Superman Banjir - being Angel and Devil

Amazing Poor Jakarta get flooding!

Today the landmark, the heart of Jakarta "Bundaran Hotel Indonesia" and others areas in Jakarta covered by water - flooding! Poor amazing Jakarta! Until now the chocolate water still there, looks never get less ... less and least..

The police cars, trucks, rubber boats are standby around to help the people who needed. Though that's heavy challenges for the "Superman Banjir" - read Governor.  Even though his office as well get flood.. hmm.. not easy work! Be patient superman banjir, many hopes from the people on your shoulder.. hope you can manage this problem.

Due to the raining and flooding, I'm not going to the office today. It's hard to counter fight this flooding. I have sent message to the boss explained that "Heavy raining and flooding that I'll come to the office after lunch time" the boss replied, that will be no problem, and if the condition don't improve I can work from home today!.. That's cool yeah.. I got permission to work from home, or anywhere I can get internet connection.

I spent the morning with swimming, listening the radio that covers the news about flooding disaster, music etc. It's really enjoyable and relaxing day to me!.. I'm alone in the swimming pool - The pool is mine.. I said.. then I did my 50laps swimming today.. very very good, fresh, fit and healthy. The pool is not square, it's cycle form, and not as long as at senayan city, but it's fine and sufficient for me.

As it's a bit raining, the water felt so cold at the beginning, but after some moves, it's feeling normal as usual. 50 laps.. huh, yeah.. 50laps.. :) make some shots of photographic in the GI's pool, and the flooding challenges for Superman banjir.

While doing my swimming, under the fresh, clean water of the pool, the though of flooding victims come across in my mind. What a pity for the victims, they will try to evacuate themselves first and their property from getting wet! the old people, the younger, and so on.. pity pity pity..

What may I do to help the victims yeah?? .. should I do something ?? The angel vision come around my though but the devil though try to counter this good though saying that.. come on.. it's not your job! let's the though and responsibility goes to 'superman banjir' shoulder...

Positive and negative..  angel and devil though come over the mind under the water, and while doing my swimming.. and it's not answering yet my contribution to help the unlucky.. it's come in my mind also to give free laundry to the victims who need it.. or at least with the super cheap price.. just to help them.. though they must be need it yeah!

It's flooding, I’m very sure that they must need clean and dry clothing for them to keeping them healthy. But again, I though it's difficult, my laundry place in Depok, meanwhile the flooding victims in Jakarta, there will be needed so much resources and energy to do this.

See; see; see! There is always some reasons for not to do the good things yeah!.Opss.. Aghhh. Superman Banjir, I'm trapped in the flooding.. HELP.. please evacuate me!.. Until now 7pm the flooding remain; the victims remain.. hope the angels though will be always defeated the devils.. Hope the Superman Banjir and the cronies will be able to do more and more by taking the priorities on the victims safety and live.. Insya Allah! Superman Banjir.. boleh!

Be SAFE joint SAFE

ONE Month later from Afghan to Jakarta!

One month being holiday after completing my assignment with CADG.. I spent days in Indonesia - Medan and Jakarta. Meeting family's members, and some old friends in Medan.

As I arrived in JKT's airport, I was waiting for my next flight to Medan. I use the airport lounge facilities from my cards.. see how nice and powerful is this plastic card! I can have some relaxing time there after 12hours on flight, emailing, eating and drinks some nice food.

I was checking my FB, and ym.. and chatting with my exs colleagues. She said her organization now looking for an employee, so asked me if I'm interested to rejoint them. It is USAID's funding project also called SAFE.. I directly said that I do do DO DO.. yes.. I'm interested.. Thanks.. friend.. you are the HEROIN.. :) hehehe

She still don't believe that and think that I'm joking to rejoint them. I told them that I am seriously finding the new jobs now and that I will be happy to rejoint DAI again. Next to show how interested I am, I sent my update CV's and application.. to the manager! Next things to do is need to wait.. if the donor agreed to re-hired me.

