It is with great sadness that ACICIS announces
the death on 11 October 2007 of our ACICIS Administrative Assistant in Jogjakarta,
Ms Lestari Widyastuti.
Lestari had been in hospital for several weeks with
pneumonia and respiratory complications. However, her health deteriorated suddenly
and unexpectedly and she passed away in the early morning. After rituals at her
family's residential compound near the Jogjakarta palace, she was laid to rest
later that day. The ACICIS Resident Director, Dr Philip King, attended on behalf
of the consortium. ACICIS students and friends also paid their respects throughout
the day.
Lestari will be
greatly missed by all. I have asked Dr King to pass on my personal condolences
-- and those of ACICIS as an organisation -- to Lestari's family at this very
sad time.
Those wishing to record their condolences or thoughts on Lestari's
sad passing may do so below, by sending your thoughts to the ACICIS Secretariat
acicis@murdoch.edu.au. Any similar
entries on the ACICIS group pages on Facebook and Friendster are also included
here.
Professor David T. Hill
ACICIS Consortium Director
12 October
2007
In Javanese culture ceremonies are held for a deceased person at intervals after their death. Below are some photos from Lestari's 100 day ceremony held in in the early evening of Thursday 17 January 2008. The ceremony was held at the house of lestari and her two sisters, within the Kraton complex. Photos are courtesy of Prof David Reeve.
Click on the photo to see a larger version.
| Susan Cattermole |
I first met Lestari before ACICIS even existed. I was a student at Monash University, undertaking an intensive language course at UGM in the summer of 1990/91. Lestari was one of the UGM students assigned to accompany and assist us. I caught up with Lestari again in 1992 when I was a participant on the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program and again in 1995 when I was living in Jakarta. In all the years I knew her, Lestari remained warm, caring, funny and completely off her tree! She was one of the most genuine and generous people I have ever met. |
| Monique and Parto Van Der Harst |
Lestari was a beautiful person both inside and out and we can't believe it's been 100 days already. Yogyakarta lost a great personality when she passed. Kami meningatkan Lestari hari ini dan berdoa dapat tempat yang tenang di sisinya. |
| Aimee Cairns |
When I heard that Lestari had died, I was so shocked and emotional - her death is an undescribable loss to all that knew her and the ACICIS program. I tried to explain my sadness and how Lestari affected my life to a friend. I started telling stories and we both ended looking at photos and laughing hysterically at the silly things that Lestari, my friends and I had done during my stay in Yogyakarta. We all had a blast, I had the absolute time of my life and Lestari was such a huge part of it.
Lestari taught me about compassion and understanding other cultures, even when they dont always understand you. I got myself into plenty of sticky situations during my stay, she was an unjudgemental and unconditional friend when I needed one. Always on hand with a smile and a beer. I will always be grateful for having known her.
|
| Margaret
Heather | I first heard about Lestari, this Indonesian
woman who assisted ACICIS students, from my son Scott and his friend Aaron when
they studied in Jogja in 2000. The stories kept coming from other students, from
Kasia who was there in 2001 and who is now about to marry my son. Scott and his
friends continued to visit Jogja and always there was Lestari. Finally it was
my turn to be an ACICIS student in Jogja and who was there to smooth the way,
help when I felt down and to laugh with me – Lestari. It is extremely difficult
to accept that she is no longer with us. Such a wonderful person, accessible to
everyone. Lestari you are sadly missed. Our thoughts are with your family. |
| Matt
Stephens | As a member of the Jakarta Bintangs Australian
Football Club I have been lucky enough to know Lestari since 2005 when the club
initially hooked up with her and the ACICIS program. What stands out most in my
memory of Lestari was her warmth, her smile and her ability to immediately put
people at ease. Plus her love of a beer. Lestari came up to Jakarta a few times
with some of the anak ACICIS and invariably led the way on the partying side.
She was a truly wonderful person. Her passing leaves me profoundly sad. |
| Natalie
Widdall | I would like to say that: I don't know
how my ACICIS experience would have been like without Lestari. I cant imagine
it being nearly as fantastic if she was not part of it. Lestari made my time in
Jogja not only feel like home, but also extremely fun. My fondest memories are
of the parties and events that Lestari organised and made sure we all attended.
My condolences go out to Lestari's family and the ACICIS community. |
| Rully
Putra | I really very shocked receiving message
from my old friend at Yogya that Lestari passed away. I could not believe it !
