RUILI LOMBOK - Mataram 2019
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RUILI
LOMBOK - Mataram
In-Country Program
2019
RUILI: Lombok 2019 Important notes about this document ............................................................................................................3 About the Program ..........................................................................................................................................1 What is RUILI? ......................................................................................................................................................................................................1 Our local providers ............................................................................................................................................................................................1 Details of the In-country Program ...................................................................................................................2 Staff and Contacts ...........................................................................................................................................3 Important contact details ................................................................................................................................................................................3 Dr Untung Waluyo ..............................................................................................................................................................................................4 Lombok/Mataram Maps .................................................................................................................................5 Preparing to Leave Australia ........................................................................................................................... 7 Visa and Passport...............................................................................................................................................................................................7 Important Preparation ......................................................................................................................................................................................8 What to pack......................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Arriving in Indonesia ......................................................................................................................................10 Settling In........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Finding a place to live.................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Studying at an Indonesian Institution ...........................................................................................................12 What to expect ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 What to wear ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Getting the most out of your study .............................................................................................................................................................. 15 Getting around town .....................................................................................................................................15 Making friends ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Food and drink...............................................................................................................................................20 How to order food in a restaurant................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Eating & drinking to stay healthy .................................................................................................................................................................. 21 Alcohol ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Staying healthy ..............................................................................................................................................22 Mosquito-borne and other Illnesses ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 Infections and hygiene .................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 Health and Medical emergencies ............................................................................................................................................................... 24 Shopping ........................................................................................................................................................ 25 Where to buy the essentials .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Buying phone credit (pulsa) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
RUILI: Lombok 2019 Doing laundry .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33 Etiquette and behaviour................................................................................................................................ 34 Pushing your values and expressing political views................................................................................................................................... 34 Breaking the law ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 35 Safety.............................................................................................................................................................. 36 Excursions and travel ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Procedures for anticipated security threat (adapted from ACICIS policy) .......................................................................................... 36 Procedures for evacuation (adapted from ACICIS policy) ..................................................................................................................... 37 Earthquake preparedness ............................................................................................................................................................................. 38 Tsunami preparedness ................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Volcano preparedness .................................................................................................................................................................................. 41 Flood safety tips............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Useful websites ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43 Emergency Contacts.....................................................................................................................................44 In Lombok ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44 UNE (Administration hub) emergency contact details:............................................................................................................................ 44 UTAS emergency contact details: ............................................................................................................................................................... 44 USC emergency contact details: ................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Conversational Indonesian ........................................................................................................................... 46 STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................................................... 48 Web Pages in this Booklet ............................................................................................................................. 49 Important notes about this document It is important that you read the information contained in this pre-departure guide carefully before you leave to study in Lombok. It will help you avoid mistakes and confusion about what to do and what to expect during your study in-country. Most of you will not have been to Lombok before, and will need some information about your destination, as well as the program you will be taking part in. All images used in this document have been reused under CC0 Creative Commons (free for commercial use, no attribution required) unless otherwise attributed. Title Page Image: Volcan Rinjani en 2010 by Don-vip (CC BY-SA 3.0)
RUILI: Lombok 2019
About the Program
What is RUILI?
The Regional Universities Indonesian Language Initiative (RUILI) was established to promote
collaboration in Indonesian teaching between four regional universities: Charles Darwin
University (CDU), the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the University of New England (UNE)
and the University of Tasmania (UTAS). A central part of its work has been developing this
intensive Indonesian program in partnership with local institutions in Lombok (Mataram Lingua
Franca Institute (MLFI)) and Kupang (Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana)). RUILI also works
with a number of other institutions to help students from all over Australia experience intensive
in-country study. The RUILI program is now the largest of its sort, and in our humble opinion, the
best. This booklet is developed for our Lombok Program.
Our local providers
The 2019 program is to be carried out by Mataram Lingua Franca Institute. MLFI specialises in
the teaching of Indonesian to international students of all ages from beginners to advanced
language speakers. The institute is staffed by highly qualified and enthusiastic teachers to
ensure that the learning process is meaningful as well as fun. Currently it has 17 permanent
teaching staff, two with a PhD degree and ten with a Masters degree, some of whom
graduated from Australian universities. MLFI is located in the centre of Mataram city on Jalan
Amir Hamzah 106, Karang Sukun, Mataram.
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RUILI: Lombok 2019
Details of the In-country Program
Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers - Bahasa Indonesia untuk
Program Penutur Asing (BIPA).
Mataram Lingua Franca Institute (MLFI) Compound at Jl. Amir
Where Hamzah no. 106, Mataram, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB).
Term 1 dates Thursday 3 January to Tuesday 23 January 2019
Term 2 dates Monday 28 January to Friday 15 February 2019
Monday to Thursday - 8:30 am to 12:10 pm and Friday – 8:00 am to
Class times 11:40 am
Times and days vary from level to level. Activities that form part of
Out of class
an assessment are compulsory, others are optional. Please check
activities with your teachers.
All classes are compulsory. Students who fail to attend all classes
Participation without a valid reason might not be permitted to sit the exam.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the MLFI
Opening Compound on Jl. Amir Hamzah no. 106.
ceremony All participants must attend this ceremony as essential information
and will be given by the Resident Director and MLFI Staff.
orientation You will be requested to sign the Statement of Responsibilities (see
page 48).
