jplus 19 jan'14

WanderlustA DAte with the

DrAgonsWell Being

Focusing on cAtArActs

dining FeAr not

French FooD!

Vol. 1 No. 14 i jaNuary 19-25, 2014

InterIor desIgner roland adam’s fabulous eye for detaIlDesigning Man

2 January 19, 2014JPlus

ON THE COVERRoland Adam I Photographer R. Berto Wedhatama I Location MOIE Kemang, Jl. Kemang Raya 79, South Jakarta

mark my words

Check List

Noted in passing

We at JPlus are all about developing our community, including by profiling people who have made a name for themselves in Jakarta. through the select people and topics we feature, we hope we can be an influence in your lives.

Roland adam, this week’s cover, is the go-to interior designer entrusted with reworking private residences as well as commercial spots. this affable man, who definitely knows how to win friends and influence people, shares his story of success. He also gives interior design tips for your home for 2014.

there is also our 20/20 subject Hermandari Kartowisastro, who took up photography in her 60s. and take Moza Pramita, radio host, emcee and devoted culture vulture. In revealing her personal choices in Firm Favorites, the woman-about-town also encourages her fellow Indonesians to “look homeward” in their travel plans, instead of considering overseas their promised travel lands. It’s a great reminder to us all that we can find exoticism and excitement in our own backyard by visiting one of this nation’s thousands of islands.

that leads us to the travel destination this week, home of the legendary dragons, Komodo. People are headed eastward today, whether to Komodo and neighboring islands that are home to the ancient reptiles, Sumbawa (my personal favorite), untamed Sumba or really going the distance to Raja ampat, with its underwater treasure trove.

enjoy your weekend, whether you get out and about, or decide to follow Roland’s advice and give your living room a mini makeover.

Bruce Emond

4 Feminine TouchBurberry Prorsum unveils pretty wear for today’s man. 14

Places in the HeartA young artist is going places with his creativity.

under the Influence

JPlus TeamEditor Bruce emond I [email protected] Editor Willy Wilson Art Director Budhi HartonoGraphic Designer Lody andrian Marketing & advertising Sales & Marketing Director ady P. Pamungkas I [email protected] Marketing ExecutivesDewi Damayani I [email protected] andrianto I [email protected]

@JplusSunday SundayJplusJplusSunday

The communications minister got into a bear hug – not too close, enough said – in showing his lighter side. Nothing self-serving about it at all, just in good fun. And he also did not growl back at one follower’s tweet in response: @tifsembiring Whaaatt...?!! “@nunutotwit: I wish it were alive.

@RennySarahTernyata farhat abbas punya segmen sendiri di hitam putih?? God, please stop make people like that being famous..[Turns out that Farhat Abbas has his own segment on TV show Hitam Putih (Black and White)?? ]There is clearly no gray area when it comes to opinions about the irrepressible lawyer. Renny, just remember, 15 minutes, 15 minutes ...

linchewei@linchewei1 Naikin harga LPG tinggi menjelang

pemilu seperti Agnes Monica pakai baju seksi ke acara

resmi dubes. Wrong timing & tdk empati, jadi badut [Jacking up the price of liquefied petroleum gas in the run-up to the

presidential elections is like Agnes Monica

wearing a sexy outfit to an official ambassadorial event. Wrong

timing, no empathy, like a clown.]Before you could shriek a “waah waah wah yeahh yeahh yooo”, social media was bent out of shape by this photo. While we’re not here to defend her, we will anyway. The photo is old as the official shown with Agnes left Indonesia in 2012. Agnezmo, who now sports a deep tam, does not even look like the young woman in the photo anymore. Others also came to her defense, including @restimareta, who proudly declared,”That’s the hottest kebaya eveeeer!!”

Moraine Sitindjak @ msitindjakI hate when people joke about rape. It’s the jokes and undermining that make people think it’s not a big deal.

The Twitter views expressed on this page in no way reflect the ideals of JPlus. But we found them interesting.

A quick overview, in no particular order, of some recent trending topics in Twitterland.

CharaCter studIes

@AriekKurniawanI don’t think my life will be complete until I see corruptors hung on the Monas with fireworks in the background. #Anas #KPKMr. Kurniawan was referring to embattled former Democratic Party chairman Anas Urbaningrum’s defiant statement that he would be willing to be hanged from the National Monument if guilty of corruption. Even though the latter official is now in custody, we doubt Monas will put a new twist on Jakarta’s definition of “hangout” anytime soon.

@sherinamunaf Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress

@Joan_Rivers The reason why the Golden Globes are so much fun is because everyone drinks! By the end, Courtney Love seems like the designated driver

@ingridfadila Walaupun banjir mulu, tetep aja.... this is my home sweet home<3 [Even though it’s flooded constantly, it’s still my home sweet home].

sarah sechan@sarseh berusaha memahami orang yg basa-badi negur “mbak sarah, bla bla” tapi dia sambil jalan gak peduli jawabannya. saya ngobrol sama punggung[trying to understand people who flippantly call out, “Sarah, blah, blah” but keep walking without bothering to hear my response. I end up talking to their backs]. Giving new definition to the expression back chat, perhaps?

Andrea Petkovic@andreapetkovic FbsihmlsmrnijwtftsakhtmmfbbfsThis cryptic message from the German tennis player could have something to do with the sweltering heat in Melbourne, or perhaps keeping her cellphone unlocked in her tennis bag?

Tifatul Sembiring @tifsembiring Kemana aja pak tif, bener mau nyapres ...:D *BeruangGenit* [Where’ve you been sir, is it true you are going to run for president *Cheeky Bear*]

WoRDS BROTO DHARMA

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RELuCTANT To SAMPLE French cuisine for fear of spending the entire meal sitting stiffly as you wonder about pronunciation and not choosing the wrong cutlery? Then recently opened Gourmand Bistro in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, may be to your liking.

