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Blog Entry"Pasar Serba Ada" di Gerbang NegaraAug 13, '08 8:59 PM
for everyone

Found this article on today's Kompas newspaper and it's so true!

Kiranya tak salah menyebut Bandara Internasional Soekarno-Hatta sebagai ”pasar serba ada”. Di bandara itu ada penyemir sepatu, ojek, taksi gelap, pedagang asongan, resto terkenal, dan porter liar. Sungguh jauh dari bayangan wajah negara yang mestinya tertata, aman, dan nyaman.

Keluhan soal kondisi dan pelayanan di bandara yang lebih banyak tampak ”amburadul” daripada tertata sering terlihat. Namun, upaya pembenahan belum juga maksimal.

Hingga Rabu (13/8), kondisi bandara tetap belum sesuai harapan pengguna. Rasa tak aman dan tak nyaman masih menggelayuti perasaan.

Lewatlah di area publik dalam bandara niscaya bau dan asap rokok akan langsung menyergap hidung. Begitu duduk di bangku panjang di Terminal I dan II atau memesan makanan di salah satu resto dalam area bandara, dalam hitungan menit, pedagang asongan dan penjual jasa menghampiri menawarkan dagangan dan jasa mereka.

”Semir, semir sepatu,” kata bocah lelaki bersandal jepit bersahut-sahutan. Baru semenit menolak tukang semir, datang penjual parfum dan pulpen menawarkan dagangan. ”Parfum ini sama dengan yang dijual pramugari. Kalau di mal harganya sampai Rp 300.000, di sini saya jual Rp 150.000 saja,” kata Sri, penjual parfum, merayu calon pembeli.

Keluar dari resto, giliran penarik ojek dan sopir taksi gelap yang kini dilegalkan menjadi penyewaan mobil dan biro wisata menawarkan jasa untuk mengantarkan ke mana saja.

Untuk meyakinkan calon penumpang, Nafis, penarik ojek warga Bojong Renged (kampung di belakang bandara), bercerita, ia sering mengantar penumpang sampai wilayah Kota di Jakarta Barat. ”Kemarin saya antar seorang ibu yang ketinggalan pesawat. Rumahnya di Pamulang- Kabupaten Tangerang. Ongkosnya cuma Rp 70.000,” ujar Roni, pengojek, Selasa malam. Ia mangkal di Terminal II, penerbangan internasional, Garuda dan Merpati.

Kondisi lebih seru terjadi di area parkir. Kaum perempuan yang menjadi pedagang asongan makanan menggelar dagangan di banyak tempat. Ada yang di antara mobil, ada pula yang memilih berdagang di pangkalan ojek. Selain menjual teh, kopi panas, aneka kue, dan telur, pedagang juga menyediakan bermacam lauk dan nasi putih.

Harga satu porsi nasi putih dengan sayur dan salah satu lauk (bisa oseng kerang atau balado teri) plus sambal hanya Rp 7.000. Jika ditambah minum sebotol air mineral bermerek terkenal, pembeli cukup membayar Rp 9.500 sekali makan. Mereka tetap lahap makan walaupun aroma tak sedap tercium akibat banyak orang yang suka buang air kecil di sembarang tempat.

Harga makanan itu murah dibandingkan makan dengan menu yang hampir sama di warung makan resmi di area parkir atau terminal bandara yang harganya bisa tiga kali lipat.

Menurut Idah, penjual asongan makanan di area parkir bandara, berjumlah lebih dari 100 orang, termasuk dirinya. Mereka umumnya warga di balik pagar Bandara Soekarno-Hatta.

Bagi para perempuan, seperti Idah yang tak tamat SMP, berjualan makanan di bandara sangat membantu ekonomi keluarga. ”Sebagian yang jualan gini dulu korban gusuran, tetapi ada juga pendatang dari Sumatera,” kata Dedeh, pedagang makanan yang asli Tangerang.

Bermodal termos, tas berisi bungkusan nasi, lauk, telur, sambal, dan air mineral, para perempuan itu menyusuri area parkir bandara untuk mengais rezeki.

Beberapa orang di antara mereka mengaku mendapat penghasilan lebih dari Rp 100.000 per hari. ”Lumayan bisa bantu suami yang cuma ngojek. Kalau tidak begini, dari mana biaya sekolah anak,” kata Dedeh yang memiliki tiga anak.

Selain pedagang makanan, di balik ratusan mobil yang parkir, ada porter liar. Selasa malam, Kompas menyaksikan sebuah keluarga yang akan memasukkan koper dan tas ke mobilnya kaget saat tiga lelaki tiba-tiba muncul di belakang mobil dan membantu memasukkan empat koper dan tas mereka.

