Home Town: Duri

I grew up in a small town at Riau Province. It was Duri. Duri lives because of the existence of a giant world petroleum company that operates there. The company is Chevron Pacific Indonesia. People called it Caltex, the well-known name before rename on 2004. Most Duri people work in that company, include my father. Some work at Chevron’s partner company. Such as Schlumberger, Halliburton, Dwell, Tripatra, etc. Rest are working at the Government Public service or teaching as teacher, or selling food at market.



The city structure of Duri is unique. Why unique? Duri is separated as two part characterized district. The first district is called Outside Camp. This district has common character like other common cities. It has same city contents that normally found in other cities. There are government, public service, school, hospital, police office, post office etc. The second district is called inside camp or Complex. There are main office of Chevron here and residence for its employee. Most Chevron employees stay at this district. This district is designed to facilitate the employee and his family. All the entertainment, sport, education, medical facilities are available, but those can only be accessed by the employee and family. Hence, common people still can enter this district. Inside camp is also a favorite place for jogging or walking because the area is clean, neat and save. People can enjoy riding bicycle and jogging, without rush and being scare of crash. It only happens as every rider keep speed below 40 km/h.



For me, there is always something that makes me miss my hometown. It is the people. Like other small town, people in Duri are kind and care about their neighbors. Every good or bad situation, neighbors must be care and always ready to help everyone who needs help. I remember that night when I got fever and I need doctor help. My parents didn’t have car to bring me to the hospital. So my neighbors helped us and lent them car, so Doctor could help me as soon as possible. This was small help, but always touched my heart therefore that I am longing the time when I get home.

Martha Febi

Good, thanks for posting.