Daily outfit

Hi.. It’s been a while since my last post. Been busy with meetings and business trips lately. My head is actually so full of things I do not think I want to post something “heavy” now..

Last week I had a weekend meeting with a client, and lately weekend meeting has been my best buddy. The problem with weekend meeting is that I will have to wear something formal without looking too “office”. This is one of the example.

Pink blouse: Zara

Jeans: John Rocha at Debenhams

Gold-Aqua Necklace: Forever 21

I Want To Go Back To Paris

…and buy these!

When I went to Paris back on November, I and my friend visited Laduree, but it was closed. Now I am desperate to taste these cute macaroons and possess the uber lovely boxes too!

Photos are taken from this site.

Photo courtesy of Collette and is taken from this site.

Photo is taken from this site.

Photo is taken from this site.

See these eye-indulging macaroons? I bet they taste good too! And oh, those sweet boxes… I just have to own them! ^^

Quote of the Day

The only thing I want is to love and to be loved in return.

the words say it all

“Somewhere in another world, I’d have never let you go. I’ll remember how you danced with me, and the pleasure of your company…“

People Are Getting Married and I am Getting “Galau”

Remember the last post in which I declare of having no specific goal insofar as relationship is concerned? Well, today I read a news about someone getting married. And I um.. kinda want it too. I mean the wedding is so beautiful. The make up is beautiful. The decorations are beautiful. And the bride and groom seem to be into each other very well.

It is simply beautiful.

Well, I’m not saying that I am ready to tie the knot. I have never imagined what my wedding is going to be like, save for the dreams that I will do it in Javanese tradition.

But after today, I think I long for that day to happen

2011: What has been achieved, what needs to be reevaluate

2011 has been very colorful to me. I’ve been blessed with so many events that shaped me to be a better person as I am right at this very moment.

God has given me so many opportunities that I did take and enjoyed. Even the road to the enjoyable moment was not always happy and jolly. To be honest, most of the road is bumpy and flaky. Even when I have achieved the goal, keeping it is rather difficult and need extra work and did test your patience.

Among other goals that I have successfully achieved, these are the most dear to me:

Having a boyfriend

Now, I care so much about my man. It’s been almost a year now. We have had our ups and downs but we are keeping it together.  I know I am committed. And as far as I understand, all relationships need efforts

Attending international course

Advanced Course on Public Procurement for Large Projects. That was the name of the course. One good thing about the course is that it was held in Rome! Another good thing is: my participation was totally funded by the organization that invited me.  I received full scholarship from the organization, including living costs. For that, I am forever thankful to God, my family, friends, and everyone in my office who have helped. I have met some of the most tremendous friends coming from all around the globe and gained terrific experiences and useful knowledge during the course. Another good thing is that I am still communicating with the people I met during the course. I do hope friendship stays forever.

Becoming a Senior Associates

Well, I do believe that hard work get me to my position now. But without the help of God and my team (also my family who has been tremendously caring and supportive), I wouldn’t be able to stand where I stand right now. I feel grateful as well as stressful about this position. I’ve passed 2011 smiling and crying because of the responsibility of this position. I promise 2012 will be an improvement as to my maturity and my knowledge. I have much work to do on this!

Going to Europe

Well, this was actually not on my wish list of 2011, but somehow God worked a miracle for me. I got to spend 11 days in Europe and I was ecstatic about it! I went to Rome on IDLO’s invitation and costs, but got to extend the trip by taking a 3-day leave. I used the leave to visit Paris and the Netherlands with my own money. Overall, the trip was worth every penny of it! Got lost a bit in Paris but it was all good! I miss and will definitely be back to Europe!

OK, those are some of the pictures I took while I hovered around Europe. I had good times, of course. Bought some stuff, snapped lots of pictures, met lots of interesting people, and [the most important thing] went to beautiful places!

At the end of 2011, I had a chance to spend some time working with a British barrister, who is so freakishly smart (he is a PhD from Cambridge). It was a good learning experience. I got to spend some time hanging out with an Australian girl who works in my firm as an intern, too. Even though I am thankful and hold dear to these things, I guess these are just not that fundamental to be considered as achievements, right?

Well, talking about achievements, the most memorable achievement of 2011 is meeting [and maintaining a relationship with] my boyfriend. I am the type of mushy girl, so I guess meeting a guy who you can have a “connection” with is a valuable thing and I’d really like to see our relationship grows. Not to mention, all the efforts during 2011 that I put up to keep our relationship intact. Those things have helped me to become wiser and stronger.

