About Nabila Satwikawati

A full time civil engineer, a newbie writer, a book juggler and a lifelong learner.

Rethinking BIM Adoption: Why BIM is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

For the past decade, I have worked across various roles in an Indonesian contractor. From site and project management to BIM management and digital leadership. During this journey, I have seen BIM praised as a silver bullet and mandated as a requirement. However, one thing that I learned is:

BIM is not a one-size-fits-all. Its value depends on how well it is tailored to each project objectives and requirements.

Without this tailoring, BIM implementation can become layer of complexity which adding processes without necessarily improving outcomes. Only when it is aligned with clear purposes, BIM becomes a strategic enabler not just a deliverable.

BIM Dimension (parametric-architecture.com)

In theory, full BIM implementation at the highest maturity level on every project sounds ideal. in practice, especially within the Indonesian construction industry, it is neither optimal nor realistic. Because projects vary significantly in scale, complexity, delivery method, client maturity, digital capability and expectation. Applying the same BIM scope to a small building project and a large, complex data center, for example, rarely makes sense. The effort and cost may outweigh the benefits.

Over the years, my own question has shifted from “Can we use BIM?” to “How we can reap the maximum Benefits of BIM?”. BIM delivers its greatest impact when it is treated as an enabler, not merely a contractual deliverable. In successful projects, BIM is aligned with clear, practical objectives, such as:

Supporting method statements and construction sequencing
Improving coordination between structure, architecture, and MEP
Reducing rework through clash detection
Improving safety planning and hazard identification

A more effective approach is to right-size BIM implementation, so we need to understand its purposes. For example at tender stage, BIM may focus on construction sequencing, and quantity take offs to support pricing and budgeting. For low complexity project progress monitoring and quantity support may be sufficient. While for high risk project (line data center with complex MEP) needs deeper BIM integration for advance coordination and staging. The key is to be selective, ensuring that the effort invested is proportional to the value created.

Contractors operate under tight margins. Hence, every additional scope of BIM must therefore be justified. A mature BIM strategy should considers

Cost of modeling and coordination
BIM competency within the project team
Time required to develop and update the models
Expected reduction in rework, or claims

When BIM is tailored correctly, the benefit-cost ratio becomes positive. On the other hand, when BIM is over engineered, the ratio might flip.

In Indonesia, currently BIM adoption is growing, but maturity levels still vary widely across clients, consultants, and contractors. However the competency gap has narrowed over the past few years. A successful BIM implementation requires understanding of the project and clear purposes of its BIM adoption. The goal is not to do everything digitally but to build smarter digitally and physically. After 10 years working within an Indonesian contractor, my conviction about BIM is simple:

BIM should adapt to the project, not force the project to adapt BIM

When BIM is tailored and aligned with project objectives, delivery strategy, and cost realities, it becomes a powerful enabler. The future of BIM in Indonesia lies not in the highest level implementation, but in smart, purpose-based, and value-driven adoption. Just as every construction project is unique, BIM implementation should be too.

Understanding Project Management Through LEGO

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

A few days ago, I stumbled upon PMBOK guide (again) when preparing some presentation, which showcasing the 10 knowledge areas of project management. There are two things in my mind when I looked at them: first, these 10 knowledge areas represent what project managers do on a daily basis to keep their projects running smoothly; and second, how to explain them to people who are not familiar with project management.

Well, not long after that, I had an interesting discussion with my friend’s 4-year-old son, who asked me about the construction staging of the Jeddah Tower (soon to be the tallest skyscraper in the world). It’s really interesting how kids these days are so knowledgeable and curious. After our chat, while checking my presentation in the car, my mind went back to the PMBOK Knowledge Areas. I wondered: how can we explain this to people in a way that’s easy to understand? Then I thought of my niece and nephew. We’re all huge LEGO fans and often build simple LEGO sets together. I suddenly realized that we can think of a project like building a LEGO set, and apply the 10 PMBOK Knowledge Areas to complete it. There are 10 knowledge areas in PMBOK: Integration Management, Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management, Quality Management, Resource Management, Communication Management, Risk management, Procurement Management, and Stakeholder Management.

Project Management 10 Knowledge Areas (PMBOK)

1. Integration Management is the master plan, for example if we want to build this LEGO Pet Shop set we need to make sure we finish the whole set as required. Integration management is about making sure we achieve our project goals, everything must work as on one big plan from scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, team and even if there are any changes.