Located on the ground floor in Street Gallery, the bistro sets itself apart by serving classic French cooking with subtle Japanese accents in a sophisticated yet laid-back setting. However, it’s far from being a fusion joint – the main focus remains on French food, Gourmand Bistro executive chef Ivan de Putra explains, with Japanese touches incorporated to uplift the sometimes bland taste of French cooking.

unlike ultra-upscale French dining, there are no wine glasses or tablecloths adorning the tables. The open kitchen and alfresco dining area lends a spacious feel to the venue, which seats around 80.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, the menu is anything but subpar. Specially compiled by chef Ivan – who counts L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Singapore as one of his training grounds in French cooking – selections vary from authentic French dishes like escargot and foie gras, as well as easier options like rice and pasta.

Complimentary home-baked rustic bread is served with smooth and slightly sweet chicken liver pate and garlic butter to start off the meal. For those not entirely convinced to try the pate, the classic garlic butter option is delicate and not overpowering.

For a light entrée, the generous portion of baby spinach and wild rocket salad is ideal for sharing. True to Gourmand Bistro’s commitment to using the freshest ingredients possible, the leaves are perky, and the candied almonds add a lovely crunch to each bite while halved grapes balance the tangy drizzle of honey mustard.

The chef names the cod glazed in saikyou miso as one of the best-selling plat principal. Artfully plated in a modern style, the fish rests on a bed of sautéed

vegetables framed by a swipe of sesame sauce and an ample serving of mashed potato garnished with shio kombu on the other side. The just-opaque flesh of roasted cod gently flakes off and is succulent with a crisp exterior. A fine dusting of Piment d’Espellete lends bite to the sesame sauce, and you would be hard-pressed to find fluffier mashed potato elsewhere in Jakarta.

upon surveying the dessert selection, two stood out immediately – the peanut butter and chocolate molten lava cake and the layered black sesame cake. The choice was difficult, but going for the decadent molten lava with its nutty twist proved to be highly rewarding.

The palm-sized cake sits inside a ramekin, revealing a lightly cracked crisp top. upon sinking a spoon in the center, it delivers a perfect consistency of melted chocolate. The accompanying vanilla bean ice cream quenelle was delicious simplicity on its own, but a little too sweet as a match for the chocolate lava – be adventurous and try the bistro’s raspberry sorbet, which contrasts beautifully against the rich chocolate.

Naturally, given the nature of ingredients used, you cannot expect to pay coffee shop prices at Gourmand Bistro. However, this is a place where you can enjoy well-prepared French fare at a suitable cost. The portions are substantial, and it is evident in the exquisite taste that the dishes are carefully prepared.

A fair few items on the menu piqued my curiosity – chicken with foie gras and teriyaki sauce, for example, or the French-style duck breast pizza – so many things to try, so little space in the stomach. A return trip is definitely on the agenda.

And Chinese New Year may be the best time to do that with a special festive menu. Feast on grilled chicken salad with pear and Hoisin dressing, prosperity black pepper beef pasta, lucky duck crepes and mixed salad with mandarin sauce and passionfruit and orange souffle with chocolate sauce.

gourmands great & smallsAmPling French FAre wiTh A dAsh oF JAPAnese. WoRDS FElIcITA GOEnTORO

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dining out


A la mode

it’s a Man’s Man’s Worldin london, Burberry and mcQueen showed two very different sides of an

english lad. while in milan, designers celebrated workmanship. WoRDS SylvIA HuI, cOllEEn BARRy AnD JEnnIFER clARk/AP

PHotoS AP, AFP

London Lads Colorful silk scarves tied daintily around the neck, fishnet mesh vests, big furry mohair coats — and we’re talking about Burberry menswear, not Jean Paul Gaultier’s womenswear. Did you just gasp? Well the fashion editors at Kensington Gardens certainly did as they saw male models in fluffy coats, floral suede outerwear and blanket-like scarves.

Themed “A Painterly Journey”, Burberry Prorsum’s latest menswear collection’s decadent fabrics and arty prints that produce an experimental (read: feminine) collection. Chief designer Christopher Bailey said he was inspired by the works of British artists, including Christopher Wood and Ben Nicholson.

“That kind of translated into these hand-painted bags, hand-painted coats, embroideries and jacquards,” he said backstage after the show. “I wanted the collection to feel very, very rich as well.”

In line with the arty theme, prints were big and bold. Models opened the catwalk wearing scarves, shirts and sweaters featuring prints of London maps and landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral. Vines

and autumn leaf patterns in mustard, burgundy and hunter green dominated the second half of the show.

Despite the tricky fashion, Bailey, who

is soon going to take on the role of CEo after Angela Ahrendts left the company for

Modern Punk “I liked the simple graphic ideas, the references to

post-punk. I liked how it was simple and dark,” said American Esquire fashion director Nick Sullivan of Alexander McQueen’s menswear presentation, “It felt very London.”

Its latest menswear offering is as dark and brooding as the stormy London weather outside. The collection saw sharply tailored black pieces paired with silver or gold accents, as well as minimal geometric shapes. Skinny trousers were layered with kilts and skirts, and an occasional pink and black plaid outfit provided a burst of color.

The overall mood was severe and understated, yet young and rather sophisticated. Take, for instance, the lines and stripes from a bold square pattern appeared on a monochrome turtleneck jumper and on the shoulders of grey tailored jackets. or the pleats placed at the backs of coats livened up otherwise strait-laced pieces. And if that’s not cool enough, check out the flowing leather coats and clunky platform boots provided a punk edge.

McQueen’s design DNA is indeed very London. McQueen, a talented designer who committed suicide in 2010, started his career as an apprentice at Savile Row, home to Londons most revered tailors. His predecessor Sarah Burton retains his meticulous craftsmanship and tailoring standards, both in the women’s and men’s line.

Apple, certainly knows to put together one heck of a show; it remains the biggest and glitziest show throughout the fashion season, drawing stylish crowd like rapper Tinie Tempah and singer Paloma Faith.

And yes, it continued its online campaign, resulting in thousands of customers streamlining on Youtube and photo-exchanging on Instagram as the show unveiled.


A la mode

Life’s A Beach Gucci’s mod mariner cuts a boxy figure in loose-fitting

short jackets and generous sweatshirts paired with slim trousers and solidly soled shoes. The peacoat that anchors the collection sports a rich, knotty texture achieved by working a traditional Tuscan fabric with neoprene. Creative director Frida Giannini’s palate of dusty pastels creates a mood of a just-calmed storm and lends smoky contrast to the perfect black that permeates the collection.

