Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta

Burhanuddin Abe, Contributor, Jakarta

Celebrity homes. No place arouses quite so much curiosity --
think Graceland or Neverland in the United States, for example --
as TV producers are well aware. A well-known actor in Jakarta was
more than happy to show TV audiences around his beautiful home
recently.

Located in Bintaro, South Jakarta, the 250-square-meter house
stands among 1,800 square meters of lush, green garden. There is
nothing ostentatious about the property, the swimming pool is
nestled among more than 50 kinds of plants, it is serene rather
than flashy.

Peace and comfort are certainly what most people have in mind
when they build their own home. Why should a star think any
differently? A gazebo, with a mattress and several thin pillows
are an inviting spot to relax with the family. Music lingers in
the air, coming not only from the house, but from speakers
nestled in the garden itself.

"Visual and audio elements help a great deal in creating the
right environment. Nature is honest, it gives so much, including
inner peace. Only grateful human beings can appreciate it," our
mysterious celebrity said philosophically.

In a sometimes suffocating and hectic city, going back to
nature is certainly healing. But, not everyone is rich and
famous, and for many of us, having our own little oasis is just a
fantasy -- one that we might indulge in between work and the
office.

In reality, we are proud just to own a home -- any home,
small, medium or even half a home -- an apartment, a pavilion.
Let alone such a magnificent house as that in Bintaro. However,
real estate prices and the cost of building materials would seem
to be against us.

And what about those who can afford to build large houses, and
insist on building right to the edge of their property? These
houses loom over sidewalks and overshadow their neighbors' homes.
Their tiny gardens are sad, dank affairs and hardly befitting of
the Gothic style architecture that would seem to demand vast and
magnificent grounds.

The owners no doubt argue that land is costly, so it is best
used for building on. But, of greater value to the owner would be
a garden: a place to relax in, to exercise in, and for children
to play in; a green view out the window; a place to gather
flowers for the kitchen table.

In contrast, those with a limited budget, who live in smaller
houses, do their best to introduce natural elements. It may just
be a vase of flowers on the table (without the garden from where
they were picked). A few indoor pot plants -- or outdoor ones --
a fruit tree, or flowers. Instead of an iron fence, they may opt
for a bamboo one, or a wall covered with vines.

During the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992,
the green concept, and environmentally friendly residences and
workplaces, were among major topics. However, years before the
event, concern for the environment had already become an integral
part of some people's lives. This was not necessarily a
reflection on their education. This kind of caring was simply a
natural, inherent part of their characters.

Eng Sri Harjanto, a lecturer of metallurgy at the technical
faculty of the University of Indonesia, said that using and
processing environmentally friendly materials has been encouraged
by researchers and scientists, who realize that the future of the
planet is at stake. Their findings have confirmed that
precautionary steps must be taken.

Plastic -- an invention that we have regarded as one of the
most innovative -- has undergone a number of changes since its
early golden days to eliminate hazardous elements. Likewise, many
building materials have been made safer. For years now,
recyclable products have been deemed a clever alternative.

Aditya Indrajaya, a noted architect, who also owns a chain of
fitness centers, says that one's home should be a place that
encourages healthy living and relaxation. No matter the size,
green elements can be introduced, including energy saving through
the optimum use of sunlight, ventilation and so forth. For the
floor, he recommends using cork tiles, although they are more
costly than the seemingly luxurious ceramic ones.

Manufacturers of home appliances, meanwhile, have for several
years realized that the future of their businesses lies in
environmentally friendly and safe products. These energy-saving
products are also economical in the long run as they use less
energy, like electricity and so forth -- although, initially,
they may cost more.

Today's neon lamps, refrigerators, air-conditioners and many
other items for use at home, or even at work, come with
"environmentally friendly" labels that generally live up to their
promises.

The good news is that sales of environmentally friendly
products and building materials are increasing. Suryati, who owns
Bangunan Jaya, a building materials shop in Rawasari, Central
Jakarta, said that, lately, some of his customers had insisted on
products that were environmentally friendly.

If consumers, as well as manufacturers, continue to think in
this way, we can look forward to a brighter, and maybe greener,
future. Let's start with our homes, by making some small changes
that everyone can enjoy.