A foreigner's tale

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