It's take about 2-3 weeks to get the approval, eventually the donor approved, and asked me when I would like to start to work! I said 1st November will be great time for me! Then I still have some lazy times and preparation for back to work in the amazing city JAKARTA.

One month over now, so fast, so I'm already get employed to new project called "SAFE".. to be SAFE you may joint our project.. SAFE projects.. :) :)

I am Welcoming myself to amazing JAKARTA.. and said good bye to the unforgettable Afghanistan.. Laskhar Gah.. Nimroz.. Kandahar and Kabul... all those place still in my mind.. and the lovely Afhan's people.. part of my hearth still there.. I'm not fully in Jakarta.. though..

Hehehe.. gilaaaaaaaaa! crazyyyyyyy.. Lebanee.. .. how come I am missing there!! I just prays and hope that all the peoples in Afghanistan to be SAFE also.. Insya Allah!

9 Months ago B4 and After

Flash back 9 months ago in Penang...

January 2011, about 9 Months ago I was so excited as I got a new job with my new assignment in Afghanistan. Many refusal from some good friends try to convince me that it's not good place for living.

I searched in mbah google in order to be familiar how is it working and living in Afghanistan. Anyway, my willpower very intense, so whatever and however I'm ready to take the risks and back to work. I have no worried and doubt at all about how danger is it my working environment would be. I just feeling delighted.

Though I can continue my journeys to see another country and live here for 9months is not a long time.. though.. it's only 9months contract.. so why don't I grasp this rare opportunities, added with some other things then I firmly considered to accept this offer..

After 9Months .. in Laskhar Gah - Helmand Province of Kabul..

Nine months passed so fast! Now I'm counting the remaining of my days here in Helmand.. within this two days I'll go to Kabul then continue my trip back home.. to Indonesia. It's look miracles that we can survive until end of our assignments in Afghanistan. The three musketeers have decided not to continue our service with this organization. Each of us got some personal reasons and we will on board together on the same flight this 29th Sept to get home soon! We did our packing already and just be prepared to wait our flight to Kabul.


What do I learn within this 9 months? I'm queries myself ? How do I felt about my organization? The fact that I gained life experiences at the conflict area! Within 9months, I travelled, floated at 3 differents places only (Kabul - Zaranj and Laskhar Gah). living at the later place in Laskhar Gah, I may say it's like in jail, a big jail - in a big nice compound.. that They said, I can't get out my compound, that's too danger, so many taliban.. it's not good.. bla bla bla bla.. it's suck! it's really suck!!..


I did experience to heard 4 times bom exploded, followed with gun fighting.. from my compound.. for 1st and 2nd times it was made me shock and worried.. but further it will be sounds common.. normal.. I just be alert that.. oh.. yeah I'm in Afghanistan.. in Helmand.. the twin sister province of Kandahar.. so.. Yeah I passed over this kind of experiences.. but Thanks God, we still protected.. so far all still well and fine.. fine.. Alhamdulillah..


9 Months after.. we are get ready to our home, to see our family and back to Indonesia.. Jakarta we are return.. ke Jakarta ku kembali.. but I'll go to Medan first mate :) ! All rite friends, looking foward to hear your story on board.. see you in Kabul soon.. Dubai.. and Amazing Jakarta!

Jakarta WIFI @ Plaza Semanggi

A week now bye bye Jakarta :)

Just last week I have been in Jakarta, do I miss Jakarta :) hehehe.. no time for missing missing lah.. the study keep me busy, even though to write my blog.. already a week without continue the blog.

An Iraqy master research student, questioning me a lot regarding the blog. Do I still have time to write ? He knews that I'm a Phd research students.. then I said.. I'll try to write and share something in my blog.. so here am I.. writing again my blog.

It's about the nice free wifi and cheap place in Jakarta. It's on the area of foodcourt at Plaza Semanggi .. it's famous with the short name "Plangi" means Rainbow.. The place quiet cozy, clean event many patrons around. I put some photos of the foodcourt area, where I used to use my wifi here.