I knew her for a long time and I remember when she came to my birthday party with
her Aussie friends. She was a lovely wonderful friend. Everybody knows her at
Yogya. This morning, I picked up the Jakarta Post newspaper and there is article
about Lestari ACICIS and I am sadness beyond belief ! |
| Deb
Hartlett | I have just heard the news about Lestari's
passing, and am saddened beyond belief. She will be missed by all - she was such
a good friend, who took us anak-anak ACICIS under her wing in Yogya back in 2000.
I'll never forget her huuge smile....taking us to eat lesehan....and of course
sharing a Bintang/Arak or two! Mbak Lestari - you'll be missed. |
| Gerry
and Helene van Klinken, Resident Directors, 2000-2002 | One of the nicest discoveries for our
Australian students when they arrived in Yogyakarta was that their Javanese sister
friend, Lestari, enjoyed a beer too; the end of their first misconception about
Java! Many more were to follow (beers, friends and other discoveries). Thank you
Lestari. |
| Russell
Yule | Ever since reading the news, I have had
the memory of Lestari as she is in the photo at the top of the tribute page. That
smile… Our group didn’t get to spend much time in Yogya, but Lestari made sure
we enjoyed the time we did. I don’t think anyone can convey how much she contributed
to ACICIS students on so many levels. Please pass on my condolences to the family.
|
| Novera | aduh mba...kapan lagi aku bisa ngasi dompet
LV n Jco donuts pesanan mba ini yah???? I've told u I wud visit u in hospital
soon as I arrived ..but I found u in another place to rest forever... Pasti mba
sudah gak sakit lagi, sembuh as u told me that you would be home 2 days before
Lebaran. lots of luv n hugs. Mbak Lestari. A great friend and sister...selamat
Jalan semoga dilapangkan jalanmu menuju alam baru bersama Alloh Swt...I ll miss
every single days we spent together..your laughs, gossip, and helps. Miss u HEAPS
Mbak...HUGS |
| Emily
Low | Lestari- yogya just wont be the same without
you. We will miss your friendship, advice and stories.. makasih Lestari utk semuanya..
you were the best! |
| Oliver
Heyward | Gorgeous Lestari...You will be greatly
missed xoxo |
| Camille
Beckingham | It’s impossible to capture the entirety
of a woman of such warmth and depth in a few words. Lestari was beauty and kindness.
It’s such a testament to Lestari’s character that all who met her, even for a
short period, feel like she was a dear friend, their kakak perempuan. Lestari
had some funny stories of her partying ways- such a genuine heart with all- and
man, she’s left her print on us!! Never expected my ride home from bintang on
her motor in June to be the last. Selamat jalan mbak. My prayers go out for all
those who are feeling the gap she has left in their life. |
| Ari
Sulanjari | I don't know where to start but today
early sunday morning in sydney I googled ACICIS to find Lestari's email address
so I can email her to find out her current mobile number.(I will be visiting Jogja
in December and would like to catch up with her). What I found everybody was saying
good bye to her. I thought she has gave up her job. Saya kenal Lestari sejak 1997
sampai 2003 saya harus pindah ke Australia. Saya sedih sekali. |
| Bec
Duffy | Well it's been a long time since I checked
my email, and to hear about Lestari... wow it's incredibly sad. And reading Emma's
blog on the website did indeed make me cry. It's brought back a whole bunch of
memories of Lestari - always being there, smiling and laughing, and being so amazingly
supportive and understanding! I guess because she did, in many ways, straddle
the two cultures... My thoughts and best wishes to Lestari's family, Phil, Wawan
and ACICIS people in Yogya and elsewhere for whom she was a close friend. It won't
be the same going back and not seeing her... |
| Paul
Edmiston | Thank you Lestari. Rest well. Kepada keluarga
Lestari saya turut berduka cita atas meninggal Lestari. |
| Agnes | Will miss U banget, Mba Lestari.... |
| John
Psilopatis | I was greatly saddened to read this news.