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RUILI: Lombok 2019
Staff and Contacts
Important contact details
Position Name Contact
082144211655
Program Director Dr Untung Waluyo
uwaluyo@gmail.com
Deputy Program Director Ibu Henny 08190740
Program Secretary Pak Made 08123754
mdenasujana@gmail.com
Program Coordinator Ibu Eka 08123754
mataramlfi@gmail.com
082144211655
Local Resident Director, Term 1 Dr Untung Waluyo
uwaluyo@gmail.com
and 2
Mobile: +61 433 118 254
Australian Emergency Contact Office: +61 2 6773 3516
Dr Zifirdaus Adnan
(UNE, as administration Hub) zadnan@une.edu.au
Jane Ahlstrand Mobile: +61439248958
Office: +61 2 6773 5044
Email: jahlstra@une.edu.au
General Practitioner in Lombok Dr Dewi Suryani 082139223981
Siloam Private Hospital Jl Majapahit No.10 Mataram
Phone
0370-623999
Emergency Department
0370-628111
Email
um.fo@siloamhospitals.com
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RUILI: Lombok 2019
Dr Untung Waluyo
Director Mataram Lingua Franca Institute
Untung obtained a Master’s degree from Ohio State University (the
United States of America) and a PhD from the University of Sunshine
Coast (Australia). In 1996, he established the Indonesian in-country
program at the University of Mataram together with Doris Jedamski
and Beth Foster of Northern Territory University. This collaboration
continued for several years before Dr Richard Curtis and other colleagues from USC, UNE and
UTAS established the RUILI consortium in 2007. In addition to MLFI, Untung also teaches in the
Department of Languages and Arts at the Faculty of Education, University of Mataram, NTB,
Indonesia. He is actively involved in the community literacy development program in West
Lombok Region. Untung has taught/worked at the Department of Southeast Asian Studies,
Ohio University (the USA), Charles Darwin University, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.
‘Halo, para mahasiswa program Bahasa Indonesia In-country. Nama saya Untung Waluyo.
Saya bekerja sebagai direktur lembaga bahasa Mataram Lingua Franca Institute. Saya
senang bisa bertemu dengan anda semua di program ini. Selamat bergabung di lembaga
kami. Saya berharap para instruktur di lembaga kami dapat melayani kebutuhan belajar
anda dengan sebaik-baiknya. Kepuasan anda adalah komitmen kami’.
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RUILI: Lombok 2019
Lombok/Mataram Maps
Source: balisightseeings.com
5
Mataram Lingua
Franca Institute
8
Map of Mataram/MaLFI. Imagery: Map data ©2017 Google
Preparing to Leave Australia
Visa and Passport
All travellers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six (6)
months from the date of arrival, and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage
(www.indonesiatravel.com).
Visa options:
• Free 30-Day Visa for all students doing just
one RUILI term and staying in Indonesia
for up to 30 days only. If you have any
intention to stay longer than 30 days, DO
NOT take this visa because you CANNOT
extend it in the country. Take Option 2
below.
• Visa On Arrival* for all students studying for two terms and staying in Indonesia for up to
60 days. This can be extended at the local Lombok immigration office. MLFI Staff can
support your application for an extension. The extension needs to be applied for 7 days
before the expiry date of the original visa. An extension will cost a further US$35.
• Social Cultural Visas (Sosbud Visas) must be applied for well before your departure to
Indonesia. They are valid for 60 days and can be extended for a another 30 days twice,
allowing for a total of 120 days.
*Note: Visa on arrival will cost US$35. Visa on arrival is granted for a period of 30 days with the
following conditions:
• Can be extended for another 30 days. Please be advised that intention for extension
shall be made at least 7 days before the first 30 days expires.
• Cannot be converted into other immigration permits. See Konsulat Jenderal Republik
Indonesia for further details.
• A fine of Rp. 200,000 (AUD$20) will be imposed for every day you overstay your visa,
which you will be forced to pay by immigration at the airport upon departure.
10Important Preparation
You should be tying up loose ends at home. Many of us get so wrapped up in the idea of
heading abroad that we forget we have responsibilities at home so remember, before you
head off on a big trip overseas there are a few things you need to do.
Ensure your passport is valid with an expiry date beyond 6 months from your arrival date in
Indonesia.
• Finalise your enrolment at your home university.
• Send your travel itinerary to your home university, as well as a family member or close friend
• Confirm your insurance cover.
• Inform your bank about your travel plans.
• Ensure you are up to date with required vaccinations
• Ensure you have your required medication
• Inform Centrelink about your travel plans if relevant.
• Be aware of the proposed itinerary for your first few days.
• Register with DFAT Smart Traveller (essential).
When you make your way to the airport in Australia be sure to carry a few things with you.
• Passport (with at least six months left before expiry).
• Printed flight itineraries for all your flights.
• Details of your insurance policy in both
your wallet and passport.
What to pack
Most material items can be purchased in
Indonesia, but passports/bankcards/licences
can only be obtained at home.