”Bos, bos,” kata seorang dari lelaki itu. Maksudnya ia meminta uang. Dengan mimik kesal, salah satu anggota keluarga itu memberi uang kepada para lelaki yang biasa disebut porter liar tersebut. Porter, tanpa kerja, yang tiba-tiba datang dan minta uang ini menjengkelkan pengguna bandara.

Tanggung jawab bersama

Manajer Humas PT Angkasa Pura II Trisno Heryadi mengakui adanya kekurangan sarana dan pelayanan di Bandara Soekarno-Hatta.

Akan tetapi, pihak badan usaha milik negara yang mengelola bandara tersebut menyatakan, hal itu sebagai tanggung jawab bersama. ”Maksudnya saya, mereka yang terkait dengan penggunaan bandara harus bersama- sama mewujudkan bandara yang nyaman dan aman,” kata Trisno pada Rabu.

Soal tumbuh suburnya ojek, taksi gelap, pedagang asongan bahkan pelanggaran oleh para perokok, ia berpendapat, hal seperti itu terjadi karena sikap dan tiadanya keinginan masyarakat untuk berubah menjadi baik.

Ia menambahkan, Angkasa Pura II juga tengah melakukan pembenahan dan pembangunan Terminal III.

Benar, mulai ada perbaikan total toilet di Terminal I (domestik) dan penambahan toilet, ruang ibadah di area parkir, tetapi kenyamanan pengguna juga berkurang oleh makin tersitanya ruang publik oleh penambahan kios makanan dan pakaian.

Sebagai bandara utama yang tiap tahun dikunjungi 34 juta penumpang dalam dan luar negeri, tak pantas dibiarkan dalam keadaan ”amburadul”.

(As published on Kompas, Thusrday August 14, 2008 written by Soelastri Soekirno.)

For a country undertaking the year 2008 as Visit Indonesia Year, the condition of our airport is so sad, almost embarrassing really and far from being ready for Visit Indonesia campaign. Besides the obvious problems stated in above article, let's not forget the fact that heavy rain always created flood and cut off the main toll road to and from the airport. The government should've taken care of all these mess before even thinking about making such a big campaign. Personally, I really hope the government and every one else will make this airport a better 'gate' to Indonesia sooner than later.


Blog EntryI'm Back (at least for now)Aug 11, '08 9:16 PM
for everyone

I haven't been on Multiply for a few weeks now because I just don't have the time and patience to sit and watch the internet creeping so very slowly to open just my Multiply's inbox. That's why I've been blogging here (if you're interested to read our stories, anyway)

But now I'm back (big YAY!) although for only 2 weeks or so. Yes, I'm in Jakarta again thanks to the super tight rules for our visas. We're not the only ones who grunted under our breaths because of the whole Olympic 'magic' effects when it comes to visas, paper works and stuffs in China.

I'm happy to be back but I hope that things will go back to normal once the Olympic is over. Did you guys know that they had 'temporarily' stop issuing 12 months visa or even multiple entry visa? And one cannot go to HongKong to renew their visa (I'm still a green passport holder so sadly I fell into the category of must return to their country for visa renewal) and you can't extend your visa in China anymore. The only visas you can get is the one month or 3 months one with only a single entry or double entry. Bummer!

Well, anyway, I'm glad to see  my family again and speaking in a language that we understand LOL. Hope y'all doing fine!


Photo AlbumJakarta The 3rd & Last Month (35 photos)Jul 7, '08 7:54 AM
for everyone
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Thought I'd take a break and post these pictures taken on our last month in Jakarta. We'll be heading soon to China (this Thursday) and we will miss all our families and friends here. Thank you for the great times we've shared. Love you all!

Photo AlbumFarewell Lunch (10 photos)Jul 7, '08 12:02 AM
for everyone
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When:Sunday, July 6, 2008
Where: Senayan City & Plaza Senayan
Time: 11:00 AM onward
Who: Yola, Ratih, Usi Sherly & I
Topics: Laughing, laughing, laughing, pictures, pictures, pictures & fun, fun, fun!

Yola, many thanks for being Ibu Lurah and arranging all the meet ups while I'm in Jakarta. From watching SATC on the last minute with me to the fun we had shopping together. I will miss you much, girl! Thank you for the beautiful scarf. I LOVE IT!

Ratih, you are such a fun person. I totally enjoyed spending time with you and teasing you LOL. You have such a good heart and I hope our friendships will last for a long time. Thank you for the oleh-oleh from Salatiga. They areeeeeeee yummylicious! Kisses for pretty Ms. Kiera, too bad I can't meet her. Maybe next time yah.

