Aloha Tanjung Bira

 

My best friend Fachril has never been to Eastern Indonesia. As a beach lover, he realizes most of beautiful beaches that would make him go crazy are located in the eastern part of the country. He also understands very well that he needs a getaway to freshen up from his demanding job.

One day he decided to book  a return ticket to Makassar. His intention was clear: to visit  Tanjung Bira beach. He made the call after I lured him with pictures of the clear blue water and pristine sandy beach of Bira.

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Visiting the Headquarter

Three years ago, while strolling down the corniche in the beautiful city of Alexandria during an office treat, I silently whispered a prayer, to be given chance to set my feet in Africa again. Never crossed in mind that the dream would eventually come true. 

***

It was a usual busy day at the office when I received news that I, along with tens of my colleagues, will be going to Nairobi to attend the office’s annual Science Week.

I pinched myself and realized this wasn’t a dream.

Documenting a Project: An Experience in Sulawesi

The pretty landscape of Bantaeng

 Something I wrote for the project's blog. 

The project that I'm currently involved in, operates  in South and Southeast Sulawesi provinces in Indonesia. A few months ago, I was given the chance to revisit the project areas in both provinces. The objective of my trip was to document the accomplishments the project have made. In order to fulfill the task, I was accompanied by two videographers from Jakarta. Together, we drove from Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi for three hours to  Bantaeng, passing through the flat lands of Gowa and Jeneponto districts, traditional stilt houses, shrimp farmings and hectares of paddy fields. The plan was simple: to go to districts and interview first-hand sources such as farmers, representative of government agency and partner organization. Yet apparently, the simple mission may not be as simple as it seemed in the first place.

South by Southeast part 2

Wonuahua, our second village on the list of Southeast sites, is part of Lambuya sub-district. From Unaaha, it takes about 30-40 minutes drive.

The village is divided into several sub-villages, spreading across the terrain.

We met Mr. Ibrahim, the leader of farmers’ group at his stilt house that is located amongst cacao trees.

Mr. Ibrahim lives at sub-village 3, which is miles away from the main road, that it takes another 15-20 minutes passing thru slopes and bunches of cacao farms.


Along the grubby soil path toward sub-village 3, plots of cacao trees with owner’s house usually sited at the back are the only thing that is apparent. In this sub-village, each residential is distant between one to another.

Sub-village 3 is also dominated by migrants from South Sulawesi. Most of local Tolaki people lives in the other side of the sub-village that is closer to the main road.

South by Southeast part 1

Village hopping. That's what I’ve been doing lately and what’s going to occupy me for the next couple of weeks.

Back in the July, my fellow Miss Endri came to my table during a workshop. She put out her idea of conducting village-level communication system research and asked me to co-work with her. I said yes straight away even though I was also a bit nervous, knowing that it’s going to be one tough task.

The research covers 12 villages; 6 in South Sulawesi and 6 in Southeast Sulawesi where my office’s project operates.

Long story short, everything was set, and the pre-test was completed in mid October.

Makassar part 2 (Photos)

Oh the sun, it's so beautiful

Short Break (Photos)

Thursday afternoon at Sultan Hasanuddin

Before leaving for field trips to Bantaeng, Bulukumba, and Palu, I managed to sneak out and flew to Bali to meet some peeps.

As always, Bali is fascinating, making saying goodbye so hard.

Palu (Photos)

Palu is the city where you sweat uncontrolably. Even if you just sit or stand still, you will still sweat. 

It is so hot, I really feel like taking shower every 2 hours.

Not much to see in the capital, and I also didn't have time to go around, so I only managed to go to the provincial museum and Donggala, a city nearby.

Really wish that I can visit it again sometime, to explore the Lore Lindu National Park. It is just tempting :D

Bantaeng and Bulukumba (Photos)

Bantaeng and Bulukumba are two districts located on the south of Makassar. I visited both places a couple of days ago for business trip. The two places can be reached by public transport (using angkot and bus), but I'd say the most comfortable ways are to rent a car or take travel service. 

If you're a solo traveller, travel service is the best option. There's a Makassar-based company called BMA that serves the route using  air-conned minibus. The trip takes around 4 hours to Bantaeng and another 1 hour from Bantaeng to reach Bulukumba. 

Makassar part 1 (Photos)

Got a pretty postcard and earings from miss Saras Juwono. Thank you thank you thank you

Makassar, Palu, and Things in Between

October commemorates my first month in Makassar.

As I once mentioned before, I currently work for a project that focuses on improving farmers' livelihood in Sulawesi. The main project areas are Bantaeng, Bulukumba (both is South Sulawesi, Konawe, Kolaka (in Southeast Sulawesi), and soon Gorontalo. In each province, there’s a project office that coordinates all activity. What’s more, there’s also a representative in Makassar (which is me), that serves as the hub for the areas.

Lately (Photos)

Staring at the sun

The Grand Duo (Photos)

Sofia Kamah & M.A. Kamah

Gramp in HK, circa 1964

Gramma wearing uniform during general mobilization, circa 1962

Last Week (Photos)

My last week in town is all about get-togethers with best friends.

We went places, crashing from one cafe to another just to chill and have some fun. And yes indeed I had so much fun and so much laugh. In fact, it was one of the best moment ever.

Thank you peeps for making my last days in town so precious.

I love you all to Pluto and back.

This and That (Photos)

Snow part 2 (Photos)

Snow (Photos)

The first snow of the year comes in form of fluffs blown over the office's compound.

An Announcement (And Invitation Too!)

I’m going to be in Makassar by the end of August, and will stay there until mid next year. 

I would love to have a company, so if you happen to visit the city, please drop me a message and perhaps we can hang out together! 



See you :)

Weekend With The Boys (Photos)

 
On Saturday, my best friend from college, Jefta suddenly called and asked me to join the trip to Bandung next day.

Andi, another best friend from college was joining also, hence it was a small reunion trip.

We went on Sunday morning around 8, and reached Bandung in nearly 2 hours.

It wasn’t a culinary nor shopping tour, and we didn’t have any specific plan, so it was more like hanging around the city, though yes, it involved lots of snacking.

I had so much fun with the boys, I think I hurt my jaw out of excessive laughing.

First Trip to Bantaeng, Kendari, and Konawe (Photos)