The first of us to arrive to Yogyakarta has been me (carolyn), Tracy, and Costanza. We have been here for about a week and a half. So far we have collected 50 interviews! Our UGM research assistants have been amazing to work with. Without them we would be completely lost. We work with six UGM students in total. They carry out interviews, edit questionnaires and other documents, and they will be a part of the transcription process as well. Aside from that they also provide us with transportation and they even help us cross the street!
The participants have been extremely kind to us as well. Many have served us their home made jamu as well as home made meals or snacks while we carry out the interviews. I have tried two types of jamu so far. One is called Kunyit Asam - it is a drink specifically for women and I was told that it helps to keep women's menstrual cycle regular and healthy. The other is called Beras Kencur and it is very good for treating common coughs and colds.
We have interviewed mostly female jamu entrepreneurs from at least four different neighborhoods at this point. So far we have mostly interviewed those who make what is equivalent to middle income in Java. Making jamu can be quite lucrative! These informal sellers are not amateurs either. They are business savvy, knowledgeable, and professional.
We all feel very grateful to have this opportunity to do research in one of Indonesia's greatest cities, not to mention an amazing part of the world.
- Carolyn
P.S. here is a picture of the team minus myself (someone has to take the picture :) )
The participants have been extremely kind to us as well. Many have served us their home made jamu as well as home made meals or snacks while we carry out the interviews. I have tried two types of jamu so far. One is called Kunyit Asam - it is a drink specifically for women and I was told that it helps to keep women's menstrual cycle regular and healthy. The other is called Beras Kencur and it is very good for treating common coughs and colds.
We have interviewed mostly female jamu entrepreneurs from at least four different neighborhoods at this point. So far we have mostly interviewed those who make what is equivalent to middle income in Java. Making jamu can be quite lucrative! These informal sellers are not amateurs either. They are business savvy, knowledgeable, and professional.
We all feel very grateful to have this opportunity to do research in one of Indonesia's greatest cities, not to mention an amazing part of the world.
- Carolyn
P.S. here is a picture of the team minus myself (someone has to take the picture :) )
And here is Tracy, Costanza, and me at a the Ramayana ballet (soaking up some culture on our night off work):