I still have many targets on the upcoming years, so I do not set any particular goal insofar as relationship is concerned on 2012, save for nourishing and maintaining this connection and bond I have built with my boyfriend. But let’s just see where the universe lead us, shall we?

OK. Enough about the achievements. People say that there can be no perfection in the world, isn’t it? Well, I understand it perfectly. Discussing about my 2011 resolutions, not all of those resolutions come true. I have mentioned those that came true. But what about those that did not?

Hm.. Check out the list below by yourselves!

Writing in newspaper(s)

I made a vow last year to write and get my article published in at least 3 newspapers. But I guess I am a procrastinator. I kept procrastinating one thing that is a part of my passion: writing. I know 2012 is the right time for me to publish my article. I can not miss it again now!

Be nicer to clients

I also made this vow last year. It is the part of my plan to establish my own office someday, that I have to be able to solicit clients. I guess I am to some clients, but sometimes I am just too ignorant to the other clients. Probably it is my curse of being a moody person. To clients who are approachable, I am very caring and personal. But to those who stepped at my shoes, do not expect a smile from me. Even if I am smiling, it is fake. Well, as a lawyer, i guess I have to be fair to all clients. Will keep working on my attitude on 2012.

Be slim and exercise!

One of my colleague wrote: “Diet, Diet, Kurus” on a piece of paper and stick it to my computer at my desk last year. I’ve been planning to go to the gym more often and watch my diet, however I completely FAILED. On 2012, there will be no excuse to go to the gym. It is a MUST as I have to put off many kilograms! So help me God!

Have a social life

OK, my Australian friend said that I should have a social life to keep my life balance. She is totally right. I intended to do that on 2011. Being a lawyer puts you in a bucket hell of stress. And I guess my social life did not improved well, that’s why I still have those sleepless nights. 2012 may be the year of improvement for my social life. More friends, more smile, more happiness!

OK, probably those are the things that need reevaluation. I will post a 2012 resolution some time later as I realize that I have babbled too much in this post.

I know things need effort to be achieved, but I am willing and committed. Rene Suhardono (one of Indonesia’s finest career coaches) said that: “your vision is different than your dream. vision is a manifestation of your dream. To achieve your vision, there is a tuition you need to pay.”

I totally agree with him. If you dream of getting abroad, your tuition is to learn foreign language (say English) and perhaps saving your money so that you will be able to pay your expenses while you are there. And be serious (even impatient/exciting) about it! My British acquaintance once said: “All good people are impatient.” I guess his words implied that an extra work is needed to achieve extraordinary things.

Now, if you would excuse me, I have a job to do to arrange my goals on 2012 and make them happen!

Be well and be positive,

S.

Ciao Super Sic!

On October 23rd, 2011 (yesterday), we lost another great rider. Marco Simoncelli, a unique rider with distinct style of riding, charming persona and high spirits, has left us after being badly injured in an accident in Sepang circuit, Malaysia.

Simoncelli. Young and energetic.

Our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with Marco Simoncelli’s family. He died at such a young age, 24 years, and leaving along many great memories and incredible achievements. His jokes, warm smiles and big laughters will be remembered forever.

Ciao, Super Sic! May you rest in peace.

Brief Overview on the New Currency Law

General Overview

The enactment of Law No. 7 of 2011 on Currency (“Currency Law“) on June 28, 2011, has made several effects on transactions in Indonesia. Pursuant to Article 21 paragraph (1) of the Currency, the Rupiah shall be used in the Territory of the Republic of Indonesia in:

a.   every transaction that has the purpose of payment;

b.   settlement of other obligations to be fulfilled with money, and or

c.   other financial transactions conducted within the territory of the Republic of  Indonesia.

Exemptions

Notwithstanding the obligation to use Rupiah for payment of transactions which occur in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, it must also be understood that there are exemptions to such obligation provided by Article 21 paragraph (2) of the Currency Law, namely in terms of:

a.  the particular transaction is a transaction in the implementation of the State Budget (APBN);

b.   receipts or grants (hibah) from or to foreign countries;

c.   international trade transactions;

d.   Bank deposits in foreign currencies; or

e.   international financing transactions.

Observing the requirements of international trade transactions which exclude the use of the rupiah in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia, a question may arise as to what is meant by “international trade”? It is very unfortunate that there is no clear definition of the term in the Elucidation of Article 21 paragraph (2) Point c of the Currency Law.

Regarding the meaning of “international trade,” some defines it as “the exchange of goods and services the between nations”, so it may be understood that trade between an Indonesian entity and foreign entity is an international trade transaction if the party is of different nationality. Currency Law was not intended to assert that “international trade” is the only international trade in goods (international trade on goods).

