Ralph Klemp thought of the idea of the Bali Expats group almost by accident. As a passionate longtime Bali, he realized that the newcomers had no idea why the island was addictively attractive. This awareness gave him the crazy idea to write a book about historical Expats Bali, the pioneers who moved here 30 years ago or more. Believing that their stories were uniformly fascinating, Ralph's plan was to make 30 short interviews.
In 2010, he set up the group of Bali Expats to connect with those that match the criteria. Although this is its original intention to invite only expatriates old times to join - many of whom he knew personally - other people's profiles began to appear. Ralph soon received hundreds of other requests to join friends and friends of friends. Thus Bali Expats was born. To date, there are more than 30,000 members.
How is the group grew so quickly?
At first, there were a few messages, but they became viral and sparked a huge amount of interest. We had an old man in New Zealand in critical condition in a Bali hospital who desperately need help. The man fell in and out of consciousness without documents, insurance, family or friends for help. Some of our members have stepped in to pay his hospital bills and move to better facilities. We connected with the Embassy of New Zealand and set up a fundraiser. Another trigger was a young Irish man wandering aimlessly and confused around Poppies Lane, sleeping in the streets. He was injured in a motorcycle accident and had infected wounds on his leg. Some of our members hunted, took her medication and distributed its details until we were able to gather the boy with his father, who finally flew to Ireland to look for.
composing members Bali Expats?
Our group is the United World on an island.
I do not have the exact demographics, but the majority are from Australia with the rest of Europe, with some Americans, the Russians and the Japanese. Of course, we also have many Indonesians, but we try to accept only those who have a significant interaction with the expat community. We discourage those who join just for commercial reasons. From our page, there are now many subpages that are classified by ethnicity, place of residence or common interests. Yet Bali Expats remains the main blog in real time what is happening in Bali. Thousands of residents of Bali browse our page the first thing they do in the morning after they wake up!
what kind of information people are looking for?
We have 30,000 independent journalists on our page. So many issues are high that it is difficult to classify, but to name a few: the exchange of information on visas; changes in visa rules; villa and land ownership; building a house; where to obtain a translation project done; how to buy a scooter; where to find a lawyer and other legal issues; warnings about crime; new flights and travel information; jobs for cooks; where to buy the cheapest Bintang; where to buy fireworks; information on many health-related issues; many issues related to animals; info on what to do during cultural events as Nyepi or Independence Day. We also have lots of pranksters, people who believe that behind the anonymity of their FB profile they are allowed to make fun of everyone and everything. It is hard work, hard and tiring to hold them off, warn or remove them, but it must be done.
Certainly it is to see how people help people. It is a wonderful platform where we are all connected and we can help each other. It restores your faith in humanity. Most human limbs seem to be Australians for whom "mateship" or mutual help out is just part of their DNA. I also like the pictures and sharing personal experiences. Some of our members are incredibly adept at describing a funeral or to explain the origins or meanings of things like Balinese Penjor poles used for Galungan, or Banten daily offerings. I learn so much every day.
What messages do you find most irritating?
I'm tired of the whole group of animal advocates and their endless really annoying messages on the street dog and cat adoptions. I feel really disgusted when pranksters start unnecessary and offensive discussions, which, if not removed, are rapidly converted into brooding, heated arguments blistering insults on all sides. Sometimes you have the impression that the Internet is the new madhouse - United Psychotic. Keep civilian component and own lawn is a daunting task.
After 4 years running the group, what lessons have you learned?
we get to see Bali from many points of view. It's like having 60,000 eyes. I am also surprised to see the good in humanity. Cases of Good Samaritan mentioned above are only the tip of the iceberg. So many random acts of kindness continue to occur. Despite the many personal attacks that I have received, I am committed and foolishly happy with the way the group Bali Expats FB out. It really is an exceptional window on Bali.
Thank you, Ralph. To get in touch, email: klemp.ralph@gmail.com