Lestari was a kind and generous friend. My thoughts go back to my year in Indonesia,
and her tireless efforts to support all the anak acicis. I can't help but think
how lost I would have been during my first few weeks in Jogja if it hadn't had
been for Lestari. My deepest sympathies go out to Lestari's family. |
| Robin
Bednall | I'm writing on behalf of the Jakarta Bintangs
Australian Rules Football Club, of whom Lestari was a valued member. A number
of our players are current or former ACICIS students and many of the other players
knew Lestari well from the work she did in supporting the Bintangs activities
across Indonesia and SE Asia.The club was shocked to hear the news of her passing,
see obituary
on the club's website |
| Lea
Jellinek | I was really saddened to hear of Lestari's
death. She was a truly devoted worker for ACICIS. Her heart was always in the
right place. She cared so much for the students in her care in Yogya. She went
out of her way to help each one of them. When they requested something of her,
she always obliged, never said "no", even if at times she had to go out of her
way and was disadvantaged by having to do so. Ed and I both admired her kindness,
caring and generosity so much. We wanted to encourage her to take up further study
and look towards having a life after ACICIS because as far as we could see in
2004-2005 the ACICIS program and students were her life. |
| Max
Stickel | I couldn't believe it when one of her
sisters told me the bad news.met her first in 2004 and we spend a lot of time
and bintang together(sometimes too much).I never met a girl who could drink that
much.I will never forget that funny time.As I always said:The idiots on this planet
get f.....g old and the good ones die too early.I will miss you. bye bye Lestari
|
| Kerry James
| It was such a shock to hear of Lestari's
illness and passing too young. She gave so much of herself and built bridges in
the true spirit of ACICIS. In 2002 she supported so many, myself and my children,
Shanti and Khadi included, through our Jogja journey. We all remember her smiling
face, her love for a party and her commitment to ACICIS. Deepest condolences to
her family. We celebrate that we have been so lucky to know this remarkable woman,
Lestari. |
| Emma
Monk | I was so sad to hear about Lestari.....it
will be so strange not seeing here when i go back to Indo. I am sure she will
be missed by everyone, including her family. |
| Emily
Williams | Please pass on my condolences to Lestari’s
family, friends and ACICIS staff. Lestari was a truly special woman who will be
missed by all. To have known such a generous, kind and beautiful person such as
Lestari is a privilege. |
| Dede | So sorry to hear that news. I hope ACICIS
will find a coordinator as good as Lestari, or even better. |
| Sarah
Williams | I just heard the news and am shocked by
the loss of ACICIS’s shining star Lestari. You lived life to the fullest and made
such an impact on so many people. A great loss to the ACICIS family. I’ll have
a Bintang for ya Mbak!!! |
Elly
Kent and Shane Bolitho 
| My partner, Shane, and I spent 2001 and
Yogyakarta while I was studied with ACICIS. The whole experience, especially those
first few days and weeks, was so enriched by the understanding, compassionate,
and always outrageous, Lestari. Always there to lend a helpful hand or a consoling
ear, Lestari seemed to understand better than anyone what we ACICIS students (and
our partners and families) needed. She did this both on an individual level as
a good friend, and on a broader level, as a liaison with UGM and an organiser
of amazing experiences - ranging from outstanding parties (Brown Sugar, yeah!)
to trips to places we might not have found without her. She did it all with an
enthusiasm I've rarely seen since. I'm attaching a photo we took of Lestari on
one of these adventures. It's a little bit blurry, but there she is, riding high
and full of life. That's how we'll always remember her. Please pass our sincere
condolences to her family - she was well loved, and loved well. |
| Ciaran
Harman | Please pass along my deepest condolences
to Lestari's family. I can scarcely believe she is gone. Lestari was a constant
source of encouragement, advice and fun. She was so devoted to the students. She
helped me find a place to live, she gossiped, she partied. She was just cool.