Up until now, there are still no clear definition of what international trade is and presumably, it is safe to concur that as long as the Government of Indonesia has not yet issue the implementing regulation on this, parties need to be careful to categorize what transaction could be regarded as “international trade”.

The Government is trying to protect Rupiah by the enactment of the New Currency Law

Pursuant to the provisions stipulated in Article 23 paragraph (2) of the Currency Law, the parties are allowed to make payment of the transaction with other currency beside Rupiah, under the condition that the parties have agreed in writing that the transaction will be paid in other currency.

Sanctions

Generally, the Currency Law states that if any of the obligation in the Currency Law is violated, then the violator is liable to a maximum confinement of 1 (one) year and a fine of Rp200,000,000 (Article 33 paragraph (2) of the Currency Law). In addition, Article 30 paragraph (2) provides that the sentence imposed to corporation shall be in form of a fine with a maximum penalty provisions set out in the relevant articles, plus 1/3 (one third) of the penalty.

It is also said on Article 39 of the New Currency Law that if corporate offenders do not pay the fine, the Courts are empowered to order confiscation of assets of the corporation or its management.

*note: picture is taken from here.

Court To Move One Step Forward: Applications on Appeal and Judicial Review to be Accompanied by Electronic Documents

On 30 December 2010, the Supreme Court has enacted a Supreme Court Circular No. 14 of 2010 on Electronic Documents As Requirement for Completed Application for Appeal and Judicial Review (“SEMA No. 14 of 2004”).

SEMA No. 14 of 2004 contains guidelines for how the appeal and judicial review shall be accompanied by copies of electronic documents. It is somehow adding an extra work for the Applicant, but I honestly think that this is a step forward for the court that they are now getting it on with electronic documents.

Pursuant to SEMA No. 14 of 2010, which has been effective since March 1, 2011, the entire application of the appeal / judicial review submitted to the Supreme Court must be accompanied by electronic documents (which may be saved in compact disc, flash disk, e-mail, etc.) as follows:

a.      Electronic documents for the appeal / judicial review on civil case / special civil case / civil religious case / state administration case / tax case, includes:

1)      the decision of the court of first instance, and

2)      the decision of the court of appeals.

b.     Electronic documents for the appeal / judicial review criminal case / special criminal case / military court case, including:

1)      the decision of the court of first instance;

2)      the decision of the court of appeal, and

3)      the indictment.

SEMA No. 14 of 2004 was issued to meet public expectations to accelerate case. The main factor which prolongs the case is the preparation of the draft decision which takes a long time as a result from retyping a part of the decision, such as a lawsuit, counterclaim, exceptions, and the indictment.

Pursuant to point (2) of SEMA No. 14 of 2010, the inclusion of electronic documents is imperative. If it is ignored, the appeal file will be declared incomplete and will be returned to the applicant.

Now I see this as a good thing for the court to be able to move forward to cut the prolonged procedure. However, there are still many procedures that are not benefiting the disputing parties. For example, for evidence submission in first instance process, the disputing parties need to submit certified true copy documents, the process of which is widely known in Indonesian litigation as “nazegelen“, a word derived from Dutch.

After being “nazegelen“, the certified true copies must also be legalized in the court, with fee of IDR25,000 per document. Even if the documents have been declared as certified true copies (in which the applicant has also paid stamp duty to the State) and legalized by the court, there will still be another stage of confirming that the documents are in conformity with the original. It is the “evidence verification” hearing.

So, from the process of confirming that the evidentary documents are in conformity with the original alone , the disputing parties must go to a lengthy procedure which takes much time and costs.

This is certainly not a benefit for the disputing parties, or in general, the investors who wishes for a legal certainty and a much simpler system in enforcing contracts. Indonesia needs to promptly reform the bureaucracy culture to meet the need of the investors. Much more important than that, to be able to compete with other Asian countries which has adopted simpler and more comprehensive court procedure.

I do believe that the reform will impact on the growing trusts of the investor in investing in our country.

As Simple As Saying I Love You

Hi, it’s been a while since the last time I wrote a post. Been busy for the past months and have little time to share new things, even to think about what to write.

But for the past several days work has been cooled off. Hours are not as crazy as they used to and all of the sudden I found the urge to write again.

Actually it’s been a while that I have the urge to write again, but it was either I was too tired, or the words just got stuck somewhere in my mind. Well, you may say that I experienced a “writer’s depression era” for the past few months, being dull on ideas and all.