10Essential
• Passport
• Bank cards, driver’s licence or other ID card, insurance details
• Clothes. Include a mix of causal, and comfortable, yet modest clothing and shoes (see the
What to wear section below)
• Stationery: writing pad/book, pens, 2 or 3 USBs
• Basic first aid kit, basic emergency evacuation kit
• Torch for blackouts
• Tropical strength Insect repellent
• Swimming gear
• Electrical adaptors (round with two small round holes; though these are relatively cheap
and easy to find in Indonesia from department stores)
• Any prescription drugs you need with the prescription from your doctor
• Sunscreen (this is just about the only thing that is more expensive in Indonesia!)
• Tampons – can be difficult to find in Indonesia
Alternative emails other than Yahoo and Hotmail
as the IP address from Indonesia can be blocked
because the email companies think your
account is being hacked overseas. Generally
student email accounts or gmail accounts do
not encounter these issues.
Recommended
• Laptop, iPad or other tablet – can help with written assessments.
• Mobile phone (unlocked) – buying an Indonesian SIM card is cheap and easy.
Simpati usually has the best coverage, but most service providers are fine. Try to memorise your
new number or record it somewhere convenient. Make sure you inform MLFI of your contact
details.
9Optional
• English language books: hard to find in Lombok!
• Snorkelling gear: rentals are available, but if you are serious bring your own mask.
• Surf wax: supplies are unreliable.
• Travel diary. Photos of family back home: locals love to see this!
• Oleh-oleh (souvenirs): These can be great icebreakers and the beginning of great
friendships or a gesture of appreciation when you leave.
Leave at home!
Too many clothes! Laundry there is cheap and quick, or do it yourself with some washing
powder, water, a bucket, and a scrubbing brush.
• Any clothing/footwear that is too expensive, as it could get wet, muddy or mouldy
• Large amounts of cash – carrying cash with you just increases your risk of losing it.
• ATMs are reliable, just look for the same symbols on your card, e.g. Maestro, Cirrus, or
VISA.
This is by no means an exhaustive list – those of you who have travelled before know what to
take and leave. For first timers, if you ever think ‘maybe I will need this?’, then leave it at home.
If you truly do need it, you can buy it over there or make do without it.
Arriving in Indonesia
For some of you, this will be your first trip overseas. Please read the signs carefully as you
approach the immigration desk as the procedure for you to follow will depend on your type of
visa. If you need to obtain a Visa on Arrival or a Free 30 Day Visa for Short Visit and you cannot
see signs directing you to the appropriate counters then ask for assistance. If you have a Social
Cultural Visa (Sosbud Visa) you should be able to proceed to the Immigration desk but again
check the signs.
Settling In
Your first few days in a new place are always a bit confusing. In your first week, check in to your
hotel and settle in. This will give you a chance to drop your bags, adjust to the new climate
and wander about the town and start to get inspired to learn some Indonesian.
10Living conditions between Indonesia and Australia often seem to be worlds apart. Say
goodbye to quarter acre blocks, nature strips and hot water and say hello to busy streets,
footpaths that double as markets or motorbike lanes and common mati lampu (blackouts).
These are some of the reasons that inspire many of us to travel – to experience different ways
of making a life on this earth. Keep that in mind, because at times your expectations may not
be met. For all the differences however, life in Indonesia is centred on the same pillars as it is in
Australia; family, friendship and fun. Keep an open mind, wear a smile, and take it easy - you’re
here to have a good time too!
Finding a place to live
Given that the safety of our students is our highest priority, we recommend that you stay in
accommodation deemed to be structurally safe following the August 2018 earthquakes. We
advise students to stay in places within 5 -10 minutes walking distance of MLFI. Make sure you
provide MLFI of your local address, as well as your phone number once you arrive and settle
in.
Wherever you stay please emphasise that you are there to study and practice your Indonesian
language. Just tell everyone you meet who wants to practise their English with you that: Saya
seorang mahasiswa yang datang ke pulau Lombok untuk belajar bahasa Indonesia. Tolong
pakai bahasa Indonesia dengan saya ya, terima kasih.
Further information can be found in the Accommodation section on the RUILI website.
Staying in a hotel can be a comfortable option, and you will undoubtedly form some good
relationships with the staff there too.
11Studying at an Indonesian Institution
What to expect
The experience of studying in a different cultural environment is an experience that far too few
get to enjoy. It is a fun, exciting and often frustrating experience that will be a time of great
personal growth for you all. It is also something that will serve you in the future – cross-cultural
experiences like these look great on your resume!
Classes from Monday to Thursday usually run from 8:30 am -12:30 pm whereas on Friday from
8:00 am 12:00 noon. You will have a chance to have a break and get something to eat during
the day, and yes – the classrooms are air-conditioned.
Study Routine and Habits:
It is important to develop an effective study plan and good study habits during your time in
Lombok. Everyone has different lifestyles, but while in Lombok you only need to focus on one
learning Indonesian, so make it priority number one! Make the most of the opportunity while
you are not as distracted by work, multiple university subjects, and family commitments. Your
study is already going to be intense, and often crammed, so we recommend that you try to
spread your study load thorough the day and thorough the week. Feedback from exit surveys
in the past has indicated that on average students spent between 2 to 4 hours each day on
study outside the classroom. For this reason we suggest that you do 30 minutes to an hour
before class in the morning; one to two hours after lunch, and one to two hours in the evening.