Ready to set sail, the Gucci mariner tucks an oversized duffel or folded shopper with bamboo handles under his arm, dons his seafarer’s cap, in cloth or leather with a smart leather braid around the crown, and sets off, without squinting, into the sunrise behind his round Gucci sunglass frames.

The Shining Nobody does modern menswear better than Giorgio

Armani. The Italian fashion titan made his name selling quality suits to the Americans – and subsequently, the rest of the world – capitalizing on luxurious fabrics and handsome, masterful cut. But its latest collection proved to be a little more playful than its staple design - it used soft fabrics so lustrous they almost seemed lit from within.

But then again, this is Armani – he can be as playful as he wants and rest assured that the collection remains a masterful compendium of modern good taste. Just take a look at the artfully deconstructed men’s jacket, and the narrow silhouette at Emporio looked fresh. Slim pants ended at the ankle over chunky oxfords. The jackets this season were tight, with three or four buttons, and had small, high collars.

The somewhat prim vibe of the jackets was counteracted by the quiet but deep luxury of fabrics. Fur was everywhere, either peeking out of hoods in flashes, or sleekly fashioned into soft overcoats and jackets. There also were sweaters with fake fur inserts, while wool was worked to look like astrakhan.

Behind the Scenes Etro put its Made in Italy ethos in evidence

by sending its tailors and seamstresses down the runway alongside models wearing their handiwork. So a pattern-cutter named Flavio

Cardilla marched down the catwalk to lively Italian folk music alongside

a model wearing a closely fitted hound’s-tooth suit, one of the many artisans joining

in the parade.“This show is dedicated to our tailors,” said

Kean Etro, who designs the menswear collection. “After all, we’re together day in, day out.”

The fashion house that has made paisley a way of life devised this collection out of a jangle of contrasting checks and plaids. The silhouette was slim and tight, layered with waistcoats and topped with a wildly printed paisley wool scarf for a look that is pure 21st century dandy. Briefcases and suitcases in matching patterns completed the look.

Luxe Touch Silvia Venturini Fendi clad the runway in swirls

of sumptuous gray fur, a tell-tale sign of both the luxury and the fantasy employed in the very tactile collection. Fendi’s heritage is in fur, and Venturini Fendi knows how to treat it both with gravity it deserves while unmasking its hidden humor. Fur panels added richness to cable-knit sweaters, while generous swaths are draped, almost like external vests or ample shawls, on overcoats. Shaggy fur covers what appears to be an adapted golf cap, complete with pom-pom.

Similar with other big fashion houses, Fendi predicted that men are going to wear slim-fitting pants next season, ending neatly at ankle-high boots or tie-ups with massive silver soles, all the better for grabbing the icy pavement. Tufts of fur were added to the famous Peekaboo bag, enlarged for men, with the graphic suggestion of feline eyes peeking out when left agape. A bangle of fish bones hanging on the side suggest the passenger cat has just been fed.


Serves 6- 900 g-1200 g tuna steaks (150-200 g per portion)- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil- Salt

• Heat a cast iron griddle pan on a high heat. • Glaze tuna steaks with oil and season with salt.• Sear for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending

on personal preference, until the surface is cooked but the center is still pink. I’d suggest not cook it well done since it will turn dry.

Red pepper sauce1 (150 g) red bell pepper, diced½ onion, diced1 clove of garlic, crushed½ teaspoon paprika powder125 ml waterExtra virgin olive oilSalt

• Heat oil in a saucepan to sweat onion and garlic until fragrant.

• Remove garlic; add bell pepper, salt and paprika powder. Cook until they’re wilted and soft. Pour water and simmer until it boils.

• Transfer to a blender and purée. Pass through a sieve to discard the skin and obtain a smooth sauce.

Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, an 11-year resident of Udine, Italy, was the runner-up in the TV cooking program La Scuola – Cucina di Classe (The School: Classy Cooking) in 2011.

tendert u n A

taste bud

WoRDS & PHotoS THEODORA HuRuSTIATI

Caponata3 (450 g) colored bell peppers2 medium (300 g) eggplants

1 medium (300 g) zucchini½ onion, finely diced

1 clove of garlic, chopped2 teaspoons brined capers

1 tablespoon raisin1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds20 pitted olives (I prefer the black ones preserved in oil)A bunch of fresh basil leavesExtra virgin olive oilSalt

• Halve bell peppers lengthwise, remove seeds and white membranes; cut into 1.5-cm cubes. Dice eggplant and zucchini roughly the same size.

• Heat enough oil on medium heat to cover the base of a large skillet. Sweat onion and garlic until fragrant.

• Add bell peppers along with a pinch of salt and sauté for about three minutes, before including zucchini and eggplant. Insert olives, capers, raisins and toasted pine nuts.

• Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are soft.

• Tear basil into small pieces and add to the stew. Adjust salt and cook for another minute.

handy hintto achieve the desired diamond pattern, place

your steak on the grill tilted with a 45° angle. Wait for two minutes and turn 45° clockwise; cook for further 1-2 minutes.

Flip and do the same with the other side.

I used to think that tuna was dry and hard to eat, and that eggplant was tasteless. I guess I just didn’t know how to

cook them correctly! The recipes below are how I often combine them now. Caponata is a vegetable stew from Sicily, the famous island in southern Italy. The name of the dish came from capuna, a local fish that tends to dry so it used to be cooked in the stew. Nowadays, the many versions of caponata don’t include capuna anymore (traditionally, the recipe also calls for celery stalks and tomatoes, which I haven’t included), but I still think it’s a great recipe.


Firm favorItes

At EaseFavorite Book Crazy Rich Asian.

MusicI have to find peace with the kids, so our picks are Bruno Mars, Katy Perry and Coldplay.

Movie Pretty Woman.

Dinner spotHome.

ConnectionsCamera Sony, Sony, Sony. Yes, I was raised by Sony lovers.

Laptop Again, Sony.

Cell phone iPhone 5.

Gadget of choice iPad mini.

And of my dreams I’m an easily contented wife: my iPhone and iPad which were given to me by my hubby.

Social media favePath.

Hangout haunt Again, home. Dude, I’ m a mother of two, I manage my own kingdom by inviting friends to my dining table, with great home cooked meals are cooked by my dearest Idjah.