2. Scope Management is about making sure that the set is built exactly as required, not less and nothing extra. It is about the art of defining and controlling the scope of works. For example for this set, there will be two buildings in the set: the pet shop (the blue one) and the house (brown one). scope Management is making sure we delivered the right number of buildings and right number of bricks as well. In LEGO set usually there is the number of bricks at the end of the manual book, in real project we have the bill of quantity.

Two Building in The Set (credit: lego.com)

3. Schedule Management is about making plan and milestone of the project. This is one of my favorite part in the project management. Before working with BIM, I work with scheduling a lot. Schedule management is simply about managing which part that need to be finished first, some works can be finished independently, some need predecessor. For example, we want to finish the house first before the pet shop, so we’re setting a milestone. In building the house, there are 3 level, we need to finish the 1st floor before the 2nd floor and roof floor. The 1st floor is predecessor for the 2nd floor that we need to finish first. The main goal of schedule management is making sure that we deliver the project on time.

The 1st Level of Each Building (credit: lego.com)

4. Cost Management is where we make sure that the project stays within the budget from the beginning until finish . It is about planning how much money (or bricks in term of LEGO) the project is required to finish. Usually at the beginning, it means estimating total cost and budget. During the construction it means controlling and tracking our spending so we don’t run out of money (or bricks).

5. Quality Management is about making sure the project (or the LEGO set) built well and meet the agreed standards. We need to make sure not only the looks or finishing, but also the structure is strong and reliable. During the construction for example, we need to check if the pieces click correctly and is not falling apart. In a real project usually we have this kind of quality target for each work that we need to achieve, usually it is defined at the beginning and later during the project delivery we need to monitor our work to achieve the target.

6. Resource Management is about having the right people, tools and number of bricks to finish the project. For example if I work with my niece and nephew, me as the project manager will decide who builds which part. Also we need to make sure that we have enough bricks to build the set. The whole point of resources management is keeping everyone working smoothly while making sure no one runs out the bricks they need.

7. Communication Management is about making sure everyone understand how the finished set should look, which means everyone know what’s done and what’s next. It also means clear instruction for all stakeholder and avoiding confusion so no one builds the wrong part.

8. Risk Management means thinking ahead about what could go wrong with the project, it’s like losing LEGO bricks or the building collapse. Risk management is about making a plan how to avoid or mitigate these potential problem (also how to fix them quickly it happens) so the project stays on track.

9. Procurement Management is simply about getting anything what the project needs from the suppliers and making sure it arrives on time within the budget. It means getting the right LEGO set from the store or online.

10. Stakeholder Management is about understanding who cares about our LEGO project and their expectation. What we need to do is keeping them happy and informed during the project delivery.

In the end, building a LEGO set with my niece and nephew felt just like running a project. And if we look closer, each of the 10 PMBOK knowledge areas showed up too. Because we decided what to build, followed the steps (from the manual), stayed on budget (number of bricks), mitigated risks (like missing pieces or a building collapse), and kept everyone excited from start to finish. Using this LEGO example makes the 10 PMBOK knowledge areas and project management as a whole quite easy to understand.

Travelling Through Bridges

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

If I could travel back and ask my senior high school self whether I would choose civil engineering again, the answer would still be a solid yes. No doubt about it.

Back in high school, we once had an assignment to develop a simple website. I named mine Constructio which means construction in Latin. Sadly the free domain for the website is gone now, so I can’t open it anymore. On that little website, I wrote a few short articles about skyscrapers and bridges. One of them was about Tower Bridge. Little did I know, it would become a tiny hint of the path I was about to take years later.

Fast forward to today, as a civil engineer, I’ve developed a unique habit whenever I travel: I always look for bridges. For me, bridges are not just structures; they are pieces of engineering and art combined. When I look at them, not only admiring their structure complexity and beauty, I also think about the history behind it. Lately, capturing bridges through my lens has become one of my favorite parts of traveling.