Of course, if you are not a morning person, you may prefer to study later in the evening and
at night. You are all adults and will inevitability develop your own system, but two guides are
offered here to help you prepare for study in Lombok.
1. Jadwal orang yang suka bangun pagi-pagi (morning person):
Jam 6:30 pagi – Bangun, mandi, berpakian, makan pagi
Jam 7:00 pagi – Belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
8:00 pagi – Berjalan kaki ke MLFI
Jam 8:30 pagi-12:10 siang – Menghadiri kelas di MLFI Jam
12:10 siang – Makan siang, pulang, dan lain-lain (dll)
12Jam 1:30 siang – belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
3:00 sore - Istirahat, jalan-jalan, dll
Jam 6:30 petang – makan malam
Jam 8:00 malam – Belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
10:00 (lewat) malam – Tidur
2. Jadwal orang yang suka bangun kesiangan (person who likes to sleep in):
Jam 7:45 pagi – Bangun, mandi, berpakian, makan pagi Jam
8:15 pagi – Naik taksi ke MLFI
Jam 8:30 pagi – 12:10 siang – Menghadiri kelas di MLFI Jam
12:10 siang – Makan siang, pulang, dan lain-lain (dll)
Jam 1:30 siang – belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
3:00 sore - Istirahat, jalan-jalan, dll
Jam 5:30 sore – belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
6:30 petang – makan malam
Jam 8:00 malam – Belajar bahasa Indonesia, mengerjakan PR dan tugas kuliah Jam
11:00 (lewat) malam – Tidur
One school day in-country is basically the equivalent to one week at your home university.
That said, the in-country program is a cultural immersion experience and supposed to be fun,
and gives you the chance to enjoy the place and the people. You don’t want to be cooped
up in your hotel all the time. That is why you have the entire afternoon and evening, as well as
the weekends, to yourselves. Be creative with your learning; an hour of talking to locals is an
hour of study. And, a two-hour excursion is probably worth two hours of study. So don’t be too
harsh on yourself. Be practical about when you study. If you are feeling sick or tired, then have
a rest or nap. Leave the late nights or long tiring travel for the weekend.
All students have had different language learning experiences, so don’t always compare
yourself to others. Some people are good at speaking and although it might seem that their
Indonesian is fluent, they might have terrible formal Indonesian, can’t spell well, use incorrect
grammar, or haven’t even memorised the MeN- prefix table. Rather than comparing yourself
to other students, a better barometer is whether you can keep up with the study material and
how well you perform in assessment items. Be realistic about your grades, a ‘credit’, 7 out of 10
or 70%, is a good mark.
Finally, the topics and content are part of the methodology of learning the language. Put
simply, the course is about developing language competency, while learning about the
context in which it is used.
13Be mindful of the following:
Punctuality. Being late and missing classes unnecessarily stresses your teacher more than
anything else as they have to try get you up to speed with what you have missed. Remember
your failure is their failure, and teachers will have to explain this to the Resident Director and
their superiors at MLFI.
Try to avoid interrupting the class frequently or excessively at length to express opinions, ask
irrelevant questions, or debate something unnecessarily. Basically, if your question or discussion
does not add value and is not really related to the topic, then outside class is a more
appropriate time for such questions and discussion.
Do not swear in class, around the MLFI complex, or around your teachers and buddies either
on-campus or off-campus, on excursions and during other outings. While not necessarily
directed at anyone, swearing is highly offensive in Indonesian culture, and could be
misunderstood by teachers and Indonesians generally as directed at them. You will rarely, if
ever, hear an Indonesian swear in Indonesian or English.
What to wear
Indonesians consider attending a higher
education institution a great privilege and
rightly so. There are more than 250 million
people in Indonesia and as many as 50% live on
a few dollars a day; higher education for such
people is not even a dream. Accordingly,
students acknowledge their privilege by
Photo Credit: Melwinsy CC
dressing respectfully on campus – you will never
see an Indonesian student enter a classroom in shorts, sandals and a singlet. (Likewise, the
teaching and admin staff also expect students to be neatly dressed). As students studying at
university level, you should follow their lead and dress in such a way that pays respect to the
people who are not in a position to attend university.
• For males – long pants, some sort of collared shirt and shoes will see you fit in well with
those around you.
14• For females – pants or long skirts/dresses to the knee, and whatever combination of
fabrics it takes to cover your shoulders and chest is appropriate.
Men and women should preferably wear closed shoes, neat sandals are acceptable, but no
thongs. It’s worth noting that this is not a form of modesty as dictated by any interpretation of
any religion, but rather a simple expression of culture and modesty– students in Jakarta, Bali,
Flores and all over the country dress the same. Take note of what the students around you are
wearing and follow suit.
Getting the most out of your study
Your classroom work, while important, makes up only part of your learning experience in
Mataram. What you do outside of the classroom is just as important, and in some ways more
so, to getting the most out of your time on Lombok.
Whatever your ability, you should be trying to make conversation with people every day – with
students on campus, taxi drivers, people at the warung,
the guy that sells those delicious juicy rambutan. Put
yourself in a variety of situations and really test your skills–
you may make a fool of yourself at times, but you will go
back to Australia with a fluency you never thought
possible.
