April/May, 1998
No. 034/VI/98
cover story
Bali's top corporate
women
Out of the Frying
Pan
The legacy of widow
burning in modern Bali
beyond
bali
Pedal Power
Cycling around Lombok
regular
features
Sidelines
The cultural
value of
Indonesia textiles
Adventure
Off-road trips by Land
Cruiser
Home Grown
Bali's surf hero of
nineties, Rizal Tanjung
Health and Beauty
Mandara's many
Bali
spas
Books
The Butterflies of Bali
Food
Four delis that have
survived the crisis
Photo Gallery
F.X. Marit captures nyepi
on film
Jungle
Drums
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Not to
belittle their achievements, but it is an unavoidable observation that many women who
first challenged the confines of their traditional roles did so with the assistance
of subtle external influences. Simatupang is the daughter of an East/West marriage,
Boestami’s parents studied overseas, Mason and Suarti both married westerners.
For this generation of independent women perhaps the courage to change required this
support, but they have broken ground and it may be easier for the next generation. In
turn, each woman is giving back to the women of Indonesia. Symbolically as role
models, but actively as well. They are in positions to hire women and provide safe and
flexible work environments. They encourage their staff, Mayke Boestami teaches her staff
English and grooming skills. They belong to and preside on the boards of trade
organizations. Boestami is the chairwoman of the Association of Public Relations and is on
the board of the Restaurant and Hotel Association of Bali. Simatupang is the Secretary of
the Restaurant and Hotel Association of Bali and volunteers with the Denpasar Arts
Festival and the Regional Tourism office of Bali, and she is the second in command of
the Human Resources Managers Association of Bali. Boestami and Mason also belong to
BIWA, the Bali International Women’s Association. BIWA is a social and
fundraising organization with Indonesian and ex-pat women members. At a recent
luncheon in Tuban about 100 women gathered to celebrate their fundraising efforts
which translated into the donation of equipment to four hospitals in Bali. The
atmosphere was light and social but a little charged in anticipation of the arrival of
Ibu Oka, the governor’s wife and longtime supporter. BIWA’s mandate is
to foster friendship and raise money for social welfare, but there is a secondary
current running through this organization for the Indonesian members who find
support, encouragement and friendship from women who are breaking new ground in
Indonesian society and are doing so successfully.
Photos and text by Jaye Wood
Illustration by Surya Dharma
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