Usi Sher-ku sayang, I like you instantly the first time we met. You are such a real person, smart and wow your hair is to die for! LOL! I totally love hanging out with you. You are such a great person and one that I wish to keep as close friends for a long time. Thank you for the presents too and big kisses for Alex, Sydney & Ashley.

Thank you all so much ladies. I will miss you all so very much! Hiks...


Photo AlbumIUC (& its ex) + MPers Meet Up (37 photos)Jun 20, '08 6:32 AM
for everyone
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June 19, 2008 was one of the most memorable day of my days in Jakarta. Why? Because we got to meet lots of great friends and new friends. It’s the big gathering held for IUC members (also its ex) and MPers.

Arranged by Yola & Tia (thanks ladies), total members who RSVP-ed along with their families are 42 people. Plenty huh? LOL.

The ‘committee’ had an early ‘meeting’ over coffee (and some doughnuts) at J.Co at Plaza Semanggi in the morning before the big lunch event. I was early then Airin the pretty girl from Singapore showed up followed by Yola then Usi Sherly, Anne & Tia also Ratih. Indah and Erna came a bit late since they just arrived from Batam the same day. We had so much fun laughing and talking.

At lunch, the more the marrier…Finally got to met Nina from Japan with her beautiful family (thanks for the house warming gift Nina!).

Keagan’s sweet smiles and bright brown hair makes the day even brighter, so happy to meet you again after Houston, P!

I was smitten by little Mimi’s cute curls and so nice to finally met her Mommy who’s so much fun to be around with.

Chennaya, little miss sunshine! Super cute to watch her walking around snapping pictures. Claudia, you’re so nice! “Jauh di mata, dekat di MP!” it’s a pleasure to meet you tanta Clod! I’d definitely look for Daniel’s CD at the store. Best of luck!

Indah & Erna, you girls rock! Move over Mrs. Beckham! LMAO!

Heidi, you look so much like your mom (I had a picture to prove it! LOL) I enjoyed talking with you and your mom. And I meant it when I said the two of you looks like sisters. WOW!

Ati glad you can join us. Unfortunately, I can’t chat with every one although I’d love to but I really had a blast meeting these ladies and their family.

For Mbak Dian, Mbak Retni, Lovi, Ida’s friend (so sorry I forget her name!) it’s a pleasure to meet you ladies.

Thanks for the fun day, ladies. It’s so much fun! Wish we could all meet up again. Special thanks udah di kirim via e-mail ya.

More pictures will be coming up from the other ladies. Here are the ones from my camera (plus one pic of me with the other ladies copy from Mbak Retni’s MP. Thanks Mbak!). Enjoy!

PS: Ladies, kalo pengen copy foto2nya silahkan aja & gw bisa email original size-nya yg nggak ada copyright symbol-nya yah. Just PM me.

Blog EntryReposted: I'm SorryJun 4, '08 11:43 PM
for everyone

I accidentally deleted this post (DUH!) so I just copy & paste it from my e-mail alert but you don't need to reply again.

Friends & family,

Just want to let you know that I won't be online as much due to some important stuffs needed to be done here before we leave for Guangzhou, China by the end of this months. I'd probably still get online to upload some pictures but I won't be able to visit and reply to each and every one of your post. Please forgive me, it doesn't mean I don't care anymore it's just a matter of times.

I still have tons to do and other loose ends to take care of before we go and really starts our new life in China (plus I'm still down with a cold. Hiks!)

Take care everyone and I promise I'll try to catch up whenever I can.


Blog EntryAn UpdateMay 8, '08 12:58 AM
for everyone

Hi all,

Just wanted to give a little update on how we are doing here. Sorry I haven't been online in awhile and leave any comments on your pages.

Alex catches a cold from his uncle Reggy and his Oma 3 days ago. He’s better today, haven’t hear him cough all day but he’s still pretty cranky.

We did take him to RSIB (Rumah Sakit International Bintaro) yesterday because with his history a cough is enough to makes me worried sick. The doctor checked his throat and said it looks a little red, he may have a sore throat. She then prescribed him with antibiotic, which I questioned the necessity of it and she clearly wasn’t too happy about. I haven’t given him any of the antibiotic as I just stick with Tylenol, Atuss DS Sus (for his cough and congestion) and I did gave him some albuterol yesterday as I heard him started wheezing a little. Both of these medications were given to him by his pediatrician after he was released from the hospital last time.  The pediatrician we met yesterday also prescribed him with some allergy medication, antiviral syrup which I haven’t given too. I just don’t understand why would he need both antiviral and antibiotic? So, I contacted my brother in law and his wife who happen to be pharmacists and asking them about this whole thing. Hopefully they could help me understands better.