One great tip for taking your language to the next level is to ‘find your thing’ in Lombok; a
hobby, a passion, a club or group or anything else that might define your time while you are
here. In the past we have had people get obsessed with working out at Hercules Gym, people
who have volunteered at local NGOs, avid surfers, FIFA aficionados, textile lovers, local
dancing and music and just about everything else; all of them going home with a unique
(often colourful) vocabulary and a deep understanding of a certain topic. Not only is this a
great way to improve your language, but it also give some structure to your life outside class
and is a great way to make lasting friendships.
Getting around town
Mataram is a small, quiet city by Indonesian standards and if you are staying near the MLFI
campus, you can easily get around by foot. Indonesians, however, are not known for their love
15of walking. It is much more common to get around on two or four wheels, and in Lombok many
get around by horse and carriage, locally named Cidomo!
Getting around by taxi is popular with students and they are especially good if you are in a
group. Taxis are cheap by Australian standards and are also comfortably air-conditioned and
safe. The most reputable brand across the country is Bluebird. Some taxi drivers may try to
bargain a price, but if you are uncomfortable with this you can simply ask them to use the
meter (called an argo). Some taxis may charge a minimum price of Rp 25 000, especially if you
have telephoned for one. If you have flagged one down in the street, you should be charged
whatever the meter (argo) reads, but this may depend on the taxi company. You can also
download the Bluebird Taxi mobile app, which is convenient and indicates the location of your
taxi, how many minutes they are from you, and the estimated cost if you know your destination.
Bemo mini vans travel across the city and further afield on set routes. They are one of the most
popular forms of travel in Indonesia, and for good reason; they are cheap, consistent and
social. Most trips cost about Rp 5000, though remember they go along major thoroughfares
and routes and will not drop you off at your door. Prices of course vary with the length of a trip
and the further afield you travel, the more likely your fellow passengers will include chickens,
goats and other animals and goods. They are also great places to strike up a conversation
and practise your Indonesian.
Ojek are the motorcycle taxis that get around town. These are good options if you want to be
dropped at your door. These can be found at pos ojek, ‘Ojek posts’, which are a bit like taxi
ranks. If you find an ojek driver you trust, get their phone number and you can call on them
directly. Prices generally start at Rp10 000 for a quick trip, but you need to negotiate the price
yourself. We should warn you, however, that you cannot trust everyone. Registered ojek drivers
wear a vest with a number on it and will always have a helmet for you, and will drive carefully.
In March 2017, Lombok introduced Gojek, which is an ojek ordering service using the Gojek
app. Like the Bluebird taxi app, it is convenient and indicates the location of your Gojek, how
many minutes they are from you, and the estimated cost. Please note, your insurance may not
cover you if you have an accident on an ojek or Gojek.
Sepeda or bicycle is perhaps the best way to get around Mataram; it is fun, social and good
for your health and the environment. Second-hand bikes can be bought at many pasar or
markets in Mataram, the big markets in Cakranegara being your best chance. They should set
you back somewhere between Rp500 thousand – Rp1.5 million. Helmets are advised, as are
16closed in-shoes – losing a toenail is sadly a common occurrence for cyclists in Indonesia! So
too are skin burns from motorbike exhaust pipes; just look at the mark on the right calf muscle
of many Indonesia men – long pants are advised! Remember to get on and off using the left
side to avoid the exhaust pipe, which gets very hot very quickly.
Finally, some of you may like to get around by renting and riding your own motor or
motorcycle. There are a few different types; automatics (bebek), step-through scooters
(motor) and standard motorcycles. If you’re involved in an accident, your Australian insurance
company might look into whether or not you have
followed the driving regulations. According to the
Australian Automobile Association, you are required to
hold an International Driver’s Permit to operate a vehicle
in Indonesia. These cost approximately AUD $39 and you
can apply via the NRMA or RACQ. Goinsurance provide
a comprehensive guide on the risks, regulations and
licensing requirements for riding a motorcycle in Indonesia
which you should read – the basics are below.
“To legally ride a motorcycle, you will need an
International Drivers Permit (IDP). This will entitle you to use
What not to do! Photo Credit: Michel Alexandre the road in the same manner that you can at home. If you
Salim CC BY 2.0
only have a car licence in Australia, an IDP will entitle you
to drive a car and also a motorcycle of 50cc or less (provided your car licence was issued in
Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia or Western Australia). Once you have an IDP,
you also need to carry your Australian licence with you to ensure it is valid.If you do not obtain
an IDP prior to leaving Australia and want to ride a motorcycle, you will need to visit a local
police station, sit the test and pay the fee (usually US$30) to obtain a licence .Once you are
licensed, you need to carry your IDP and Australian car licence (or local bike licence) on you
and also wear a helmet (which fastens under the chin).Unless you have an Australian
motorcycle licence, do not ride a motorcycle with an engine capacity of more than 50cc. To
legally ride a scooter or motorcycle with an engine capacity of more than 50cc (at home or
overseas), you need a motorcycle licence.”
Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous and this is even more so in Indonesia. A tragically high
number of people die in horrific accidents on Indonesian roads each and every year. If you
do not already know how to ride a motorbike, then do not try to learn here. In the past some
17students have taken this approach and ended up in hospital with broken bones – you do not
need to be going fast (or even moving at all) to hurt yourself on a motorbike.
It is up to you to know whether your insurance will cover you if you crash a bike in Indonesia.
Even with an international motorcycle licence many will not. And if you cause injury to another
person be prepared to spend time in an Indonesian prison. If such an event occurs we will do
our best to support you, but please be aware that we are not able to help resolve insurance
problems if you are not licensed, not wearing a helmet, or otherwise breaking the law.
You will need a helmet. Most rental places will provide you with a helmet, but examine it
carefully. If you feel that it won’t protect you in a fall, source your own helmet. Full face helmets
can mean the difference between having a chin and not having a chin should you fall off. You
will also need to wear protective clothing – closed-toe shoes and long pants at an absolute
minimum; you can easily lose skin or toenails simply by using the kickstand in thongs, and
burning your legs on the exhaust pipe is one of the most common injuries – wearing pants will
prevent that to a degree. Gloves should be considered – your hands will be the first thing to hit
the ground should you fall off. If you have plans to go diving, surfing or just laying around on
the beach those plans may go out the window if you fall off, even at low speed, while wearing
shorts, thongs and a T-shirt; infection takes hold quickly and it can mean weeks of discomfort,
to say the least.
Should you decide to ride a motorbike, it will do you a world of good to ask some local
Indonesians for tips on navigating the roads – even with bike-handling skills, it takes a level-
head and experience to make your way around town safely. The Study Buddies may be able
to help you with this.
Making friends
Making friends in your mother tongue can be difficult enough, but in a second language it
can seem like a daunting prospect. This doesn’t need to be the case, however, as the locals
are usually friendly and keen to talk.
• Smile and say hello – nobody starts a friendship with the person frowning at the ground.
• Learn some phrases that will help you introduce yourself and explain your Indonesian
abilities.
• Ask questions; just like us, Indonesians love to talk about themselves and their family.
18Don’t just answer their questions, but initiate your own to develop a genuine friendship.
• If you feel comfortable with your new friends, accept their invitation to dinner, attend a
wedding or visit their hometown.
You are always able to say no when someone says main ke rumah, yuk! (‘Come over to my
house!). But please, whatever you do, don’t listen to those people at home who try to warn
you that everyone is out to rob you, kidnap you or worse. For every less than genuine friend
you will make in Lombok, there are a million more who could be your new best friend. You are
advised, though, to go with a friend or a local from the MLFI (Study Buddies).
A note on friendships with the opposite sex
One of the key cultural differences you will experience is the relationship between friends of
the opposite sex.
Though friendships between men and women are entirely normal, expressing that friendship is
often very different from how we do it in Australia. Spending one-on-one time together may
be construed differently by your friend or by observers and you need to be aware of this when
navigating friendship.
If you become romantically, or indeed physically, involved you need to be aware that sex
before marriage is still overwhelmingly frowned upon in Lombok. Though it does happen, it
certainly is not discussed openly like it is in Australia. If you become intimate with someone,
there may be the expectation that you will be around for some time. Caution should be
observed in regard to walking alone with your companion of the opposite sex. For males, if
your Indonesian partner becomes pregnant there will be an expectation that you will marry
her and raise that child together - especially since Indonesia has no child maintenance or state
welfare to help single parents. Remember that you are in a different cultural context than you
might otherwise be used to, so keep that in mind during your time in Lombok.
19Food and drink
How to order food in a restaurant
Eating and drinking have likely featured
heavily in your studies at home. You likely know
the difference between mie goreng and nasi
goreng, and that the mango season is just
winding up as you read this (sorry - but
thankfully rambutan will be plentiful!). What
you probably do not know is what to do when
you walk into a warung (convenient/corner
eatery), resto (restaurant) or any other tempat
makan in Indonesia.
Unless you are eating in a ‘fancy’ restaurant or cafe, you start off your dining experience in a
warung by stating whether you would like to eat in (makan di sini) or take-away (minta
dibungkus; literally ‘please wrap it’), or just go in and take a seat at a table. You will then make
your order – either from a set menu or by making selections from the food on display. Try to
resist the urge to say boleh saya minta nasi goreng? (Translation: May I have some fried rice)
and instead just say what you would like to eat, followed by the amount you would like; nasi
goreng, satu... sama es teh (one nasi goreng with iced tea).’ It may sound rude to you at first,
but done with a smile it is perfectly polite. As always, tune your ear into what the locals are
saying and you can mimic that. Indonesians, unless using their right hand to eat, tend to use a
spoon and a fork to eat their meals (spoon in the right hand, fork in the left) – knives are very
seldom required.
20Eating & drinking to stay healthy
Sometimes it feels like everything you eat in Indonesia is gorengan. Indonesian food is actually
diverse and there are many healthy and delicious options which will ensure you maintain a
balanced diet. You can make smart choices by opting for lots of vegetables over lots of
chicken/meats at Masakan Padang restaurants, or go for delicious staples like gado-gado and
nasi pecel. Lombok is also famous for its local delicacy ayam taliwang (spicy grilled chicken)
and ikan taliwang (spicy grilled fish), which are relatively healthy. Fruits are available quite
readily – either at markets or on the roadside and there is a beautiful traditional market not
far from MLFI.
