To wait

My fellow Indonesians,

Let us patiently wait.

Statement on the capture of a terrorist

My fellow Indonesians,

From my situation room I have watched the capture of the person believed to be Noordin M. Top. I wish to convey my congratulations to our Police force , in particular to the men and women of the anti terror unit, Detasemen Khusus 88.
This is a clear evidence of our country's commitment to capture the perpetrators of the attacks on the Marriott and Ritz Carlton in Jakarta on July 17th.
However let us not be complacent. The danger remains and while we have captured the current mastermind, I ask your help to continue work together to ensure no future mastermind can inspire the cadres. For today however let us celebrate this great news.

Statement on Police activities in Temanggung

My fellow Indonesians,
This morning the Indonesian police force are surrounding a hut in Temenggung believed to be a transit point for Noordin M. Top. This is an outcome of intensive intelligence activities and must continue to be supported. Whilst waiting for the conclusion of this on-going drama, let us continue to be vigilant and on the look out for potential threats for the safe and well being of our own lives.
In the meantime let us continue to support our Indonesian police in their efforts and pray for their safety.

On The Intranet

Iwan rejoins Shell in 2006, after previously working for ten years in various role in Lubricants , Downstream Business Development Consultancy (OMC) and Shell Global Solutions. Most of his career has been in marketing and business development roles .He had worked as Lubricants marketing manager both in Shell Indonesia and Shell UK Ltd. In his OMC role, he was involved in various projects such as Retail Market Entry, Global Commercial Review, Retail - Lubricants Interface, Global Solutions-Global Lubricants Interface and Global Marketing Effectiveness, most of which he spent in Shell Centre. After a 2 1/2 years role as Indonesia & Pertamina Business Development Manager for Shell Global Solutions, Iwan was appointed as the Indonesia Supply Manager in July 2006. He is now transitioning into a new role of Supply Contracts & Negotiation Manager for Southeast Asia from October 2009 onwards.

How do you balance between work and personal time (work life balance)?
I had planned to persuade myself to take up Golf in my sparetime. However I almost always end up chaffeuring the children around town, which I terribly love. I suspect my fellow Golf beginners would feel the same.

What are your long term aspirations professionally?
I would like to contribute to the best of my ability to my work and people who are dear to me. If allowed, I want to help everyone in the company get to their maximum potential.

Who do you admire the most and why?
I admire people who have done outstanding things - be it in Science, the Arts, Sports, Politics or Business, but I do not have any specific leaders in mind. However I have the greatest admiration and respect for people who have to brave adversity in life and came out from it a stronger and a better person. Examples which come to mind are those who have to fight against potentially fatal ilness or were born with disabilities. You really need to put yourselves in their shoes to appreciate the discrimination or ignorance that they have to overcome. Only after going through this experience, did you realize that most of us are, indeed, lucky.

What is your motto in life?
"Trust, but Verify".

What is the best advise you have ever received?
It was "If you want to be successful, you may not be happy. However, if you are happy, it is likely that you will be successful". To put this into context, at one point in my career, I had sent some angst-riddent notes to my mentor and he coached me on my career decisions. He asked me to put less focus on short term success and more on long term objectives. In retrospect, I think some of us, some time, do fall prey to this temptation. Hope it is as useful to you as it is to me.

Any advise for future leaders of Shell Indonesia?
Seek to understand how your role fits into Shell and the overall market, take the initiative and build your network. Each and everyone of us need to work out what are our contributions to the success of the organization. When we have identified what these contributions , do focus on delivering them. In fact, aim to deliver more than you are asked to do. One way of achieving this is to continue to build your network, so you can accept ever more challenging assignments. When you take on tough roles, you equip yourself with competencies and skills required to attain more senior positions in the organization.

On The Web

The first time I joined Shell was upon finalizing my bachelor’s thesis in June of 1995. In those days, readers of economics from University of Indonesia (like I am) have a tendency to join accounting firms and investment banks. So yes , I did compare Shell with offers from banks, but clearly I felt more ‘at home’ with Shell.

A family friend worked for Shell and he encouraged me to join the company. Prior to that though, I had known about Shell because our family had lived in the Netherlands for a few years. I remember all my Dutch friends in The Hague complimented me when they learned that I was joining Shell. In their view, Shell only recruit the best people.

It has been a long and interesting journey. In total, I have been in Shell for 12 years. Nearly half of that was spent in Lubricants, in Shell Indonesia and Shell UK Ltd, both in sales and marketing, in all the 3 class of markets: consumer, industry and transport. I was also in Shell International’s Business Development Consultancy (OMC) for Downstream for a year, before moving on to Shell Global Solutions for 3 years. I am now starting my third year in Supply.

My experience in Shell - the different business units & roles I have worked in, the different countries I have lived, the different cultures I have encountered – have molded me to become a person who have a higher appreciation of the uniqueness of the cultures and the tremendous riches they brought.