Here are some of my favorite bridges I’ve captured so far, arranged from the oldest to the most recent to show how bridge has evolved over time

Charles Bridge (Karluv most), Prague, Czech Republic. Completed in 1357, this is the oldest bridge I’ve ever visited so far. A timeless stone arch bridge, and definitely one of my all-time favorites. Walking across it feels like stepping into a medieval era. I visited the bridge during a summer break and spent hours both crossing it and admiring it from afar. Influenced by Gothic architecture and it is considered as one of masterpieces of medieval engineering

Pulteney Bridge, Bath, UK. I visited this bridge in autumn, and Bath during that season is definitely my favorite. I really recommend to visit this city during autumn. Pulteney Bridge is a stone arch bridge over the River Avon in Bath. Built in 1769, this bridge is really beautiful with row of shops which built along the deck.

Bridge of Sighs, Cambridge, UK. A beautiful pedestrian bridge at St John’s College, Cambridge. It’s named bridge of sighs because of its resemblance to the Venetian bridge of sighs in Venice, Italy. This Gothic style bridge which finished in 1831, is spanning over the River Cam. Its beauty is best admired while punting along the River Cam.

Westminster Bridge, London, UK. The current bridge is a cast iron arch bridge, standing proudly next to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It offers one of the best views of London’s landmarks. Even Monet and Canaletto capture the beauty of the bridge through their painting. Actually, the first bridge, which is a stone arch bridge, is built around 1750. However, the bridge is subsiding badly and rebuilt in 1862 as a cast iron arch bridge.

Tower Bridge, London, UK. Well, it is definitely my most favorite bridge in the world. Long before I studied in London, I had already written about it in that high school assignment. Years later, the first place I went to when I arrived in London was, of course, Tower Bridge. Completed in 1894, the Tower Bridge is a combination of suspension and bascule bridge. When visiting London, you should look for its lift time, so you can see how wonderful this bridge when lifting its deck.

Bridge of Sighs, Oxford, UK. Quite similar in concept to Cambridge’s, but instead of crossing a river, this one crosses a road connecting two parts of Hertford College in Oxford. Finished in 1914, with its beautiful architecture, besides Radcliffe Camera, this bridge is one of the popular photo spots in Oxford as well.

Jiefang Bridge, Tianjin, China. I saw this steel truss bascule bridge during a river cruise in Tianjin. A blend of steel truss structure and bascule system. I saw it during night and the lights are just so fascinating highlighting the complexity of its structure. This bridge is finished in 1927.

Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia. A massive steel arch bridge which built in 1932, famously known as the widest long-span bridge in the world. I really like it when passing this bridge and see the steel structure above me. You can enjoy the view of this bridge close and afar, especially from the sydney opera house area.

Story Bridge, Brisbane, Australia. A steel cantilever truss bridge finished in 1940. I was in awe when I saw the details of its truss structure up close. Visiting it at night was really worth it, I even try to capture the beauty if it through my painting.

London Bridge, London, UK. I think most of us already familiar with the name, because of our childhood song. However, the current bridge which finished in 1973 is a prestressed concrete structure, simple yet play significant role for the traffic.

Millennium Bridge, London, UK. A sleek steel suspension pedestrian bridge that leads you straight to Tate Modern. I like the modern design of it, but it’s said when the bridge just finished in 2000, it is quite wobbly.

MediaCityUK Footbridge, Salford, UK. A modern cable-stayed pedestrian bridge built in 2011 with a striking design. the bridge has asymmetric twisted deck, where a boat can pass through it.

3D-Printed Bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands. This bridge is second on my list after Van Gogh museum when I visited Amsterdam. What makes this bridge interesting is because it’s the world’s first fully 3D-printed steel bridge. This 3D-printed steel bridge is completed in 2021. As a civil engineer which passionate with digital technology this bridge show a glimpse into the future of construction technology.

Every bridge I’ve visited tells a different story. Some are centuries old, while others are relatively new. Some are carrying rich history and some are showcasing the latest technology. But all of them remind me that a bridge is more than just a structure, it is a fusion of engineering and art. Above that, bridges feel like pathway of civilization which connecting people and places that help communities grow.

What a Cup of Coffee Taught Me About Life

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

My coffee habit started when I was a teenager. Like most Indonesians, I used to enjoy my coffee sweet. While my mom and dad had their sweet kopi tubruk, I preferred mine with milk. Even through university life, I kept the same habit, savoring both the flavor and the caffeine effect. I think I really chased the caffeine dose back then, since it helped me cram for assignments. Like any typical engineering student, staying up late to finish projects was just part of my daily routine.