Lestari, selamat jalan. |
| Deryn
Mansell | Lestari's is the first name on the acknowledgments
page of my Masters thesis. I couldn't have done it without her. |
| Fran
Mules | Mbak Lestari was such a fun, warm, good
natured person. Someone you could share a joke with, confide in or rely on in
times of trouble. A terrific ambassador for Indonesia and a tremendous support
for all the anak ACICIS over the past decade - myself included. It is hard to
imagine that Lestari - who had such a wonderful appetite for life - is gone. We
will all miss her very much. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. |
| Nena | farewell mbak lestari.... u've been a
very great friend to us now it's time for u to find ur happiness GBU |
| Syakira | mbak lestari, you are never far away from
our thoughts. we miss you everyday. al-fatihah. |
| oq | selamat jalan mbak lestari... semoga dilapangkan
jalannya di kehidupan setelahnya... terima kasih udah banyak membantu... hope
you are in peace.. |
| DiNi | A legend becomes a legend... There she
goes, rest in peace.. Mbak Les, U are and will always b in my thoughts.. |
| TuStY | mbak lestari we miss u...we did have a
great time with u.. we're doing great here... dun u worry bout us... jus' rest
in peace.... -xoxo- |
| Kiran
Hutchinson | I will always remember walking into the
ACICIS office and being greeted by Lestari's welcoming and beaming smile. Her
support and kindness was unfailing and I will miss her terribly. |
| Annette
Grant | Lestari - your warmth, your humanity,
your sense of humour and beautiful smile - it was a privilege and a joy to meet
someone as beautiful as you. |
| Zahra
Matthews | Lestari was simply amazing- all the motorbike
trips, the sakit issues, the kos/SIM/motor/Immigrasi negotiations... her warmth
and devotion to making our experience as fantastic as it was will not be forgotten.
Everyone in Jogja knew Mbak Les - she will be sadly missed. |
| Pam
Smith | Lestari - you were an amazing legend.
Your support made my semester in Indonesia so much easier, even with my broken
arm! |
| Anthony
Crowe | Like everyone else I'm finding it hard
to believe this, she was an institution of ACICIS and I'll greatly miss her. My
thoughts are with her family and everyone who loved her. |
| Joephine
Corry | We will never forget you Lestari! Your
warmth, humour and love made you one in a million. Don't forget us and how much
we love you! |
| Graham
Hills | RIP Lestari - you will be missed by all.
A tragic loss to Yogya, ACICIS and all that knew and loved Lestari. |
| Nick
Heaney | Lestari was the bomb. Of all the things
to die of it had to be pneumonia. It's hard to believe she's gone. |
| Lauren
O'Neil | LESTARI, Innalilahi wainaillaihi rojiun.
Turut berduka cita, semoga amal ibadah diterima disisinya. Rest in Peace xoxoxo |
| Katie
Brayne | What sad and unexpected news. My thoughts
are with Lestari and her family. |
| Tristram
Boveington | My condolences also. It seems so shocking,
the suddenness of it all |
| Ray
Webber | Some of you may have heard through the
grapevine already, but for those who haven't, sadly our dear friend Lestari passed
away last night. According to Phil, her lungs gave up on her after a battle with
pneumonia. My condolences go out to her family and loved ones. She will be greatly
missed. |
| Lex
Barber | Saya turut berduka cita- Condolences to
Lesaries family, ACICIS and Philip King. A great loss to Indonesian womanhood. |
| Penny
Coutas | I too felt shock at the news of Lestari's
passing. I can relate to all of the messages already left here, and sorrow that
I'll never get a chance to share more adventures with Lestari. In reading the
other messages, I notice that a lot of us feel the need to "melestarikan peringatan
Lestari". But I was thinking, rather than a scholarship (or perhaps in addition
to a scholarship or the like?) we sponsor a "party" in her honour every semester
to help "smooth the way" for the group of anak acicis. This wouldn't be part of
the official "orientation" but instead be held a little while later when everyone
needs a chance to unwind, rant, rave, and be listened to (something Lestari helped
us all with, not just me, I'm sure!). Lestari loved a good party, a good gathering,
a good time... and like a big sister, she showed us all what a good time Yogya
could be. So shouldn't something done in her memory celebrate what we remember
Lestari for the most? For me it wasn't the formal study a scholarship would imply,
but rather friendship, advice, laughter, and the sharing of some very good times
(and bintang!). |
| Marion
McQueen | My thoughts are with all anak ACICIS at
this sad time. Lestari introduced me to the family l lived with in Yogya. She
organised the catering for a party we held. She was there for me during a personally
sad time. We once drank coffee with Kaluah at 9am on the beach...only so it didn't
go to waste! Many times l walked along Jakal and she'd pull along-side to offer