One of the most common regrets of students
is that they did not eat enough tropical fruits
or coconuts during their stay – so make the
most of the amazing, and cheap, food on
offer while you can. Remember to wash fruit
and raw vegetables which you have bought
at the markets before eating.
Try not to eat at a warung or at rumah makan Padang while the stocks of food are low – this
means they have been there for a while. Rather, return after the new food has been brought
to the front. You can get food poisoning from a range of causes including, salmonella (carried
in feces), poor food storage, undercooked food, cross-contamination between meat and
veges, or toxins from contaminated seafood. If you find yourself with symptoms of food
poisoning, make sure to contact Dr Dewi, and try and remain hydrated. One other cause of
Bali Belly is from handling money. Avoid touching your face and eating with your hands after
handling money. Most eating places have hand-washing facilities. For water, restrict yourself
to drinking only bottled mineral water (don’t drink from the tap!). Avoid ice unless you are
certain that it has been made from bottled water.
21Alcohol
As adults, you are able to legally consume alcohol in Indonesia. You should make your choices
around alcohol carefully – ensure that you are in an appropriate place if you are drinking, that
you are not disturbing others, and that the alcohol you are drinking is safe for human
consumption. By confining your drinking to respected brands in official establishments, you can
safely enjoy a casual drink in Indonesia. If you are drinking alcohol, remember you need to stay
hydrated and also get plenty of rest.
We would encourage you to keep the intensive nature of the course in mind – mid-week
drinking will have an impact on how well you perform in class and on your health. It is also
worth noting that supplying alcohol to young Indonesians, even of legal age, will not be
welcomed by the community at large, so keep this in mind if you are hosting a gathering with
Indonesians at your house.
Staying healthy
Your health should be a concern at any time, but being in an unusual environment presents
new challenges. These challenges are easily surmounted with common sense and basic
hygiene (for example, keep a bottle of hand wash with you, keep hydrated, and have plenty
of rest). The RUILI Program has its own doctor, and we recommend that you talk to the Resident
Director or Assistant Resident Director about any
health concerns you might have, and to follow
their advice.
Mosquito-borne and other Illnesses
Mosquitoes are more prevalent in Indonesia than
they are in most of Australia. They can also carry
some serious diseases. In Mataram, Malaria is not
prevalent though you should still take precautions. Dengue Fever is more common in the rainy
season which occurs between October and April so includes the time that you will be in
22Indonesia. It is spread by a species of mosquito that is active during the daytime. It is therefore
important to endeavour to reduce the number of mosquito bites you get at any time of day
to a minimum. You are strongly encouraged to apply insect repellent on any exposed skin
especially when you go out in the afternoon and evening. Insect repellent can be purchased
at supermarkets or grocery stores. A variety Warung might sell such items as well. Just ask for
‘obat nymuk’ (mosquito medicine). It is a good idea to purchase an electric mosquito
repellent for your room – they are inexpensive and odourless
Treatment of both diseases is generally straightforward, although to experience either is
unpleasant to say the least. It is important that you let us know as soon as you feel suspicious
symptoms (especially headaches, fevers, lethargy).
We encourage you to consider taking prophylaxis against malaria where necessary, ensure
your accommodation is mosquito proof and take measures to avoid insect bites, including
using an insect repellent at all times and wearing long, loose fitting, light-coloured clothing.
Other mosquito-borne and other insect-borne illnesses are common throughout the year.
Please be aware of the following risks as per smartraveller.gov.au (24 October 2017):
• Malaria (including chloroquine-resistant strains) is prevalent throughout rural areas, but
is uncommon in Jakarta.
• Zika virus: Indonesia is experiencing sporadic transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika
virus. Protect yourself from mosquito bites. The Australian Department of Health advises
pregnant women to discuss any travel plans with their doctor and consider deferring
non-essential travel to affected areas.
• Dengue fever (DB, Demam Berdarah) occurs throughout Indonesia, including in Bali and
the major cities, and is particularly common during the rainy season. In recent years
Australian Health authorities have observed an increase in the number of dengue virus
infections in travellers returning from Bali. There is no vaccination or specific treatment
available for dengue.
• Japanese encephalitis and filariasis are present, especially in rural agricultural areas.
Japanese encephalitis has been detected in Australian travellers returning from
Indonesia, including Bali.
23• Rabies: Rabies is a risk throughout Indonesia,
especially in Bali and nearby islands and Nias (off
the coast of Sumatra). Avoid direct contact with
dogs and other animals, including monkeys. If bitten
or scratched, immediately use soap and water and
wash the wound thoroughly. Seek urgent medical
attention.
Infections and hygiene
Even small abrasions can get infected in the tropics—so
don't scratch! If you get a cut or abrasion, it is important that
you disinfect and dry out (and keep dry) the area around it.
Fungal infections are also common—so wash regularly, and
dry yourself thoroughly (including between all toes).
Health and Medical emergencies
Advise the RD immediately if you are ill or concerned for your safety.
Dr. Dew Suryani (+6282139223981) is the first point of contact (on-call 24/7) for illnesses
including immediate medical emergencies.
