Mahi Mahi is Not Recommended

On my last weekend, we decided to try to have lunch in new place. So, as many friends suggests, “Try Mahi Mahi, the seafood is good.”

Well, Mahi Mahi is not that good. The place itself is good, it is designed much like Jimbaran, I’m sure its cozy at night. There is also beach sands as kid’s playground. But first thing that counts is the food, and unfortunately the food is tasteless. If you previously had tried Mang Engking, Mahi Mahi is really not a comparable one, in price as well as taste. For example: the legendary honey-fried shrimp (udang bakar madu) costs Rp. 250.000 in Mahi Mahi, while you can get the best one for Rp. 90.000 in Mang Engking.

Lala’s First Day in Playgroup

Lala was very happy and excited when she first knew that she would be going to school. She was happily tried out the outfit, even she use the outfit all night long. I really felt happy as well, hopefully she would learn many things in school. Checkout the pics here.

The Beta Release of portalreksadana.com

alhamdulilah... after a long wait, the beta release of portalreksadana.com is finally up and running... checkout the snapshot below.




The portal has the most comprehensive mutual fund historical data in Indonesia. It covers mutual fund data from 2005 until 2007 (so far: March 4, daily update feature will soon be available), I just need more time to collect the 2003-2004 data. The database size is 15MB, containing over 180 thousands records. It took over 12 hours to get all of those data from Bapepam, and of course, a blazing speed of internet connection.

The portal had a long development roadmap. In the near future, this portal will be upgraded with useful features for registered members. for example: portfolio tracker will help investors in managing their net investment value in multiple accounts. registered members will also have access and download to raw data (not only mutual funds, but also indexes data from JSX), to be further processed with other applications.

Yes, all of these features and information will still be available for FREE. portalreksadana.com aims to be the most comprehensive mutual fund information provider in Indonesia, enabling access to everyone for FREE.

I'm open for comments and ideas, keep up the spirit of investing!

Bunda Lala's Birthday

February 3th, its Bunda Lala's birthday!

checkout the pics, we had a super wonderful moments dining at Mang Engking...

The Wonderful 2 Hours Saturday Night

we had a wonderful dining at Hartz Chicken, the whole family had wonderful dining experience. we were dining for almost over 2 hours, we enjoyed the pleasant service, cozy place, and a movie projected on the screen.

here we are:


of course, what makes the event so special, is LALA. she loves the place, she enjoyed meeting and talking with people, she played everywhere with everyone. checkout the pic here, she introduced herself to a cute foreigner. she also got really acquainted with the restaurant manager. :)

The Power of GTFW

I am impressed with the power of GTFW!
GTFW stands for "Gamatechno Framework". It is very easy to use, and far much more advance compared to other framework I knew before. Even a novice like me found GTFW very easy to use. GTFW is one of the masterpiece of Gamatechno, developed primarily by sicopak, neofreko, Ageng, Pakdhe Paydjo, heribertus, teguh, trias, widodo.

You can crosscheck with pak Endar, he saw me creates new project only in seconds, and within 3-4 hours I was able to fetch data from JSX (Jakarta Stock Exchange). I have fetched all of the market index data, everything from 2004 up until today. I really need those data (related with my previous article), but JSX has the same characteristic with Bapepam: they don’t provide a user friendly interface. By now, if I need JCI (IHSG) data, I don’t have to go to the Faculty of Economics.

Soon, I will publish the data, for free… *winking to momon* :)
Here is the the snapshot, showing my customizations from the default GTFW template.

I Really Hate Pocket Cameras...

the last several days, you can see Mt.Merapi clearly, one of the most beautiful view ever. the blue sky is everywhere, clear from clouds. it really challenges my "photographic sense".

but as you can see from the pictures, pocket (or automatic) cameras can't reproduce picture as it seen from our eyes. i really missed my old professional camera, with its filters, I'm sure I can freely set the camera so it will reproduce the best picture as our eye can see.