However, my coffee habit has also evolved with age. After graduated from the uni, I started enjoying coffee without sugar. Well, an espresso-based, mostly with milk. Most of my friends know I have just one go-to when it comes to espresso-based: a flat white. When I travel or have a day off, I love going coffee hopping, always ordering the classic flat white at different cafés. But after a few cups, it can feel a bit too heavy because of the milk. That’s why lately I prefer manual brews. Unlike espresso-based drinks, with manual brew I enjoy exploring single-origin beans and different brewing techniques

A Cup of Flat White in a Small Coffee Shop in Brighton, UK

I realized there are so many variables that can affect my favorite flat white: the beans, espresso extraction, milk, and the coffee-to-milk ratio. At first, I thought manual brew would be simpler, since it doesn’t involve milk as a variable. But I was completely wrong. Manual brew actually comes with even more variables: the beans, grind size, water (temperature and mineral content), coffee-to-water ratio, technique, and brewing time. What makes it special is the taste is never exactly the same and that’s the charm of it. It’s what keeps me coming back.

For me, coffee is not only about the taste and the caffeine kick, my coffee journey and its evolution have taught me lessons as well

Coffee has taught me to slow down and regain my balance in this fast-paced world. I believe that a good coffee is best enjoyed slowly. It allows me to savor the moment, and reflect. In a world that constantly demands speed and instant results, there’s something grounding about embracing slowness. Working in the construction field, an industry that is demanding and always prone to change, I find that a cup of coffee has become a constant in my life. It’s always be my anchor, a quiet ritual that hold me in the midst of transitions,chaos and uncertainties.

Coffee helps me embrace stillness, creating a calm and clear space for my thoughts. A cup of coffee makes me pause and temporarily disconnect from the noisy world, allowing me to focus only on what’s in front of me. I enjoy every sip of it, the flavor and the aroma. In that stillness, my mind free to wander, and that’s usually when inspiration finds its way in. I’ve spent countless hours in coffee shops, whether working on my dissertation or trying to untangle and organize my thoughts. Even on this blog, most of the writings were born in coffee shops.

Coffee has also taught me to always respect the process, that good things take time. In each coffee house, we often find beans that have traveled from faraway regions, whether local or from abroad. The journey of coffee beans is a long one. From the farmers who nurture them, to the master roasters who carefully discover specific flavors, to the baristas who craft each cup with care. By the time it reaches us, every sip carries the story of many people’s dedication. It reminds me that every part of the process, no matter how small, plays a significant role.

In the end, coffee is more than just a drink for me. It is a reminder to slow down, to embrace stillness, and to respect the process. Every cup carries not only flavor and aroma but also lessons of patience, gratitude, and the dedication behind the journey.

Embracing the Beginner’s Mind

Posted on August 10, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

About a week ago, I joined a workshop session where I encountered a part that really really struck me, one single sentence that still lingers in my mind about how we should embrace the beginner’s mind. Exactly on that time, I was in the middle of a change, stepping into a field I had never truly understood before. What I did know was that we should always be lifelong learners, that life is a continuous journey of learning. From a baby learning to crawl, to a teenager trying to find their place in the world, and even when we begin to contemplate our purpose.

Looking back, there were several times I was in a position where I was pushed to learn new skills. Graduated as a civil engineer with a geotechnical engineering focus, I start my career as an engineer where I work with geotechnical works. Only a few months later, I was assigned to another project where I was involved in project management tasks like scheduling and quantity surveying. Not long after, I was assigned to work with BIM, something completely new to me at the time. I learned from scratch, and that was when I discovered my passion for digital construction. I knew this was the future of the construction industry. I even pursued a master’s degree in Digital Engineering Management. After completing my studies in 2022, I continued my career in that field and had found my comfort zone. Then suddenly, I was asked to change fields once again. Like most of sudden changes, the transition brought discomfort, but it also reminded me that we must embrace it.