me a ride. The last time l saw Lestari she waved me off in a taxi; we'd been to
the orphange to deliver the remains of my semester in Yogya... Always with enthusiasm
and a warm smile... Nothing was ever too much trouble for Lestari, she was a wonderful
ambassador for both Indonesia and ACICIS. Thank-you Lestari... will be sadly missed. |
| Orlando,
Anna dan Carlos de Guzman | Kami berduka cita atas wafatnya teman
terbaik kami Lestari. Semoga almarhumah telah aman diterima Tuhan Yang Maha Kuasa,
dan bagi kita yang ditinggalkan, semoga berkah dan cinta-Nya memberikan perkasa
supaya kita dapat menghadapi saat ini yang amat sedih. Tidak ada kata-kata yang
dapat mengekspresikan kesedihan kami saat kami menerima kabar bahwa Lestari telah
berpulang. |
| Andrew
Marshall | I was very shocked and saddened to hear
that Lestari is no longer with us. I am a British journalist, and I first met
Lestari in May 2006 when she helped me research a story for National Geographic
Magazine about Mt Merapi. She was much more than a translator. She was my patient
and knowledgable guide to the complexities of Javanese culture. We met Mbah Marijan
and spent time on Merapi together. We had a lot of fun, thanks to Lestari's wonderful
sense of humor and unfailing good cheer. (I never saw her in a bad mood.) Her
passing is a tragedy. I will miss Lestari's infectious high spirits and will struggle
to understand why someone so kind and good is taken away from us so early. I was
friends with her for only a short time, but it is a friendship I will always remember
with great affection. I send my heartfelt condolences to Lestari's family. |
| Lynda
Godfrey | Thank you for providing a forum in which
to express our love for Lestari. Shock doesn't describe it, it should not have
happened, Lestari had such a heap of living to do. It was a privilege to know
Lestari, someone who had the wonderful gift of empathising with so many different
people, and who was so generous of her time, help and special brand of good fun.
Who was a wonderful human being. Please let her family know how much she was loved.
|
| Steve Wright
| Lestari, ever lasting, this definitely
describes her. She will be an ever lasting memory for me as I'm sure she will
be for all that knew her. When ever I think of ACICIS, Lestari is in the same
thought. Looking for advice? see Lestari, looking for a shop? see Lestari, looking
for a bike to rent or buy? see Lestari, looking for a license? see Lestari, looking
for a friend to talk to? see Lestari, looking for a friend to go out with? see
Lestari. I know ACICIS will survive with out Lestari but these are big shoes to
fill. The ever lasting one will be ever lasting with me. |
| Amanda
Linton | I am very sorry indeed to hear of Lestari's
passing, she had a great sense of fun and was a joy to have known. Lestari will
indeed be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her and becoming
her friend. |
| Martha
Grossman | I am absolutely shocked to hear of the
passing of Lestari. What an amazing conduit Lestari was, not only between Australians
and Indonesians culturally but amongst a range of other nationalities that continue
to have a strong presence in Yogyakarta. I can only hope that Lestari's joy, enthusiasm
and zest for life will never be forgotten. This must be such devastating news
for Lestari's family, especially during idul fitri, my deepest condolences. |
| Heather
Stewart | I was so sad to hear of Lestari passing
away.. She was a rock, a fund of information, comfort during distressing periods
and always there for all of us. She will be missed and a very hard act to follow.
|
| Francesca
Hart | In her life cut short Lestari touched
many people. I was in Yogya in 2000 and it is a reflection of the type of person
Lestari was, to see that the Lestari I knew was still welcoming, comforting, "orientating"
and partying with ACICIS students up until she got sick 7 years later. She will
be sadly missed by many, but remembered very fondly - when I think of her I will
always think of her big smile and get a smile myself. |
| Meg
Owens | My condolences go out to Lestari's family
and also the the ACICIS family, in this devastating time. As shock turns to grief,
I realise how rare it is to meet a person who, as Lestari did, lived a lifestyle
to cater to the needs of others, and did it so generously and selflessly. Whether
it was taking students to imigrasi, accompanying people to doctors, taking people
places on her motorbike, coming along to Bintang or just having a chat, laugh
or asking how things were going, Lestari was always the first to come to the party
to make the lives of others just that little bit easier, or in many cases so much
easier. Jogja is full of Lestari's memory. |
| Sally
McDonald | This is such shocking news. I met Lestari
in 1999. Every time I've been back to Yogya since I've looked her up and she has
always been the same wonderful, welcoming, supportive friend. I will miss her.