If you require hospitalization or specialist treatment, we recommend Siloam Private Hospital.
Address:
Jl Majapahit No.10 Mataram
Phone
0370-623999
Emergency Department
0370-628111
Email
gum.fo@siloamhospitals.com
24Shopping
There are plenty of great souvenir stalls around town, especially alongside the Mataram Mall
and in and around the Cakranegara markets. There is considerably less in the way of shopping
than you might have experienced in Bali or Jakarta, which is great for saving your student
pennies! If you are after something in particular, ask one of your teachers during class and they
can likely point you in the right direction.
Where to buy the essentials
Buying the essentials is easy in modern Indonesia –
Indomaret and Alfamart are national chain stores
and stock just about everything you need in terms
of groceries, toiletries and the like. Tissues, toilet
paper, soap, toothpaste, shampoo etc. can all be
purchased at these places and they are located all
over town. This is also a convenient place to buy
many of the simple medications such as Panadol,
cold/flu tablets and insect repellent, as well as female hygiene products (sorry, no tampons!).
In Mataram Mall, not far from MLFI, there is a supermarket which sells most if not all your basic
needs including clothes, shoes, mobile phones and sim cards, computers and other electronic
accessories. There are chemists dotted all over the city too, including in the mall and a large
one to the north across the road in front of the mall (not the side where the Lombok Raya hotel
is). Epicentrum mall is much newer and also has a wide range of shops, restaurants, a
Starbucks, a cinema, and a chemist.
Buying phone credit (pulsa)
If you want to use a mobile phone in Indonesia and unless you decide to use international
roaming on your phone, you will need to purchase an Indonesian prepaid SIM card. You can
choose Simpati, Telemsel, Mentari or Indosat. They are similar in coverage but the cost varies
so you might want to shop around. The card will have some credit (pulsa) at the time of
purchase but you are advised to top it up by about Rp50, 000 at the time of purchase. Usually
you can buy
30data and phone credit separately from the same outlet. You will need to show your passport
when buying a SIM card. You will be charged a small fee on top of the recharge amount. You
can recharge it just about anywhere if you have purchased an Indonesian SIM card.
Have a look as you wander down the street and you will begin
to see signs that say isi pulsa or jual pulsa. Go up to the people
manning these stalls, tell them your provider (the name on your
sim card) and they will provide you with a place to write down
your phone number. They will also ask you how much you would
like to purchase, to which they add between Rp1000 – Rp3000,
and they will work their magic and before you know it you will
receive a text message confirming your new credit balance.
Doing laundry
Getting your laundry done requires one of two things – a few hours and some elbow grease,
or a few dollars and some trust in one of the many laundries all over town. Laundries are often
concentrated in and around student areas, such as around campus, and vary in quality. There
are many along Jalan Palapa Dua (Jln Palapa II), which is located east of the Lombok Raya
hotel and south of the Mataram Mall. Find one you like and stick to it. When you have some
clothes to be washed, take them along to the laundry and pass them on to the staff. They will
weigh them, write down the number and type of items, work out how much it will cost you
(usually Rp 5,000 per kilogram) and tell you when
to come back to pick it up, usually two or three days
later. Express washing within 24 hours is always more
expensive (Rp 10,000 per kilogram). Good places will
attach little tags with your name on them so they
don’t get misplaced and they can often be funny
little mementos that you find scratching your skin six
months later at home. To avoid losing your items,
write your name on the inside part of the pocket or
inside the edge and remember to keep a count of
items sent for washing.
33Etiquette and behaviour
You are representing your university and are a guest in
someone else's home. Certain standards of behaviour
are expected: we expect you to be polite, courteous
and sensitive to others at all times.
The students and staff at the local providers are very
friendly and helpful and the same is expected from
you. However, their manners and approaches may
seem at times very different from our more casual behaviour at Australian universities. You will
see many students dressed in quite a conservative manner, for example some women may
choose to wear a headscarf and some men wear a black cap (peci). Please respect both the
outward and inward manifestations of these differences. Try to move past prejudices and
stereotypes. Nobody expects you to wear traditional clothes or dress in Islamic garb, but
respect towards different styles of dress and polite behaviour is very much appreciated and it
will open doors to discussions and friendships with local students. You should treat your time in
Indonesia as an opportunity to broaden your knowledge about a different society as well as
learning its language. You can also make lifelong friends in the process.
Pushing your values and expressing political views
Even though the Indonesian political scene has opened up in recent times, and politics is now
more widely accepted as a topic of public debate, please remember there is still tension
around some political and religious topics just as there is in Australia. Any conversation
regarding these issues should be embarked upon with caution and sensitivity. A good
approach is to ask questions rather than pass judgement.
No matter how tolerant and adaptable you think you are, it is more than likely that you will feel
uncomfortable with some aspects of Indonesian life. In responding to the challenge of such
discomfort please try to suppress any impulse you may feel to act as a cultural missionary, that
is to say you should not actively assert or propagate the values of Australian culture where
these conflict with Indonesian customs. Keep your cool at all times as shouting matches are
never constructive in Indonesia, or Australia for that matter. Please respond promptly and
positively to advice from our hosts at MLFI as we are ultimately responsible for you.
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