Hatur nuhun

Today is the 26th of February. It is also my brother’s birthday, who I’ll be picking up from the airport in Singapore in a few hours. It is also exactly 362 days ago that my brother and I (and my mother) set off to Australia. Now, it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened, so much has changed, and I have changed. If you’d told me on this day last year that I’d have lived in Indonesia for almost a year, I’d never have believed you. But it’s been a year of many firsts, and I for that I am grateful.

Australia itself was an eye-opener (which you can read more about here). I learnt to travel alone – but also with someone else – for extended periods of time. It taught me to loosen up a bit, enjoy life to the fullest. Jump off that cliff. Take off your shoes. Get drunk. Kayak onto the open sea. Dance on the beach. All these things have made me realise that life is often perceived as extremely complicated, when it can in fact be extremely simple. I hope, and believe, that this is a life-long change in the way I live my life.

The unexpected but very welcome job offer to Indonesia certainly did change my original plans of going to New Zealand, but sometimes the unexpected can be the best thing to happen. The first weeks after I started my job at Little Fireface Project, I was terrified, overwhelmed, and insanely excited. There were so many options, so many things that could go wrong but also so many things that could go incredibly right. This position, of Public Relations & Outreach Officer, has taught me more than I can even begin to describe. Most importantly, it showed me how important people are to conservation. The people that are working in conservation, but also the people that are absolutely clueless about it. Reaching these people, showing them the wonders of the natural world, and getting them as excited as you are. And Little Fireface Project allowed me to explore this fully.

While the other staff and volunteers focussed on the hardcore biological research with our radio-collared lorises, I was focussing on Facebook strategies, primary school curriculums, photo opportunities, and so much more. After finally getting a grip of the language, I experienced the immense satisfaction of communicating to people about the amazing country they live in using their native tongue. It’s been a journey of a lifetime, and I have learnt the most important lesson of all: this is what I want to do. Education, outreach, connecting nature and people in an effort to save both. So if I take anything away from this all, it’ll be this vital bit of life experience.

But I gained more than just experience. I gained a family. Working and living with your colleagues is a challenge I can’t even do justice with words. Constantly being around each other, having both personal and professional disagreements and having to let them go, relaxing together – it all can be a bit much. There were days where I felt like I was truly part of a family, like Christmas, and there were days that I wanted to run away from them all. But at the end of it, it leaves a bond that is stronger than I expected. After ten months with some of my colleagues – and less with others – there is nothing left for me to say but this: thank you. It’s been a pleasure and a privilege. Tonight I will raise my glass to you all, and remember the good, the bad, and all the bits in between. Let there be many more nights where we can do so together.

So here’s to my fave B (bule, FYI). Katie, you have been nothing short of a sister to me over the last ten months. We fought like sisters, made up like sisters, partied like sisters. From holding my hair back when I was sick, to making sure many embarrassing photos were taken on nights out. From laughing until we were in tears to comforting me when I was at my lowest. From sitting on the roof watching fireworks, to travelling to Sumatra watching orang-utans. From beginning to end, you have been there and I cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done for me.

And here’s to my fave G (ginger, obviously). Rob, you have to be the most dedicated, hard-working person I have ever met. You are a trooper and a pioneer, and for that I truly admire you. You have been a solid rock for me and the team, keeping everyone going even when I was pretty convinced I might go insane surrounded by those green walls. The project turned into something even more wonderful, and I know it’s a poorer place without you. Stay gigi kuat.

To Danny G, young Daniel, you enthusiastic bundle of joy. There hasn’t been a single day in the house where you haven’t brought a smile to everyone’s face. Keep that up, because Lord knows there are times that we need it. You’re about to discover some fascinating things and I truly am so proud of the hard work you’ve put in, and to be able to have watched it happen from a distance. You’ll be a fantastic biologist – you already are. After all, all you do is win.

And to Ina, I think this poem I once learned in school says it all:
Wie ein Nike ohne Air,
Wie ein Gummy ohne Bär,
Wie ein Dusch ohne Das,
Wie ein Kontra ohne Bass
Wie Sonne ohne Stich,
So wär mein Freundschaft ohne dich.
I will always be waiting to meet another person who will wake me up with pictures of their own insides without me wanting to murder them. Bonded for life.

And Danny B. It was short and sweet, but you helped me realise why we do what we do. Walking the streets of Jakarta and seeing lorises and birds in cages and you sharing your passion with me; it reminded me why we’re here and why our work is so incredibly important. Thank you, for reminding me what it’s all about.

 

Last but absolutely not least, here’s also to the four amazing men that are our trackers. Dendi, Adin, Yiyi, and Aconk. From laughing at me when I slid down mountains, to waiting long hours beside me in hospitals, to teaching me your language with the patience of saints, to allowing me a look into your houses, families, and traditions.
Saya sangat berterima kasih untuk semua bantuan dan pengetahuan. Kalian telah mengajarkan saya banyak tentang kehidupan, kukang, dan Indonesia. Saya berharap untuk yang terbaik dalam kehidupan untuk kalian semua. Hatur nuhun, good afternoon.

And to all the others: Laura, Marion, Julia, Poindexter, Rifqi, Rizky, Seona, Helmi, Rhea, Elena, Priscillia – it’s been a true pleasure. You have all individually taught me so many things and maybe our paths will cross again, and we’ll reminisce about the dark Javan nights.

All that rests me to say is that I have no idea what happens next. But last year on this day, I had no idea either, and things worked out pretty great. So for now, I’ll finally raise that glass and forget about the future for a bit. It’ll find its way.