Someone mentioned setting up a scholarship in her honour - I'd be very happy to
contribute. |
| Claire
Tatyzo | I think everyone's comments express how
we are all feeling right now. Devastated. So I would just like to pass on my condolences
to Lestari's family and friends, and to the ACICIS family, especially to Phil
and Wawan who i know will feel quite lost without her. Stay strong. She was always
around to help us out, take us somewhere on her bike, with that little plastic
helmet, or just be there as a friend. She loved being around people, and laughing.
I will never forget that smile of hers. We will miss you Lestari. Good luck on
your new journey. xx |
| Anne
Dickson | From orientation (August '06) onwards,
Lestari was a great friend to us ACICIS students. She cared about each of us and
was committed to helping us as best she could. She patiently answered all the
questions I asked her throughout the semester, even down to where to get a hair-cut,
how much to pay for a kebaya and what one should bring as a gift when visiting
a Javanese family. I fondly remember visiting Sayap Ibu orphanage with Lestari
and the great conversation we had afterwards. My prayers are with Lestari's family
and ACICIS at this time. |
| Tamara
Verhagen | Lestari was a beautiful person who cared
very much for people and gave so much of her time to supporting people. She was
a true star and an amazing person who will be so missed. |
| Laura
Kelly | I will always remember when I was sick
in Yogya and Lestari brought me some chicken soup. She was always kind and helpful
particularly when we were feeling home sick. Lestari was the life of the party
and a joy to be around. She will be sadly missed. I would like to send my condolences
to Lestari's family and join the other Anak Acicis who say thankyou to Lestari
for the memories. |
| Lisa
Staines | Sometimes it is hard to understand why
things happen the way they do, but rest assured that there is now a very bright
star shining down on us. As she was in this world, Lestari will always be surrounded
by many others so she will never be alone.....just how she always liked it. On
a clear night I will look to the heavens and remember that we still share the
same sky. Rest in peace Lestari. |
| PM | Very sad news indeed. She was too young....
too young. |
| Carla
Evans | Lestari was a very special person and
will be greatly missed by so many people. I was studying in Yogya last semester
and some of my happiest times were spent with her. I remember having in depth
discussions with her about Javanese culture while drinking ginger tea and belting
out songs with her at karaoke while drinking beer. I’m planning on going back
to Yogya at the end of the year and I know it’s going to be a very different place
without her. |
| Sunny
Sanderson | I met Lestari in 1999. My first thoughts
of her are her smile and laughter. No matter what mad-capped ideas I’d tell her
about for my future Indonesian plans she’d always just say; “Yes that’s great,
you can do it!!!!!” Since ACICIS I have continued on to do primate research in
Kalimantan, and when I wanted to find a counterpart from Fakultas Kehutanan, Lestari
was again a wealth of information. Each time I have managed to get back to Yogya
over the years, she was always keen to catch up, swap stories, and share lots
of laughs. She had that special warmth you are drawn back to, and will be sadly
missed. |
| Kate
Louden | My sincere condolences to Lestari’s family
and friends in Yogya. The news was such a shock to me. Lestari is such a part
of my memories of Yogya, that I can’t really imagine going back and not seeing
her. I will always remember Lestari as one of the kindest and most giving people
that I have ever met, and I feel so lucky to have known her. My heart goes out
to the students in Yogya at the moment, to the ACICIS staff, and of course to
Lestari’s family and friends. |
| Riyong
Kim | It is very shocking news indeed. Lestari
seemed to be one of those people who would always be a fixture in Yogya, not to
mention a bright and energetic woman! I'll remember her as full of enthusiasm
and support for all the kids. I would like to send my deepest condolensces for
the loss suffered by Lestari's family. I'm certain she'll be remembered by the
acicis crew throughout the world. |
| Aidan
Hoy | My condolences to Lestari's family and
the ACICIS staff. While so many people move on from Jogja after your semester,
Lestari was the one person you could always count on seeing again. She was a huge
part of the ACICIS experience and returning to Jogja won't be the same again.
Lestari was a great friend and wonderful human being. |
| Angie
Bexley | Very sad news indeed. Lestari will be
remembered by many generations of ACICIS students, particularly from ANU, as an
incredibly generous and gentle soul who played such an important role in helping
us find our 'Yogya' feet. She will be sadly missed in Yogya. |
| Jemma
Parsons | I am an ACICIS student from 2004. Like
so many, my ACICIS year was made infinitely more joyful, fun and memorable thanks
to Lestari's warmth and friendship, and her tireless work to make our lives easier.