*sigh*

The Fresh New Vista Fonts

impressed by the presentation made by a colleague of mine, I curiously hunt for the new vista fonts, the new fonts which gives much better clarity and readibility in documents or web pages. try it in your presentations, and you will definitely want it.

review and snapshots about these fonts is available from Poynter. the next picture is a a replacement for Arial: Calibri and Corbel.





the next picture is a replacement for Times New Roman: Constantia (a great complement for Georgia also).



if you need these fonts, you can download it here.

The Wedding Week

Last weekend was a happy and adventurous week. There was a total of 5 couple engaged in a wedding, uniting them into unbreakable family bonds. Of course, five is the number where we got invited. I’m sure there’s plenty more couples getting married in early January 2007.

We travel from Yogya to Tegal, and then crossing the Java Island through Cilacap back to Yogya. The first wedding was my own younger brother, held in Tegal. The second was the wedding of a very good friend of mine, Haris (also a fellow colleague at Gamatechno), held somewhere near Cilacap (this is where the adventure begins, keep reading). The rest is a subsequest wedding namely Hesti (my fellow colleague at Inspira), Hoki (my postgraduate friend) and Wuri (one of my wife’s colleague during in Trijaya).

The travel was adventurous, because we got lost during the search of the second wedding location. Haris should have guided me using a much more accurate map, such as Google Earth. He misestimated a lot. We departed from Tegal at 14.30, we already in Kondangan suit (batik) because we should have reach the location within one or two hours (as estimated by Haris). Well, in fact, during the search of Wangon intersection, we got lost somewhere around Ajibarang, Rowulu and Maos and Cilacap. The tense and stress even higher, because there was a full blackout (mati lampu) after Wangon, and we still had to travel all the way through the pine forest (yes, again, Haris also forgot to mention this), alone in the complete darkness. Alhamdulilah, we arrive in location at 19.30, after a total of 5 hours driving. Due to the misestimation, we were facing another threat: nearly out of gasoline. Luckily, there were many bottled gasoline retailers nearby. After having a full meal, we departed back home, another 5 hours drive to Yogya. We arrived at 02.00 a.m. in the morning, completely exhausted. anyway, it was a very challenging and fun adventure :)



Enough for the short story, enjoy the pics.

Indonesian Mutual Fund Historical Performance Data

Finally… I have completed the beta development of “Mutual Fund Manager” (“Reksadana Manager”). With this application, I can have historical performance data on every mutual funds available in Indonesia. You can rely on this data, because it is originated from from Bapepam itself, the Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency.

When I decided to enter the mutual fund market, I personally got stressed because I could not found sufficient historical performance data as one of the basis of my decisions. It is very contrast with overseas financial information provider, such as MSN MoneyCentral or marketwatch.com. Unlike stocks, information for mutual funds were very hard to find. Previously, I found e-samuel.com and bisnis.com were one of the most up-to-date information. But later I found out that they don’t provide sufficient historical data. E-samuel.com came up with the historical data available in charts, but their data is incomplete, they don’t have data on every mutual funds available in Indonesia. Even JSX and SSX (Surabaya Stock Exchange) don’t have the information I need.

Finally I got the most representative source of information, the Bapepam (www.bapepam.go.id). Although they got details on every mutual funds available in Indonesia, but the user interface is not convenient for users who needed daily data. I had to do multiple clicks, and copy-paste the screen to Excel (not to mention reformatting and adding more columns). So again, I decided to automate these tasks, get myself back with Delphi to develop the application I needed. Checkout the snapshot.




There would be many improvement for the next release. One which need improvement is the synchronization process, I need to upgrade it by using threads. More features will be available to make this application as a personal mutual fund manager, e.g. you can check how much your investment worth at any time. I look forward for your comments and suggestions.

You also need this application? Contact me, and I’ll send it to you, its free. Of course, you should be patient to wait until a stable version is available.

Overheated!

4 days ago, I got overheated so that you can see some light smoke fades away from my body. It happened after a fresh another 1-hour-walk in the morning. Apparently, this phenomena is an early warning system, it indicates that I will be sick, or requires substantial bedrest.

