In Reply to: Return Travel posted by jamjam on Wednesday, 21. April 2010 at 20:08 Bali Time:
Hi again jamjam. My heart says that if you are in a position to help, then disregard the cynics and do so. make sure though that your friend gets an up front figure in writing if possible of the debt she has to repay and gets some written acknowledgement of her repayments. This will not be easy as she is going to be dealing with corrupt people who will not want assist. But without it she will be caught in a cycle where there is 'more', ' interest' etc- beleive me it will be an ongoing nightmare.
If she has any - and I mean any connections in the police it is worth her talking to them as they may be able to negotiate on her behalf with whichever group she is dealing with- there are a few who loan money to gamblers- note the interest is high.Tell her to be very careful of her son and his movements as it is not uncommon if the debt isn't repaid for 'accidents' to occur.
She could also approach the banjar in Legian Kelod , if she is a resident, and ask for assistance from them- not financially but in her dealings with others-making it known to others is in fact protection for herself and her son.
sorry not meaning to frighten you but debt is fairly serious and the fact that her husband suicided indicates that there was some pressure being applied to him and she is more vulnerable.
re the insulin- good on you- diabetics are on the increase in Indonesian and it is so expensive getting no relief from the government as we do in Aus. I do the same for a friends mother in Jogja -wish there was a BIMC which could help out. situation has improved since I got a blood sugar monitor to her last year with the necessary bits and pieces
best wishes.