Let’s get to know kak Ika..
Ika Permatasari Olsen, commonly called Ika, is a lifestyle nomad who lives on a boat and
sails the seas. Currently, her boat is docking in Amsterdam, but spends most of her time floating in the ocean. She began sailing in 2018 and finds happiness when there is enough wind to sail without needing to rely on the generator or engine.
Although,
She initially had no background in sailing and even can’t swim, Ika was introduced to sailing through her husband and his family. Over time, she fell in love with the lifestyle, which offers adventure and freedom. She now works remotely 100% of the time, and became a shareholder and advisor for an NGO in Norway with her husband.
What were some of the things she found while sailing?
During her sailing adventures, She frequently encounters marine life, including dolphins, orcas in Gibraltar, whales in Norway, turtles and dolphins in the Mediterranean. She also fishes for food, catching mostly tuna, along with other local species like cod, red snapper, and swordfish.
A moment that she found quite difficult when living on a ship?
During the pandemic, she struggled with transitioning from office work to remote work due to limited internet connectivity due its high cost, especially before Starlink became available. However, now with satellite internet, she has a stable and affordable connection. Ika has noticed that weather patterns have become harder to predict due to global warming, making sailing more challenging. What used to be predictable winter weather in Northern Europe now includes sudden changes in wind and stormy conditions, often resulting in crowded anchorages and increased risks.
Ika also shares humorous and emotional moments from her sailing life, such as when large waves splashed into the cockpit, damaging her laptop and phone, or when people ask where she is working from, as her location changes constantly.
Well it turns out that sailing life is very difficult to predict, yaaa😆
While she no longer faces criticism from men for being a woman in sailing, she encounters skepticism from some women who doubt her abilities without her husband’s involvement. Ika emphasizes that her decision to live this lifestyle is her own and encourages women to support, not undermine, each other.
She is committed to raising maritime awareness in Indonesia, where she believes the sea’s potential is underappreciated.
Why Perempuan Laut?
For Ika, the “Perempuan Laut” concept aligns with her mission to raise awareness about Indonesia’s maritime potential and encourage women to explore new adventures and possibilities in life.