She constantly went above and beyond what her job description required. The news
of her death is so hard to accept because the memories of times with her are still
so alive in my mind. I'll never forget that great big smile. I'd like to offer
my support for the idea to honour Lestari's memory by raising money to fund a
scholarship. I am happy to help achieve this in any way I can. |
| Wayne
Palmer | Lestari was ACICIS, could anything really
have run without her? I lived in Yogya for 3 years and saw the Resident Directors
change 3 times. On nights out in Kebun Kopi, Hugos and at the lesehan at Gudeg
Ibu Kota we used to ngrumpi-ngrumpi - if you lived in Yogya between 2004-2006,
I know more about you than you think, haha. She told me the fun part of her job
was the students - no secret. I think the biggest shame is that she can't see
the effect that her death has had on all of us, she'd have really felt her devotion
to the programme was appreciated. |
| Willy
Kornoff | Lestari was one of the greatest friends
I made in my time over in Jogja, and this news is just devastating. |
| Christopher
McInerney | I wish to express my deepest condolences
to Lestari’s family and friends. Lestari was a wonderful person. Very genuine.
In the twelve months I spent in Jogjakarta, Lestari, like she did for all the
other ACICIS students, helped me the most. However, Lestari was not just the administration
officer for ACICIS. Lestari was friend, a confidant, someone who was immensely
enjoyable to be around. Lestari was a close friend and I will miss her dearly.
I had anticipated the day when I arrived back in Jogjakarta and my first phone
call would undoubtedly been to Lestari. I guess we can be somewhat comforted in
the knowledge Lestari made the most of her life. I hope she is resting peacefully.
|
| Maggie Brady | What a beautiful person and a beautiful
smile. I agree Lestari Widiastuti scholarships would be a wonderful way to honour
her work and her memory. She certainly smoothed the way for me when I first arrived
in Yogya in 2000. |
| Mirela
Suciu | Just like everyone else, I am totally
shocked to hear about Lestari's sudden death. It came totally unexpected, especially
to those of us, who are back in Australia (or elsewhere) with the best memories
of our time in Yogya. Lestari was such a vital part of ACICIS, helping everyone
with everything and making us all feel special. I will never forget sitting on
the back of her motorbike for several afternoons, trying to find a homestay with
her, after my first kos experience was a bit of a disaster. I am sure that everybody
has such special memories of her. My condolences to her family and friends back
in Yogya. |
| Drew
Layton | I just heard about Lestari. Very sad news
indeed. |
| Catherine
Mills | Lestari will be hard to replace… |
| Luke
Arnold | Senyumnya Lestari adalah senyum pertama
yang aku lihat waktu aku tiba di Yogyakarta. Sekarang Indonesia adalah rumah keduaku,
tapi aku ingat betul senyum yang ramah itu pada saat semuanya masih baru. Senyum
itulah yang menanamkan sebuah ide di otakku: mungkin saja ada sesuatu yang bukan
asing di tengah tempat yang asing ini. Matur nuwun Lestari. Sugeng kepanggih malih. |
| Peter Sheen | I am a
past ACICIS student from 2000 and spent 12 months with Lestari at UGM. I would
like my sympathies to her family passed on and would like to contribute to any
memorial. |
| Deanne
Whitfield | Very sad news about Lestari. A Yogya friend
called me at 8am Thursday morning to let me know. I couldnt believe it - was quite
a shock. |
| Glen
Arradon | I am shocked at the news and can only
join all of you in thinking she has become central to the ACICIS programme and
building those important bridges. she will be missed and I will keep fond memories
of her. |
| Yvonne
Jessup | Thank you very much for the news about
lestari.....VERY sorry to hear. hard to believe she is no longer here. feels like
the end of an era. |
| Matt
Zurstrassen | I was in the class of 2004 and was close
to Lestari. I caught up with her in Yogya a couple of times this year, enjoying
a few beers at Bintang and karoake and always looked forward to going back to
Yogya to see her. She really did an instrumental job in ensuring ACICIS students
got the most out of their time in Indonesia and was a exceptional contact point
for Australian-Indonesia student relations and ACICIS alumni. I was just thinking
of her two days ago as I lost my phone and was wondering how to get her mobile
number again. I'm wondering whether some consideration could go into celebrating
her memory. I would be happy to help in anyway. One idea would be to raise funds
to support some form of scholarship, either ACICIS or for an Indonesian student
