BLIC - EVENTS - Enjoy Ramadhan : next meeting September

Dear friends,

We wish to inform you that there will be no BLIC Get Together in August due to the Fasting Month Ramadhan.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Arnaud Lion and and Ophélie Declercq for hosting a warm National Day Reception at their Residence in Menteng on 22 July 2011.

About fourty members joined our Ambassador and Mme Tanghe in the celebration.

The previous day, our friend Rudy Kerremans had organized a National Day Dinner in Ubud for the Belgians in Bali.  Our Consul, Karine Maeckelberghe, was the Guest of Honour.

We’ll see you again in September.

Best regards
Randolph Wintgens

EVENTS - Belgian National Day July 22nd, 2011

 On Friday July 22nd, 2011 - and not on Thursday July 21st as it should have been to be "following the rules of the book and official etiquette" - the Belgian community in Jakarta (and wide surroundings) gathered for a small party, celebrating the Belgian National Day.

Ophelie and Arnaud Lion were our considerate hosts and kindly shared their home and hospitality with the community.

After a short speech by Arnaud Lion - counselor at the Belgian Embassy (left on the picture) - Ambassador Tanghe (right on the picture) and our all Randolph Wintgens (president of BLIC), everybody enjoyed some small fingerfood, a big "Belgian tricolore" cake (next to Belgian waffles and 'Dame Blanche' ice cream !), some drinks and snacks.

Some new faces showed and were welcomed  : Aaron Russell (and family) and Jean-MarcVermeulen (and family)  intend be amongst us for the next few years.  We hope they have a pleasant and enriching stay in this beautiful country.

The atmosphere was cordial, no-nonsense "Belgian style".  Flemish, French, English and some Bahasa Indonesia filled the air, mixing into "Bahasa Jakarta".  All are looking forward towards the November 15th "Kings' Day" celebration.

The pics you can find in the Photo Gallery.

RESEARCH - Visit of Dr Noel B. Salazar - research

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Dr. Noel B. Salazar is visiting  Indonesia in order to conduct an international research related to migration and tourism of Belgian people who are living and working in Indonesia.  The research is supported by the Vlaams Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (1.2.210.09.N.00) and the Directoraat-generaal Onderzoek vand e Europese Commissie (PIRG03-GA-2008-230892).

The very erudite Dr Salazar (left on the picture) had an interesting and revealing meeting yesterday Monday July 4th with Arnaud Lion (counselor at the Belgian Embassy in Indonesia- right on the picture) at the Belgian Diplomatic Mission .  What are the reasons for Belgians to settle down in Indonesia, how long do they usually stay, what is their profile, what are their problems, are they successful integrating and making business.  

To-the-point questions that showed academic and human insight from the Doctor that were addressed in a knowledgeable and open way by Arnaud Lion, who proved to be well versed in not only managing the bureaucratic hurdles, but also in assisting the 'in-the-field' experiences, challenges and problems of the Belgian citizens in Indonesia.  

The overall picture being positive and mostly leading to 'long stayers', it is clear that both Indonesian and Belgian people and authorities are - notwithstanding  some administrative barriers - able to 'speak the same language' and develop a beneficial and durable cooperation.

Dr Salazar still has some time for interviews with Belgian people living in Indonesia (or Indonesian people that are able to look back on a Belgian experience) that are willing to share insights and observations.  All our little bits of information will help him draw the 'big picture' of what  most certainly will be a remarkable report.

 Dr Salazar will also visit Yogjakarta and Bali.  Would you be able to spare the time, then do not hesitate to get in contact with him or with the webmaster.  An interesting, challenging talk / interview will be your reward.  Contact details in the original posting or through the contact page of the blog.  For the pics also visit the photo gallery.