Jakarta is like sugar; the ants just keep on coming!

Finally found this piece again! Thanks to Pak Agung from Omah Sendok Restaurant!
The Jakarta Globe Newspaper


April 16, 2009

My Jakarta: Steisi Mileiva

Steisi Mileiva, 24, is a research assistant at the World Bank who recently made the move to Jakarta from the outlying city of Bogor. But the Bogor Agricultural University graduate could easily have taken an entirely different career path. After graduating with a degree in food science technology she was offered two jobs: the one she didn’t take as a television news reporter and the one she ultimately chose, which she says has given her a glimpse into the art of achieving progress in Jakarta.

So what do you do at the World Bank?

I work in coordination with the Ministry of National Education to help young drop-outs find pathways to employment. We work with the director general of nonformal and informal education to put high school and college-aged kids in short education programs: beauty, automotive, tailoring, computing and other vocational courses. The training providers are required to place the students in jobs after graduation.

When you’re not busy at the World Bank how do you like to spend your time?

I play basketball and I’m a member of the Metropolitan Toastmasters Club in Kuningan. I used to be involved in more activities when I lived in Bogor, but it was time to make the move and live on my own.

How did you decide to move to Jakarta?

I know it’s not far, only 2 hours, but I wanted to challenge myself and push my comfort level.

What do you miss in Bogor?

I was really active in my church and I was involved in all kinds of activities. I was in a choir — I miss that. We had some great moments. When you sing at a wedding you have the chance to make it beautiful for the couple. And during Christmas we would go to retirement homes and when we sang it would bring people to tears. I guess they miss the warm Christmas celebrations they used to enjoy with their families. I am looking for a choir like that here in Jakarta.

So you have a really good singing voice?

Not really. That’s why I sing with a choir.

Do people in Bogor have a certain perception of Jakarta?

Well, I think people know that if it’s greenery and trees they’re looking for they should come to Bogor, but if they want malls and museums, Jakarta is the place to be. Here is where the excitement is. You’re close to the decision makers. There are more job opportunities here. Jakarta is like sugar; the ants just keep on coming.

So whether Jakarta is the right city for you depends on where you are in your life?

People who are thinking about settling down and having a family usually say it’s more affordable to do it in Bogor or outside of Jakarta. School fees are cheaper and the quality of air is better because it’s less polluted.

When you’re not at the office is there a cafe or restaurant in Jakarta that you come back to again and again?

It’s not the place, it’s the people. You can be at a lousy cafe but have a great time as long as you surround yourself with the right people. I know this cafe near my boarding house, Omah Sendok in Jalan Taman Empu Sendok — it’s a cozy place with traditional food in a cafe-like setting. There’s nasi liwet [rice boiled in coconut milk] and bir pletok , a nonalcoholic drink made from different spices. You rarely see it in other cafes. It’s a traditional Betawi drink.

Working in education, is there anything you think should get more attention in the school system?

I personally like public speaking. I think that the Indonesian school system should place more emphasis on it. When you talk to kids who don’t attend international schools they are timid and afraid to say what’s on their mind. I have family members from all over the greater Jakarta area and when everyone gets together I am always the one who acts as emcee. For example, if it’s the birthday of one of my cousins , I want to give them a chance to have their say, but when I invite them up to talk into the microphone they’re shy. However, they are practicing. I keep encouraging my little cousins not to be scared when they are talking in front of groups of people.

How did you choose between a job at the World Bank and a job as a reporter?

I had an offer from Trans TV and an offer from the World Bank. I sought advice from family and friends and then sat down and thought about it myself. That was one of the biggest decisions in my life. I am happy with my job, but I will always be curious about the world of the TV reporter.

You seem happy with your decision. What have you gained from working at the World Bank?

I understand the government and how my country works. I’ve seen it from the inside because I work side by side with members of a ministry. I know why things take time and why programs aren’t easy to put into action. In preparing a project you can hire the most advanced technical expertise money can buy, but if the people don’t fit — like pieces of the Jakarta puzzle — it doesn’t work. Its an art.



Steisi Mileiva was talking to Zack Petersen.