Jakarta Manual

Center Information

IHF Jakarta specializes in helping the poorest of the poor, which are now living in inner city poverty in overcrowded slums. Some of the people we help are often single mothers (father deceased) who work as house maids, and other labourers who make below living wages. They only make their little amount of money on days that they can find customers.

The Jakarta center is both an orphanage with 8 children living at the center and an educational center which caters for 500 children attending English, Math, and Computing classes. The Center is located approximately 1-2 hours from Airport (depending on traffic and costs approx $20 by taxi).

How to get to the Center from the Airport

In addition to a couple of currency exchange booths there are several ATMs outside the airport exit gate. The exchange rate is approximately Rp 9,000 per US Dollar and you will need about Rp 30,000 for transportation to the center; however, to be safe we recommend that you set aside least Rp 100,000 for transportation to the center.

In order to go to the Jakarta center you will need to take an airport bus to the "Rawamangun" bus station. You can buy a bus ticket for Rp 15,000 from the ticket office, which is a small locket located outside the exit gate. The ticket office closes at 5pm, so if the office is closed by the time you arrive then you may board the Rawamangun bound bus and pay the driver for your ticket.

Once you arrive at the Rawamangun bus station you will need to find transportation to the center. Taxis are expensive and a cheaper way to get to the center is to hire a Bajaj, which is a 3-wheeled orange pedicab. Ask the driver to go to "Cipinang Elok 1, Blok I, No. 9". The cost of hiring a Bajaj will be about Rp. 8,000 to Rp. 10,000.

X marks the entry of our street. Our center is the second house on the right side.

Work to be done at the Center

The Jakarta IHF center is both an orphanage and an educational center where free English, Computing, and Mathematic classes are available for the children. The classes are taught between 2 pm and 7 pm and the children are always very keen to come to classes. So as a volunteer you assist with these classes from Monday to Saturday. During the times when the classes are not on a lot of work needs to be done for both local and international IHF tasks. There is always something to do. Visiting the TEP children is always very interesting and moving for everyone. As the Jakarta center is also an orphanage a lot of time is spent with the children. Just talking to them, playing and making sure everything is okay. Sunday's are generally a day of fun and relaxation with activities such as going to the beach or to the movies.

You will be emailed weekly assignments from IHF's founder, Carol Sasaki. It is very important to keep her informed on the progress of these assignments in your weekly reports as well as to answer any questions she emails you. She is a very active part of how all IHF Centers are run. You will also be trained and guided by the local Director.

There are always other administrative tasks that need completing on a daily basis.

The activity book: Each day the book needs to be updated with a few sentences on what has been done during the day. Then after each lesson you need to write a brief description of what has been taught. Check previous entries to get an idea of what's required. This is also a good resource for seeing what the children have been taught and what standard they are at.
At the end of each day a volunteer is asked to report their daily hours and work done to ihfdonatedhours.com. Also to report to Carol morning and evening.
There is also a 'Weekly Report' that needs to be sent, again preferably on Monday. This is a combination of what everyone (Director, Volunteer, Teachers and Staff) in the centre has accomplished. It will inevitably include some info from the volunteers 'weekly activity update', some info (gathered from the activity book) about the Maths and Computing lessons and also general tasks that have been done. Check previous reports for an idea of how to do it. Both the 'Weekly Report' and the volunteers 'Weekly Activity Update' are best written in conversational prose rather than just listing what was done.

Volunteer Projects

Teaching classes.
Making and distributing IHF pamphlets, posters and donation jars.
Working on the public display wall which contains finances and daily reports of the center.
Teaching the children English, public speaking skills, music, art and at the same time learning culture and language from the children so they also learn to teach.
Cultivating the advisory council.
Working on our August open house fundraiser for locals.
Collecting school supplies and clothes from communities and international schools, civic groups, etc.
Slum outreach and writing sponsor letters
Community outreach for local volunteers, university students and social clubs.

House Projects

Fixing the kitchen and back roof.
Fixing front porch koi pond and selling koi as a proft for treat money.
Fixing the house roof so light can come through and we can save money on our electricity bill. We also need to create a side roof so aclass can be taught upstairs when extra room is needed.
Painting the entrance wall with a huge IHF sign.
Posting signs to IHF at entry roads.
Fixing plumbing system and electrical wiring.
Working on the vegetable garden and compost area.
Building a room for male volunteers on other side of the house so we can house more volunteers.