Back to the concept of the beginner’s mind, although I have always believed in continuous learning, I had never heard of this beginner’s mind concept before. But when I heard it in the workshop that day, I knew it was the missing piece to complement my belief in lifelong learning. The concept, introduced by Zen master Shunryu Suzuki. He said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”

I think this approach helps us stay humble. It reminds us that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. It encourages us to approach something new with fresh eyes, free from the weight of prior assumptions. It reminds me of how children, like my niece and nephew, are naturally good at this. They get excited about so many things, ask endless questions, and got curious in the simplest moments. That boundless curiosity, constantly asking “why” and “how”, fuels a willingness to learn. With this approach, the joy of learning something new helps us trust the process without heavy expectations and without fear of the result.

A Vase of Peonies (2025), Pastel on Paper

Just few months ago, I started painting again with my favorite childhood medium, just as I once did, with pure joy, free from rules, fear of mistakes, or pressure to make something “good.” I just realized now that this was the essence of the beginner’s mind. One thing I will keep in mind is that we should always see ourselves as a work in progress, a continuous learner, a lifelong student of life. So, always approach with beginner’s mind.

Fifteen Years, Five Phases, One Speech That Stayed

Posted on August 2, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

If there’s one video I’d recommend everyone to watch, it’s Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005

I’ve watched it at different points in my life: during high school, university, the early days of my career, while pursuing my Master’s degree, and now, again, in the midst of change. Each time, a different part resonates with me.

Seventeen years since it was first posted, I still find myself returning to it, revisiting old memories and reminding myself why I started.

I first watched it in 2010, back when I was a high school student in Bogor, in my teenage phase, full of dreams, and determined to get into my dream university. One line spoke to me:
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
That was the moment I decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering, driven by my fascination with buildings and bridges, my love for Lego, and interest in physics.

In 2014, I watched it again during my final year at university in Bandung, struggling to complete my thesis. Another line stayed with me:
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”
It reminded me to hold onto the joy in what I was doing, even during the most stressful and challenging moments.

Then came 2020. The world was hit by COVID, and I had already spent a few years working in the construction industry. At that time, this part hit me hard:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
It pushed me to chase one of my lifelong dreams, to study abroad and see the world from a different perspective.

In 2022, I was in London, once again a student, this time working on my Master’s dissertation. I watched the speech again.
This time, a different line resonated deeply:
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
A simple but powerful reminder to pause and reflect on my journey.

Now in 2025, in the midst of yet another transition, I revisit it once more. It’s still one of the most powerful speeches I’ve ever heard. And this line now speaks to me the most:
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
A reminder to keep learning, embrace change, and hold onto the beginner’s mindset, no matter how far you’ve come.

Maybe one day, in the future, I’ll find myself watching this speech again, during another turning point, another leap of faith, another chapter of growth. It has quietly accompanied me through every phase of my journey so far, like an old friend offering timeless wisdom, reminding me to trust the process, to stay curious, and to keep moving forward.

However, above all those lines, these verses from the Qur’an remain the most grounding and powerful reminder for me:

“So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.”
— Surah Al-Insyirah (94:7–8)

A gentle yet profound message: to stay anchored in faith and keep going.

Indonesia’s Traditional Coffee Culture

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

My coffee habit is kind of hereditary in my family. I’ve been enjoying coffee since my teenage years, and my love for it only grew stronger during university. What’s better than savoring a cup of coffee with pisang goreng on a peaceful Sunday morning? Coming from a family of coffee drinkers, we appreciate all kinds of coffee, from manual brews to espresso-based drinks. My parents love their coffee simple, whether it’s kopi tubruk, kopi saring, or just a plain long black. As for me, I sometimes prefer mine with a bit of milk.

Living in Indonesia feels like a blessing for a coffee lover like me. Our country offers an incredible variety of coffee, from the legendary kopi Aceh Gayo in the west to kopi Toraja in the east. Exploring Indonesia becomes even more exciting when every region has its own coffee specialties to explore.

Indonesia isn’t just one of the world’s largest coffee producers, it’s a country where coffee is deeply intertwined with culture. For us, coffee is more than a beverage. It’s a tradition, a social ritual, and a symbol of hospitality. Across the archipelago, coffee has been enjoyed in warung kopi (local coffee stalls), kopitiams (Chinese-Indonesian coffee houses), and family gatherings for centuries. While modern coffee culture continues to grow, traditional brewing methods remain deeply rooted in our society. Let’s explore the richness of Indonesia’s traditional coffee culture.

