Friendly Foils

Nicoline Patricia Malina and Deddy Wigraha sit with Karina Saphiera to discuss Brazilian jiu jitsu and the lavish food served at The Ritz-carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place’s PASOLA

in The Ritz- Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place, many tables were already reserved, and it’s not hard to figure out why. With its opulent dining area and glamorous lounge, the restaurant offers an exquisite all-day dining experience that is fit for both business and pleasure.

Sat on the corner table overlooking Jakarta’s skyscrapers and sprawling skyline were Nicoline Patricia Malina and Deddy Wigraha, both of whom were happily digging into their first dish, the Pelangi Ikan Gohu. Standing in the middle of the plate was a large cracker that acted as a partition between the delicate tuna ceviche and the tart brown rice.

The unparalleled balance in this light entrée’s tastes and textures juxtaposes the intensity of the next meal on the menu, Daging Sapi Sambal Ijo.

Slow-cooked for 16 hours, the juicy beef melts in the mouth with a softness akin to that of butter. As the beef bursts with flavour, the chef served it with light Red Rice Arancini on the side as well as Seaweed Dabu Dabu Salsa.

While slicing into their food, Nicoline and Deddy delved into a variety of topics, such as their past careers, their travel itineraries, and the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu. One could easily mistake the statuesque pair for models, but Nicoline and Deddy’s lives took far more fascinating turns after their modelling careers.

Known as the founder of NPM Photo, Nicoline is a force to be reckoned with both behind the camera and in her jiu jitsu gi. Although she studied Fine Arts in the Netherlands, she later found her calling in photography and has never looked back since. To her left sat Deddy Wigraha, her long-time friend and sparring partner.

Indonesia’s martial arts scene was catapulted into the limelight when Deddy brought jiu jitsu to the country in 1998. In 2013, he was awarded his black belt by international jiu jitsu hero Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti. Deddy now finds himself busy with opening his second studio and training the national jiu jitsu team for the ASEAN Games.

“I got into jiu jitsu because of him,” said Nicoline as she gestured towards Deddy. The blue-belted photographer admits that jiu jitsu is one of her favourite ways to unwind from work since she is forced to zone in on the sport and nothing else. “The moves might look effortless when other people do them, but even after two years of practising this martial art, I still can’t get used to it.”

“Yes, there are a lot of steps that go into each move, so we have to be calculative at all times,” chimed in Deddy as the waiters brought the exquisitely plated Mango Lime Ice Cream Pop and Kecombrang Chocolate Pebbles. Upon biting into the ice cream’s sweet white chocolate coat, the pair was greeted with fresh mango ice cream that brought out the bright berry gel painted gracefully on the side. And although the rich dark Kecombrang Chocolate Pebbles left them craving for more, the dessert served as a sensational finale to their dining experience.