Locals give special treatment for foreigners

BANDUNG (JP): Anyone who has traveled overseas will know that it is not as simple as arriving at the airport and boarding the plane. Money, visas, health checks and even the weather must be taken into account before even purchasing a ticket.

Although Australia is one of Indonesia's closest neighbors, a similar process is necessary to travel between the two nations.

On my arrival in Indonesia, I was shocked at the vast differences between the two, despite their close in proximity.

Australia is a large island, many times the size of Indonesia, yet only home to 17 million. It has a dry climate with temperatures ranging from 12 to 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. English is widely spoken, yet Indonesian is becoming very popular as a second language. Although Indonesian is now taught at many schools, the general culture and beliefs of the people are still widely unknown in Australia.

When I arrived here, I was immediately aware of the population differences between the countries, as bustling Indonesia struggles to maintain the ever-increasing number of people flocking to the cities to maintain a job and provide for their families.

Admitting the rapid development and growth of a country with much potential, I find myself amazed at the "special treatment" given to foreigners, even within the larger cities. Cries of greeting or sometimes disapproval follow me as I travel within some of the less popular tourist areas.

As I come from a very multicultural society, Indonesia seems to be a paradise yet to be discovered.

As the population growth within Australia is not substantial, some of our economic well-being is reliant upon the tourist and foreign dollar.

Indonesia also seems to be undertaking this strategy, as the often untouched, beautiful tropical areas became more and more popular. Although this process is seen as having many negative aspects, it is often necessary for a country's financial well- being.

During my stay in Indonesia I have learned much about its culture and people, with the help of many friendly locals. Being aware of another culture is an important learning process, not to be shunned by anyone.

Both Australia and Indonesia should be more aware of their neighbors and the important lessons they may learn from each other, as they hopefully progress toward the future together.

-- Yvette Bridges