Editor’s Note
Love is a many-splendoured thing, and this being the February Valentine’s issue, we’ve taken this to heart—pun intended! Not only do we focus on some of the more obvious themes in articles about romance, but we take “love” as an aspect of devotion to oneself, one’s calling in life, and even to one’s country and culture. We kick off, for example, with our cover story, “Eclectic Ethnic”, in which we chat with Sarah Zafria, a passionate interior designer. Sarah has worked all around the world with many high-profile clients, but she never forgets her Indonesian roots and often incorporates accents and materials from her home country, to which she is devoted.
It’s also worth pointing out that many of the problems we face today are the result of a society that has gotten far too carried away with owning “stuff ” and away from a spiritual, love-centred approach to life. If we shift our focus back a generation or two, we find that many traditional approaches were more arguably more meaningful. In recognition of this, many groups are promoting our national traditions, heritage, and culture with oodles of love. Take a look at Mitra Seni Indonesia (MSI), for example, as featured in “State of the Arts”. Thanks to its founder, Sri Harmoko, this organisation has evolved into a vibrant community with more than 800 members. As well as promoting Indonesian art, MSI has an amazing community programme that has transformed the lives of the many painters who live in Cilekong Village in West Java, which is an act of pure love.
We also cover travel in this issue—another subject close to our hearts. We look at exotic escapades, from enjoying your own private island to those travel companies that are helping to reduce the environmental impact of this huge industry. Lastly, love as passion is best expressed in movement, and what better exemplifies this than the tango? Check out our fashion shoot, entitled “Cultural Dance”, featuring the Chairperson of Tango Lovers Jakarta Ratih Soe Kosasie—and the lithe figure she has honed through years of practicing this Argentinean art. What more to add? Well, this February issue has been put together with much love as always, and we sure hope you adore it. Happy reading!