Walking around Cafes in Indonesia(2)

Introduction of Indonesian Cafes

My desire to truly explore the local coffee culture becomes stronger as my experience on Indonesia gets richer in both quantity and quality. That finally led to my frequent visits to cafes in the country. By that time, I also started working as an Indonesian correspondent for COFFEE SPACE, a monthly coffee magazine issued in Korea. 

Whenever available, I tried to walk around cafes with decent reputation here and there in the nation. Indonesian friends were generous enough to advise me places to navigate. Bookstores were right spots where I managed to collect useful information especially on weekend.

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands(12)

Japan’s move to protect geographical brands in China and its implication to Korea

In this regard, interviews with experts at reputable private organizations and universities including Japan Intellectual Property Association, Intellectual Property Management Center of Kyushu University and Office of Intellectual Property of Waseda University will broaden my horizon by supplying thoughtful views. 

On the similar context, books and magazines will be valuably utilized for the purpose of a preparatory research.

Why Indonesia(1)

An overview of Indonesia

'Biggest island country in the world', 'Country with the largest Muslim population', 'Generate 40% of the total GDP(Gross Domestic Product) in ASEAN(The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)'.

All are called to describe Indonesia. Truly, the world is paying attention to Indonesia armed with the above top records even hard to get one by other nations. This is no exception to me, too. Truly speaking, my third book on Indonesia, 'Why Indonesia' came out against this background.

------------------------------

Indonesia is being highlighted as the leader of emerging markets recently. Global money and talents have been rushing to Indonesia as its economy has shown a nearly-6%-solid growth on average during 2010-2014. A multi-national accounting firm even pictured a rosy outlook that Indonesia will be boasting of the 4^th biggest GDP in the world in 2050 followed by China, America and India. 

As a result of strengthened economic clout, Indonesia has been raising its voice in ASEAN(The Association of Southeast Asian Nations). This also seems to be in line with changes in political landscape especially in the wake of the latest presidential election in 2014 from which the first civilian president came to office.

Indonesia’s color is not less unique in cultural and social aspect. It is no doubt that Indonesia represents a country of multi-culture and multi-race. As widely known, more than 300 ethnic groups with over 700 languages are observed in the territory. This diversity is no exception in religious point of view. Though Indonesia has been considered as part of Islamic culture where around 85% of the population, some 210 million nationals are reported to be Muslims, religious freedom is preserved and protected under the constitution.

Putting things in place and order(整理整頓) is my power

A book for children’s self-esteem, 'I love myself'

‘What is learned in the cradle is carried to the tomb.’ Have you ever heard of this? This famous proverb represents that fixed habits are very difficult to be switched. On the other hand, if a decent habit is being formed from the early childhood, it continues to play an important role in our life. As an example, early developed children’s habits, going to bed and waking up early, and not complaining about food quality, can bring a positive impact on later stages of adulthood’s healthy life styles. This could explain why I made up my mind to write my second book, 'Putting things in place and order(整理整頓) is my power'.

------------------------------

Putting things in place and order is no less important than above types of habits. If children’s belongings are put in place correctly on an everyday basis, these belongings are easily found whenever necessary. Putting things in order is not only a way to cherish our belongings but also a way to love and respect ourselves. This habit can teach us how to live in a neat way and how to live ourselves more transparently with a neatly arranged mindset.

Putting things in place and order is also a manner to care about others. Let’s imagine empty cans and snack packs are messed up and scattered around at public libraries. Visitors can undoubtedly frown at them. However, parents’ burdens could be much more relieved if things are put in place and order neatly. This kind of clean environments can provide a better place for students to study at school and people can pleasantly pay a visit to the public areas.

A good habit does not require a huge determination, but it merely requires a sincere attitude being developed by both parents and children on a daily life basis. Once the well-formed habit is successfully executed, children’s self-reliance and self-confidence can grow impeccably. Well-formed habits, at the end of the day, also assist children to achieve their goals. Putting things in place and order may seem small and trivial at first. But if continuously carried out, needless to say, it would provide amazing power to grow ourselves.