I think being a mother makes me more cautious about what kinds of medications my son takes and because of that I always try to questions the doctors and expect them to indulge in helping me understands the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ but unfortunately that doctor we met yesterday clearly wasn’t too happy about it. She wasn’t the first doctor that had these reactions, the doctor we met in Balikpapan last year when Alex got sick also shows sign of irritability when I questioned him. Sigh, I think I better find another doctor for Alex just in case he has to see one here again. Any suggestions beside SOS?

Thanks and hope you’ll have a great day/evening!


Blog EntryKickin' It Full GearApr 30, '08 12:25 PM
for everyone

Alexander and I have been spending 3 weeks in Jakarta, Indonesia with my family.

My father will arrive from Congo this Friday so that means less time for me to get online since holiday will be on its full gear. Hello Bandung, Taman Safari, Puncak and other places!

I'll definitely try to finish my 'migration' to blogger before we leave for Guangzhou, China. Take care everyone!

Ciao bella!

Blog EntryJakarta - Week 2Apr 23, '08 4:41 AM
for everyone

We’ll be in Jakarta exactly for 2 weeks by tomorrow and I’m going to try to write what we’ve been up to so far.

Like I mentioned before Alex got a jetlag when we first got here but thankfully, he survived it! LOL! Now he’s back to his normal routine days again although there are days where he had to take his nap in the car. He’s also has been more relax about his Oma and uncles (Opa is still in Congo, his trip home has been postponed due to some paperwork’s problem! Bummer!). Before he was a bit timid about them I mean he’ll play and goof around with them but he won’t let them hold him. Uncle Danny is the first one that he attached himself to, maybe he remember how close they were when he was a baby. With my mom, there are times when he’ll ask her to pick him up and there are times where he just doesn’t want it. I guess it’s all normal toddler behavior.

The first week and so was a bit hard on me too, no I do enjoy all the good food (will definitely gain a few extra pounds! LOL!) and all but I’m talking about taking care of Alex solely. All of these time his Daddy and I work as a team in taking care of him but when we got here he became very clingy to me. I failed to anticipate the different approach it requires for toddler as he was a baby (a mere 10 months old) when we first came to Indonesia so I didn’t know things are different this time around. His world has changed, I can tell you that. From the quiet small town of Dothan, Alabama to the big, heavily polluted, crowded, noisy big city of Jakarta, it’s going to take sometimes for him to adjust to it all.

Going to Jakarta’s malls has been a struggle too as Alex will act out, throwing tantrums and doesn’t want to sit still in his stroller. I was a bit frustrated at first because in my selfish little mind I so want to just look around and do some shopping but after I calm down and think about it I realized how wrong I was and as I look the whole thing from his small point of view it must be kinda scary for him to be in this weird place packed with stranger, where stores belted out their music louder than one another (seriously, I got a headache now if we stay too long in a mall!) From a toddler point of view, a mall is a strange place worth exploring and being strap in his stroller is the last thing he wants! Yet, it’s scared me to death that he’ll get stamped by those many people at the mall if I let him running around like he wants to do. Also, I’m beat up from chasing him around or carrying him so shopping has kinda lost its sparkle for now.

In order to help him adjust I’ve trying to cut back on my plans to go here and there, meeting with friends has been postponed as well. The only friends we met were Esti & Loren along with their kids yesterday and it was a blast! There, Alex was actually didn’t act out like he did when we were at the mall, perhaps because he was having too much fun playing with Ariel’s toys and messing up Tante Esti’s home LOL! Hopefully soon we’ll be able to go to places like we planned to.

Before we got here my brother asked me if I want to hire a baby sitter or a nanny to help me out with Alex but I said no I don’t need one but after awhile (probably fueled by exhaustion too and after venting out to my mother that I will never be able to go out anywhere until he’s at least 5 years old!) I was so tempting to actually find one just to help us when we go places. Huh! Yeah right! The more I think of it the more crazy I feel myself gets LOL. I mean, yes of course it’ll be super nice to have someone to help me out taking care of a robust, energizer bunny like toddler LOL but since I’ve been taking care of him just with the help of his Daddy in the nearly 17 months of his life, I’m more paranoid of letting someone else take my place or even just to help out. When my own mother tries to help I’ll tell her exactly what’s needed to be done (listen to me telling a mother of 3 how to do things! LOL!). There were too many negative ‘what ifs’ in my head when I think about hiring a nanny. I trusted my family any day over a total stranger. So let’s just hope things will get easier with Alex as he’s settling in.

So, there’s really not much to write about. Oh btw, Shinta, thanks for the pepto bismol tip. It works! I have no stomach problem even after I eat those street foods. YAY! Another thing, my mom had booked for the masseuse to come to our house every Friday so I can have my massage. Yeeeeeeeeehawww!

Hope you’re all doing great out there!


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