Buying Air Tickets for my Indonesian Maid

My maid just asked if I could get tickets for her to fly back from Padang, Indonesia instead. Previously, it's a round trip from Yoyakarta.

So now, I'll be getting:
- a one-way ticket from Singapore to Yoyakarta and
- another one-way ticket from Padang to Singapore

AirAsia offers one-way tickets to Yogyakarta. Their tickets are more expensive on Saturday and Sunday.

DIY: Renew your Indonesian Maid's Work Permit (for Singaporeans)

Update 12 May 2016: I didn't realized how popular this post has gotten :)  Thank you all for the support. It's been 3 years since I have written this article. The procedures might have changed slightly and I might not be aware of the new changes - as I have no maid now. 

Update 25 Feb 2015: Amended Step 7 for KTKLN application. Your FDW needs a health certificate for KTKLN application now. 

Now that I have gone through it, here's a chronological display of documents and events to complete and do.

Process Summary:

1. Negotiate her salary and benefits for the next contract and Decide Duration of her Home Leave
2. Go to the Indonesia Embassy to renew her passport (OPTIONAL) and get the work agreement done (COMPULSORY)
3. Buy maid insurance (COMPULSORY)
4. Renew her work permit (COMPULSORY)
5. Get her new Passport from the embassy (COMPULSORY)
6. Buy her air tickets (COMPULSORY)
7. Apply for the KTKLN card in Indonesia (COMPULSORY): The new Indonesia president has made some comments on removing the need to apply for KTKLN card, but as we know, a change like this will not happen overnight in Indonesia. So just make sure your maid's KTKLN card is valid when she returns to Singapore. 

Summary of Cost Involved:

1. Renew Passport = $35
2. Maid insurance = $308.16
3. Renew Work Permit = $20
4. Air Tickets = $247 (AirAsia)
5. Worker Insurance (in Indonesia) = $38

Total cost to DIY maid renewal is SGD648.16

Mah Bow Tan's article on ensuring property market's stable growth for all

TODAYonline | Singapore | Ensuring property market's stable growth for all

Ensuring property market's stable growth for all 

Minister for National Development assures young couples, Govt will help them set up their first home

by Mah Bow Tan

05:56 AM Mar 04, 2011

Everybody knows the property market was very hot last year. This was due to various factors: Low interest rates, excess liquidity, and jobs growth attracted many buyers into the market. Some were upgraders and investors. Others were speculators out to make a quick buck.

High property prices have made some Singaporeans happy. But others worry that they have missed the boat, worry that prices will go up even further. It is hard for both groups to be happy at the same time. Property prices and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Property prices cannot be expected to stagnate while the economy is powering ahead as it has done.

What the Government can, and will try its best to do, is to stabilise the market and moderate price increases amidst extraordinary economic growth.

Identify Authentic Coach Bags

Stitching
An authentic COACH bag has great stitching: All stitches are uniform - be it double stitches or single stitches. Inconsistent thin stitching indicates a fake COACH handbag.

single stitches on the Kristin Op Art Sateen Tote

double stitches on the Alex Coated Op Art Baby Bag