What do teenage expatriates think about Indonesia?

What do teenage expatriates think about Indonesia?

Many expatriates bring their teenage children to Indonesia, with some ending up falling in love with the country and spending years here.

Living in Indonesia is usually an equally wonderful experience for the kids.

So, what is it that expatriate teenagers like or don't like about living in "exotic" Indonesia? What do they think of the country's rich cultural diversity and its unique landscape? How do they feel about issues like crime and pollution? In short, how does Indonesia "spice up" their lives?

Five teenagers from around the world, who have spent significant periods of time living in the country, shared their views with us.

Christopher Usher, 13, a student from England:

I think that Indonesia is really cool compared to where I currently live in England. The weather is really good and the people are very nice and friendly.

I felt very comfortable living in Indonesia, sure there are crimes committed, but what country doesn't experience a crime or two? Which proves my point, why not live in Indonesia? Indonesia has got just as many good and bad points as all countries have. I feel Indonesia has a bit more to offer, with its rich ethical values and strong cultural background, which makes it an wonderful country to live in.

Luca Ferrini, 13, a student from Italy:

At first Indonesia was a little strange to me, because I had not traveled or lived out of Europe before. It was a lot different to Italy -- from the food, to the way people in the street call out 'Bule!' to you, to the environment, which is not as clean as it could be.

The people here are very polite, friendly, and very talkative, which makes me feel welcome and comfortable.

In Indonesia, people have a different lifestyle to people back in Europe. Here the majority of people seem to have a sense of a 'simple lifestyle'. The people also have a strong belief in religion, which I believe is a positive thing because it helps them through difficult times.

Sabrina Torrens, 14, a student from Australia:

I like Indonesia for many reasons. It has a wide variety of different cultures, styles of living, and is especially beautiful. To me, Indonesia is a very friendly place. The locals always treat you with respect and you always get a cheery smile from them.

I used to live in Indonesia and it was very hard for me when it came time to leave. Apart from leaving close friends and relatives, I left what I thought was the most 'unreal' place. Indonesia is already a great place and it will be even greater if it can preserve its natural beauty and encourage more people to appreciate the environment.

Karlina Hardjakusumah, 15, an American-Indonesian student:

I think Indonesia could actually be an even better place than it already is to live in and to visit if only it was a bit cleaner.

I wish the government would give the beggars jobs instead of letting them live on the side of the road where they can't even make enough money to survive. But I am used to all those things because I have lived here for a long time.

The currency is weak, so even visitors who may not be so rich back home can live here like kings. If you are a newcomer to Indonesia you may at first be a bit scared. But if you stay longer, you will be comfortable with all the differences and find you love it.

Rani Usher, 19, a student from England:

I would live in Indonesia any day, even with all the bomb threats and terrorist attacks. I have Indonesian blood and am proud of it.

I love everything about Indonesia. From its many cultures to matters of family and friends! In much of Indonesia, people still hold on to important ethical values, which I think comes from their strong cultural backgrounds.

-- The article is compiled by Grant and Jessica Bisset, and Patrick Sullivan, students of the International School of Bogor.