Australian jumps into HI fountain to bid farewell

Prodita Sabarini ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 07/03/2009 3:39 PM  |  Jakarta

An Australian woman jumped into the water fountain at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout Friday as she bid farewell to Jakarta.

Belinda Lopez jumped and swam to the center of the fountain and back Friday, cheered on by half a dozen friends.

Car drivers slowed down to watch Belinda Lopez swim, while throngs of photojournalists came and took pictures as she performed backflips.

The 24-year-old said that Friday was her last day in Jakarta after staying for one and a half years. Belinda said that the water fountain with the towering statue and lights at night was her first memory of Jakarta.  

"So I felt like conquering it before I left," she said.

Police officers around the roundabout just watched the stunt and did not attempt to stop her.
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Racehorse (not verified) — Fri, 07/10/2009 - 3:32pm

My goodness!! with all the infinitely bigger and more pressing issues around, the fact this gets attention is a problem in itself!
On the same page other news items include the following:

HI fountain down due to cut cable
Australian swims in HI fountain, slows traffic
Acquitted Australians leave Merauke
Four Indonesians receive Australian bravery medals

Interestingly, if she was in Australia she'd probably be arrested!

Not the most appropriate action to take assuredly, but harmless and celebrating her no doubt great experience of living in Indonesia for 18 months!!

Chill people!

Connor (not verified) — Fri, 07/10/2009 - 8:56am

This lady worked for the Jakarta Globe. Maybe we should do something like this at the Sydney Harbour...

Bpk noel butson (not verified) — Fri, 07/10/2009 - 7:08am

fountain swim....

As an australian who lived in jakarta for 16 years until 2007.I am embarrassed as an aussie to hear of such behavior,she would not do it in the melbourne arts centre fountain ,she would be arrested.

I found that if you respect the laws and the people of indonesia,you also are respected and accepted,I love Indonesia and hope that one day ,i can return there permanently .

Success to indonesia and her people.

noel butson.

Helena van der Winden (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 7:44pm

Lighten up, people!!! She's young!!!

Cheryl (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 6:09pm

As an Aussie who formerly lived in Indonesia I am embarrassed by this girl's behaviour. We should respect the laws and culture when in another country and while it is only a bit of silly fun, it shows a lack of respect for Indonesians. I hope other expat Aussies have more sense.

Cheryl (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 6:09pm

As an Aussie who formerly lived in Indonesia I am embarrassed by this girl's behaviour. We should respect the laws and culture when in another country and while it is only a bit of silly fun, it shows a lack of respect for Indonesians. I hope other expat Aussies have more sense.

Djaka (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 2:49pm

Good to know that now Australians start to feel at home in Indonesia.

Muka Tikus (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 11:19am

@Ash:
Yeah, send her packing after a good beating.

What an insult to all Indonesians, some of whom will probably burn a flag in retaliation.

I hope she gets swine flu when she gets back home, after all, all Australians have it - even expat Australian journalists named Ash!

3rta (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 8:17am

hmmm it's clearly to see that Indonesian people are more tolerant to expats... they could just twist the rule if it involves expats... sigh!

Rem (not verified) — Thu, 07/09/2009 - 5:42am

'plenty of nice rivers in jakarta...' you mean like the ciliwung???

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