Breakfast or Brunch (and where) union with my family or DimSum at Crystal Jade Palace.

Sweet treatSweet cheesy martabak (pancake).

Shop Any shops at Thamrin City.

Indulgences Watch I don’t wear one.

Accessories and jewelry My Mom’s ring from 30 years ago, it was my first diamond ring.

Bags Red Longchamp & orange Goyard.

Designer label Citizen Humanity, only for my jeans.

Biggest splurge Ring and earrings.

CarHonda.

Artworks Dolorosa Sinaga, 3 Women Chatting.

Salon or Spa (and which one) Salon! once every 3 days for my hair blow out.

Where I get my hair done My Hair Top Salon at Pasar Tjikini.

Travel destination My 2014 wish is traveling to Raja Ampat.

Casual wear Leggings and my A line semi-formal dress.

Favorite coffee corner Nescafe Dolce Gusto, at home.

Must have household appliance Microwave and fridge.

Vanity CaseLipstickRevlon Color Stay red lipstick number 340/345, the best deep red, very long lasting and it doesn’t smear.

FragranceVictoria’s Secret Bombshell.

Must-have makeup Lipstick.

Mascara Maybelline lash by lash.

MoisturizerJergens ultra Healing.

Shower gel Johnson’s.

Skin care Dr. Titi.

My favorite guilty pleasure Lots of olive oil while having a massage.

KERAToN AT The Plaza is welcoming the upcoming Year of the Horse with a series of lavish Chinese New Year’s feasts and exclusive accom-modation packages for those who wish to stay with the hotel during this special time of the year.

The Bengawan restaurant will have a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet on Jan. 30 from 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. A New Year’s Day brunch is

served on Jan. 31 from 12-3 p.m.Prices begin at Rp 495,000 ++ (uS$37) per

adult. This offer includes free-flowing mock-tails, iced teas, fresh juices and soft drinks. At Rp 995,000 ++, each adult can get an endless pour of Billecart-Salmon champagne, wines and cocktails. Children aged 4-12 can get in for only Rp 248,000 ++ per child.

Guests who book two consecutive nights or more can receive an extra night’s stay for free. A Grand Deluxe room is Rp 3.52 million ++ per night, while a Junior Suite is available at Rp 4.17 million ++ per night. This package includes breakfast for two at the Bengawan and is valid from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9.

For information, call (021) 5068-0000.

Galloping into the Year of the Horse at Keraton

RADIo BRoADCASTER and emcee Moza Pramita has a crammed daily schedule. Close to her heart is her website liburkeluarga.com, where Indonesian families share information with each other about their travel experiences. She hopes more of her compatriots will realize the great beauty of their homeland, instead of considering foreign destinations as more glamorous. “Some people are busy saving money to travel abroad while we have the most amazing sites in this universe,” says Moza, 35, a mother of two and the daughter of entrepreneur Dewi Motik. “I would like to share with them that visiting Labuanbajo and Karimun Jawa is a lot cooler than going to LegoLand or universal Studios.” Coming up is MoCo, a book-based social media app.+ Hanna Nabila


personalIty

Designss U C C e s sFOR

desPiTe design Trends Being As Fickle As TroPicAl weATher, inTerior designer rolAnd AdAm sweArs By “Timelessness”.

WoRDS kInDRA cOOPER

Photo R. Berto Wedhatama


Why is it so simple? is a comment Roland Adam often hears after presenting to a client. The

interior designer is only too happy to furnish an explanation: “Let’s say I do your house when you first get married and later on you have kids and then you come back to me and some of the pieces from 15 years ago you still use – it still looks current because it’s timeless.”

Repeat clients are the designer’s pride and joy, as is his permanent installation at the Jakarta Textile Museum of a bedroom containing a four-poster Javanese bed bedecked in Parang Kencana fine batik.

Roland’s eye for aesthetics extends beyond selecting the perfect chaise longue to anchor a living room. Starting as a visual merchandiser with a background in hotel management and no inkling of his affinity for interiors, a customer noted Roland’s taste for displays and commissioned him to redo his living room – then the bedroom, kitchen and the rest of the house. Naturally, the rest is history.

Baccarat meets BatikRoland relishes the challenge of

reconciling East and West, favoring the no-riffraff functionality of Italian furniture – “just simple lines that never go out of

personalIty

style” – while flair and personality are channeled through the use of Asian textiles (incidentally chosen as a 2014 trend by Elle Décor). In one project he points to with particular pride, an Italian sofa is laden with throw pillows in blue-and-white batik, while a panel of the same motif hangs on the wall behind it. overhead, a Baccarat crystal chandelier glimmers.

While local fashion designers have scrambled to “revive” traditional Indonesian textiles, Roland insists that textile and interior designers are equally instrumental.

“Before, fashion designers would visit rural areas, choose the cloth, have it made and bring it back,” he says.

But working with Cita Tenun Indonesia foundation brings together designers, who are familiar with market tastes, with rural weavers from eight outlying regions to educate them about market demands in terms of cloth thickness, size, designs and colors. The result was a collection of tenun ikat upholstery, throw pillows and even

placemats for the ‘Wakatobi Ikat’ collection. Roland really pushed the envelope with his tenun-as-wallpaper collection for Xessex Indonesia.

Rules of ThumbRoland refrains from imposing his

ideals on clients (“Then again, what is beauty?”), focusing instead on “refining their taste”. one rudiment he does insist on: “Color coordination. Even if you don’t have expensive or one-of-a-kind things.” A room’s color scheme is established by the color of the focal point – be it a painting, a sofa or a carpet. Then the walls, floors, furniture and textiles should be on the same palette, says the designer, who favors monochrome. He used earthen colors of various tones for the ‘Ro’ collection for Forme’s showroom, with the focal point being a coffee table made from teakwood panels with its rings still visible.

The dark wood side tables recall tree stumps, while the sandy wallpaper and

interspersing of leafy plants confers a cave-like coziness. Another dining room set-up features Hermés table settings and straight-backed chairs from Baker uSA, with lean, tapering legs à la colonial style – another “timeless” staple, says the designer.