Indonesia’s coffee story began in the 17th century, when Arabica coffee was introduced to Java by the Dutch. Over time, coffee cultivation spread across the islands, and each region developed its own unique ways of preparing and enjoying coffee. Unlike modern espresso-based drinks, traditional Indonesian coffee is bold, unfiltered, and made using simple techniques that highlight the natural richness of the beans.

Kopi tubruk is perhaps the simplest yet strongest traditional brewing method. Made by boiling finely ground coffee with hot water and sugar, the grounds are left to settle at the bottom of the cup. This method is a staple in Javanese households, including my own. We often pair it with snacks like tahu goreng or pisang goreng.

Kopi joss, it’s a truly unique coffee experience. This brew involves adding a hot piece of charcoal to a glass of kopi tubruk. The charcoal, which containing carbon, neutralizes some of the coffee’s acidity, giving it a smooth and smoky flavor. Originating from angkringan (street vendors), it’s a popular drink in Surakarta and Yogyakarta.

Kopi sanger, a specialty from Aceh and other parts of Sumatra, kopi sanger combines strong black coffee with condensed milk. The coffee is “pulled” to create a light froth before serving, making it a delightful part of the warung kopi culture in Sumatra.

Kopi tarik gets its name from the pulling technique used to create a frothy texture. The coffee is poured back and forth between two cups, often sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. Popular in kopitiams across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and other Malay-influenced regions, it’s both a treat to drink and watch being made.

Kopi klotok is made by brewing coarse coffee grounds in an irot pot over a wood fire. This coffee is traditionally served alongside Javanese dishes like nasi telur dadar and lodeh. It’s best enjoyed in the countryside of Yogyakarta, where people gather in traditional warung kopi.

Kopi saring. Originating from Pontianak’s kopitiam culture, kopi saring (filtered coffee) uses a cloth filter similar to Malaysia’s “sock coffee” method. The resulting brew is mixed with either sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk, creating a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a staple in Chinese-Indonesian coffee shops and is often enjoyed with kaya toast or soft-boiled eggs.

Indonesia’s traditional coffee culture is a beautiful blend of history, craftsmanship, and social connection. While modern coffee culture is flourishing, traditional brews like kopi tubruk, kopi joss, and kopi sanger remain an integral part of Indonesia’s identity. By supporting local coffee farmers, traditional coffee shops, and warung kopi, we can ensure that Indonesia’s rich coffee heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.

Hatur nuhun and regards from me while enjoying my kopi tubruk in a warung kopi in Bogor. Cheers ☕

Melbourne Coffee Trip

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

Last year, 2024, I got to visit Melbourne for a conference, and I was super excited about two things: 1) the conference itself, since my friends and I had spent almost a year working on the research, and 2) Melbourne’s awesome coffee culture. Well, I was so ready to explore all the coffee shops!

I stayed in the Melbourne Central, which made me feel so lucky because there were great coffee shops just a few steps away from my hotel. As a seasonal coffee traveler, I usually prepare a list of coffee shops for my trips, though I often make some adjustments along the way. Here are some of the coffee shops I managed to visit during my trip in Melbourne.

Little Rogue was the first coffee shop I visited. Right after arriving in Melbourne, I dropped my bag at the hotel and headed straight there while my friend was still battling jet lag. It was a Saturday morning, and the café was already packed with locals and tourists (like me). The coffee was great, and the baristas were super friendly. The place itself is small but cozy and homey. I loved it! I had a flat white here.

Brother Baba Budan was my second stop. The café was super packed when I arrived, both inside and outside, so I ended up ordering a takeaway. It made me realize that Melbourne’s coffee culture is on a whole different level, even compared to London. What really caught my attention was the art installation in the café, it was beautifully curated. Regarding the coffee, their house blend was quite strong, perfect for a quick caffeine kick.

Brother Baba Budan at 359 Little Bourke St

Dukes Coffee Roaster, I visited this café in the afternoon after a city stroll with my friend. It was almost closing time, but the place was still crowded. The coffee was quite strong, but I loved it. Luckily, we managed to get a seat inside and enjoy another flat white. I really loved the café’s ambiance, small, warm, and beautifully dominated by timber.

Brick Lane, I visited this café twice. The first time was on a rainy Sunday morning with my friend, but the café was full, so we decided to order takeaway. The next day, I went back right after my morning walk. The coffee was so awesome that it brought me back for a second visit. The café itself is quite spacious, though it gets really packed on the weekends.

