Gotong Royong
“The success of Homo Sapiens rests primarily with our capacity for empathy and our urge to understand and appreciate others” From a review of The
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Joko Widodo and the Importance of Being There
With a reputation for hands on leadership, in less than a decade Joko Widodo has risen to become Indonesia’s most popular politician with political capital
Does Gang Land Mean Gang Warfare?
Indonesia’s political philosophy is “Unity in Diversity” or “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” as every school child learns in the second grade of primary school. You only
Olivier Pouillon: Bali Recycling
In the mid-1990s, Olivier Pouillon saw a young child die at an illegal hotel dumpsite. The experience left a deep scar. Olivier resolved to do
Politics
Politics as a science is defined as the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity, the
I Made Mangku Pastika: A Governor of the People
The story goes that when I Made Mangku Pastika was a young boy, a neighbour hung himself over his gambling debts. His grandfather, previously a
Recent Legal Developments
One of the most important things for Indonesian expatriates to remember is that the country’s laws and regulations are often amended and updated. However, sometimes
The Biorock Project: Coral Reef Restoration in Pemuteran
One of the biggest issues in modern Indonesia is the deterioration of coastal coral reefs, due to many factors like coastal erosion, illegal bombing or
Early Warning Systems – Hope for Disaster Prevention
From earthquakes to cyclones and tropical storms, landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, and avalanches, no nation is immune from the threat of natural disaster. Early warning
Jakarta’s Real People
I don’t know about others, but for me one of the joys of living in Indonesia is its people. Not the unthinking drivers who don’t
More Mangroves, Less Flooding
Did you know there is actually a mangrove plantation in Jakarta? You probably have driven by it many times and not even noticed. It can
Dr. David E. Parry
Meet Dr David E. Parry, the Soil Scientist, Environmental Development Consultant and Curator who has been a resident of Jakarta since 1980. So David Parry,
The Environment – From the Insides Out
If the outsides are a reflection of what’s going on inside, what does your environment/space say about you? Our actions, no matter how ‘negligible’ they
How to Make a Maltese Cross
While I was on holiday in Malta with some friends a few years ago we booked a boat trip to the neighbouring islands of Gozo
Want to Study Indonesian in Jakarta? Few Schools Here May Make the Grade
Finding quality Indonesian classes is surprisingly tough in the nation’s capital. And as interest grows it may get tougher. Back in 2006, when he was
Once Upon a Sinking City: The Perpetual Floods of Jakarta
It is said that in life only two things are certain: death and taxes. But if you live in Jakarta, you can add two more
Icha : The Three-in-One Jockey
Icha stands patiently, arm outstretched, hoping for a ride to Monas, Kota or another part of Jakarta with the hope that she will meet a
Canggu – the New Kid on the Block
Canggu Square, Canggu Plaza and AMore Villas are the new kids on the block which have all been built within the last three years and
How well do you know your Highway Code?
The Indonesian government updated the Road Safety and Public Transportation Act of 1992 with a more comprehensive act and implementing regulations in 2009. See if
How to Make a Maltese Cross
While I was on holiday in Malta with some friends a few years ago we booked a boat trip to the neighbouring islands of Gozo
Environmental Terrorism in the Mentawai Islands
An eerie undercover video posted on January 28th that shows coral reefs being illegally bombed for catching fish off the Mentawai island of Siberut has