Gianyar, Baliterkini.com - Each year on April 21st, the Indonesian people commemorate the birth date of Raden Adjeng Kartini – an early pioneer in the battle for the emancipation of Indonesian women. Today, in a free and independent Indonesia, modern day Kartini’s continue the epic struggle started by Kartini by striving to become productive and meaningful participants in the development of the Nation.

 

 

In keeping with the spirit of this struggle, the Bali Safari and Marine Parkpresents several profiles of only a few of the many dedicated, successful women professionals who courageously and whole-heartedly work in its “jungle” of wild animal species.

 

Dr. Yohana Kusumaningtyas Wuri Handayani (Doctor Jo) – Vet Supervisor

 

 

Dating from her earliest memories, Dr. Jo longed to become a veterinarian working with wild animal species. The opportunity to join the team at the Bali Safari and Marine Park represented both a source of great personal pride and an unequalled opportunity to play a role in the conservation of endangered and protected animal species for this young doctor.

 

The complex medical cases that confront Doctor Jo on a daily basis as a Vet Supervisor at the Park represent a rewarding challenge, continually expanding both her knowledge and ability to analyze, and interpret data and observations from a variety of perspectives before arriving at a correct diagnosis. 

 

Since joining the Bali Safari family three years ago, Doctor Jo says she has been involved in a number of extraordinary and unique animal treatments unavailable in any other professional setting. This has included assisting in the birthing process of an African White Rhinoceros and a Giraffe, using ultrasonography (USG) in the diagnostic process. 

 

As a veterinarian at Bali Safari and Marine Park she has learned the importance of being prepared for every eventuality, saying: “There is always a valuable lesson to be learned in every case. Every new development represents a new challenge that must be mastered. But if we undertake every new job with love and commitment, everything becomes a pleasure. It’s not only a job, it’s a love.”

 

Desak Ketut Darmasih – Animal Keeper

 

 

A local woman hailing from the Gianyar regency of Bali, Desak Ketut Darmasih works as an Animal Keeper at the Park. Working in this role since the Bali Safari and Marine Park first opened its doors eight years ago, Desak still feels she has the best job in the world. Before beginning her career, she never imagined that she would one day be working with wild animals, many of which she had never heard of encountered before taking up the professional responsibilities of an Animal Keeper.

 

Desak still recalls her first assignment to train and tame a wild bird. The experience left her a deep sense of personal pride and cemented her love for her profession. Compassion, love of animals, patience, and unwavering commitment have proven to be the backbone of Desk’s continuing success as an Animal Keeper.

 

When asked what advice she can offer for other Indonesian women seeking to make a positive difference, Desk says: “No job is difficult if it is performed with full dedication and devotion. Make your work a part of your life. My hobby is to do my job and I love my job.”

 

Dr. Ni Made Yunik Novita Dewi – Supervisor Vet Nurse

 

 

Novita has been a member of the team at the Bali Safari and Marine Parkfor the past 7 years. Working as a Supervisory Veterinarian Nurse has created a rich history of experiences that have only enhanced her deep love for wild animals. In addition, working with wild animals has also taught her the importance of vigilance and caution in undertaking her duties. Dr. Novita still recalls the time when she was asked to treat a wounded crocodile. The giant reptile resisted treatment and suddenly launched an aggressive attack, causing the working mother from Klungkung to rapidly scale a 2-meter high fence unaided.

 

That and other experiences have taught Novita that every individual has hidden potentials and talents. If everyone learns to study from his or her past mistakes and never gives up, anything can be achieved. “Never give up on what you really want to do,” has become the motto of Novita’s daily existence.

 

Ni Putu Tiara Defi – Education Staff Member

 

 

This personable and attractive young woman started her career as a waitress in the Bali Safari and Marine Park’s Uma Restaurant where her people skills and buoyant personality eventually earned her an invitation to join the Educational Staff. 

 

Tiara admits that originally she was not an animal lover, frightened greatly by so much as a household cat. In accepting the job as a member of the Park’s educational team she soon learned to adapt, appreciate and interact with a wide range of wild animals.

 

In fact, the 20-year-old woman now freely admits she loves her work. So much so, in fact, that she now works as the Master of Ceremonies sharing the stage with a wide range of animals at the Park’s Animal Educational Show and Harimau – From Predator to Prey Show. 

 

Tiara, who professes a love of traveling and for her recently discovered animal co-workers, shows no fear in the highly professional performance of her job. The lessons learned she says are: “Never give up in trying to do things you once thought impossible. Keep trying and always remember to pray.”

 

Made Ayu Desiari, S. Sn. – Lead Performer

 

 

Winning the lead role on the stage of the enormous Bali Theatre Stagewould be a source of special pride for any performer, as it was for “Dek Ayu” who plays the pivotal role of Dewi Danu in the current Bali Agung Show. In a role indispensible to the dramatic romance shared with thousands of theatergoers each month, Dek Ayu has played this part since the show’s premiere five years ago. The consummate performance she presents to her audience each day is the result of a perfect marriage between natural talent and hard work.

 

Reflecting on her personal philosophy as an actress and a member of Balinese society, Dek Ayu said: “When the purity of women is respected, there will be found peace and tranquility existing in perfect harmony. But where such respect does not exist, there is no ceremony or ritual that will set things right again; leaving the woman in a state of sadness that will destroy the family. The woman is not a weak being who can be ridiculed. Women possess great strength and influence in their daily lives and in forming their futures.”

 

Concluding, Dek Ayu reminds that self-confidence plays a large role in a woman’s life and therefore no woman should be ridiculed or scorned. [BT / balidiscovery.com]