Patricia Coffee Brewers, I got some recommendations from my friend for this coffee shop, so it was definitely on my list. Their coffee is amazing, and I absolutely loved it. The café is small and efficient, which reminded me of John Mills Himself in Brisbane. Most people ordered takeaway, but my friend and I decided to enjoy it there.

Patricia Coffee Brewers at Rear of, 493-495 Little Bourke St,

St Ali & The Queen was my stop on the last day in Melbourne, while I was waiting for Queen Victoria Market to open. The place is quite spacious, and I got my morning coffee there. It’s definitely recommended if you’re visiting the QVM.

Cup of Flat White at St Ali & The Queen, 1 Dhanga Djeembana Walk

Market Lane Coffee, This was my last coffee stop during my Melbourne trip, also located in Queen Victoria Market. It’s a small café, but the coffee is great. I ordered a takeaway and even bought some beans to take home.

Overall, my coffee trip in Melbourne was such a great experience. The city has such a chill vibe, and the coffee culture really lives up to the hype. I really loved hopping around the coffee shops. Also, the trams made getting around so easy, and I loved it. For me, Melbourne truly has its own charm, and I can’t wait to come back for more coffee pilgrimages.

Adiós!

Conversations at the Round Table: Rediscovering Our Own Heritage

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

If you’re sitting at a round table, having lunch or dinner with foreign partners, and suddenly the conversation shifts to culture, what would you say about your culture? About Indonesia for example? This happened to me once, I was unexpectedly given the floor to talk about my culture. But instead of thinking about Indonesia’s rich cultures and traditions, my mind went blank for a moment, my mind was wired for topics like digitalization in construction, the development of our new capital city, the projects my company is involved in, and the construction industry in general. I wasn’t prepared to talk about my culture, but I had to say something. So, I briefly mentioned about our diverse cuisine, then how Indonesia had so many island which I don’t really remember the number, and jumped to talk about our precious komodo dragon. I knew I was only scratching the surface.

At that moment, I realized that my understanding of Indonesia and even my own culture was quite shallow. Maybe it’s already ingrained in me, but I couldn’t articulate it well. Since then, I’ve wanted to deepen my knowledge of Indonesian culture so that next time, I can introduce my country to a foreign partner better.

So, next time what should I say when introducing Indonesia culture to my foreign business partners or connection?

First, I’d talk about our cuisine. Indonesia has incredibly diverse dishes, such as rendang, bakso, sate, soto, and gado-gado. We also have a strong street food culture, including my favorites like martabak and gorengan. Spices absolutely play a key role in our food, shaping the bold flavors we are familiar with. We also have our dining tradition, meals are often served family-style, where dishes are shared, and in some regions, eating with our hands is also common.

Beyond cuisine, Indonesia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 17,000 islands and more than 300 ethnic groups. In terms of traditional arts, we have batik and wayang puppetry, both recognized by UNESCO as part of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage.

As a coffee lover, I would also talk about Indonesia’s rich coffee culture. Indonesia produces a variety of coffee, from Robusta to Arabica, with each region offering its own unique flavors. Some well-known varieties include Sidikalang from Sumatra, Ijen from Java, Kintamani from Bali, Toraja from Sulawesi, and Bajawa from Nusa Tenggara. A traditional way to enjoy coffee here is kopi tubruk, a simple yet strong Indonesian brewed coffee. Ah maybe next time I’m gonna write about how we enjoy our kopi here in Indo.

At the end, Indonesia is also home to the largest tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia, a habitat for unique wildlife such as orangutans and Komodo dragons. Indonesia offers countless breathtaking destinations, but some must-visit places based on my experience include Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, and Komodo Island.

“Forest Stream” 2024. I painted this stream near to Gerojokan Sewu, Surakata

Well that round table experience made me realize how important it is to be able to represent my own culture confidently. Moreover, my late grandfather was an Indonesian literature lecturer, and he had extensive knowledge of Indonesian literature and Javanese culture. I should have had more discussions with my grandpa back then.

2024 Reflection: Learning, Gratitude and Growth

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Nabila Satwikawati

It’s been quite a while since my last post, more than two years, to be exact. Every year, I promise myself to write more, but I haven’t managed to fulfill that promise. Typical me, lol. Hopefully, this year will be different.

