A foreigner's tale

Before coming to Indonesia, I had heard about the country. The information I had was not very positive. For example, I heard of political problems like East Timor, earthquakes, ferry disasters, fatal road accidents, floods, murder robbery and illegal Indonesian migration to richer countries. I seldom heard media reports on Indonesia's achievements or the indisputable friendliness of Indonesian men and women.

Having spent a few years here, I now realize that Indonesia, as a nation, as a member of the human family, has its own negativities and positivities. I can't help but express deep appreciation for the general friendliness. It is easy to make friends here even at restaurants and mosques, though as soon as people know I am a foreigner they overcharge me at their shops and in markets.

Life in Indonesia is not bad at all, even though it's not sweet as honey. You always has to accommodate some mixture of joy and sadness. For example, the renewal process for annual visa (KIM/S) is a physical exercise which only healthy people can attempt.

In addition, I sometimes find myself trapped in bitter traffic jams for hours, and I am one of the many victims of Jakarta's pollution. Yet, all in all, I feel at home in Indonesia.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta