What Have I Learned?
What have I learned living in Indonesia over my years here? Full disclosure, my first time arriving in Indonesia was November 18 or so in 1998. It was near the end of the monetary crisis so I witnessed many days of protest and demonstrations.
Was it scary? A little scary but I was never afraid of being hurt or being in any particular danger. The protests came and went and with the protests the currency fluctuated like a yoyo. But other than the normal arranged and orchestrated protests everything was fine.
My first interactions with the locals came as they did their best to help me with my bags. That was nearly running off with them but that was the only culture shock I had encountered. Maybe because I have been to many different parts of the world and the fact that I was always patient.
Not For Everyone
Twenty-five years ago, Indonesia was, shall we say, much less civilized. The pollution was considerably worse and garbage lined the streets along with Bajaj’s or Tuk Tuk’s as they are also known. The zing of the two-stroke engines and the lovely fumes emanating from them are certainly not missed nowadays.
What has not changed much are the streetside food vendors and some of the garbage lining the streets in certain areas. The traffic is also not much better even though odd and even plate systems have been implemented for downtown travel. Plus the addition of public transport has improved the travel times. I can only imagine what it would be like if these improvements had not been completed.
The More Things Change
Being in Jakarta is a crazy experience. Jakarta offers something for everyone but is not for everyone. You find anything from ultimate crazy luxury for the millionaires and billionaires as well as for the poorest person. You can have dinner for 30 cents or thousands of dollars. All the brand names are here along with the fancy cars.
The chaos of Jakarta is what makes it an amazing city. What makes New York, New York? Both cities have an identity and lasting impressions on you. Unfortunately, Jakarta’s public parks and some public places are not as they should be. So most citizens here will go from the home to the office, office to the mall or restaurant and home. This is quite the same as North America, except they spend a lot less time outside because of the heat and pollution.
The people however are great, the restaurants will cater to whatever you can dream up and all the modern conveniences are here and you are welcomed everywhere. If you can put up with the occasional chaos and the slower pace of getting things done, please give it a try. Oh and don’t forget how close Bali is and leave the city, Indonesia offers some amazing vistas.