This had happened about at my early years of college (around 10 years ago). At that moment, I was so excited in hiking. I always smoked after several intensive activities, my brother and relatives noticed also. Few days afterwards, I got hospitalized for 10 days, undergone treatment for typhus.

Just happened 3 days ago, I was in a full bedrest. The early simptoms was severe breathing problem (sesak napas), always occured in everything I did, even a minor one. At night, the simptoms enriched with high fever. Gladly, the fever lasted only for one night. Surprisingly, after a delicious dinner in Bakmi Kadin, the simptoms I mentioned before has gone completely, no more breathing problem. But at that moment, new simptoms emerged, and Bunda Lala positively identified it as gastritis (maag). Oh dear… I never had gastritis before… all night long I had my stomach twisted, going back and forth to the washroom. Again, gladly, this inconvenience lasted only for one night.

After another boring bedrest in Sunday, I am back with my 1-hour-walk this morning. As always, such as after a hard exercise, I felt much energized than before. From a positive perspective, I think this body has been “upgraded” to the next level.

Of course, there is a always cause or trigger for every simptoms. 10 years ago, It was caused by non-hygienic foods. What happened recently, would be most likely a psychological cause (e.g. stressed). By correctly identified the cause, you can identify your body’s limitations. Therefore, you will know how much you can push yourself to the limit. But don’t forget, as time passess, the limit always “grows” fulfilling the challenge of time.

Power Up!

The One Hour Walk

Hosh... I have been doing this one hour morning walk nearly for the last 3 weeks. I started this as my new sports ever since Novotel's fitness membership fee has become too expensive. I had to find an alternative which is affordable. so here I am, back to my old sports, the morning walk. Back in the old days, the walk usually only half hour (because school hour starts very early). Now, its time for the next level, the walk will be conducted at least one hour.

Doing the walk is FUN. the fun raises when you listens favourite musics along the walk. I thought I was going to be bored with walking, especially for a long one hour. The strategy is to have several route alternatives. Don't worry when you misestimate a route (or probably get lost somewhere). You'll be challenged to survive, and when you done it, you really achieve the next level. Of course, just in case you ran out of energy, always gear up with a bottle of drink, some small amount of cash (don't need to bring fully-packed wallet with credit cards), and don't left your handphone at home :p

I really enjoy this morning walk, it really brings back the good old days (right Sam? hehe). I always sleep early (after maghrib) and woke up around 2 or -3 a.m. The walk starts after shubuh, around 4.30, and finishes at 5.30 (can be at 06.00 if you misestimate a route). The walk currently scheduled three times a week, with another special walk on Sunday morning. Yes, a walk to UGM from home, it took a perfect one hour walk. At first I was planning to walk to the office, but Bunda Lala did not agree since it would not be practical (bathing in the office, bring breakfast+lunch box, etc).

Looking forward to get started? I suggests doing a walk gradually, starting with half hour first. You will feel muscle pain around your waist and hip. This would conditions your mind and body, especially to reduce the sleepy feeling after walking. After two or three walk, you won't feel sleepy again, just make sure you get enough rest.

If i ever get bored, and switching to another sports, you'll be the first to know. You might also interested what Lala is doing in the morning :)

The Canadians Like My Hair

Yesterday I had a presentation on "Improving OSS Customers Experience" to the officials of CIDA (Canada International Development Agency) and TAF (The Asia Foundation). The presentation which was conducted in English, gladly, was a successful one. The CIDA officials was very much impressed.

I really love the habit of the foreigners (more specific: americans). It is the habit of appreciating people even in the simplest form such as SMS. to Mr. Adam Day (TAF) and Mr. Robert Langevin (CIDA), thank you for the appreciation.

By the way, there was also an interesting small talks. Mr. Robert said very early before i began the presentation that he really like my hair. He also said that I looked very much "an IT guy". That was not the first time I heard that, many people said similar. I still don't have the clue which cause that impression, was it because of my hair, my face or my cool IT gadgets (notebook and PDA). ha..ha..ha..