Getting PersonalIn Roland’s case, interior design is like

counseling: helping a client understand what he really wants. So much so that after 25 years in the business he has started asking himself “What do I really want?”

The graduate of Hendon College in London favors that city’s small art market, but derives most of his inspiration from New York’s metropolis and in Venice’s small shops and its architectural combination of classic and modern.

He has found a second calling in black-and-white photography and guest lecturing at various universities (“You cannot get taste from a textbook”), where he advises students that the most expensive item should never be a designer’s go-to. “I also like expensive things but the sky is the limit,” says Roland, who told of a recent client who purchased an Italian writing desk for Rp 1 billion (uS$100,000).

He sheepishly admits to “kicking out” students who show up for lectures wearing open-toed rubber sandals, reasoning “You represent art; don’t wear Swallow sandals”, and is known as “the professor who wears Gucci shoes, a Louis Vuitton bag and who wears a suit – why not?” As locAl FAshion

designers scrAmBle To “revive” TrAdiTionAl indonesiAn TexTiles, rolAnd insisTs TexTile And inTerior designers Are eQuAlly insTrumenTAl.

Batik showcased with elegant crystal.

An installation for Batik Parang kencana.

Roland says his intricate design for the 2011 Gebyar Batik nusantara elicited a remark of admiration from President Susilo Bambang yudhoyono.

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new year, new MoodWhile functional for reading and in the

kitchen, bathroom or garage, the too-bright convenience store beams of neon or tL lights sap a room’s personality. More intimate living spaces warrant the homier glow of halogen bulbs equipped with a dimmer switch to “change the mood of a room instantly,” says Roland. Interspersing table and floor lamps throughout the house confers further coziness.

Fluff and FoldRoland insists on one color palette

per room, using different shades for the textiles, décor, furniture and wallpaper for variation. For instantaneous oomph, replace cushions, runners, napkins or placemats in either a contrasting color or an extreme gradation of the current palette, such as a much lighter or darker hue. Go one further and reupholster the sofa for a simple yet pronounced overhaul.

Rethinking Things Shifting furniture within a room or

interchanging pieces from another room replenishes novelty. “Create a new area by moving two dining chairs to a corner and adding a small table in between,” says Roland. Voilà, tête-à-têtes over coffee and cake like at a café. Spruce up a living room with rattan or wicker by moving your outdoor furniture indoors; and don’t forget that changing the position of your bed can vastly alter a room.


wanderlust

The last time I visited Labuanbajo, on the western tip of Flores, along with the Komodo National Park, was in 2000. Indonesia was still in the depths of crisis, and tourists were more of a threatened species than Komodo dragons. Returning again today, I was interested to see how Labuanbajo had changed, and if the area was still as stunningly beautiful and unspoiled as I remembered.

For one, with several domestic airlines now serving Labuanbajo with daily flights from Bali, the Komodo National Park is far more accessible than it was a decade ago. Although Labuanbajo retains its easy-going atmosphere, it is undergoing a business boom. A new airport terminal is under construction, and I was told that land prices were sky-rocketing, while there was an influx of new tourism businesses and dive operators.

The most obvious was an invasion of Italian restauranteurs: I counted at least four trendy Italian eateries along Labuanbajo’s main street, complete with free Wifi. The town’s port is growing apace too, with larger concrete jetties and far more activity: small boats crowded the jetties and larger live-aboard diving boats filled the bay. The port area was also piled high and overflowing with freight containers.

I planned to re-make the boat trip into the park that I made 13 years before and that had left

M E E T I N G t h e

D R ag O n s

WoRDS & PHotoS PETER MIlnE

komodo nATionAl PArk is The PlAce To see iTs mosT FAmous, much FeAred residenTs.


a deep impression on me. I found a local agent and negotiated a small wooden boat with inboard, lifejackets and a roof covering for Rp 4 million for the three-day trip, including all food and drinks, with the exception of beer. This was for two paying passengers, and three crew including our captain and cook, Pak Azis.

Prices have certainly gone up a lot, but this is partly because of fuel-price rises and also new rules that involve the harbor master receiving daily reports on all passengers leaving the port.

our first day involved a leisurely sail westwards with several snorkeling stops along the way to Rinca, the sister island of Komodo that is also home to the dragons. Within minutes of leaving port we were surrounded by the most stunning and barren landscapes, devoid of human habitation save for a handful of small fishing villages hugging the coast. The sea was like a millpond, while the sky was an azure blue scattered with large white cumulus clouds, just as I remembered it.

We eventually dropped anchor just before dusk facing a thick mangrove forest on an island close to Rinca. As the sun fell behind the horizon a chattering could be heard from the depths of the mangroves. Then, the hidden chatterers started to reveal themselves: huge black fruit bats (flying foxes) began to launch themselves into the evening sky, finding their bearings and then making a beeline for Rinca. The sheer number of bats was remarkable: what started as a trickle turned into a flood, as thousands of bats filled the air. An ideal backdrop for a horror movie, I thought.

After being momentarily awakened by the returning bats at around 4 a.m., we were up at the crack of dawn. Following a quick breakfast, we raised the anchor and headed the short distance to jetty on Rinca, marveling at the sight of dolphins breaking surface not far from our boat. A small jetty on Rinca allows boats to deposit passengers, who then walk a few hundred meters to the Loh Buaya park center, where the various permits are purchased and guides hired. Four different permits are required, totaling the princely sum of Rp 165,000 per person, which also covers entrance to Komodo island. We were then given our guide armed with a sturdy forked stick and off we set into the woodland.

Thrill of the Killon this particular visit we were extremely lucky, as

there had been a major kill — a water buffalo — one week before and the dragons were still at the scene. We walked slowly along a half-dried riverbed until after half an hour we noticed the unmistakable stench of rotting flesh. Some 50 meters further on, we were suddenly confronted by the sight of two large dragons lying to the side of the rocky riverbed, with several others a little further ahead.

Just 10 meters away, these two seemed almost comatose until one of them took a dislike to the other, hissing and raising his body up. We crept past these two by following the riverbank, which gave us a good view down to where the remains of the buffalo carcass lay, little more than a skeleton. A young dragon of 60 cm in length was cleaning up some scraps that his larger brethren had missed. We walked on, coming across several other large dragons, all with clearly distended stomachs, suggesting that they had eaten their fill over the previous days and were now slowly digesting.