For me, new year is always a time for contemplation and reflection. Classic, but it’s also the perfect moment to set resolutions, though I’ll keep those private. Instead, I want to share some reflections from the past year. Since I’ve always treated this blog as a journal, a Daydreamer’s Journal since day one, I hope this post can serve as a reminder for my future self. Up to this point, alhamdulillah, we’ve done well and have much to be grateful for.

2024: A Year of Challenges and Opportunities

2024 was full of lessons; every moment spent, opportunity seized, connection made, and even every mistake offered something to learn. Every experience had something to teach me. One thing I love about being Muslim is how we’re always encouraged to see the good in everything. There is always hikmah behind everything. If something goes well, we express shukr (gratitude). If things don’t go as planned, we reflect, learn, and grow. Nothing is ever truly wasted, every challenge is either a test or a stepping stone.

So, here’s what I learned from last year…

Opportunities can come from anywhere, embrace them.
One Monday morning on my way to work, a friend told me about a short course opportunity in Australia. Although the deadline was only three days away, I managed to complete the application, and I got accepted! Alhamdulillah. That opportunity didn’t just give me new knowledge and perspective; it introduced me to one of the most supportive networks I’ve ever been part of. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best chances come unexpectedly, and saying yes, even when the odds feel slim, can lead to something amazing.
Manage the expectation and always have backup plans .
Last year, I had the chance to handle one of my company’s event, that outside my usual expertise. I worked with an event organizer, but things didn’t go exactly as planned. While it wasn’t perfect, the attendees were happy, and the event was still a success. That experience taught me an important lesson: when handling something beyond my expertise, it’s crucial to seek help from the right people, but also to manage expectations and have backup plans. No matter how much we prepare, things can still go wrong. It’s impossible to please everyone, so the best approach is to calculate risks, and adapt as needed. Mistakes will happen, but as long as we learn from them, they become valuable stepping stones for doing better next time.
Spend more time with those who matter most.
Family, friends, or anyone I try to make time for them. Alhamdulillah, I got to spend more time with my parents and family last year, even traveling together. Life moves fast, and we never know how much time we have with our loved ones. The same goes for friendships and networks. I’ve made an effort to rekindle old friendships, broaden my network, and stay in touch. Maintaining these relationships matters for me. We never know how a single conversation can bring new perspectives, opportunities, or simply the comfort.
Learn more about my culture.
During a business trip to China, I often had lunch or dinner at a round table, sharing stories about our cultures and customs. That’s when it hit me, I barely knew how to explain my own Indonesian culture. I struggled to find the right words, not because I wasn’t proud of it, but because my understanding was so shallow. It made me realize how important it is to truly know my own roots, not just for myself but also to share them with others. Now, I want to learn more about Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage.
Stay active.
At the start of last year, I was pretty active and managed to work out regularly. But as work got busier, keeping up with my workout routine became a struggle. When my schedule is normal, it’s easy to stay consistent, but during hectic times, it always seems to be the first thing to go. Looking back, I’ve realized that health isn’t something I can put on the back burner. So, I want to make it my priority, be more active, and fix my lifestyle for the long run.
Rediscover old hobbies.
Painting always helps lift my mood, and I’ve realized how important it is to have hobbies that bring you joy. For me, one of those hobbies is painting. I’ve always loved impressionism, artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Seurat, Pissarro, and Sisley have always inspired me. Their use of color and light just speaks to me, and without even realizing it, my style has shifted towards impressionism too. I love how it lets me express myself.
Last year, I picked up painting again and went back to my childhood favorite medium: pastels. It’s been a great way to unwind and stay connected to my creative side.
Give back to the community.
When the opportunity to give back to the community came up last year through CSR activities, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. My team and I spent a few days at a university in Kalimantan, teaching undergrad students about our field of expertise in the construction industry. It was such a rewarding experience to share our knowledge with the next generation and see their enthusiasm. Giving back like this not only helps others but also reminds me of how much we’ve learned and how we can use that to make a positive impact.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that life is a journey, unfolding in chapters, each with its own lessons and opportunities for growth. 2024 was one of those chapters, filled with moments of learning, gratitude, and personal growth.

A seagull flying, Brighton Beach Melbourne

Adios 2024. Xièxiè.

A Daydreamer's Journal

Author Archives: Nabila Satwikawati