Summary

Castle and Kids earn more, spend more and do more than other Indonesian Achievers. Indonesian couples, many with kids still at home, they’re not gung-ho about the country’s economic prospects but are confident about their own. The motorcycle is costing too much every month. So they have cut back on a few luxuries. Few have university degrees, instead getting educated through vocational diploma (kejuruan). Many Castle and Kids can’t help feeling that the fundamental values of the society are under threat. 

Walk with Me

Anni’s got it into her head that we can’t get by another day without redoing the bathroom. There’s always something. Last year it was the balcony. Still, I joke about it, but we do quite like having our tea out there.

It’s a long commute to work and back, so it’s nice to be able to come home to your own purpose-built castle.

Anni is a primary school teacher for the local state school, while I’m an electrician. We get by fine and we get to visit our parents in Malang every Lebaran.

Life hasn’t always been easy, but Anni and I have worked hard, so why not enjoy it. The kids are going to be off soon (and probably to Surabaya) so I want to make the most of having them around. We spend a fair bit of time together, whether it’ going to the soccer match or just hanging around watching TV.