That evening we moored beside a small island near to Komodo island to spend the night. Although limited accommodation is available at the park center of Loh Liang, most visitors prefer to spend the night on their boats. Since my previous visit a huge new concrete jetty has been constructed in anticipating of mooring large international cruise ships that the government hopes will visit Komodo. on Komodo island itself, the following morning we climbed up to a promontory overlooking the bay and with a view back towards Rinca. Sadly, prior to the Sail Komodo event in July 2013, a telecommunications company had won permission to install a huge advertisement at the most panoramic point; not such a good sign of the future of the park.

Photographs taken nonetheless, we headed back to Loh Liang, until our guide almost leapt out of his skin. He had failed to see a motionless two-meter dragon lying in the morning sun on a small mound to the edge of the footpath. This made us realize how easy it would be for a dragon to wait in ambush for unsuspecting prey…safe in the knowledge that just one bite would be enough to set events in motion that would normally end in dinner. Luckily for us, this particular dragon seemed content just lying in the sun.

• Komodo dragons (Varanidae komodoensis), known in the local language as ora, are actually the world’s largest monitor lizards. Far from being a throwback to the age of the dinosaurs, Komodo dragons are in fact well-evolved modern monitor lizards that are only found on the islands of Komodo and Rinca and a couple of smaller neighboring islands along the coast of West Flores.

• Komodo dragons grow to about 2 to 3 meters in length and weigh about 70 kg. the largest verified specimen was 3.13 meters and weighed 166 kg.

• Dragons mostly eat carrion but they also ambush live prey, either by waiting motionless close to animal tracks or watering holes.

• although recent research published in 2009 established that Komodo dragons do actually have two venom glands in their lower jaw, it still seems that the saliva, which contains a cocktail of virulent bacteria, causes sepsis in the wound inflicted by the Komodo dragons’ bite. one bite is enough: once bitten, a large animal such as a buffalo will gradually become infected. It can take up to two weeks for an adult buffalo to die from such infections, or sooner if further fatal attacks by Komodo dragons attracted by the strong odor finish the prey off. It remains a mystery how the dragons themselves avoid becoming infected by the virulent bacterial cocktail in their own saliva.

• While attacks on humans are very rare, an eight-year-old boy from a fishing village on Komodo was bitten and died from blood loss in June 2007. on my visit I was told that earlier in 2013 two park wardens had been severely injured in an attack at the park office on Rinca: one warden had been listening to his MP3 player and had failed to hear the animal enter his office.

• today, the Komodo dragon is categorized as a vulnerable species and only about 5,700 remain in the wild. In order to protect the population, the Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 and later made a UNeSCo World Heritage Site.

dragon detaIls


THERESA WEE, 57, remembers an uncle who went blind from cataracts when she was a child.

Five years ago, when she had a cataract in her left eye, she was worried sick until she found out that cataract surgery is very safe. She underwent surgery and had it removed. After the surgery, she was very pleased because she didn’t need her reading glasses anymore.

Cataracts, apart from being part of the ageing process, are more likely to occur in those who are diabetic or severely myopic. It can also be caused by exposure to radiation, injury to the eye or as a result of eye surgery to correct other conditions.

“If left untreated, cataracts can in time cause you to lose your vision. In fact, it is the number one cause of blindness in the world. Millions of people are afflicted with cataracts each year,” says ophthalmologist Dr. Lee Hung Ming from Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore.

He adds: “No eye drops, drugs, food or spectacles can cure cataracts. The only treatment is cataract surgery which is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed in the world.”

Foot NoteDry, rough skin on the feet is the most common irritation that occurs during the winter holiday. Gehwol Fusskraft Blue, with its skin-friendly fatty substance such as lanolin, restores skin elasticity while normalizing persparation. It is also effective in soothing aching feet and preventing bacteria, thanks to the magical effect of rosemary, mountain pine, laventer and menthol.

Gradual loss of vision

In the early stages of your cataract, you may not notice any changes in your vision. As the condition worsens, slowly over time you will notice your vision becomes blurred, you may also see haloes around lights or feel that colors look dull.

While cataracts may not be life threatening, deterioration

gleneagles hospital, singaporePatient Assistance centre (Jakarta) Suite 908 Tamara CentreJl. Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 24 Jakarta 1292024-Hour Helpline (62)811-942-720Email: [email protected]

in your vision can affect your day-to-day activities. For the elderly who are already unstable on their feet, cataracts may cause them to trip and fall, hurting themselves. If you are driving, it can pose a danger to yourself and other road users. How is Bladeless Cataract Surgery Different?

Cataract surgery involves removing the lens which has clouded over and replacing it with an artificial lens to restore vision. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure which is done on a day surgery basis under local anaesthesia.

In traditional cataract surgery, incisions are made in the eye with a blade to remove the cataract by breaking it up with high frequency sound waves. With bladeless cataract surgery, a surgeon uses a laser instead of the blade to make the corneal incision. The laser is also used to help break up the cataract. “The entire laser process is carried out under computer-guided imaging which makes the surgery safer and more precise,” says Dr. Lee.

don’t lose sight oF cAtArActswellbeIng

musT-hAve PersonAl cAre ProducTs iF A winTer holidAy is in your PlAns.

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tradItIonal surgery

corneal incisions are made manually with a blade.

the capsule opening into the cataract-affected lens is made manually by handheld forceps.

ultrasound energy is used to break up the cataract prior to the placement of the artificial lens.

the astigmatic cut is made by a handheld blade which is less precise.

corneal incisions are made by laser without the use of blades. this allows for greater control over the incision.

the laser allows optimally shaped and sized, as well as a well-centered capsule opening to be made into the cataract lens. This allows for accurate positioning and insertion of the artificial lens implant, thus optimizing the visual outcome.

the laser breaks the cataract into four to six pieces prior to the use of ultrasound during surgery. this may potentially reduce the ultra-sonic energy inside the eye and makes the cataract surgery safer.it can correct the patient’s pre-existiong astigmatism by making precise and relaxing laser cut on the cornea.

bladeless surgery

Advantages of Bladeless Cataract Surgery Here is a quick look at how bladeless cataract surgery compares to traditional cataract surgery:

Lip ServiceThe average woman uses lip balm anywhere between two to 30 times a day, reveals a study conducted on Facebook by grooming website Total Beauty. The same study also found out that Blistex Lips Medex is among the most trustworthy brand, citing the immediate relief the lip balm provides when lips are severely cracked as its best trait. Lip Medex’s medicated menthol ingredients also deliver a noticeable cooling action to counter the hot, itching sensations that accompany sore lips.