Accommodation

The Jakarta center is located in a house. There are children and also local staff staying at the center with you. For volunteers there is a room which has a bed with sheets and pillows provided. It's a good idea to bring a sheet or sarong to cover you whilst sleeping. There are also mattresses that you can use if you prefer to sleep on the floor near the children. There is an Indonesian style bathroom with a squat toilet, and bucket bath (there is no hot water but its warm enough there).

Our centers' food and facilities are often very different from Western style. Volunteers eat local food, and meal times are not tightly scheduled. Toilets are squat toilets, and volunteers can shower using a bucket of water in the shower area. Beds are usually on the floor, or on mats in the Asian style. Unfortunately facilities and sleeping arrangements cannot be adjusted for volunteers who prefer Western styles.

Costs

IHF charges $35 US a week to stay at the center. Please note that in the Indonesian culture, taking money from a guest is very uncomfortable, so they are trying to learn, but you may need to insist sometimes up to three times. The $35 US a week is to help cover the volunteers food costs so we do not use the children's donated money! This amount also covers your utilities and other such costs as long as you don't use your air conditioning more than an hour a day. It does not cover special foods, sightseeing trips, international calls, nor airfare to the centers, or any such form of transportation. We used to not charge anything, but unfortunately ended up with some huge bills for phone etc. from a few volunteers who misused the system. At the center there is internet dial up and the service must be disconnected after use due to the high telephone costs.

All the food that is provided at the centers is traditional local foods. The staple food in all the centers in Indonesia, three meals a day, is rice. It is supplemented by fish and vegetables, and sometimes chicken, meat and eggs are also included. Irna will always include you in everything she does for the children - buying food etc. Although it is never asked it is much appreciated that when buying for yourself you think of the children and buy enough to share.

Additional personal costs could include any special foods you need, sightseeing trips, international calls, or airfares to the centers, or any such form of transportation, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa, etc.

Things to bring for the children at the centers

The children and centers will greatly appreciate anything you wish to bring. We need items such as electronics, donated global cell phones, old cameras, radios, CD players, laptops, etc. Also, any games and toys will be wonderful. English as a second language CDs and DVDs would be great and very useful, as would any learning materials. Used or new clothing is so enjoyed by the children (if you choose to bring clothing please remember girls clothing must be modest). As in the centers there are limited computers to work (for both staff and volunteers) and teach the children in the classes - it would be a great bonus if you have a possibility to organise a (second-hand) laptop and donate to the center. Contact the Center Director for any specific current needs.

Documentation you will need upon arrival at the center

We ask that you bring a copy of the following:

Your acceptance letter.
A copy of your signed waiver.
A copy of your signed MOU
A paragraph summary of your at home tasks completed before arrival to the center, along with your tasks assigned by Carol Sasaki that are to be worked on during your stay at the center.

Contact information

Kompleks Cipinang Elok I Blok I, No. 9
Jakarta Timur 13420 Indonesia 
T: +62 21 8195328 
Internet and phone access.

Visa for Indonesia

Before applying for a visa or entering Indonesia PLEASE contact IHFculturetravel@gmail.com, carolsasaki@gmail.com. They will give you information you will need before going to the Embassy. Visit www.travel.state.gov for current visa info. The Indonesia government has a tourist visa system with three different categories. The pay-for-visa-on-arrival will most likely be the visa type volunteers will be using. Pay-for-visa-on-arrival - Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Suriname, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States. The cost of the 30-day (only) tourist visa is US$25/person for a 30-day visa and US$10/person for a 3-day visa. The fee must be paid in cash (no credit cards) on arrival at the airport. Visitors from countries with visa-on-arrival facility will have to go to a special counter to have their passports stamped with the on-arrival visa before going to the immigration clearance desk. This visa is NOT EXTENDABLE OR RENEWABLE. If you want to stay in Indonesia longer than the 30 days you must exit and re-enter the country on a new tourist visa. Visa purchasing takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, depending on the number of persons applying. Payment counters, a bank counter, and a money changer have been set up to process payments. Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Payment must be made on arrival. An onward or return trip ticket must be shown on arrival.