The food available here consider affordable. If you want something cheaper, with quality, hygine made food you can find here. "rice chicken, kebab, soups, fried noodles, fried rice, chicken, and various of juice, ice cream as well as variety of drinks serve here.

If you think that use wifi connection in starbuck or Donuts is unaffordable, reasonable expensive, try come to the foodcourt of Plangi.. they got some electric plugs connections also. There are many students around having discussion for their assignments, or just conversation with friends. Come on let's try here.. the WIFI.. you will not disappointed.. . welcome to the Rainbow Mall.. welcome and by Jakarta..

Barongsai Barongsai at JFF2010

"Barongsai, envelopes for Prosperity"

There are many ways to find money for talented and creative peoples. One of the way is the Barongsai dance performances at the JFF2010.

This Barongsai exhibition also make a lot of crowded. They conduct this performance on the middle of the street during the JFF2010. The musics buzzing hardly and full of spirit.. ding dong.. ding dong.. with dominant sounds of beating Gong..

Many spectators participated to enjoy this actractions. It's a kind of challenging attraction played by two groups of dancers. They are move agressively, dance following the rhythm of the musics. They are jumping, and carrying up and down the dancers.. Looks not easy, but they can performs very well. I'm a bit surprise while seing the dancers.. hmmm.. they are native Indonesian looks. Original Indonesian, not chineses Indonesian .. hmmm... well trained.. good GOOD GOOD..

In the middle of the performances, got some chinese look girls who offered empty envelopes to the spectators. Envelopes for prosperity.. for donation to finance this shows. Some peoples took the envelopes, put some money inside. Then the girl guided the Barongsai to the person who hold the envelopes and took the envelopes. This is a charity performances.. to entertain the visitors of Jakarta Fair Festivals 2010. Another.. excellent values for the organizers, they provide some ways for the people to earn decent income.. GOOD GOOD GOOD..

I finished to see this full Barongsai performance about 15-20mnts, then they take break, and start another Barongsai dances. Hmmm.. see, we have Barongsai too here in Indonesia, thanks for the chinese who still maintain their cultural dances and entertain others people through their good perfomances.. congratulation Jakarta.. keep this united good things a head.

Onde Onde.. Jale Jali.. Ay Love Betawie

Onde Onde Jali Jali.. Aye.. cinta Betawie :)

Betawi is one of the indiginous ethnic group in Jakarta. Some of the origin peoples prevented out of the Jakarta crowds. Their cultures, characteristics, dressing, housing, talking, foods, games, musics and dances style starting vanished by the coming of modrenizations.

The government and some groups who concern on this matters try to encourage and regenerate this Betawi accessories. They starting become reborn especially on the event of Jakarta's anniversaries, and also the Jakarta Fair Festival 2010.

One of Betawi stands display inside the JFF. The stand constructed with the style of Betawi's house. An old style house completed with the furnitures, and antique bicycle demonstrated there. On the other side of the house, they have some spaces to sell some kind of traditional foods and drinks provided. The seller dressing up with the Betawi's clothing style. In addition, on the left and right side of the betawi's house, standing there two big figures of Betawi's puppet dressing completely for parades. This house also selling some souvenirs stuffs like T'shirt printed the message about Betawi such as Ay love Betawi..

This is very interesting for me and positive value for the organizer who put this into the agenda of the JFF. They can include some original musics, dances, songs, and games also at this place, by providing more spaces to promote indigenous Betawi ethnics. Hope next year will be better more.. eggs crust .. hehehe, more onde onde.. jale jali.. Ay Love Betawi.......

Jakarta Fair Festival 2010

Jakarta Fair Festival 2010..

After getting the ticket we go in the JFF venues. So, what are this festival about ? What kind of entertainments provided here? What type of goods and services promoted here?

Well, first we keep walking and finds some traditional shops selling food.. famous local "betawi food called : kerak telur (eggs crust)".. then we passed by the betawi's house who has some traditional foods for sales and also big ondel - ondel (larges puppet with betawi's dress).

