Giving Back

Wherever we live in this sprawling city there is no way of escaping the harsh realities around us. And while we may feel a calling to help the less fortunate, it’s often difficult to find effective, enduring approaches to make a difference, or ones that do not strip away the dignity of the recipients of our largesse.

In this issue, we profile people who, through their hard work and selfless example, are actively changing the lives of others. These include twin sisters who have brought the gift of education to children from disadvantaged families and a woman who made the first steps in turning her slum area into a clean, green and healthy space.

This month we also profile a long (very long) time expatriate, George Tsounas. Through more than 60 years in Indonesia, he has witnessed the most significant events in the country’s history. His story makes fascinating reading.

Jakarta can be a port in a storm for many of us; we can bide our time, find our bearings and then return to our places of origins. For the few, like Tsounas, it becomes a second home, even if living here brings ample frustrations. Our Point of View this month examines the woes affecting Jakarta, and how it is slipping behind other capitals in the region in terms of quality of life.

Even with the floods, traffic headaches and garbage problems, Jakarta is still home. Perhaps we can play our small part in making the city a more comfortable living space for all its citizens. Read our To Do List this month for ideas.

( Bruce Emond )

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