Now that I have gained my passion and ideas to put down on words, let us just cut to the chase.

As you have read in the title, what I am about to write now is about love. Well, not about how pure and cute love is but about how hard it is to implement than just saying. And I am not only talking about men-women love, but  also love in general. The human to human kinds of love. True, I am going to focus on men-women love but I have also experienced some other kinds of love lately, so I am going to have a word or two on those things.

Men-Women Love

This is the common topic when we talk about love. As you may have noticed, my last post about romantic facts is very lovey-dovey. Well, maybe it is because I have just recently started dating again. My boyfriend is happen to be someone whom I cherish, someone whom I look out for, and someone whom I have in mind in most of the time during my 15-hours-a-day life, everyday. We are very intense. The only time that he is off my mind is probably when I am asleep.

Well, I am not that desperate or helplessly madly deeply in love but I guess you could say that when I am dating someone, I am the type of girl who really “focusing on his well-being and pleasing him.”

It’s a good nature to be possessed actually, but it does not come without excesses.

Loving someone is not as easy as saying it. Being loved by someone is not as easy as saying it. And to nurture the love and maintain the sparks is not as easy as saying it. Forget what they write in magazines, forget what people told you that you should please your man, do as he said, or cook him dinner every night so that he won’t run.

It’s not that simple, really.

Well, as much as I said I care about my bf’s well-being and trying to please him, I have never cooked for him, nor do everything based on what he said. I work 15 hours a day and spent most of my time in the office. Yes, I respect him. But I am trying to keep my head on at the same time. I have personality, you know. I have character. It is what define me. But trust me, putting it on paper, or a post in casu, is way easier than implementing it.

Let’s face it. Both of us work in a tight deadline. I have always been the talkative one but also the one who spends 15 hours a day at work. He is the “less talk, silence is better” one and dislikes overworking. So it makes us in complementary situation on some occasions, but in some other time also puts us on distance of differences.

Well, like any other couple, we quarrel, we argue, we kiss and we make up. But still, everyday feels like a hard work as well as amusement at the same time.

He made me laugh, he made me cry, he made me think, but he also made me enjoy. I guess that is love. By definition, it is a saint-ly thing that people worship. But by reality, it is something that most people would fight about — for good reasons and better results, I hope.

Seeing and experiencing those things have made me realize that there’s no such thing a s fairytale love, everything in life needs hard work. Love and maintaining your relationships is no exception to that.

Love For Others

Other form of love I have experienced lately is towards those who are less fortunate than me. I have posted several posts concentrating on my concern for those who are less fortunate than me. Today’s post will talk about them too.

I have been writing about this several times and have been wishing to be able to have a real-life experience to help them. Lucky for me, that opportunity came a month ago. A friend said that his group is doing a weekly tutoring for homeless kids in Senayan. I immediately said to him at that time: “I’m joining you!”, and voila! I was accepted with open hands and God has led me to the opportunity to embrace those kids and teach them to read, plus some English.

But then again, my love for those kids come to test. It was not like the way I had imagined. They are pretty dirty and talks with impolite tone sometimes. Some of them are also bragging and demanding. But it was not all about that. A kid was also being very reluctant to study as he turned down every method and attempt we made to lure him into joining the other kids to study. I was appointed to be his tutor, along with another teacher (a male, also about my age). But this kid, Dio, turned us down and being very stubborn, even giving us the silent treatment.

For me, that was a test of love. I love those children. I care for them. But sometimes someone just crossed the limit.

But I could not be mad at Dio, or the other kids. I have many thoughts and suspect that Dio’s behavior was also a result of influences from his closest family or neighbor. Perhaps his parents are less supportive, if not ignorant or challenging, of the idea of him studying and going to school. There could be hundreds of other factors. He could be very defensive due to an abusive daily treatment or discouraging treatment he receives everyday. It’s not a shock, seeing the fact that he grew up in streets.

Poor Dio. It appears to me that until now he refused the idea of studying, while the other kids embrace us and show spirits and eagerness each time we arrive to teach. I do hope that we will be able to melt Dio’s ice someday.

Someday.

So, as I am writing this, I am fully aware that love is not as easy as saying I love you. It’s not a lip service thing. It takes courage, passion, patience, and a good heart to grow good love. I hope, I will never lose a heart to fight for love. I hope people will never give up on love (especially their love for me) as I will never give up on love.

I wish I can be surrounded with love by my lover, my family, coworkers, friends and even acquaintances. I wish we will never give up on love.

And of course, I wish this world be filled with love.

xo – S.