Meet Bob Holland. The passionate Aussie Hasher and deputy director AIPEG.
First of all, I want to emphasize that my contract with AIPEG ends shortly and if it will be sad to go, I look forward to the prospect of a new adventure , whatever. My reflections on the past three years are very positive about what we have been able to achieve, and even for the future of AIPEG with additional support provided in the areas of financial sector stability, trade , taxation and management of public finances. From the perspective of higher level, AIPEG is only one of many AusAID projects working throughout Indonesia, while emphasizing the contribution to poverty reduction. In this regard, I am one of many Australians and other foreign consultants who have the privilege of working with our Indonesian colleagues to undertake ambitious Indonesian government reform program, with the encouraging progress made in many areas, including AIPEG contribution to the economic governance sector.
Where do you see the relationship between Australia and Indonesia will in the future?
There is no doubt that the future destiny of Australia and Indonesia is closely linked with our close geographical location and more energetic approach to work together as a stabilizing influence in the region. Besides the obvious benefits of closer trade ties and security, there is still much to learn from each other culturally, especially the Australian side where the impressions of most of Indonesia Australians are limited to that they lived in Bali. On the other hand lots of Indonesian students visited Australia over a long period, an impact on many who now work in senior positions in government and industry. In the meantime, I see the relationship with the enlargement of the growing collaboration in important services, mining and agriculture. Furthermore, I am encouraged by the new Australian initiative to focus on the region through its initiative "Asian Century", part of which is to encourage more Australians to learn Indonesian and participate in other studies at Indonesian universities .
You share your time between Jakarta and Bandung. When did you first passage to Indonesia?
I came to Indonesia in 1982 to work on the geological mapping project Indonesia Australia. It was a fantastic job, where, apart from my role as administrative support in Bandung, I manage the logistics of the project for six years in the implementation of field camps for surveys in remote areas of Kalimantan. Having come back to Indonesia in 2007, and working in Jakarta since I am amazed at what appears to be lower levels of pollution, despite many more cars and motorcycles on the road. Whatever the reason - maybe it's all the cars and the latest bus with lower exhaust emissions / cleaner. - I'm glad to see the end of days after spending an hour in Jakarta moisture you were covered with dirty black soot
From your perspective, as someone one who regularly visit Bandung can you give us some insider tips?
The best time to visit Bandung during the week when traffic is less congested. If the weekends are the only option, then I suggest you avoid long weekends because they are extremely busy. If you travel to Jakarta, I suggest an early morning start using the toll road and at home, avoid the late afternoon or early evening. The dry season (between April and September) is probably the best time to visit Bandung, but do not be put off by the rainy season; it offers a green campaign, and if swimming in one of the hot springs, rain offers a magical sensation and relief from hot water to steam. Gracia Hot Springs Resort, while relatively more expensive than other Ciater, is the most beautiful and well managed, with good standard accommodation available.
Regarding shopping, there is no doubt that good deals can be found, but I would not visit Bandung only for the outlet stores. Besides the fantastic restaurants, there are so many other attractions around -. Do not miss Kampung Daun if you are lucky, or other good restaurants and family fun things to do in Cisarua
If interested in the heritage of Bandung, I suggest you join Pak Amor Bandung city Tour on Saturday morning which provides a rich cultural history of early Bandung, from where the city was founded in front of the Hotel Savoy Homann in Jalan Asia Afrika. Other attractions include the street market in Punclut atop Ciumbuleuit, or visit the secluded waterfall in Curug Cibareubeuy near Ciater, or my favorite place to take visitors, Marabaya Falls, where you can follow the river through the gorge Juanda Forrest Park Dago Pakar.
The concept of Bamboo Shack was one of those ideas that came when talking with my wife, Riga, and friends over a couple of drinks at the beginning 2011. Living in Dago and because of heavy traffic, it became increasingly difficult to move down town to buy imported food are not easily available in the markets and mini markets - items like soft cheese, selected meats, small goods, etc.
In October 2011, the Bamboo Shack opened near the mini bus terminal Dago. Apart from the Mini-market, there is an internet cafe, coffee lounge and a small tourist information center upstairs. Customers Bamboo Shack include a mix of expats, students, business people and local residents. Lately, he has increasingly a regular meeting point and place to relax for a cold beer or a snack.
I have heard that you are also a Hasher. How did you first involved and is it true that Hashers are a bunch of drinkers with a running problem?
I became involved in Bandung Hash in 1982. Working for geological mapping project at the time, our project manager insisted that all team members must Hash attend a Monday afternoon to maintain fitness levels for the survey work on the ground in Kalimantan. Not a bad excuse, but I soon discovered that my drinking club with a problem running was not an exaggeration.
In a book I produced a few years back, "History of Bandung Hash House Harriers' I traced the band's history from when it started in 1974 with a few expatriates on Monday after collection -Midi now where there are more than a dozen clubs running HHH (mostly walking) every day of the week. Recently I created another hash group (BHHH ) with my friend Hendy, which gathers every Saturday afternoon at 3.30 for a run / walk around the hills surrounding Bandung, followed by usual refreshments. For those visiting Bandung weekend and wishing to join the group, regular pickups of Bamboo Shack can be arranged 15 hours.
Despite its bad reputation in some circles, the Hash is a fantastic way to meet people from all walks of life and relax. One aspect that I particularly like the Hash, despite his sometimes bizarre rituals, is laughter - for a regular dose of fun Hash is hard to beat
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Do you have any advice for young expatriates who have just moved to Indonesia?
My advice would be to let the waves crash on you and enjoy the wonderful adventures to be had in Indonesia. Living in Jakarta and other cities can offer you all kinds of entertainment, but I would encourage as many people as possible to travel outside the cities and experience all the natural wonders and fantastic cultural attractions that Indonesia to offer; whether traveling best surfing places in the world on Nias, explore freshwater caves on the south coast of Java, climbing the majestic volcanoes, or some of the many attractions around Bandung, please - he Just do it. Having traveled to many parts of the world, I do not think you'll find a fascinating country to discover, and the most welcoming and friendly people on earth -. Indonesians