Originally this QnA was planned for all those fabulous Marcomm people that kept Bali’s hospitality brands ticking across all mediums… However, since C19 came along a few of these talented professionals have had to find other employment …

The Yak tracks them down and asks “Where are you now?” 

Name, age (if you want to tell us) and where were you born?
Hello, my name is Nidya, 39 years old and I was born in Semarang – West Java. I grew up in Jakarta and happily live in Bali.

When did you come to Bali?
Hmm… Around 2015 I think, I lost count – Hahaha!!

Do you have family here? (We include your furry friends into this question).
I only have my 12 year-old son and two Persian cats.

What brands have you worked for over the years?
Hmm…I start back when I moved to Bali. My base is Media and then I continued into Hospitality (Bali Paragon Resort Hotel, Tijili Hotels and now I’m with Tauzia at Harris Hotel Tuban Bali & Yello Kuta Beachwalk Bali.)

Nineteenth of March 2020. When you first heard of the Bali “stay at home” / #dirumahaja regulation what went through your head?
Should I go back to Jakarta? How am I going to pay all the bills?? (Then I quickly switched to positive thoughts). The regulations were good, since I had/have more quality time with my son and our furry friends.

What was your company’s reaction to this regulation?
We re-group with the owner, and motivate each other that we will go through this together…

How much longer did you work for the company?
After 1 year, I continue my journey with Harris Hotel Tuban Bali & Yello Kuta Beachwalk Bali.

What backup measures did you start putting in place when the writing was on the wall? (Covid 19 regulations were extended).
My friend & I made a ‘movement’ for UMKM Bali called “BALI in Your Hands”, so the backup plan was (and is) to HELP THEM AND HELP OURSELVES, to fight back, to keep moving forward. Our goal is to connect Bali’s local brands and SMBEs to B2C and B2B stakeholders outside of Bali, in Indonesia and overseas also Helping Bali local brands to speed up the digital transformation.  #supportlocalbrand.

What was your mental state and how did you move forward into a more positive attitude?
There were times when I felt low. The fact that I need to start all over again from zero. But thanks to God, and all my support system, I stand up strong and keep moving forward and trust God for all the things that happen in my life (I will To will Thy will). After all, we only need to follow the path that God’s creates. This too shall pass!!

Finally, what are you doing now?
I’m currently adapting in the new office now. Doing this and that, same old, same old (LOL). But as I mentioned before, I am also involved as one of the initiators of Bali In Your Hands.

Definitely let us know if we can support you and we very much hope to catch up all together at some point soon. Until then, we salute your perseverance and strength!
And readers do please go and support these fabulous people in their positions and companies!