www.WhatsNewJakarta.com have asked Shivali and Phoebe to share their knowledge and answer any questions people have about Jakarta. So feel free to ask away - just send your question to ask@whatsnewjakarta.com
(Mary) Hi, Here's a weird question for you; 3 years ago, we bought a used Ducane Gas BBQ (Home Depot - USA) from someone who was leaving Jakarta. It worked fine with one of those little gas tanks for about a year. Then, the pastic nozzle that connected the gas tank to the hose for the grill broke. I ordered a new part from the USA, but when I went to have my handyman put it on, it's nearly impossible to repair! A thin metal shelf over the affected part prevents anyone from getting their hand in there with a wrench to replace the part. And, the screws holding the shelf in place are rusted. Either find someone with a blowtorch to cut a hole in the shelf for a hand to reach in there or what???? I'm not sure this is a BBQ repair job or what. Since it involves gas, I want a professional job so we don't blow up trying to roast a frank. Any ideas? We have a package of Oscar Mayer Franks in the freezer that expire 8/12. We may end up boiling them in water on the stove. Thanks, Mary Lee
Dear Mary Lee, The best suggestion I was able to come up with after I made several phone calls around town is try emailing Mr. Ming at amingpratikno@yahoo.com or calling him directly at 0811868830. He would need to have a look at the BBQ but has fixed several in the past. I hope this helps. LARA
(Mike) Hi , Just a couple of questions for you regarding the Immigration Amendment Bill just passed. 1. Any idea how long this may take to percolate thru the system and become factual and someone can actually apply for a P.R.. 2. A slightly different subject, what would be the scene as regards "fiscal tax " in this event and also is there any known activity regarding the abolition of said fiscal as was declared last year.
(Kelly) Hi Mike, I can answer question 2 immediately. Fiscal has already been abolished as of January this year. I just travelled to Singapore over the weekend and just pay the normal departure tax at check-in of rp150,000. Then straight thru immigration. I'll see what I can find out on the other but usually doesn't happen over night.
In your kids party bit for the family guide to Jakarta, you mentioned that a guy does “mad science” parties – do you have the contact details? Also, the putt putt that used to be at Senayan has closed down. Do you know if there are any others around? I’m trying to organise a party for my 6 year old boy that doesn’t cost the earth!
Cheers,
Sally.
Hi Sally
This is the contact number I had from my last Mad Science Party a couple of years ago is;
Vicky HP 0815 1874268
I’ll get back to you on the putt putt as checking one possibility out. Although did find this one mentioned a few times but may be a little far out.
Family Park Alam Sutera
Wonderful kids' playground offering fun cars, cho-choo trains, putt-putt golf and games, paintball, outward bound area, as well as a pool, a food court, and a birthday party pavilion.
This one also sound’s interesting by haven’t experienced it personally;
Doctor Rabbit
A great outdoor space with tons of activities that must be pre-booked for use. They ran a brilliant party for my 6-year-old son last year. They speak English and kept the 20+ kids entertained for a couple of hours. First there were team games on the tennis courts, then they were divided into two groups and one went off to make ‘flobber-style gunk’ while the other had several goes on the flying fox. After swapping round they all got changed and had time in the pool which was well supervised. We pre-ordered food for the children and I was able to supply my own cake. They have several different themed parties – Spiderman, Harry Potter Magic Party and Grenade War Party. Their rates include invitations, entrance fee, kids meal, party bags and all entertainment.
From personal experience; I did my son’s 5th birthday at Tamani Kids in Kemang and they had quite a reasonable package for an approx 2 or 3 hour party, which included entrance a basic kids meal, drink and ice cream. They don’t close the whole place off under this package but you can also use their party room for the cake and entertainer if you want. I brought along my own piñata and cake. I found the kids were quite happy just to play and didn’t need an entertainer. Also they did very reasonable boxed lunches for nannies. I would also recommend buying a heap of cheap socks (From an ITC) for the kids that forget them. You can buy them there. Put a start and finish time on your invite and remind parents to pack socks.
Also McDonalds and KFC do quite good packages.
Just another couple of ideas come to mind.....
Not sure if you’re 6 year is a boy or a girl but recently attended a couple of parties for soccer crazy boys.
One held at a Futsal Court (Behind CITOS) where the Mum hired the court and got soccer shirts made for each child as a party gift. The kids just had a couple of games and headed to Burger King at CITOS for the food.
Other one was the Mum hired a couple of local soccer coaches quite cheaply and they did ball skills with the kids and a quick game using a school field then back to their house for pizza and cake.
or Pizza Marzano is great with the kids pizza making. If you haven’t experienced it, the kids love it. Ideal for a party of 12 or less. Rp50,000 per child they get to make their own pizza with a chef showing them step by step. They get a hat and apron and price includes the pizza a drink and ice cream. So much fun but be prepared for clothes covered in flour. Book ahead for parties. You can also do this with 1 or 2 kids when heading there for lunch or dinner. My boys make their own every time. (sometimes is restricted times due to their busy periods)
Hello, Do you know where to find a local dj to play at a house party here in southern Jakarta? I would appreciate any contact info you have. Thank you. Dionne
Hi Dionne, You can contact DJ Budi - he usually DJ-ing in BATS. WhatsNewJakarta.com been using him and referring him many times and all of them are happy with his job. His fee including sound system and lighting around 5 - 6,5 juta depend on what your request. You can just call him and negotiate directly with him. His contact number is 08161425328. You can mention Deisy Wong - from What's New Jakarta gave you the contact. Cheers!
