In our line of business, and I assume just like in other line of business in Indonesia, our clients usually have duration of payments ranging from 1 week - 2 months.
Well, one of our smaller client showed up today to pay his debt. We teased him a bit for being late with the payment. We stopped immediately though after he informed us that he paid us using the money he got from the pawnshop. He used his motorbike as the collateral.
Apparently, his wife had to go to the hospital for 5 days and he had to pay 2.5 millions for the hospital bill. This completely affected his financial situation. You see, he has no savings. I bet most of the lower class people in Indonesia don't have any savings for the rainy days.
How much is the interest?, I asked. It's 50.000 per month per 1 million borrowed. That's 5 percent per month and 60% per year, assuming it's not using the compound interest system, and gosh, I really hope not.
The current interest rate in Indonesia is, if I'm not mistaken, 8.75% per year. Banks don't touch micro loan though, and I'm sure the complicated bureaucracy doesn't motivate the small loaners. I believe most lower class people either go to pawnshop or loan sharks for their cash needs. If they're lucky, they have a wealthy enough relative to go to. Hopefully, the relative won't be too greedy and charge them with high interest.
We lend money for our employees with no interest. Most of them would borrow money when it is time to renew the contract of their house, to pay for the school admission, to pay the hospital bill for their parents, the list goes on and on. They always break even or run negative with their balance book, never a surplus.
Aside from the civil employees, I don't think there is any retirement plan in Indonesia. Not for the lower class for sure. I think they would work until they die, or they would hope that their children would be able to support them at the old age. Is that why they have many children even if they are not economically well off?
How many times do I see a husband, a wife, and their 2 children traveling on one motorbike? Sometimes it's even 3 children. What would happen if their children grow bigger and they still can't afford a car? How would they go for leisure? Could they afford to pay their school tuition? Could they afford college? I heard education costs a fortune nowadays.
What a life.
On how my day got ruined, zombie, and Aretha
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What on earth possessed me to sleep at 1 last night? I'm just not cut out for late night activities. I should have slept at 9, just like how my grandma taught me to. After a jolt of hyperness this morning - provided by the late night dessert intake, I am now having the appearance of a drunken zombie. The more I think of it, my current state is not that much of a difference from those Chinese mummy that was once the famous subject of 90s Hongkong films.
A tragedy beset upon me this morning. As I tried to lock the car's door, I was damned enough to have my breakfast box (as opposed to lunch box) slipped from my grip. It was surprisingly didn't go directly to the ground. Instead, it was on the air for a while, moving in approximately 60-degree trajectory and performed a 360-degree spin at the peak before finally landing on the ground.
OK, so, maybe I did some exaggeration, but I remember it was on air long enough to give me time to scream a loud "Nooooooooo!" for the amusement of everyone in the neighborhood. Gravity force finally descended my breakfast box and destiny deemed it to be appropriate to sprinkle some condiments called dirt on my breakfast and stamped my whole day as "RUINED".
Anyway, I listened to the music of Aretha Franklin last night, and I was floored ... again. I have the same reaction every time I listen to her music after some vacuum period.
It's very unfortunate that her talent is being overshadowed by the many repulsive karaoke renditions of her famous songs (Respect, Chain of Fools, etc) and also her weight problems. People should give a chance to her music and listen to it without some preconceived idea (preferably on her 60s-70s repertoire). Not only that she has amazing technical chops, what's more important is the raw emotion that exudes in her singing.
Check Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Aretha, together with Otis Redding and Sam Cooke helped positioned Soul as the respected music genre, and she totally deserved the title Queen of Soul.
Before I end this post, let me do a bit more complaining. The client that always calls me "Meme" is back, and he managed to blurted out "Meme" about 10 times or more during the 5 minutes that he was here. Gahhh ...
*end of post*
A tragedy beset upon me this morning. As I tried to lock the car's door, I was damned enough to have my breakfast box (as opposed to lunch box) slipped from my grip. It was surprisingly didn't go directly to the ground. Instead, it was on the air for a while, moving in approximately 60-degree trajectory and performed a 360-degree spin at the peak before finally landing on the ground.