Body LanguageWith 15 percent shea butter concentrate in each bottle, L’occitane ultra Rich Body Lotion nourishes and protects dry skin prone to our skin during the cold weather. But moisturizing is just one of the advantages it offers; its honey and sweet almond extracts promise an all-day radiance, while the nutritious apricot oil helps soften the texture of your skin.

Cataract surgery has gone bladeless with the femtosecond laser, and this treatment is available at Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.


parentIng

Making Music TogeTher!MANY oF us have different ways of educating and teaching our kids. Learning can be done in various different forms. We decided to go on the journey of music learning.

We introduced music to our son when he was a baby. We noticed that he had a keen ear for music, especially the drums. At a young age of about eight months, he would begin moving his hands to the beat whenever there was music. We would encourage and entertain him by playing along. This has also helped him maintain his interest in music.

Now that he is two, we have our own family “jam” sessions. our son will play his mini drums, while my husband will play a toy guitar and I play a toy keyboard.

He usually starts us off by saying “start … 1 … 2 … 3” and we all start playing while singing nursery rhymes. We then take turns to play the other instruments and sing. We usually have our jam session at least once a week to spend time and laugh together. This enhances his coordination, sense of rhythm and sound and also passion for music.

Besides music, we are constantly learning words, numbers, shapes and colors, whether we are in the house, in the car or outdoors.

I remember when I was young, my parents used to play a game called “I spy with my little eye”. It is a game where one

person looks around the room or place and calls out the first alphabet of an object he spots and the others will have to guess what that object is.

Since my son is still very young, my husband and I decided to change the game. We look around our room and point at an object. We usually ask him, “ooo … what is that, Jaden?” He will try to answer.

We then continue by asking “what color is it?”, “how many are there”, “what does it sounds like?” and “what shape is it?”

He tries to answer all our questions with a keen sense of interest. If he doesn’t know the answer we will then answer, explain it to him and encourage him to repeat the answer after us a few times. We will then compliment him by saying “Yay! Clever boy, Jaden!” This allows him to learn new things every day.

We also believe in teaching our child to use the magic words – please, sorry and thank you – from a young age.

When I give him his daily vitamins, I will explain the shapes to him. Heart shape, square or circle vitamin tablets. This keeps him interested and curious.

Now he just comes to me and says, “Mum, heart-shaped vitamin, please” which is followed by a “Thank you”. No doubt the magic words have to be repeated many times until he gets them right but when he does, it just melts my heart.

Basically, both my husband and I believe that in order to continue having the interest and passion for continuous learning, the process has to be exciting and fun. This will spur the need to gain more knowledge. one would willingly want to learn rather than have to do it.

We try to incorporate this concept whenever we teach our son. As far as

possible we try to make learning playful and stress-free. We also ensure that we acknowledge and compliment him when he answers correctly. This is how my family learns while having loads of fun together!

WoRDS PAMElA cHRISTIA/THE STAR/Ann/kuAlA luMPuR

LeArning through BREAKFAST AND FRuITS

EVERY MoRNING, my three-year-old daughter prepares breakfast with me. I usually prepare all the ingredients and cutlery in advance.

She is responsible for cutting the cheese and tomato. When she is done, I will add on the other ingredients and she gets to decorate her sandwich as she pleases. Quite often she decorates the ingredients so that there are eyes,

a nose and mouth on the bread, to make a very “cute face” for breakfast.

From doing this, she learns to appreciate me, as previously I was the one who prepared her breakfast. In addition, she now finishes her breakfast because she puts a lot of effort into preparing it. After the meal, she will normally clean the table and put back the chair. Doing this regularly trains her to be disciplined.

Now, each time we go out for a meal, she will be the one ordering the food, asking for the price and paying the bill with the money we give her. Before she pays, I always ask whether the money in hand

is enough to pay for the food. If it is not enough, she will need to inform her father and get more money from him. If there is more than needed, she will be taught to count the balance she needs to get back from the hawker.

After paying for our food, she always feels happy and proud. She proudly tells her grandparents that she knows how to pay for food. From practicing this, she learns the value of money, how to count and social skills, as she is taught to speak politely to the hawkers.

When we have fruit, I would usually show her what it looks like and what the

seed looks like.Then, I give her a few seeds to wash

and dry under the sun. once dry, I let her paste the seeds in a book and glue on the name of the fruit below it.

This helps her to learn the names of fruits and recognize that there is a difference between fruits and seeds.

This will help her when she starts learning science in school. As she grows up, I try to introduce her to her surroundings and our environment in a fun way. This will help her learn things quickly. – Ooi Ling Ling/The Star/ANN/Kuala Lumpur

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the inspiration for his art can come from anything, says Lugas Syllabus.

“As an artist, I like to feel inspired and hopefully I could be an

inspiring persona, too,” says the 26-year-old Bengkulu-born artist, who is currently based in the nation’s thriving artistic center of Yogyakarta.

But at the heart of his work, whether in painting or sculpture, is his questioning of the meaning of Indonesian identity, and how that is affected by moving between different areas. It is clear in the title of his third solo exhibition, “From Sumatra, where shall I go?”, currently at Element Artspace in Singapore.

The prevailing theme is nomadic life and the question whether our distinctiveness is formed by where we originally came from or by where we travel to during the passage of life.

Take the title work of the exhibition, which is distinguished by cartoon-like strokes and a vividly colored canvas. The hunched figure represents the men he witnessed as a child, hauling crates of coffee up and down the mountain. Deeper than that is the distant specter of Krakatau, the geographic separator between wild, mostly untamed Sumatra, his youthful home, and Java, the crowded island

where he currently resides and the place he has developed his artistic aspirations.

How do you define your art genre?Most people call the genre

contemporary surrealism, but for me, honestly, I never define it. Tell us more about the exhibition title.

