The Boys

There are always boys working here at DeHill Villa. They leave their homes (?) to come here and work. And they do work, doing whatever they are told to do, which ranges from cleaning and mopping to hard physical labor (hauling loads of dirt and other construction chores). They rush to open and shut the gates as we come and go. They don’t appear to have much if any idle time. We have waked them up to remove rats from our attic as late as 10 p.m. because the odor can get too much for us. 

a short break in mopping to open the gate

We also call them when we need water and gas and they are here within minutes. If we travel, they help to haul our luggage up and down the stairs. They seem thrilled when we give them 50,000 (approximately $5 US) as an occasional tip to share among themselves. Hopefully, the other renters are doing the same.

These boys range in age from probably 13-16. They are school age, but not in school (obviously their parents cannot afford to keep them in school). They live here on the property. They make just enough to keep them in pulsa, cigarettes and snacks. None of them know any English, so it is hard to really get to know them, but they seem like nice kids. When they enter our apartment, they lower one shoulder and keep that arm in a straight position. I asked about this and was told this was the position of a servant – body language that shows submission.

 

waiting on us to leave in order to lock the gate

There are usually 5 boys working here at a given time, and they come and go in a steady stream. None who are here now were here when we arrived and I don’t expect the ones who are here now to stay  very long. They aren’t necessarily from Bandung – I have no idea where the landlady finds these kids. Some work harder than others. From what I’ve been told, some leave on their own volition and some get fired. This last batch seems friendly and helpful.

a place for a little R&R

The photo is right is a rest area for the boys or drivers. Rarely we will see one of the watching a TV program (usually in the evening), One of them sleeps under the stairwell (a twin mattress fits snugly in that space). When I inquired about the hole in the wall, Ferry told me that the one whose "room" it is got hot and knocked the hole in the wall to get some air at night. Can't really say as I blame him!

Andi and Risman hooking up new propane can

putting out sticky traps in the attic

Tony with visitor #18

It makes me sad to think about their futures. High school is out of the question, much less college. How will they ever get a decent job?  How will they will ever be able to marry and have a family? This is the economic reality of many, many Indonesian children.