OK, so, maybe I did some exaggeration, but I remember it was on air long enough to give me time to scream a loud "Nooooooooo!" for the amusement of everyone in the neighborhood. Gravity force finally descended my breakfast box and destiny deemed it to be appropriate to sprinkle some condiments called dirt on my breakfast and stamped my whole day as "RUINED".
Anyway, I listened to the music of Aretha Franklin last night, and I was floored ... again. I have the same reaction every time I listen to her music after some vacuum period.
It's very unfortunate that her talent is being overshadowed by the many repulsive karaoke renditions of her famous songs (Respect, Chain of Fools, etc) and also her weight problems. People should give a chance to her music and listen to it without some preconceived idea (preferably on her 60s-70s repertoire). Not only that she has amazing technical chops, what's more important is the raw emotion that exudes in her singing.
Check Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Aretha, together with Otis Redding and Sam Cooke helped positioned Soul as the respected music genre, and she totally deserved the title Queen of Soul.
Before I end this post, let me do a bit more complaining. The client that always calls me "Meme" is back, and he managed to blurted out "Meme" about 10 times or more during the 5 minutes that he was here. Gahhh ...
*end of post*
A Complete Rambling of Mind
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I found out that I'm just not capable to do a coherent post nowadays. I would start something, lost interest in the topic halfway, and abandoned the writing I felt passionate about 1/2 hour ago.
So instead, I'm going to write a list of things I have had in my mind yesterday and today:
* I eat therefore I am
Statement is written while eating bread, knowing very well that lunch is 1 1/2 hour away.
* One is the loneliest number, but two is too crowded and gives me a headache.
I'm a damn hermit.
* What is the most universal human characteristic? Fear or laziness?
This is one of the questions asked in Waking Life, a superb film that gives the viewers a buffet of various idea of life, its meaning and its purposes. Surprisingly, instead of getting depressed after watching the show, I felt rejuvenated by the quality of the conversation. As for the answer to the question, mine are at an equal proportion and at an alarming level.
* Open canal/sewer system sucks!
I live in a pretty good neighborhood, yet it still stinks when I'm at outside my house. Not to mention the damn rodents running around the street. At least in India, the ones who are taking leisure walks along the city are monkeys or elephants. They are interesting and photogenic. What benefits do I get from the multitude of gigantic rodents who believe that the streets are their properties? Oh, the humanity!
* I love peanut butter!
Need I say more?
* Is it wrong to wash your hands more than 30 times within 8 hours period of time?
Don't blame me. Blame the yucky smelling and extremely crumpled looking qualities of Indonesian's cash.
* I was at the doctor's waiting room, and I saw a news coverage at TV regarding the increase occurrence of fights between female gangs. This already tickled my nose a bit with its hilariousness, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud when they inserted a caption: "Perbuatan Tidak Terpuji, Jangan Ditiru!" (A Not Commended Action, Do Not Imitate!).
Below is a coverage from a different channel with the caption: "Jangan Meniru Adegan Ini!" (Do Not Imitate This Activity!) in it.
So, for me, it's hilarious, because they do not put any warnings in any other news coverage: be it the Israel-Palestine war, the anarchist demonstration that has killed a politic figure or even the mass surge of desperation to a 'dukun cilik' (little healer) that has killed several people. But for this news, they feel the need to specifically tell the viewers that these activities are not to be imitated. Right on!
* Why do I write my blog only when I'm at work?
Well, d'uh!
* Last point: Hooray on a new post!
Finally, Nit2 can stop complaining about having to see the damn scale picture every time she checks out my blog :P
So instead, I'm going to write a list of things I have had in my mind yesterday and today:
* I eat therefore I am
Statement is written while eating bread, knowing very well that lunch is 1 1/2 hour away.
* One is the loneliest number, but two is too crowded and gives me a headache.
I'm a damn hermit.
* What is the most universal human characteristic? Fear or laziness?
This is one of the questions asked in Waking Life, a superb film that gives the viewers a buffet of various idea of life, its meaning and its purposes. Surprisingly, instead of getting depressed after watching the show, I felt rejuvenated by the quality of the conversation. As for the answer to the question, mine are at an equal proportion and at an alarming level.
* Open canal/sewer system sucks!
