Dragonflyers Paperback – August 24, 2015
by Christine Velde (Author)
Kerry B. Collison features in this new release available
from Amazon or in Indonesia through Gramedia Publishing
1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440566922&sr=1-1&keywords=Dragonflyers
Synopsis: Prominent
Expatriates' Influential Roles in Indonesia This book explores the lives of
prominent expatriates working in varying fields and aims to understand why they
were drawn to Indonesia and examines their diverse, but valuable contributions
to Indonesia and its way of life. In doing so, it will facilitate a better
understanding for readers in the East and the West regarding the contributions
of prominent expatriates to Indonesia and their feelings towards a country
which in many cases, may have become their 'home.' Dragonflies which have been
described as fantastic flyers, darting, twisting, turning and transforming, are
just like expatriates who have contributed to Indonesia in a variety of fields.
Like dragonflies, they are also reminders that we can reflect light in powerful
ways. They contribute to others by helping them to see through their
misinterpreted illusions and allowing their own light to shine in a new vision,
like academics, artists, writers or entrepreneurs. 'Much of Indonesia outside
of Jakarta and other major cities, we found incredibly beautiful. The greatest
attraction of the country was the pleasure of working with Indonesians who
accepted me as a colleague, rather than a dangerous foreigner, who had to be
kept at a distance. Over time, both my wife and myself became greatly attached
to Indonesia, both personally and professionally.' -Gustav Papanek- 'Living in
Indonesia is very different to living in Australia. It has changed from the
turbulent situation during the 1980s and 1990s, and is now much more open and
liberal. For most foreigners living and working in Indonesia, it takes time and
effort to develop the skills and understanding, that best enable them to
operate in Indonesia. Personally, I have always found most Indonesians very
welcoming.' -David Hill- 'I have acquired an enriched understanding of another
culture. I possess another language and this opens up the mind immeasurably.
Through speaking the language, we can get much closer to people and be a part
of the decision making process. I am more relaxed about life in general,
through my Indonesian experiences.' -David Reeve- 'I can sympathise with the
idea of being a 'global citizen', but believe that those with experiences of
other cultures must be able to share these experiences and insights with
members of their own culture. Indonesia gains most value from me not when I
think like an Indonesian, but when I act like an Australian who knows and
respects Indonesian culture and can present diff erent and distinct perspectives
on it: to Australians and Indonesians alike.' -Harry Aveling-
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