to go study in Australia in her memory. My thoughts are with the ACICIS team at
this time. |
| Erin
McMahon | Sedih banget indeed... Complete shock
to me and I guess most others back here in Australia who didn’t know that she
was sick. Thought it was a cruel joke at first. She will be in our prayers and
sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her |
| Lauren
O'Neil | This is horrible news, Lestari was such
a wonderful friend to us all. Can you please pass my prayers and condolences onto
Lestari's family and the entire ACICIS team. |
| Zi
Adnan | Yes, that's very sad. Lestari was a very
friendly and helpful lady. So, I wish her a good place in her next place. My deepest
sympathy to her family. |
| Louise
Gamble | I am so sorry to hear this very sad news
about Lestari. Lestari was like my big sister when I was in Jogja and I have so
many great memories of her. I feel very fortunate that I was lucky enough to have
the opportunity to have had such a great friendship with Lestari. I have Lestari's
family and all the members of keluarga ACICIS in my prayers and thoughts at this
time. |
| June
Lowe | Very sad and shocking news about Lestari. |
| Wawan
Hermawan | Heard about the news just now from my
brother in Jogja, I'm so shocked and still shaking..shivering....I can't think
right now....brain block all over sudden. |
| Joost
Cote | It was a shock to hear the news of Lestari's
unexpected death As a former Resident Director I can confirm from personal experience
what a great support she had been to so many ACICIS students and the important
role she played in assisting the work of ACICIS. Elisabeth and I would like to
add our voice to the many who are expressing their sadness at the news of Lestari's
passing. |
| Aaron | Please pass on my deepest condolences
to Lestari’s family in Yogya – I have known Lestari since I did the ACICIS course
in 2000, and spent some time with her during the reconstruction following the
earthquake last year… This is such a shock, and such awful news… |
| Jacqui
Baker | This is very sad news about Lestari. |
| Adelle Neary | This is tragic news. Lestari was a great
cross-cultural ambassador and supporter of the ACICIS philosophy. She will be
so sadly missed. |
| Simon
Bell | This is very sad news, just last 2 weeks
I was in Jogja for work and contacted Lestari to catch up – I was so surprised
when she said she was too sick to come out (now I regrettably understand why).
|
| Clinton
Halket | What horrible horrible news! I am shocked....
|
| Alistair
Welsh | I'm sorry to hear the bad news. Although
I never met Lestari I had heard quite a bit about her over the years and it was
a shock for me. I'm sure students and staff who had worked with her will be shaken
by the sad news, not to mention her family. My condolences to those of you who
knew Lestari. |
| Ele
Williams | It is just awful news about Lestari-
she was such a generous and incredible friend to everyone. |
| Novi Djenar | La Trobe ikut berdukacita, walaupun kami
sendiri belum pernah ketemu Lestari. Our deepest condolences. |
| David Cook | I'm very sad to hear the news about Lestari.
It has been an amazing contribution by her - there wouldnt be a single ACICIS
student in last decade who wouldnt have been influenced and shaped by Lestari
in some way or other. In the future it might be fitting to have the Lestari Widiastuti
scholarships. |
| Edwina
Hart | This really sad news and will be a shock
for many. |
| Robert
Letchford | Very sorry to hear this terrible news
– I likewise would like to pass on my condolences to Lestari’s family. |
| David
Armstrong | In every end of semester student survey
Lestari was always rated the highest of anyone at ACICIS. Always. She touched
so many with her unselfish friendship. |
| Kate
Weatherley | If you haven't already heard, I have some
sad news that Lestari has passed away in Yogya, but I don't have any details.
She was so helpful to all anak ACICIS, and I am sure she will be sadly missed.
What sad news to start Lebaran with. |
This
is clearly a very distressing time for the ACICIS 'family' and for all who knew
Lestari. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family (particularly her two sisters)
and friends in their grief. Lestari had many, many friends amongst the 'keluarga
besar ACICIS' who will be greatly saddened by her passing. She worked unceasingly
over more than a decade to help ACICIS students and staff, and contributed greatly
to building precisely the kinds of 'bridges' that ACICIS was set up to encourage.
As former Resident Director Associate Professor David Reeve has said, 'we could
not have had a more devoted person working for ACICIS'.