I live in a pretty good neighborhood, yet it still stinks when I'm at outside my house. Not to mention the damn rodents running around the street. At least in India, the ones who are taking leisure walks along the city are monkeys or elephants. They are interesting and photogenic. What benefits do I get from the multitude of gigantic rodents who believe that the streets are their properties? Oh, the humanity!
* I love peanut butter!
Need I say more?
* Is it wrong to wash your hands more than 30 times within 8 hours period of time?
Don't blame me. Blame the yucky smelling and extremely crumpled looking qualities of Indonesian's cash.
* I was at the doctor's waiting room, and I saw a news coverage at TV regarding the increase occurrence of fights between female gangs. This already tickled my nose a bit with its hilariousness, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud when they inserted a caption: "Perbuatan Tidak Terpuji, Jangan Ditiru!" (A Not Commended Action, Do Not Imitate!).
Below is a coverage from a different channel with the caption: "Jangan Meniru Adegan Ini!" (Do Not Imitate This Activity!) in it.
So, for me, it's hilarious, because they do not put any warnings in any other news coverage: be it the Israel-Palestine war, the anarchist demonstration that has killed a politic figure or even the mass surge of desperation to a 'dukun cilik' (little healer) that has killed several people. But for this news, they feel the need to specifically tell the viewers that these activities are not to be imitated. Right on!
* Why do I write my blog only when I'm at work?
Well, d'uh!
* Last point: Hooray on a new post!
Finally, Nit2 can stop complaining about having to see the damn scale picture every time she checks out my blog :P
Scale
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Here's the scale used to weigh the delicious steamed peanuts at Zangrandi. Nyum. It was raining that night, so the road was wet, giving the yummy unexpected background. Processed with Wong Kar Wai's 2046 images in the mind. Gee wiz, I really need to post more often!
In this Quiet Town
Friday, January 16, 2009
Warning: A more indulgence post than usual ahead. You've been warned.
I woke up at 5 today. This wouldn't have happened had I not slept at 9:30pm last night. I know, I live the life of an old granny, there's no need to point out that sad fact to me.
This is actually a rare occurrence, the morning get up that is, not the early sleep. As someone who really treasures her sleeping time, I usually only have a narrow window of time in the morning to get ready before I need to run and jump to the car. Usually it would already be in motion, driven by a mother who is ignorant of her own daughter's yelling and bawling.
So there I was, meandering around my room, when I realized how much alone I was. The sky was still dark, and the eager morning exercisers bunch had not swarmed the street as yet. The birds were still chirping happily, and everything was just ... well, quiet.
I took my time to get ready and prepare my breakfast. The smell of the brewing coffee tickled my nose and I was grinning from ear to ear. I had my iTunes playing some music while I started reading chapter 23 of Huckleberry Finn and munched my breakfast.
I was very much absorbed in Huck's adventure when the song by Josh Rouse came up. Music is usually just a melody for me, a background noise for whatever I'm actually doing at that moment. But this time, the lyrics caught my attention. I played the song again.
The song really evoked memories of my time in Madison and Minneapolis. As I was listening to it, I could actually see the busy farmer's market on Sunday morning. Fathers were trying to keep pace with their children, who were too busy running around and being oblivious to the surroundings. The mothers would visit the various stalls, on a mission to choose which warm homemade bread and lovely flowers to bring home. The sun was bright and after 9 consecutive months of cold weather, everyone couldn't help but to wear that big goofy smile on their face.
I was enjoying that memory when it was suddenly gone and replaced by the crowd scene at the Terrace. Everyone was drinking beer while listening to the live music and enjoying the cool breeze and the view, the gorgeous Lake Mendota view. At one table, someone would be alone and immersed in their favorite book, while at the other table, a bunch of young people would be taking turns to inform the world of their idealistic point of views.
Suddenly, I was at my favorite local breakfast place, Fat Nat's at Minneapolis. It was just a simple fare of scrambled eggs, pancake, and a cup of coffee. I drowned myself in my reading, while once in a while, I couldn't help but overhear people's conversations. Sometimes, I peeked a view over my reading and observed the various people in the room. Some large and small groups of families, some couples, and a few loners scattered in the room. Everyone was busy with their own worlds. I was completely content to be a mere nobody in that room, detached from the world, a distant observer of the humanity.
