This post describes our visit 1 - 3 September 2017 to Sentul for the reunion of Vera's father's extended family.
Sentul is located between Jakarta and Bogor (closer to Bogor). Thirty years ago I used to go out there to run with the Hash House Harriers (HHH) - it was just picturesque villages and rice paddies then - now hotels, housing estates, shopping malls and golf courses.
Vera's father was one of nine kids (4 boys and 5 girls) in a long-standing Chinese-Indonesian family. The original family name was Sim, which was changed to Simadibrata. The family lived in Temanggung, Central Java, but now most of Vera's siblings and cousins live in Jakarta and Bandung, with some overseas in Australia, USA, Canada, The Netherlands, and Germany.
Two years ago the extended Simadibrata family had their first reunion, and the second was held now, in Sentul. 160 attended; most stayed in the Neo Hotel (we arrived Friday, left Sunday). A number of activities were organised, with the main event being the Reunion Dinner on Saturday night, 2 September 2017.
The oldest participant was Tante Ottie, 88, the youngest of Vera's father's siblings. There were many of Vera's generation, and of course their children and some grandchildren - four generations were represented.
Frans & Tience and Vera & I got a lift in Andre's Pajero which was driven by Richard, one of Vera's nephews. Andre and Iis opted not to come, as did Vera's sister Farida. However, her brother Albert came with his wife Elly and their son.
It was a very happy occasion for Vera; some relatives she knew (but hadn't seen for years) and others she had never met. Great atmosphere, full of love and respect. Amongst relatives and speaking Indonesian Vera became so animated and vivacious; she was in her element.
Frans also seemed to enjoy it too - despite his disability, he became quite excited meeting old friends.
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| Most of the extended family stayed in the Neo Hotel, Sentul. |
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| A big banner welcomed the Simadibrata Family at the front gate of the Neo Hotel. |
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| A large curved swimming pool separated the two residential blocks at the Neo Hotel. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. |
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| Frans in his wheel chair in front of one of the banners proclaiming the 2nd Reunion of the Simadibrata Family. |
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| This photo is a bit fuzzy - my apologies. It shows the two main organisers of the family reunion, Felix and David. They did an amazing job. |
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| Tante Ottie, Vera's aunt (youngest sister of Vera's father) cut the "birthday cake". She was 88 years old and still fit and well. |
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| A view of the hall where we held the Reunion Dinner on Saturday night - 160 attended. |
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| Tience leading a dance during the Reunion Dinner. |
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| Many family groups took photos. This was Vera's cousin Kai & wife with their son & daughter-in-law, and grandkids. |
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| From left: Alex, Vera, Elly, and Albert (Vera's brother). |
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| From left: Pina (Liong's wife), Vera, Tante Ottie, Maria's daughter, Maria, Liong (he and Pina live in Penang). |
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There were two Americans at the Reunion married to sisters who were related to the Simadibrata Family: Martin Twait & Feilin, and Moncef Jaziri & Swanli. Both couples live in California (Santa Barbara and San Diego).
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A committee was formed to organise a 3rd Family Reunion in 2 years; we enjoyed this reunion very much and will certainly try to attend the next one too.
We had a few more days in Bandung, then flew to Bali on 8 September. Our second spell in Bali will be the subject of my next post.
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Best wishes, stay healthy and keep smiling.
Alex & Vera Olah
Canberra, Australia
Wednesday 25 October 2017