The real title of it is “Dari Sumatera Hendak kemana”. I myself keep the Indonesian words because I want to present my idea just like the word rendang. It went public and is proudly known by its name without needing to adapt it to English, like calling it spicy meat or something.

Who is your favorite artist in field of contemporary art?

I like FX Harsono from Indonesia, he’s one of the senior artists but never stops evolving. I also love South African artist William Kentridge, I watched a good documentary about him

last year.Your view of the status of contemporary art in Indonesia?

It’s very good and growing. We just need to be prouder of it and show more of our own identity. The purpose is to let people know about the real contemporary art in Indonesia.

Which one do you prefer to do, painting or sculpt?

It very much depends on the idea – the idea is the king. What’s your definition of success?

Success is when you can enjoy the process. Hopes for the future?

I hope Indonesian art can grow and spread broadly in all aspects, not just the commercial side, but also in its contributions to knowledge, art and history so it’s ready to face the world of global art.Upcoming projects?

I’m basically a virtual artist but I do performance art, too. My current project is focusing on my book that has been in preparation since 2012. Perhaps it can be launched at the beginning of 2015.

From Sumatra, where shall I go? element artspace, Raffles Hotel arcade, 328

North Bridge Road #02-13, Singapore. Until Jan. 28.

culture vulture

one oF The rising young sTArs oF indonesiAn ArTs leTs us in on his

success And The meAning oF idenTiTy.WoRDS HAnnA nABIlA

HeRe, THeRe,everywhere

Where’s my foot stand is

where my home stand

Going Without Leaving

In the Estuary of Hope

The Guardian of Hope

From Sumatra, where shall I go?


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‘Be happy are my words to live by’

oursay IndonesIa websIte launChIng A LIVELY DISCuSSIoN about social media and how it is changing public political engagement in Indonesia highlighted the launching of ourSay Indonesia website. Culinary aficionado Bondan Winarno was an honored guest speaker along with Andari Agustien, radio announcer, and Muhammad Affin Bahtiar, Abang (Mr.) East Jakarta 2013.

As a social enterprise that aims to redefine the way business and government leaders interact with the public, ourSay Indonesia is currently hosting its first forum titled “Indonesia’s Youth in Indonesia 2.0” where people can post and vote questions that will be answered by Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle legislator and chess player utut Adianto, Bluebird President Director Bayu Priawan Djokosoetono and former minister of youth and sports Adhyaksa Dault.

CONCERT CELEBRATING ISMAIL MARZuKI CENTENARY annIversaryA FITTING TRIBuTE was held for Ismail Marzuki, one of the nation’s most famous composers, in marking the 100th anniversary of his birth in 2014. The Jakarta Philharmonic orchestra, the oldest in Indonesia, celebrated the auspicious date with a concert at Jakarta Theater at Taman Ismail Marzuki. Featuring violinist Sigit “Didiet” Arditya, opera singer Mariam Tamari, actor Jose Rizal Manua and LunarS choir, the orchestra played 14 of the Betawi native son’s most famous works. Ismail died at age 44 in 1958.

talk of the town

Favorite destination for photography …I love landscapes and nature, so there are many good places in Indonesia. For example, Bromo, and underwater at Cendrawasih Bay. It’s difficult to choose an overseas destination, as each has its own specific characteristics. Generally, developing countries like Tibet as their culture is still evolving.

My favorite photograph …A shot of the scenery in Bromo before the morning mist cleared. It’s simple yet serene.

The photograph I wish I had captured …In May 2013, I was intent on capturing the Milky Way above Mount Everest at the base camp, but the cold was too unbearable at 5200 meters (laughs).

My dream dinner guests …Mandela, if he were still alive; and a woman – no one specific comes to mind yet, but someone who is inspiring, passionate about equality, upholds humanity and is a pluralist.

What I wish I knew when I was 20 …Photography!

I always tell my kids and grandchildren …uphold humanity, be nice to people, be positive, and don’t put labels on others.

My hopes for women …To have true equality and independence. It

doesn’t mean we have to win one over the men, but women should have their own opinion and principles.

I still dream of …Always being able to create something. Actually, as I grow older, I am more grateful than wishful. of course, I hope for good health and for my children and grandchildren to be happy.

What makes a great picture …If the picture tells a story and can move people. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

I would never …If I can, I would never hurt anybody, animal or plants.

Regrets …I didn’t finish college. I had finished the exams and everything, but when it came to writing the final paper, I feel like I never pushed myself hard enough.

Remember me as …A good person who is on the right track. Being a nice person doesn’t always mean you’re on the right path.

Words to live by …Be happy.

+ Words & Illustration Felicita Goentoro

Hermandari Kartowisastro was not one to settle for biding her time in her sunset years. An interior contractor for the past 25 years and chairwoman of the Women’s Empowerment Movement Foundation until two years ago, she took the plunge by learning to dive at age 65. After picking up a DSLR at age 68, she has amassed thousands of images during her many travels. They have been compiled in a photobook, which was launched with an exhibition in conjunction with her 70th birthday celebrations last November at Tugu Kunstkring Paleis, Central Jakarta.

Adriel Benedicto, external director OurSay Indonesia,, Andari Agustien, Muhammad Affin Bahtiar, Bondan Winarno and Muhammad Arif , cEO OurSay Indonesia.

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What gets me up in the morning …I get up in the morning to pray. If I’m traveling to a picturesque location, then I’m motivated to get up early to capture the sunrise.

Me, in three words …I am positive.

My most cherished possession …My two children and four grandchildren.

I laugh at …Anything can make me laugh. For example, I adore cats, so pictures of animals can make me laugh. Even hearing a child giggle can make me laugh.

Photography means to me …Photography means a lot to me, because it is something you do with your heart and with feeling. It’s the first hobby in my life that I really, really enjoy and have pursued. I still consider photography a hobby, because I don’t want it to be a burden – it has to be done with joy.

My greatest inspiration is …Traveling, of course, and encountering new things. I recently went to a photography exhibition – I forget the name – where the pieces went beyond any boundaries or rules I know of, and that was inspiring because I had not delved into that side of the art yet. However, I don’t necessarily pursue what inspires me.

jplus 19 jan'14

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