MOSCOW

Around 140 spa therapists from Bali are now working in spa chains in several cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Ni Komang Kertiani, a therapist from Karangasem in east Bali, said she was happy to work in Russia and received a salary equivalent to Rp 10 million (US$1,100) per month.

“That excludes tips, which can amount to $50 to $100,” Kertiani said.

Kertiani has been working in Russia for seven years. She works at 7Krapcok Spa — meaning seven beauties in Russian.

“The company provides accommodation, return tickets and a bonus,” she said.

Lailal Khairiyah Yuniarti, first secretary at the Indonesian Embassy in Russia, said the therapists were working in good conditions.

“We always invite them to the Indonesian Independence Day celebration at the embassy. They look well-off and seem to have iPads, iPhones and other luxury goods,” the secretary said.