Made Runtit, 70, is from Nusa Dua and used to be a seaweed farmer in Geger beach. She now works as a housekeeper and has seven children and two grandchildren.  

What’s the greatest lesson life has taught you?
To help each other, everyone will one day need help and it’s important to give something to others.

What’s most important?
Money, because without it, it makes everything so difficult, you cannot survive without it.

What advice you would give the younger generations?
To get an education so they are not stupid like me.

Are you worried about dying?
No, because everybody will die, it’s supposed to happen to everyone.

When was the happiest time of your life?
Now that I can give something to my grandchildren. I have a better life now.

And the worst?
A few years ago I couldn’t even afford to buy rice. It was very sad.

What’s humanity all about?
Helping each other. If someone can’t afford to buy rice then someone can give you some and make life less miserable.

Why are there so many conflicts in the world?
Because of money. It’s everybody’s main focus so they do anything to get it.

Is a peaceful world possible?
Maybe one day, when people stop being greedy.

How old do you feel?
50

Is one lifetime enough?
It is.

How has Bali changed?
Now there are big houses everywhere, there are more and more tourists and infrastructure has developed a lot.

Has tourism been good for Bali?
Tourism has brought money to Bali so it has been very good for us.

What’s the major difference between the East and the West?
Foreigners have more money and are more sociable; they give money to the local people.

Have you ever doubted your religion?
No, I haven’t.

What makes you so sure of it?
Because I’ve always been Hindu and have prayed for health and safety to God; he has always listened to me.

BT/PCAR