towel tucked in her sundress. This scenario is a fond memory with my children. Yes, it was messy and noisy, but what about childrearing isn’t? And while my youngsters had fun making bread or cookies, they also learned about maths, chemistry and nutrition. That middle son graduated from culinary school, and is now a chef in New York City. Best of all, every one of my brood can cook. Continue reading “Kids in the Kitchen”