Suddenly mother's voice woke me up from my wandering. It was time to go. I quickly ate the last bite of my breakfast and raced mother to the car. There was no way I had to chase the car again today, not when I woke up earlier than mother.
This morning quietness, I can get use to this.
I woke up at 5 today. This wouldn't have happened had I not slept at 9:30pm last night. I know, I live the life of an old granny, there's no need to point out that sad fact to me.
This is actually a rare occurrence, the morning get up that is, not the early sleep. As someone who really treasures her sleeping time, I usually only have a narrow window of time in the morning to get ready before I need to run and jump to the car. Usually it would already be in motion, driven by a mother who is ignorant of her own daughter's yelling and bawling.
So there I was, meandering around my room, when I realized how much alone I was. The sky was still dark, and the eager morning exercisers bunch had not swarmed the street as yet. The birds were still chirping happily, and everything was just ... well, quiet.
I took my time to get ready and prepare my breakfast. The smell of the brewing coffee tickled my nose and I was grinning from ear to ear. I had my iTunes playing some music while I started reading chapter 23 of Huckleberry Finn and munched my breakfast.
I was very much absorbed in Huck's adventure when the song by Josh Rouse came up. Music is usually just a melody for me, a background noise for whatever I'm actually doing at that moment. But this time, the lyrics caught my attention. I played the song again.
Quiet Town
I know somewhere there is a party going down
Interesting people, conversation to be found
I've lived in cities where there is no solitude
I've made some friends here that I hope I never lose
But, for now, I want to stay in this quiet town
The neighbors on my block, they've got stories to tell
This is the grocery, but, once was a hotel
And Mr. Driskle he just stands there with his smile
Inviting everyone he sees to come inside
This is the life, I want to live in a quiet town
Ohhhh, sometimes I miss the show, I learned a long time ago
Ohhhh, sometimes I miss the show, I learned a long time ago
Come Sunday morning, there's a market on the square
Children are playing, bells are ringing in the air
Old men are drinking, it's a lazy afternoon
Content with thinking that there is nothing to do
But, for now, I'm going to stay in this quiet town
In this quiet town, in this quiet town
The song really evoked memories of my time in Madison and Minneapolis. As I was listening to it, I could actually see the busy farmer's market on Sunday morning. Fathers were trying to keep pace with their children, who were too busy running around and being oblivious to the surroundings. The mothers would visit the various stalls, on a mission to choose which warm homemade bread and lovely flowers to bring home. The sun was bright and after 9 consecutive months of cold weather, everyone couldn't help but to wear that big goofy smile on their face.
I was enjoying that memory when it was suddenly gone and replaced by the crowd scene at the Terrace. Everyone was drinking beer while listening to the live music and enjoying the cool breeze and the view, the gorgeous Lake Mendota view. At one table, someone would be alone and immersed in their favorite book, while at the other table, a bunch of young people would be taking turns to inform the world of their idealistic point of views.
Suddenly, I was at my favorite local breakfast place, Fat Nat's at Minneapolis. It was just a simple fare of scrambled eggs, pancake, and a cup of coffee. I drowned myself in my reading, while once in a while, I couldn't help but overhear people's conversations. Sometimes, I peeked a view over my reading and observed the various people in the room. Some large and small groups of families, some couples, and a few loners scattered in the room. Everyone was busy with their own worlds. I was completely content to be a mere nobody in that room, detached from the world, a distant observer of the humanity.
Suddenly mother's voice woke me up from my wandering. It was time to go. I quickly ate the last bite of my breakfast and raced mother to the car. There was no way I had to chase the car again today, not when I woke up earlier than mother.
This morning quietness, I can get use to this.
Through The Glass Darkly
Friday, January 9, 2009
Was on the way home from Zangrandi. If there's one thing that makes me appreciate living in Surabaya, it's the thought that I can always go to this well preserved place and have a slice taste of my childhood memory. Steamed Peanuts and Macedonia Ice Cream please! Hmmm, I might post some Zangrandi pictures later.
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