If you are staying in Indonesia longer than 30 days you will need to get a visa (social cultural visa) at your home country's Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. These visa's are for 60 days and can be extended once you are in Indonesia. For USA consult the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202/775-5200) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/383-5126 or 415/474-9571), IL (312/595-1777), NY (212/879-0600) or TX (713/785-1691). Internet: www.embassyofindonesia.org

Suggested airlines for travel to Indonesia

Flying from USA -Malaysian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and China Airlines. If you travel from USA you will always have to connect somewhere in Asia before arriving in Aceh. You can also contact IHF Travel Coordinating Task Team for current special/consolidators fares that may be available to volunteers. There are direct flights to Bali or Jakarta from Australia and then you can get connecting flights to either Medan or Aceh. If you are flying to other destinations in Indonesia it is often cheaper to buy your tickets in Indonesia. If you are visiting different places in Asia there are many discounted airlines e.g. www.airasia.com, www.tigerairways.com.

Currency

The Rupiah. Notes 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins 25, 50, 100, 500, 1000. See current exchange rates on oanda.com. Its advisable not to carry large denominations as small vendors don't always have the change to give you back.

Changing Money

We suggest you exchange money at the airport as it will not be that easy to exchange money near the center. Changing money is quick and easy in the major tourist centers where money changers often offer better rates than the banks. Be Warned: foreign bank notes are often refused if too crumpled, folded or stained. Advisable is to carry notes in small denominations to exchange. Away from the tourist areas changing money can be more of a hassle. Always count your money before you leave the premises. The rates for cash are slightly better but remember, traveller's cheques can be replaced if they are stolen or lost - while cash is gone forever if you loose it. Always ask if there is an extra commission to be paid for cashing cash or cheques.

ATM cards can be used and it is best to check with your home bank what the fees are for withdrawing money from foreign ATM's.

Credit Cards

You will be staying at the center therefore you will need cash to pay for your food contribution to the center. It's advisable to have local cash currency for purchases and transport. Credit cards are accepted in most larger hotels along with American dollar traveller's cheques. Check with your credit card company to see what extra charges you will have if you use your card in foreign countries, some credit cards companies add a surcharge.

Tipping

This is not a general practice in Indonesia. In restaurants tips are not expected. However, if the service has been good, a small token would be appreciated. Porters at the airport should receive Rp. 10000 - Rp. 15000 per bag (depending on size).

Electricity

220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. We suggest taking an adaptor for your appliance.

Getting Around

A becak (motorbike with cart attached to the side) is the common form of transport, there are also small public bus/ vans that can also be used.

Driver's License

If you wish to hire a car you must be over 18 years of age and posses an International Driver's License. You will need a motorbike license if you rent a motorcycle.

Clothing

Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibers like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Indonesia's often humid conditions. It is vital that dress in Aceh is modest - sleeves (short or long) and trousers/ skirts below the knees for in the center. When leaving the center you are expected to dress traditionally covering your arms, legs and chest and a headscarf for females.

Climate

Day temperatures between 20 to 33 Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. December - March, the monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings.

Etiquette

Always dress modestly and observe the traditional dress standards. There are some things that should be avoided; one of them is not touching other people's heads, e.g. do not pat little children on the head. This is because the head is viewed as sacred. Give and receive things only with the right hand, and never point at anything with the left hand. The left hand is considered impure. Never photograph people that are bathing. You will see this very often, as a lot of Indonesians have no bathrooms of their own and they have no other way to get a daily bath than going to a brook or a river. This is always to be discreetly ignored by passers-by. It's polite to ask if you want to take a photo of someone. Indonesians do not blow their noses (at least not in public) and you should also avoid it. Laughing loudly is not appreciated.

Shopping

There are small shops, markets and merchants found in Banda Aceh some close to the Center, but shopping there can be quite exhausting because the Indonesians prefer a hard-sell sales technique and there is always a lot of pressure to buy. Bargaining is essential in these small shops. You "loose face" when you just agree to the first price asked. But, on the other hand, try not to bargain too mercilessly. Remember, most of these small merchants are actually very poor people. You should not buy things that you do not want, but try to refuse merchants offers in a friendly and polite way nevertheless.

The center is approximately 15 minutes walk to the nearest shops, supermarket, photo shop, and internet (Approx Rp 6,000 by becak). To get to the central market and mosque it is approximately Rp15,000.

Passport Loss

Always keep a copy of your passport and driver's license somewhere separate. This way you can prove who you are to your consulates in the event of theft. If you do loose your documents then go to the police who make out a report for your consulate.

Vaccinations

We recommend that you get malaria vaccinations; however, if you are unable to get the vaccinations prior to your arrival to Jakarta then you may also purchase malaria medicine in Jakarta