"Anak-Anak Multibahasa" launching day, 9 August 2009 at Gramedia book store in Grand Indonesia Mall.

Newspapers covering the launching are, among others: Kompas, Pelita, Jakarta Globe, Detik Pos, Jakarta Post.

The writers were interviewed by Radio Delta 99.1 FM (5 & 6 Aug), TV One (7 Aug), TVRI (9 Aug), TV 7 (recorded on 13 Aug), Good Morning Indonesia Metro TV (14 Aug) and  BBC Indonesia (recorded on 14 Aug).

Book review: Kompas

The launching:


Seats were full with the audience. Joseph and Nadia (daughter of one of the writers) were questioned by Shahnaz Haque (the moderator) after videos of them code-switching between languages were shown on my presentation.


Santi: "Okay, these are pictures of children of the writers with their languages"


Prof. Arief Rachman, expert in child education. Two professors in linguistics, Prof. Sudjono and Prof. Bambang of Atma Jaya University, Jakarta, were among the audience and they shared their knowledge in multilingualism as well!! We received many questions from the audience and the discussions were warm and lively! Thanks to all those experts!!


For 7 days after the launching, our books were displayed inside these glass boxes and on the so called 'islands' at the entrance of the bookstore. (picture by  Prihardi Kahar)


Five of nine writers, left to right: Cahayahati Padmadinata, Santi Dharmaputra, Rita Najib, Ninda Harahap and Jumiarti Agus.


TV interviews:

Joseph and I, and another writer (Ninda) and her daughter (Aliyah), with Prof. Arief Rachman at TV One


Santi and Jumiarti (co-editor, publishing company) were interviewed by TVRI on the launching day. (picture courtesy of Prihardi Kahar)


Santi and family for TV 7

Unfortunately I forgot to bring camera to Metro TV where they interviewed me in English.

Radio Interviews:

Delta 99.1 FM, Santi (at the studio) and another writer, Cahayahati (by phone) were giving a full-hour talk show. No picture, forgot to bring the camera.


Husband and the kids after the interview at BBC Indonesia (to be broadcasted on Saturday, 22 Aug 2009)

Between the launching and interviews, we escaped from Jakarta to:


Bali Island with my relatives. Here Joseph was flying a kite at Jimbaran beach.



Bangka Island with my mom. Husband, Joseph and Louise were strolling at Parai beach.


Last but not least:

My family. In this picture: Papa, mama, my sisters-in-law, eldest and younger brothers and of course nephews and nieces (2nd bro is out of the country, third bro & fam currently live in Holland). Thank you for your patience and support ... miss you all!!! (picture was taken at the airport on our return day)

5 years ago I was just doing research for my own family and interest. I never knew that some years later I began to write in the media and now my thoughts were printed in a book. I didn't even dare to dream of launching this book and getting this much attention from the press.

I realize all these are just the beginning and the rest is very much depending on what my plan is.

I think I will just follow the flow, as always.