International Dinner

After the success of International Dinner last year, the similar event was held again this semester . It is also a part of Unimates program that had been run for two months. International Dinner this semester was conducted in La Trobe Uni Bendigo, in Student Union Ground Floor and attended by almost 40 students from different countries. They are coming from Australia, Singapore, Srilanka, India, Indonesia, Finland, Denmark, USA, Iran, Canada and China.

All of them were encouraged to bring their own home-country food and sharing the stories on how they made it. The tables are full with more than 20 various food, which divided as vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Students from Scandinavia cooked their traditional bread with Salmon and special sauce. Indians and Sri Lankans brought their special recipe of rice, chicken and ginger tea. One of unxpected food was coming from Australian friend, who cooked Kangaroo meat in barbaque sauce (surpirsingly!).

I brought a plate full of Bakwan (which cooked by my wife). Around 20 Bakwans on the plate, with extra 30 Bakwans in the tupperware and all of them were eaten. My American friends, who never eat Bakwan before, asking the recipe and amazed with the taste. Others also curious about it, I just told them that Bakwan is very common in Indonesia and can be found anywhere (especially in street vendors).

One of my favourite food was coming from Sri Lanka. Because it served rice, and I can't feel full if eat without rice.

Indonesian General Election

Indonesia General Election will be held in two days. Unfortunately, this year we cannot participate with this democracy party. First, because we live far away from Indonesia and second, our place is not provided with TPS (Tempat Pemungutan Suara) or Vote Location. Bendigo is far from Melbourne, approximately 150 kms with total Indonesian citizens live there less than 20 people. Therefore, Consulate General in Melbourne decides to arrange "Post Election". It means that we can give vote through Vote Letter than sent by pos. Consulate has sent us two letters which are "Vote Paper", so that we can make election from our home. After that, we return it to consulate through Post.

No wonder that we can vote earlier than Indonesian citizens in Indonesia or in Melbourne. After sending it back, hopefully our votes can be counted soon on 19th of April. We expect that this little contribution (General Election) can emerge hope of our nation's future.

Moving Out

As we realized our daughter growing up and need more space, we move to other place. Me and my wife now are renting a two bedrrom-unit with full-furnish. It cost me higher than previous accommodation, around AU$170/week, excluded bills. It is also adjoined with small, beautiful garden in the backyard, complete with a fountain and tent.

Although expensive, it's good for us to have more privacy and learn to be independent. Consequently, we must smarter to manage our expenses than before.

It's location a little bit far from Uni (10 minutes walking), compare to my former place only two minutes walk. But, it is so close with bus stop and the city can be reach by walking too. Therefore, when we put Keisha to childcare or go shopping, we just need to walk around 10-15 minutes.

Our decision to move also based on our expectation of the visiting of our families form Indonesia. Therefore, we have a bedroom and more space to share with them.

Volunteering

It is not difficult to become a volunteer in Australia. According to my experience, volunteer vacation is available in certain media, like Newspaper, Internet and TV, and yet Volunteer Resource Centre 9VRC) is available in some metropolitan and big cities around Australia. Thus, someone can read those media or come to the VRC office for volunteer opportunity enquiries. So that they can join the organization easily.

Last year I joined two different organization. First is a local NGO that serve migrants and refugee to settle in Bendigo. I volunteered as tutor for Burmese refugee children. I thaught them English and how to use computer and internet. Recently I also teach them mathematic. Second is Bendigo Hospital. I was serving as fundraiser that sell some newspaper, candy, towels etc. to the patients and visitors. I went around hospotal from first floor to the fourth floor. It was tired, but worthed. Unfortunately, I have quit since the time is unsuit my schedule.

Now I am joining Conservation Volunteer Australia. This organization offer quite range of activities but within flexible time. I choose once a week to take part as volunteer in a bush reserve area in Bendigo. I will start it tomorrow, and can't wait for it.

Interestingly, to become a volunteer here we must pass "Police Check". When I applied I have to wait for two weeks until get letter confirmation from Police. The organization also offer some training and induction program which is useful for beginner volunteer. However, most of the volunteer are pensioners and seniors, whereas their age is over 50 years old. It is quiet surprising for me if I compare to my country most of the volunteer are in their 20s or 30s. I realized that most of volunteer here not working, therefore they just join for fun and social activities. Differently, in Indonesia volunteer is a one step to get achievement of working experience, add CV qualification and expand networking. (Based on my experience)

Can't wait to back to Indonesia and serve as volunteer again.

After One Year

Wow, time goes so quick. I did not realize that I have passed half of my study time in Australia. Well, I still have 10 months left to spend then going home.

Alhamdulillah I feel my English going very well. I have good self confident now, not affraid anymore to chat and speak with new people. I can hear OZs speak clearly. I admit that most of them speak so fast and mummble so at the first time I often to ask them to repeat so many times. I am having good friends, whether International Students, local OZs, refugess, Indonesians etc. Altough I did not spend of my time travelling accross Aussie, but lucky I ever experience short distance journey accross Victoria (as far as Geelong).

I really miss my home country. Especially my friends and FOOD. Can't wait to get home, and do something and many things that overload in my head (ambition, planning etc.)

10 Months left, and counting...