Managing Director of Legian Hotel Management (LHM) and one of the founders of Bali International Flight Academy (BIFA), Irma Djohan is adapting to a slow-paced life during lockdown. While it took some time to get used to this new way of living, she is now enjoying being indoors and re-exploring an old hobby, cooking.
Q: How has the stay-at-home situation changed your daily life?
A: Irma Djohan: The first week of social distancing and staying home was frustrating, but then you see the positive impact it has on your life and our surroundings and learn to adapt to this new kind of life. To be honest, I like staying at home; for so many years I have been working and always on the run with meetings and business travel. You never really can stay home to relax and reflect on what you want to do or what you need to do for yourself and your family. Now is the time that I can really enjoy my own time, keep myself occupied and spend quality time with my family. We now live in a modern era, where you can stay home and still be productive and manage your business effectively from home.
Q: What activities do you like to do now that you have to stay at home more?
I: I always try to keep myself busy. On the second week of lockdown, I organized a little fundraising to buy basic staples to be distributed to street vendors, online drivers, taxi drivers and to the people who need it the most. We fully understand that there are many people who are being affected by the situation right now. Other than that, work is still ongoing by communicating through video conference apps. I’m also using this time at home to read more books and watch TV series that are available on Netflix, but I try to stay away from the Korean dramas as I heard they can get very addicting. And I have been cooking again, which is something that I enjoyed before life got very busy.
Q: Please share your tips on what to do to stay positive at home.
I: No matter what the situation is, in life you have to think positively and see the good side. I have been distancing myself from news that is too depressing because most of it is not true. From the way I see it, the world needs time to heal because many people have been abusing it. There’s nothing more that I can do other than pray to God for a better outcome soon and give thanks to Him for protecting me daily.
Q: Do you have any tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
I: Every morning, I sit on my patio and soak in the morning sun, as it is recommended that we get more vitamin D. I also exercise regularly on the treadmill or take my dogs out for a walk around the housing complex. I have also been drinking jamu and juices daily to help boost my immune system. With the current condition, I have been trying to live a healthier life and to take a good care of my health.
Q: What do you miss most from your normal life?
I: Being able to spend time with my friends and family on the weekends! And also travelling, because it is a passion of mine.
Q: What is the first country you want to visit after the quarantine is over and why?
I: I would love to go to Vietnam. Maybe because I have never been, and my company has been approached to expand The Legian brand there. The other reason is because my flight school has been invited to Ho Chi Minh City to open a new school, as there not many flight academies in Vietnam.
