People of PEL: Louise Ohlenschlager

It was a warm, slightly overcast day when Louise Ohlenschlager arrived at the Pattimura Elementary (PEL) campus in February; persistent clouds languishing in a light gray sky, disbursed now and then by warm sun rays peeking through.

It was typical weather for that time of year in Indonesia, but far from a typical day for Louise. For this Joint Embassy School (JES) alumna from the Class of 1980, the visit fulfilled a 50-year wish to return to her childhood home of Jakarta and the school that had gifted her with a wellspring of memories and foundational learning experiences. The short yet formative time she was here spanned the academic years between 1968 and 1972, up to Grade 4. She recalls how her experience and the teachers around her fostered her love of reading and shaped her three-dimensional view of the world.

“My years at JES/PEL influenced my childhood by [enabling me to] to adapt very quickly to other people and to changes [...] and feeling that the world is my home and not a specific place or country,” Louise says. “I am certain that going to the Joint Embassy School played a big part in the basis for who I am today. One of the things that I am grateful for every day is my love of reading. The most exciting days for me? The days I was allowed to pick out my five books and the days the books were handed out to take home!”

Louise's visit to Jakarta was not originally planned around a nostalgic trip at PEL. She was enjoying a holiday with her daughter, Annette, when she learned about an open house event at JIS Pondok Indah Elementary (PIE). She jumped at the chance to sign up.

“What a wonderful and memorable day it turned out to be! We got such a warm welcome and enjoyed the presentation for future pupils. If only I were a child again and could go to school at JIS! Afterward, we had a guided tour with a group of alumni; all their stories felt like coming home,” Louise recalls.

She also found herself reminiscing about her school days with JIS Chief Advancement Officer Emma Silva, who promptly extended an invitation for Louise to revisit PEL.

Walking through the gates of PEL after five decades, Louise had her first glimpse of how the campus had evolved, expanded, and grown, just like the city around it. But amid the changes, one constant remained: the majestic Pattimura Tree, standing tall and proud while watching over the young Dragons playing and learning beneath its branches. 

The atmosphere, too, was familiar, buzzing with the joyful hum of learning and the unmistakable sense of Naga Spirit and community. But perhaps one of the most poignant moments during her visit was her encounter with Ulma, the grandniece of her favorite teacher, Ibu Hardiati “Ai” Anwar, who taught Bahasa Indonesia during Louise’s time at PEL. 

“In the schoolyard, there is also an outdoor classroom dedicated to [Hardiati Anwar’s] memory. That was so emotional; it brought back so many fond memories."

Today, Louise is back in The Netherlands, where she has made a home with her growing family, including her two-and-a-half-year-old grandson Matthie, and continues to stay busy with various activities. She works for the local government, enjoying the challenge of finding creative solutions for various situations involving all sorts of different people. In her spare time, she spends as much time as she can outdoors and engages in Pilates and yoga. 

“Looking back, I have strong feelings of being safe, being very happy, and being outdoors a lot — I still love being outdoors. [And] today I can tell you that I am extremely proud to be part of the JIS family!”

Did you attend JIS or JES at the Pattimura campus? We would love to hear from you (alumni@jisedu.or.id). Your memories will help shape our People of PEL Community Project, especially the history exhibition currently being designed to include stories from our People of PEL.