(Emmanuel) Hi Kelly and Lara, We are new in town and we are wondering if you could recommend us a company to hire someone to do the cleaning at out apartment, we do not want one living here, we would like her/him to come 2 or 3 times a week. Any reliable company or person that provide the service? Cheers
The Answer ( Lara ) Hello Emmanuel and welcome to Jakarta!! There are a few options for you here. If you stop in to JICC (Jakarta International Community Center) located in South Jakarta @ Jl Kemang Dalam X No E6A. (62 21) 7179 2813 / http://www.jicconline.com they have a staff registry which takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm. The staff there are prescreened and with references. Another option is to put an ad out with Mary Ann Wiley, a long standing member of our community who is also a caterer. As a professional courtesy, she runs the Jakarta version of the Craig's List (items for sale/looking to purchase, staff reference letters). Her email address is mary.a.wiley@gmail.com or wileychj@rad.net.id Also on the cleaning service, Santa Fe does offer that service. :). If you send her your ad, she will post it almost immediately. Finally, have you picked up a copy of the Jakarta Shopper's Guide? If not, I would like to recommend that you do. You may purchase them at a few bookstores around town. This book is a must for newcomers. Let us know if you run in to any snags :).
(Kelly) Hi Emmanuel, In Indonesia with the cost of labour being so affordable most people employ a full time maid. If you only want a part-time maid I would first suggest 2 things.
1. Check if your apartment offers a servicing option. Some do but it would probably be cheaper to hire your own staff, but more convenient for you if they do.
2. Ask around people you meet living at the same apartment block. Quite often people are willing to share a maid as their circumstances have changed and not longer require full time staff. e.g. children have left home etc.
There are yayasans out there that train domestic staff for hire but I find these are usually only used by locals looking for staff. Most expats will hire their maids through word of mouth or from references left at various associations. ANZA (Australia & NZ Association) and BWA (British Women's Association) have staff registers. These are just a drop off point for expats leaving town to leave their staff references or staff looking for jobs to drop off old references. No reference checks are made this is left up to the prospective employer. A lot of staff are hired through these sources.
JICC (Jakarta International Community Centre) offer a service where they will help you and interview staff on a certain day each week.
You will find it easy to find live-out staff as these days most domestic staff prefer to live-out. Finding someone to work only 2 to 3 days per week will be the difficult part. Most staff cannot afford to live on a part-time wage so they would always be looking for a full time job.
My advice would be to find a maid to share with someone at your apartments or hire a full time maid. Expats usually pay a salary for a full time maid from approx Rp1,300,000-2,000,000 per month. (inclusive of travel allowance). You would normally also provide basic food like rice, noodles, water, coffee and tea plus a small cooking facility. Check out this staff salary survey for more info; www.expat.or.id/info/2008-AWA-HouseholdStaffSalarySurvey.pdf Check out this website for useful staff info; www.expat.or.id/info/info.html#Staff Good luck and just be aware finding the right staff member can sometimes happen easily and other times it may take several attempts to get the right person but once you find the right person it makes life here so much easier.
Other contacts ANZA PH 7179 3042 Mon-Fri 9am-1pm (Please phone for address details) BWA PH 719 5283 Mon-Fri 9am-12noon (Please phone for address details) JICC PH 7179-2813,
(Michael) Hi, Is there anywhere in Jakarta I can buy traveler's cheques? Thanks
(Lara ) Dear Michael, This question proved to be a bit trickier than I had anticipated. I checked around at most of the local banks and found out that in almost all cases you need to have an account. I have two suggestions and recommendations:
1. Ask a friend to assist you that has a bank account here as they can obtain travelers checks in their own bank (if have an account)
2. Bank Mandiri will do with maximum of rp 25 million. They have in 1 million, 5 million, 10 million and 25 million denominations.
Good luck and let us know how this goes. In the past, the larger banks (IE: HSBC and Citibank used to offer these services to persons that did not hold a bank account. Now a bit more difficult).
(Kelly) Hi Michael, I see Lara has already done some investigating so can I just make a suggestion. Travellers Cheques seem so old fashioned these days as with a world of credit cards and ATM cards that work world wide why not go the modern option.
You will find traveller’s cheques are no longer widely accepted by retailers. You will need to go to a bank to change and always carry extra ID. I’m not sure where you’re planning on going but most bank’s ATM debit cards will work all around the world. Sure you’ll be charged for using them but just make sure you withdraw a decent amount each time to save on fees.
A mixture of cash and ATM cards (plus a credit card if you have one) usually is all you need these days. Some banks overseas also have a travel cards which are a reloadable visa card you can buy. It is topped up and used like a debit card so you can only spend what you have.
Or alternatively you can do what the locals do and take wades of USD$.