I was accompanied by pak Nanang, but the canadians has a quite different impression on him. The canadians said that pak Nanang looked very much "a government guy". (me, laughing at the floor. pak Nanang, peace yo..).

The Sixth Sense of Lala

oh my...
it happened again, Lala saw "the invinsible" last night. i was not there at the moment, i just tell you the details from Bunda Lala.

last night, Lala wanted to play with our maid, which was already aslept in her room. her room is upstairs (backside of our house), just above the bathroom. Lala ran just in front of the stairs, starts calling her name, "mbak Atul..." repeatedly. Bunda Lala and her mother (Oma) just stay still in front of the tv.

suddenly, the calling stopped. Lala ran quickly to Oma saying, "takuuuut, itu di kotak mainan, mbak Atul bukan ya?". Oma and Bunda Lala stunned, because definitely there is no one there (kotak mainan is just beside the stairs). Lala herself didn't seems to be afraid very much. She asked Oma, "ayuuk Oma, ayo ikut lihat...". of course Oma did not wanted to see such sightings :)

well, it happened again. Lala's sixth sense again detects the invinsible, but this time Lala has been very good in combining sentences. when it happened, it will surely scares Bunda Lala :)

The Wonderful Lebaran

Lebaran is surely wonderful. Bunda Lala's parents are visiting us here in Yogyakarta. so, here are the pictures of joy from them. also, there is a picture of my sister in law, and of course: LALA.

Best Friend Forever

here is the picture of Lala and Keisha. they always unexpectedly meet each other in many places. I think they will be best friend forever.

Smartcard PC/SC Programming with C# .NET

I am so overwhelmed with smartcards!

last midnight, I finally fulfilled my quest on how to communicate with smartcard through PC/SC (not by direct access through the serial ports). I previously did intensive research on OpenSC and OCF (Open Card Framework). With OpenSC, I'm stuck because of all of my cards were unsupported (my card is Gemplus Xpresso and Oberthur). With OCF, well, the framework in Java took quite some efforts for me to implement it :)

Since the last several weeks, I have been intensively also in learning .NET, especially with C#. so why didn't I explore this PC/SC access with C#. C# is my future coding skills, I intend to be really good with C# (as I did with Delphi). After a long quest, thanks to Mike Yeager who contributes a code samples of interfacing PC/SC with C#.

Let me give you the snapshot here, it is still a very simple example. the quest of smartcard with .NET continues... :)

Another Lala's Adventure

I have some pictures of Lala, but the events occured quite some time ago (I haven't got the time to upload it). the first is on Kebun Raya Bogor, when I took a long holiday on Independence Day. Secondly, Lala loves singing very much, picture taken when my health councellor finally celebrates his most wonderful day of his life. enjoy :)

Avanza Returns

you can see in the pic, my car is now restored in its original condition. thanks to Wawan H. Prabowo, a KOMPAS reporter, who has a great gentlemanship. he is the one which made this repairs possible.

you might curious to know where he made the repairs. it was a "classic" workshop, but the owner has a special technique on mixing car paints. the workshop named "Janto", located in Gedong Kuning, just south of Rejowinangun intersection, in front of Fajar Mobil. the repair costs around Rp. 450.000 (so does Nascomo, Astra), but the paint quality is exceptionally good. the new paint match exactly as the previous one.

feel free to talk to the owner, he is a nice fellow to talk to. as the idiom said, "never judge a book by its cover". the idiom describes this workshop very well.

Overwhelmed with Handbags!

yesterday afternoon, one cabinet-sized package has just arrived. oh dear, it was one of the biggest package fully loaded with handbags. as you can see in the pic, I was quite "overwhelmed" with the handbags. processing on each item is quite time-consuming, I even hadn't had the chance to take pictures on those items.

curious on the items? I shall have it uploaded to Prestise by tomorrow.