The road to Cibening is a rural dirt track. The only means of transportation are the occassional four wheel drive making deliveries and the brave Ojek drivers who help transport locals and visitors. An Ojek is basically a small motor bike in which the passenger or supplies sit on the back. We are in the midst of the rainy season and this can present some problems, as the road turns to mud. Goldteak employees and locals work diligently every year to maintain the road.
This year we are making a ‘gutter’ to provide run off from the road.
Suma’s wife is suffering from a tumor and was sent to the hospital. The local doctor advised her to remove the tumor, however, the locals are very reticent to modern medicine and the family has decided to follow the local traditional medicine.
Smoking is still very popular in rural Indonesia. Goldteak is trying to teach better health care practices and prevent fires on the plantation, so the Guardians (like many American and European workers) must go to a special place to smoke during their breaks. Most rural Indonesians smoke a special type of cigarette called Kretek – which is known as Clove cigarettes.
This is a time to socialize as well as relax.