Continue our walk to the Halls, here we can find almost everything, from electronics stuffs, home appliances, clothings, handphone, telephones, banking, properties, food stalls, drinks, snacks, healthy products, bags, tools, car, motors, books, magazines, sports, games, live musics etc etc etc.

Crowded visitors in the halls, almost difficult to walk around, luckily it's an aircond areas, space to relaxing and sitting areas not availables. Some visitors seats on the floors, or at the showrooms, by pretending interesting to know about the products sells.

We passed one hall to another halls, observe what they sell and also the price. Some prices are cheaper enough as they sell in the bundles and small small packs, so everybody can buy. The foods area always 30% more expensive then in the mall. We spent about 4 hours at Jakarta Fair Festival 2010, take our lunch there.. and do some windows shopping.

What notes can share here: The venue is big enough, and plenty of products selling. Seing the crowded looks really can make business on this expo. Food stalls always full, the halls for other products sells also full of visitors as well as the games for the kids. The live musics also great delivered by some famous singer artist. Does it worth it to spend 2USD with all this facilities ? Does it still fare to charge 2USD for the kids who has more than 1mtr height ? heheheh ..

For the matters of charge 2USD point of view.. I don't think it's worth it for the visitors. I think They suppose to have free entrances for this Jakarta Fair Festivals because this is their party. They can spent their money to buy the products offered on the festivals.. so the visitors could enjoy more Jakarta, enjoy the free entertainment for the Jakarta 483th anniversary.... Enjoy Jakarta.. do I enjoy Jakarta.. ??? Hmmm.. Yes I do, no I don't.. hehehe..

A man from HEAVEN

I recopied paste my first blog, that written about 2years ago.. Don't know if others ever has this same unique experiences.. Enjoy it..

Wed, 9 April 08

A man from Heaven
Today, I’m Late Again to Office! (TILAtO )

My mistake, late sleep and late wake up. I am always ignored the shubuh azan, even lately I become deaf.. never heard the God calls.. hmmmmm. The distance of the mosque to my apartment just a few meters, but the Azan calling never wake me up. Oh GOD, I felt very bad. Many times I setting up my alarm, I did wake up, but I sleep again, again sleep, sleep like never enough. The satanic on my eyes, sit on my eyelid made it heavy super heavy to open. My spirit also less.. getting less.. ohggggggg ahggggggg.. why? WHY ? hmmmmm…. Hmmm…. I’m bitting my lips, though hardly about that.

I woke up at 8am, get ready to the office.. take my angkot go to pasar minggu, and wait another bus to Sudirman! Quiet long waiting, I stand up opposite of the road, reading the novel of “tragedy Nadra” the story become more more interesting. I don’t care in shining morning sun, standing up and read the novel, with my eyes sometimes searching for my bus. About 15mnts the bus, arrived.. ahggggg finally, and luckily me I got the seat beside an old lady. I continue my readings, sometimes my minds mixed up with the story of the novels. The road in Pasar minggu well known with the hell traffic jams. I passed by the same roads, this week on a row I late to the office for three days, Oh my GOD! Will I get the notice from the HR hmm..  I don’t care so much.

Passengers keep coming, and getting the bus full. Ladies, Man, boys and girls, are standing on the aisle of the bus. There is one man, with very terrible clothes and flavor just standing beside the lady who sit on my side. I’m busy with my novel, meanwhile I saw the lady sit inconveniently, with her hands covered her noise with her handkerchiefs. Hmmmmm… She tastes the flavor of the man from heaven. Though the man has mentally problem. His clothes dirty, tires anywhere, and looks never get shower for such a long time... The flavors goes anywhere, I saw not only the lady sit beside him close her noise some other passenger do the same. Hmm… I’m sure.. This lucky man has mental problems. He felt no guilty, face plain like baby, saw something outside the windows, he sometimes put his plastic bag on the floor, and take it back.. to release his tiredness by standing.

