Guess What? Larasati Iris Rischka

Top model Larasati Iris Rischka seems to be making the most of a difficult situation.

"I have friends calling me from abroad (telling me) to run away from Indonesia considering the situation here," Larasati, who has German blood, said.

"It was so embarrassing. I told them straight that no mob, nobody can expel me from Indonesia. This is my home."

Larasati, 27, was reported to be facing a deportation order to Germany because of an expired work permit.

She said she had extended her work permit until next year and was "working hard" to get Indonesian citizenship.

On top of that she is waiting for a twice-postponed verdict on a legal wrangle with Nana Gading, who is charging her with stealing the woman's husband.

Larasati said that even though riots and fires were tearing Jakarta apart, her residence in Kemang, South Jakarta, was untouched.

"For food, I sent my maids to nearby small shops or foodstalls ... owned by pribumi (Indonesians) ... or anything they could find on the way."

She added that she advised a cousin yesterday, who is studying at the Indonesian Accounting School, in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, to stay at a friend's house when she was unable to find transportation.

"I did not send my daughter to school either. She studies at Al Ikhlas (Islamic School) in Cipete, South Jakarta. I heard about the burning and rioting at (nearby) Jl. R.S. Fatmawati ..."

Larasati added that her daughter, soon to be seven, need not know of her personal troubles.

"She is busy with her school, classical and Balinese dancing ... I am happy." (ylt)