Note this is from http://www.shell.com/home/content/id-en/careers_recruitment/exp_professionals/xp_iwan_salim.html

Statement on the return of the King

I am excited with the announcement of Michael's return to Formula One and especially to Ferrari. I am confident he will bring much attraction to the support and boost to Ferrari's prospects.

Another one for the road

Isn't she a beauty ...

Statement on the 6th Birthday of Amira Zahra Salim

Zahra - "yaya" as we and herself call her- turns 6 years today. This lovable and loving angel continue to mesmerize those that know her, even those who know her from a distance. Her radiant beauty and intelligence is noticed and appreciated by all, and her dedication to her family, to her brother in particular is heart warming.

So Yaya, happy birthday and thank you for your kindness. We are all praying for good health, your luck and well being.
With eternal Love ,
Mom and Dad.

Zaky's update

Meanwhile, back at the Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah .. Zaky's third day at the hospital. His USG tests came back pretty good. All well for his kidney and liver. So it looks like the IV and medication blended in it has done the deed..



He looks better than last night, too. The eye bags are slowly dissappearing too. Now we're trying to get him to sleep preparing him for his inhalation but he's humming some song ..



It will be Zahra's 6th birthday tomorrow. However it will have to be a quiet bash because Zaky won't be able to party. The doctor decides to watch his progress again today and tomorrow to ensure he doesn't experience any fever again.

Statement on the July 17th Bomb Blasts

I condemned the bomb blasts in the Jakarta J.W. Marriott and the Ritz Carlton this morning and implore our security forces to deploy resources to bring the perpetrators to justice. This regretful incident tarnish our solid reputation, gained deservedly hard over the last four years. My thoughts and prayers goes to the families and especially children who had to lose their parents as an outcome of this senseless act.

Statement on the electoral victory of President Yudhoyono

I am delighted by the apparent victory of our current president and along with the rest of the citizens of Indonesia, I offer him my congratulations and support for his continued success in the betterment of this well deserved country

een patates met mayonnaise

Mau ?

One for the road

Me and an Audi TT just outside of Andy's Utrecht apartment in June 2009

Filial responsibility

One could not but feel a more august parental responsibility for special needs children. With uncertainties around the children's capability to be an independent mature adult, the need for a special financial planning for the children is more urgent.

My dearest wish is that the future needs of such children becomes recognized by all the stakeholders, government and private organizations alike. It is my understanding that in some western countries, there exists a special insurance policy designed to provide some financial security for the children when they grow up.
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Of perosotan

Looking at price of a perosotan, slightly above Rp. 1 million. To be installed at the front yard. Made of steel of course..

Should be good for Zaky .. Gives him an exercise area .. Improve his sensory ability ..
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Of Hubris and Diana

Bought plenty of hardcover and kids' books this morning. Stopped by at Periplus at Pondok Indah Mall 1 and enjoy the up to 80% discount there.. Had earlier, a few weeks ago, bought "bon voyage" a very revealing collection of black and white photo essays of holidays in years past.

Believe that the programme will end in March.. Now if only they also discount those Merc magazines :)
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A Walk in the Park

We went to the city park at Bumi Serpong Damai this morning. Zaky was initially sleepy but quickly picked up pace the moment the W-202 hit the toll way. He was a little bit reluctant to hit the park but later enjoyed the experience, I think. He ran often without encouragement and we can see in his eyes that he is enjoying himself. There is also that intent of demonstrating to us, a feedback loop, regretfuly not always existing with autistic children.

On the way back, stopped over at Ibu Ani's. Her observation brought less than good tidings. She suspected that Zaky may have a little too much venol, hence his black eye bags..

A roller coaster ride of emotion, today.
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Schooling options

We're now studying school options for my autistic son. There are a few in Jakarta who proclaimed themselves as school, but I have just been informed that it is unlikely any of the school are properly certified by the education ministry.


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Blackberry users are not "autistic"

I often hear people hear illustrating as "autistic", those who are fascinated with certain electronic gadgets, the blackberry amongst them. Can I just say that this is an insult to autistic people and parents with autistic children. Please use the term sparingly and do not denigrate its meaning by confusing it with blackberry users.

It is heartbreaking that -as I found out today- educated people are still not aware of what autisms are and what challenges are being faced by autistic children and parents and also siblings of autistic children. Our lives are already difficult enough. Please do not make it more by your ignorance and disrespect.
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My only son was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder a couple of years ago. It was a devastating news to swallow and we continue to try figuring out how to live with it and how to ensure the best possible future for him.
I am writing to seek some ideas from the readers as to what do they know as the practical and realistic expectations for a special needs children's future, and for autistic children in particular. Is anybody out there aware of vocations most suited for autistic adults ? Realistically, what can be expected in terms of independence once the children reaches adulthood ? What skills should be taught and what are the challenges which need to be overcome ?



Thank You