I’m still keep reading the “Tragedy Nadra”, even the smells also attack my noise, I don’t care. I’m thinking I’m not much better then this mentally man. I called him the man from the Heaven. I think he could be has better position in front of the greatest maker later ….. I believe he will be the heaven man … the man from heaven … Sometimes, I spy on him and observe the people around him.. but I’m still thinking for nothing except on my mind, he is the one, the lucky man – the man from heaven and continue reading my novel.

Due can’t survive with the scents of the obsessed man who standing in front of the old lady, finally she move up, and find a standing place just a meter from the man. Observing an empty seat beside me, that man, who I though has mentally problem decided to take her seat. Finally he seat beside me.. Ahggggggg the man from the heaven just sit side by side with me. His sweating arms nudging my shoulder.. oh no OH OH.. NO.. I tried to give him more space, but not possible with the narrow seat and full of passenger, made it difficult. I attempted to squish my body so we don’t touch each other, but still not possible. Eventually I back to my novel, the bad aroma become more intense, but I don’t care and keep reading.. I am still though he is the man from the heaven… still and continue my reading.

Occasionally, I tried to watch the man, what he is doing. I saw him made a movement like people who do praying while sitting. He move both his hands up and enfold them on his stomach.. I didn’t observed too much, but I noticed he did it quiet offend. A slight curious comes in my mind about what is he doing – is it praying or he just react like that. Any chance I still spy him, and he still do that, make a move like somebody praying, “Takbiratur Ikhram” hmm… see.. is it a sign for me ?? Oh GOD.. Even your mentally creatures still praise on you. My vanity, I still don’t care so much what the man from heaven doing. I didn’t even see his face or mouth moving saying something. I’m so deaf with him.. and back to my novel..

About twenty minutes he sat beside me, his wet sweating shifting on my long sleeves shirt. Oh oh.. I felt the scents.. hmmmm.. some of the aroma transferred to me. I still don’t care! To entertain, I still said that he will be the man from the heaven.. yeah he will be the one. So I don’t so much concern about the flavor – the bad aroma! I hope someday the bad scents will change into the best fragrance, the most soft smell scents that whoever smell it will try to come close and find the source. Yeah.. I’m expecting that happened.

Later the man, standing up and get ready to get down. The scents again get more sharpen as he is standing and leave his seat. I’m survive, I manage to control that scents, without covering my noise.. hmmm eventually he step down from the bus. In a minutes my seat still empty even though some passengers still standing up. Perhaps they understand the situations and still felt the aroma of the man from heaven.. Yeah I believe that. Then a young girl seat beside me, after firstly offered the old woman to seat there, but the old woman refused it. She still prefer to standing up. Yeah .. Yeah.. I still smell the bad scents.. if I look to the left I still found the bad scents remain on my shirt. But I still don’t care.

The girl just seat a half of the chair, we are really not seating side by side. I don’t know why, perhaps because she can manage it, as there are not so many passengers standing now. Some passengers already step down to their stop by. I continue reading my novel. That experience sitting with the man from heaven, doesn’t concern me so much. I don’t think so much about that even the flavor remains on my shirt. Further my stop by getting closer. I’m putting my novel on my bag, and get ready to step-down.

I arrived in my office at 10am. Crazy traffic.. I don’t need wasting my energy to complain about it. It’s a routine a continuous history about traffic in Pasar Minggu. I believe people surrounded with this situation. They are exhausted to complain about that, and manage to enjoy it .. just enjoy.. ENJOY.. spent about 1.5hours just enjoy.. oh oh .. I’m late again to the office .. my mistake.

I enter the office by greeting good morning to my receptionist with big smile, shy to be late again coming to my office, but she looks such a nice receptionist answering my greeting with a big smile too  oh .. you are so lovely Marina by replying my morning greeting with hearty smile. Thank you my receptionist you make my DAY today, with your smile.. I already forgotten about the man from heaven and do focus on my paper work. WORK WORK WORK…I love Wednesday!!