Welcome to the British Women's Association, Jakarta!

The BWA Jakarta has been offering friendship and support for women living in Jakarta since 1970 and has members from all over the UK and many other nations too (you don’t have to be British to join).

We have a home in Kemang where members can meet for coffee and a snack, come to one of the many organized activities; quiz nights, coffee mornings, borrow magazines or books, or buy bits’n pieces from the small shop.

If you are new to Jakarta we can offer support and information to help you settle into your new home, and if you are a veteran Jakartite we can still get you involved in many activities with like minded people.

Take a closer look at what the BWA can offer you…

Message from our Chairwoman, Susan Whistler

Welcome to the British Women’s Association (BWA) of Jakarta.

The BWA was established on May 4th 1970. The Association is a non profit making organization, and its purpose is to offer friendship and support to its members and be of service to the local community.

The main committee works at offering our members a wide range of activities, keep the BWA house running and to find sponsorship to support the Volunteer Aid Group and the upkeep of the house.

We have a Newcomers Team that aims to make life in Jakarta that bit easier by not only offering a welcome, friendly face but sharing their knowledge of the where to find what and generally point you in the right direction. It saved me six years ago!

On the first Monday of every month we have our Monthly Coffee Morning. There is usually a guest speaker in attendance to either educate or entertain us, sometimes both! Every other Monday we have a general coffee morning, just come along for a coffee and a natter.

The Volunteer Aid Group currently offers support to several local charities, many of which struggle on a day-to-day basis. These ladies have a lot of fun giving to those in a less fortunate position than themselves.

The BWA is very proud of its newsletter the Grapevine Newsletter. We currently publish ten editions a year, which is free to members. The Grapevine offers a summary of events held by the Loyal Societies, information on upcoming events and topical articles mostly written by our members and friends.

The highlight on the BWA calendar is the Fashion Show, normally held in May. In 2007 we celebrated our 25th anniversary. Our members are the Producers, Choreographers and the Models so you can imagine the fun that is had during the planning stages and rehearsals throughout the year as the evening of the Fashion Show draws nearer. Please mark the date of next years Fashion Show in your diary, Sat in May - this is like no other fashion show!

Two years ago we took a huge leap and rented a house in Kemang. Having a base puts us in the position of offering more to our members. The house is open week days and the front desk manned from 09.30 to 12.30. We have a library (for members), small gift shop, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and a bar. Full time staff can provide snacks and beverages. We have a wealth of information about living in Jakarta, please come and visit us or simply pick up the phone.

Susan Whistler
Chairwoman BWA 2007/2008